School Travel Organiser spoke to a series of educational tour operators for advice on their recommendations for school trips in 2018 and where teachers should go, from France to Switzerland.
South Africa
Christian Walker, founder of Glo-Ed
South Africa (AKA 'Africa for beginners' in our office), is a great destination for school trips given its diverse range of activities available and subjects it can lend itself too. We run conservation programmes (behind the scenes safaris), Geography programmes (coasts and game reserves), marine biology programmes (whales/cetacean research) and global Citizenship programmes (community based programmes) to name a few. Everyone who goes so far has rebooked as it’s such a beautiful country from its scenery to its people. You just need to travel with a tour operator like Glo-Ed who knows the ropes and have all the contacts to make a safe, action packed trip of a lifetime that the students will never forget!”
The French Battlefields
Michelle Evans, head of product & marketing at NST
“As 2018 marks the final year of the 100th anniversary of the First World War, a school battlefield tour to Ypres and the Somme over this period would be incredibly poignant. Between 30th March and 11th November 2018, schools visiting the area will have the opportunity to view the impressive public art installation of 600,000 clay sculptures, set up on the No Man's Land of the frontline around Ypres. The sculptures represent the 600,000 victims who lost their lives in Belgium during the war and a visit will be a memorable experience for school groups.”
Nuremberg
Diane Coyne: senior tour coordinator for Anglia Tours Ltd
“Two hours north of Munich lies the beautiful city of Nuremberg. With direct flights from the UK and the chance to sleep in a real castle school groups can visit the Nazi Party Rally Grounds and the outstanding Documentation Centre on ‘Fascination and Terror’; and discover the beautifully restored Medieval city centre, home to a picturesque Christmas market. Other highlights include Courtroom 600, home of the Nuremberg Trials Memorial; or nearby Fürth – known as ‘Franconian Jerusalem’ – which was once home to one of the largest Jewish populations in Germany.”
Switzerland
Marie Alexander-High, educational travel manager, World Strides
“Our recommendation for a school trip in 2018 is Switzerland. Not only is this country full of stunning scenery, mountains and lakes, ideal for Geography students, it also home to CERN. As one of the largest and most respected centres in the world for scientific research, CERN makes for an excellent visit for Science students. Groups have the option to travel by coach to Switzerland as well, which helps to keep the tour price down.”
Belgium
Mark Wilson, chief experience officer for Rondo / Curriculum Travel Ltd
“Teachers can enhance their students’ curriculum with a residential visit to the Euro Space Centre in Southern Belgium in 2018. The centre provides an exciting astronaut space program which is suitable for students from age nine. It allows students to gain an understanding of what astronaut life is like and the mysteries of space. The program can supplement subjects taught in the classroom such as GCSE/AS-A Level Physics and Chemistry as well as Key Stage 2 and 3, and includes activities such as a rocket workshop, an astronomy lesson, and use of a zero-gravity wall.”
Teachers… where are you heading next year with your students? We’d love to hear what plans you’ve got for the forthcoming year; share them with us by e-mailing editorial@schooltravelorganiser.com
