How much are the visits?
This will depend on dates and numbers in the party. Also on whether using the Standard or Budget Scheme (Iceland). We cost every group on its requirements, enabling us to offer you the best possible price. As such prices in this brochure are for guidance only.
When to travel?
Most popular times are Easter holiday and October Half Term, though increasingly February and Whitsun Half Terms are proving so also.
How do we get there?
Please see our
Getting There section.
How large a party can we take?
Anything up to 60 but this is not usually recommended on ecological grounds unless split into two parties. Optimum cost-effective size is 21 students and 2 members of staff (free) - anything smaller will see a proportional increase in cost.
Do we have to do field studies?
Whilst our itineraries do cater for exam syllabae, the areas and itineraries that we use are very adaptable for a variety of purposes including recreational activities. Many schools are only interested in ‘awe & wonder’ while others wish to use the visit as a social exercise or even a holiday.
Who does the guiding?
Every group is accompanied by a qualified guide (who is not a teacher). Our guides are local experts, passionate and knowledgeable about their country.
Do you have risk assessments?
Yes. We also have a Code of Practice and a Code of Conduct for the students. These contain generic risk assessments based on ‘worst case scenarios’. These have so far been accepted by those Local Education Authorities who have asked for them. We are also accredited by the School Travel Forum whose Safety Management Standards can be viewed at www.schooltravelforum.com.
What type of itinerary do you provide?
We work from well-tried generic itineraries from which schools choose what they need.
What type of accommodation do you use?
Accommodation ranges from youth hostels to rural farms, lodges or hotels approved by us. Standards are good and the level of comfort is generally very high for these types of visit.
Do you offer free places for staff?
Yes, on the basis of one free place for every 10 students.
How far ahead do we need to book?
Schools do book up to one year in advance but we can take bookings, subject to availability, up 10 weeks in advance. For Easter and October periods you need to book well in advance. The best advice is to notify us of interest as soon as you can by submitting the
Provisional Booking Form.
Do you operate inspection visits?
Yes. We offer subsidised visits expressly for teachers to enable the participants to see the field areas and to broaden their field experience. Please contact our office for further details.