Freqently Asked Questions

Q. Do we have to do field studies?
Q. How large (or small) a group can we take?
Q. What supporting material do you produce?
Q. Do you offer inspection visits?
Q. Do you provide risk assessments?
Q. What type of accommodation do you provide?
Q. Who does the guiding?
Q. Is there an emergency contact available at all times whilst abroad?
Q. Do you offer free places for staff?
Q. How flexible are your itineraries?
Q. Can we fly with low-cost airlines?
Q. What are the requirements for non-UK passports?
Q. How far in advance shall we start planning?
Q. Do you offer further advice on how to organise a field trip?
Q. What happens if our flights are disrupted due to volcanic ash?

Q. Do we have to do field studies?
Not at all! Whilst we offer itineraries tailored to meet syllabus requirements, the areas that we offer are extremely adaptable for a variety of purposes including recreational activities. Many schools are interested in purely 'awe and wonder' while others wish to use the visit as fieldwork, a social exercise, an expedition or even a holiday.

Q. How large (or small) a group can we take?
We can accommodate any sized group. The optimum cost-effective size is from 20 students and 2 members of staff (free) – anything smaller will see a proportional increase in cost. We also offer a set departure for smaller groups travelling to Iceland, for more information please click here »

Q.What supporting material do you produce?
We provide plenty of information for teachers, students and parents. Our teacher pack contains risk assessments and a code of practice, as well as detailed guidance notes, fieldwork study notes for selected destinations and an information pack tailored specifically for your educational visit.

Q. Do you offer inspection visits?
Yes, we offer both inspection visits and CPD trips. Find out more »

Q. Do you provide risk assessments?
Yes, we also provide a Code of Practice and a Code of Conduct for students. Our risk assessments contain generic risk assessments based on 'worst-case scenarios'. We are assured members of the DFES-sponsored School Travel Forum whose safety management standards and stringent code of practice can be found online at www.schooltravelforum.com

We are also proud holders of the ‘Learning outside the Classroom’ badge which recognises our commitment to operating high-quality educational experiences whilst providing on-going effective risk management.

Q. What type of accommodation do you provide?
This depends on your itinerary and which price scheme you opt for - please contact us for full details. Our accommodation includes youth hostels, rural farms, lodges and hotels, all personally visited and audited. Standards are good and the level of comfort is generally very high for these types of visit.

Q. Who does the guiding?
Every group is accompanied by a qualified English-speaking guide. Our guides are local experts, passionate and knowledgeable about the destination.

Q. Is there an emergency contact available at all times whilst abroad?
Yes, Discover the World operates a 24 hour emergency phone service. You will be provided with details upon booking.

Q. Do you offer free places for staff?
Yes, on the basis of one free place per every ten students. However, we understand that some LEAs insist on a higher ratio of staff to students. We can therefore quote you for the number of free teacher places you require.

Q. How flexible are your itineraries?
Very flexible, your itinerary can be tailored to meet your group’s requirements. Although we work from well-tried generic itineraries, if these do not meet your needs let us know and our team of experts will tailor-make an itinerary to suit your specific requirements.

Q. Can we fly with low-cost airlines?
Yes. However, if your budget allows we suggest scheduled airlines as these offer greater reliability and peace of mind for you and your group.

Q. What are the requirements for non-UK passports?
Non-UK passports should check with the office from which their passport was issued to check entry and visa regulations to the proposed destination.

Q. How far in advance shall we start planning?
Launch your trip 6 to 24 months in advance of the departure date and offer weekly or monthly payment installments to allow enough time for students and parents to prepare financially. You could also consider combining year groups and various subject areas or for purely an ‘awe and wonder’ educational visit. Our trips can be relevant for geography, geology, biology, science, photography, art, tourism and environmental science.

Q. Do you offer further advice on how to organise a field trip?
Yes, for more information please click here »

Q. What happens if our flights are disrupted due to volcanic ash?
Please read our Disruption Charter »