Our number one tip for planning school trips is to start early. Here, we explain why that is so important.
Whenever we're asked what our number one tip for planning school trips is, we always say the same thing: start planning your trip as early as possible.
There are several reasons for this.
Make your tour more affordable for pupils
By planning and booking early, your pupils and their families will have longer to pay for the trip, making it more affordable for many.
And if you plan to do any school trip fundraising, booking early will give you longer to do this too.
Make your life easier
Starting to plan your trip early means you'll have longer to plan things and collect the information you need.
It should mean there's no rushing around and no last-minute panics. And let's face it, running a school trip can be really stressful, so if there's anything you can do to ease the pressure, it's certainly worth doing!
Of course, whatever your timescale, we'll be here to help you every step of the way. And we'll always do our very best to ease the pressure on you.
But we really can't overstate the benefits of planning early when it comes to your school trip and making sure you're able to enjoy it as much as your pupils!
Get a head start on the competition
You'll also need to consider whether your school trip is likely to coincide with those of other departments, which might be offered to the same pool of pupils.
If that's a possibility, booking early might mean you get in there before your competition, ensuring that the pupils you feel will benefit from the trip are able to go.
Secure your preferences
The final reason is logistical – quite simply, the earlier you book, the more likely you'll secure your preferred dates, transport, accommodation, etc.
And you could very well save money on some of these elements by booking early, before demand pushes the prices up.
So, starting the planning process early could help you to ensure the trip is exactly how you want it to be.
Ski trip? It's even more important to book early.
If you're planning a school ski trip, it's even more important to plan early because there are only so many ski resorts and skiing is such a seasonal activity. Basically, everyone's trying to head to the same place over a very limited time period.
If you're tied to skiing during the February half-term or Easter holidays, you'll be competing with other school groups from across Europe, families and individual skiers, so you need to get in there quickly.
If you can travel during term time, you will find availability is a bit easier, but we'd still recommend that you don't leave it too late, especially if you have strong preferences on resort and accommodation.
Music tour? Book early to get the right performance venues.
One very good reason to book your music tour early is to secure your preferred venues, particularly if you’re hoping to perform in one that is very famous or prestigious.
To give you an idea of how far ahead you should be booking your tour, here we take a look at ten of our most popular venues. For more information on your preferred venues, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
La Madeleine, Paris – minimum of 3 months in advance
This iconic church in the centre of Paris hosts daily masses, concerts and the most fashionable weddings in Paris. If you want your choir or orchestra to perform here, we’ll need to book the venue at least 3 months in advance of your performance.
Disneyland® Paris – minimum of 6 months in advance (subject to audition)
Performing on the Videopolis Stage at the heart of Disneyland® Paris is an experience your ensemble will never forget. But it’s such a popular option that we’ll need to book the venue at least 6 months in advance – and this is also subject to an audition.
Last Post Ceremony, Menin Gate – minimum of 3 months in advance (subject to audition and repertoire)
Ensembles are invited to take a central role in the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate by performing two hymns. But this is an incredible experience that is, understandably, very popular with school groups and this means that we need to book the venue at least 3 months in advance (and, due to the solemnity of the service, this is also subject to audition and repertoire).
Montserrat Monastery – minimum of 3 months in advance
It’s pretty hard to find a venue with quite as spectacular a location as Montserrat Monastery, which is perched in the hills above Barcelona. In order to secure a performance here for your choir, we’ll need to book the venue at least 3 months in advance of your tour.
St. Nicholas Church, Prague – minimum of 3 months in advance
One of the most spectacular churches in Prague, the St. Nicholas church has a regular lunchtime concerts programme which your chamber orchestra or choir (with a secular repertoire) are invited to participate in. However, to secure your performance here, we’ll need to book the venue at least 3 months ahead of your tour.
Montreux Jazz Festival – minimum of 3 months in advance
Your ensemble can perform at the second largest jazz festival in the world, where they’ll learn so much from soaking up all the music and creativity around them. But we’ll need to book your performance in at least 3 months before you travel, as it’s a unique opportunity with limited spots available!
St. Mark’s Basilica, Venice – minimum of 3 months in advance
Sacred choirs are invited to perform at St. Mark’s Basilica – perhaps the most iconic venue in Venice. This really is an unforgettable opportunity for young performers, but in order to secure your performance here, we will need to book the venue at least 3 months in advance.
Lazise, Lake Garda – minimum of 2 months in advance
Lazise, on Lake Garda, is one of the spectacular lakeside towns in which your ensemble can perform during the summer, but we will need to book your performance at least 2 months in advance to secure your spot.
St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome – minimum of 6 months in advance
What school music tour to Rome would be complete without a performance at the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City? But, as you can imagine, this is an incredibly popular venue, so if you do want to perform here, we’ll have to book at least 6 months in advance.
English Reformed Church, Amsterdam – minimum of 3 months in advance
This lovely church has a long history of hosting choir concerts and is renowned for its wonderful acoustics. But to secure your performance here, we’ll have to book a minimum of 3 months in advance.
Ready to start planning?
We hope this has given you a better idea of why it really is worth starting to plan your school trip as early as possible.
If you have any questions at all, or require any information about a future school trip you're thinking about running, please do contact us so that we can help you get a great head start!