Planning the Perfect Educational Tour: A Teacher’s Step-by-Step Guide
Feel more confident, more organized, and way less stressed—here’s how to get it done right.
Planning an international student tour might sound overwhelming at first—but with the right steps (and a little help!), it can actually be exciting and empowering. Whether it’s your first time leading a group or you’ve got a few stamps in your travel teacher passport, this guide walks you through the process from start to finish.
Step 1: Choose your destination with purpose
Start with your curriculum in mind. Ask yourself:
What subjects do I want to highlight?
Are there specific historical events or artistic movements I want students to experience?
Is there a language or cultural connection to our school community?
Pair those goals with a destination that checks all the boxes—and don’t be afraid to think outside the usual hotspots. (Greece for mythology and philosophy? Yes, please.)
Step 2: Talk to your administration early
Before you fall in love with a destination, make sure your school is on board. Set up a quick meeting with your principal or department chair to outline:
The educational value of the trip
Timing (season, school calendar)
Your preferred travel partner (👋 hey there!)
Having their early support makes everything smoother down the line.
Step 3: Choose a trusted travel partner
You want a team that:
Knows educational travel inside and out
Offers full support before, during, and after the trip
Understands what teachers, students, and parents actually need
Bonus points if they help with presentations, paperwork, and communication tools to keep families in the loop.
Step 4: Get students (and parents!) excited
This is where it gets fun! Host an info session where you:
Show off the itinerary highlights
Talk about learning goals
Share safety info and travel logistics
Break down the payment plan
Pro tip: The earlier you launch, the more time families have to plan financially.
Step 5: Make learning part of the journey
Educational travel isn’t just a vacation—it’s a curriculum-enhancer. Create some pre-trip buzz with:
Mini lessons on the history or culture of your destination
A student-led research project
Language or etiquette challenges (“Order coffee in Italian without help!”)
This builds buy-in and helps students arrive more engaged and informed.
Step 6: Prep like a pro
You’ll want to:
Create a checklist for forms, passports, and packing
Hold a pre-departure meeting to go over expectations and ground rules
Get your group app or chat ready for communication on tour
Remember: the more organized you are now, the more relaxed you’ll feel on the ground.
