Royal Jordan Airlines - Choosing A Student Travel Company

Perhaps there were a few other things included that I cannot remember? And a visit to the beach, a day at Kennedy Space Center, with visits to EPCOT Center at Disney World, florida, the program included staying a few days in Orlando. The brochure highlighted an exciting new program that was being promoted to science teachers. He was open to new ideas and was excited when I brought to him a brochure I had somehow received in the mail. Our new principal (Ralph Walker) was a very progressive thinker. Our school was going through a transition to a new principal and it was good news. Several years ago I was teaching science at a school in Indiana.

Became valuable in the formation of our own travel company years later, as well as others learned later, i learned an awful lot about traveling with students and these lessons, on this trip. Though there were a few things that were promised to us that were not delivered, the trip was an overall success. We were on our way and had a pretty good time, soon enough. We raised money for airfare and for the trip package (airfare was not included).

We were promised a "welcome pizza party" but it never happened! "He said-she said" does not hold too much weight especially if other things are documented on paper. Get it in writing, or for that any kind of transaction, when dealing with any type of trip. This is a painful lesson and can cause bitter feelings for those who have booked a trip. It is not going to happen, one of the first things I found is that if it is not in writing.

You probably want to book with a company that is, if your company is not a member! You probably want your company to be a member of "CLIA"-Cruise Lines International Association, if you are going to book a student cruise, for example. There are several associations that may be important for you to know about depending upon what type of trip you are going to be taking. A very important detail is to check out the credentials of the company that you are looking to book with.

Membership in this organization insures you that the company you are working with is reputable and will not take your money and run. And has financial integrity, has been in business a while, this organization has strict guidelines for membership and has created many measures to insure that the student tour company you are dealing with is honest. The next credential to look for is "SYTA-Student and Youth Travel Association.

Neither should be taken alone as meaning the company is really good, however, the National Tour Association (NTA) and the American Bus Association (ABA) are two other organizations that can increase your confidence in a student tour company as each do have good criteria for membership.

Be sure the other person is hearing what is important to you, so. How can anyone know what you want without you telling them. This is arrogant and should be an immediate turn-off. There are several companies out there who believe they "know what you want". Are they pleasant and do they LISTEN to what you are saying? The most important aspect of choosing a student tour company is the student travel coordinators on the other end of the phone, after memberships and associations.

This should be a red flag to an informed shopper. Just make sure the person you are speaking with does not claim to know everything about everywhere. You can limit the number of calls you have to make before settling upon a decision, if you work with a company that has different options. Being able to offer options will keep you from going from company to company looking for the ideal trip. Do they have a "one-size-fits-all" mentality, or? Is the company you are dealing with able to give you more than one destination if you need options? Though this is not as big as others, variety of offerings can be important.

Always avoid inflexible companies. And most other items in the trip, arrangements, this goes for itinerary. A company that is inflexible in payments will be inflexible in other areas as well. If they are willing to help you then they are really worth using. This may not work too well with your group. Does the company have a "one-size-fits-all" payment plan?

Huge headaches are ahead for you, if a company cannot deal with this fact. Payments are sent out after approval by the monthly board meeting and not sooner. I came to know this very quickly as a teacher and I still find it to be true. Nothing important happens fast, in schools! This is a good indicator that they know how to work with student groups and within the limitations of working though school systems. Are there teachers or former teachers working there?

Whether good or critical, a good company will make the necessary changes and appreciate all feedback. Keep notes and share your feelings with them. Or they can show their true colors in a negative way, a company can really shine during these bumps. Have a positive attitude and expect some little bumps, so. We all miss it, we are all human and regardless of intentions. But it is true), we even occasionally strike out (it pains me to admit this. And other times we hit singles, there are times we hit homeruns. Nothing is 100% all of the time. Stay reasonable, when you deal with a company of any kind, so. Nor is any student travel company, we are not perfect. We learn every year and improve in all areas. We have worked hard to try to meet all of the above-mentioned standards, thankfully.

Trust your instinct and enjoy the trip, watch out for warning signs, be wise in your choices! I know many good companies out there and we are always striving to become better and better-as are others! You will avoid 99% of the bad companies and chances are you will have a good company to work with, if you follow the advice given above.