Class trips are an excellent way to allow students to connect what they learn in the classroom to the world around them. They expose students to a variety of environments and expand their horizons. The problem comes with the cost. Teachers and parents feel the cost of a field trip may be too great for all students to participate—but this does not have to be the case. There are many opportunities to create an affordable trip and it starts with some good planning prior to your departure. This may include organizing a fundraiser before the trip takes place or cutting down costs throughout the trip.
Some costs to consider involve transportation, accommodations, meals, and activities.
1. Transportation and Accommodations:
If your destination is within a drivable distance, consider traveling by car. Even with gas prices on the rise, splitting the cost of transportation amongst others traveling with you, will be cost-efficient. If you are flying, book your airfare well in advance of your intended travel date and maintain a flexible travel window. Compare the airfare for flights originating at different airports near you, and search one day before and one day after your ideal departure and return dates. Search prices on travel booking websites that search multiple airlines, letting you see which airline will let you save the most money. Visit the airline's website when you are ready to book your airfare to avoid the booking fee that travel booking websites charge. If you are able to purchase your accommodations with your plane tickets, this will cut down on costs as well. While sleeping in luxury may be nice, it may be unimportant if you're on vacation in an exciting place and planning to spend little time in your hotel.
2. Meals:
All meals don't have to be extravagant. Limit eating out to a few times during your trip, and consider researching inexpensive dining options on the Internet before you go. Many restaurants have their menus and prices online now, and may even offer coupons for you to use. Often times, restaurants where locals eat on a budget will have the best and most cost-efficient foods. These places are generally a great find, and captivate the heart of the city. If you're eating at a pricier place for the experience, pair it with a cheaper activity and make it the main event of the day. If you can rent a hotel with a kitchen, this will often save you money as it allows you to prepare many of your meals there. Take advantage of your hotel’s free continental breakfast, and pack a cooler with drinks and snacks for the day. You can even plan a picnic to spice up the dullest of meals.
3. Activities: Plan a day with a more expensive activity, followed by a day with a cheaper activity. Consider adjusting the time you spend in an expensive location. If you can make a week-long trip into a couple days, you will save a substantial amount of money. By researching before you go, you may find wonderful locations to take a free walk in a park or free admission days at inexpensive museums. Partaking in a service project will not only be rewarding for all parties involved, but will allow your group to bond without spending money. Also, if you are planning to purchase souvenirs, decide how much money you'll spend before you go.
No matter what the economy is up to, with proper planning, an affordable trip can be planned. Do you have a desire to partner with Appleseed Expeditions for a cost-efficient trip? Through education, service, and adventure groups are able to receive a well-rounded trip full of learning, inspiration, and fun! For more information or to sign up for an educational tour, call Appleseed at (877) 889-7150 or visit www.AppleseedExpeditions.com.
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