Cultural trips
School trips
school trip provider
School trip providers compared: How to find the perfect class trip!
Organising a class trip can be a challenge. Various school trip providers vie for your attention. To simplify your decision-making process, we compare the key providers and offer you valuable tips for planning. Do you need personalised advice? Contact us for a non-binding enquiry.
The topic, briefly and concisely
The choice of the right school trip provider is crucial for the success of a class trip. Pay attention to experience, quality, sustainability, flexibility, and safety.
Early planning and transparent communication with parents and students are essential. Take advantage of early booking discounts and involve all stakeholders in the planning process to increase satisfaction by up to 20%.
Sustainability, digitalisation, and individualisation shape the future of school trips. Choose providers that offer CO2 compensation and use eco-friendly options to promote students' environmental awareness.
Planning your next school trip? Find the best school trip providers here in comparison and learn what is important when organizing it. Get informed now!
Planning a class trip can be a challenge. Finding the right school trip provider requires careful research and consideration of various factors. At GoTuro, we want to assist you in organising the ideal class trip for your students. A successful school trip not only offers a welcome break from the routine of school life but also provides valuable educational experiences. It's about finding a provider that meets your specific needs and requirements.
What makes a good school trip provider?
A good provider is characterised by several key factors. Experience and expertise are essential. A provider with many years of experience in school trips has the necessary know-how to ensure smooth organisation and execution. Moreover, specialisation in certain age groups or themes is advantageous to tailor the trip optimally to the students' needs. Look for providers who specialise, for example, in primary school trips or graduation trips.
Quality assurance and partnerships
Quality assurance and partnerships are other important aspects. A reputable provider collaborates with associations and organisations and conducts regular inspections of its accommodations and programmes. This guarantees a high level of safety and reliability. Klassenfahrten Klühspies, for instance, positions itself as a leading provider with 40 years of experience and emphasises quality assurance through partnerships with various associations.
Why choosing the right provider is crucial
Choosing the right provider is crucial for several reasons. Safety and support play a central role. A good provider offers a 24/7 emergency hotline and comprehensive support before, during, and after the trip. This provides peace of mind for you and the parents. Ensure that the provider has an emergency management plan and guarantees the safety standards of the accommodations and transport services.
Educational value
In addition to safety, the educational value is also important. A successful class trip integrates educational content into the journey and promotes teamwork and social skills among students. Look for providers that offer thematic trips with educational value, such as those focused on history, nature, or sustainability. Superklassenfahrten, for example, highlights a unique educational concept called "SCHLAU X WEG = GRIPS²", which integrates learning and travel experiences.
Top School Trip Providers: How They Differ
The landscape of school trip providers is diverse. Each provider has its own strengths and weaknesses. Below, we introduce you to some of the top providers at a glance to help you make a decision. It is important to compare the individual focuses and offers of each provider to find the ideal partner for your school trip. Pay attention to aspects such as experience, sustainability, flexibility, and price.
Alpetour: The classic with a wide range of offerings
Alpetour positions itself as the number one for school trips and school ski trips with over 60 years of experience. Consultation and expertise are the focus here. Alpetour offers a wide range of destinations and travel types, from graduation trips to rail travel to air travel. There are also service guarantees such as 24-hour availability and a 100% implementation guarantee.
Strengths
Over 60 years of experience in school trips.
Wide range of destinations and travel types, both in Germany and Europe.
24-hour availability and goodwill arrangements for flexible planning.
Weaknesses
Potentially higher prices that may be justified by comprehensive services.
Extensive information dossiers that contain all important details.
HEROLÉ: Focus on sustainability and flexibility
HEROLÉ positions itself as a sustainable tour operator specialising in school trips. Sustainability and flexibility are the focus here. HEROLÉ offers price guarantees even in the event of participant dropouts and proactive payment processing. Particularly noteworthy is the "Early Bird Promotion 2026" with flexible participant numbers and free cancellation.
Strengths
Sustainable travel offers with a focus on CO2 compensation.
Price guarantee even in the event of participant dropouts for secure planning.
Proactive payment processing to make teachers' work easier.
Weaknesses
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Klühspies: Experience and comprehensive service
Klühspies positions itself as a leading German provider with 40 years of experience and 110,000 guests annually. Experience and comprehensive service are the strengths here. Klühspies offers comprehensive services such as transport, accommodation, and activities. Particularly noteworthy are the individual payment options.
Strengths
40 years of experience and high annual guest numbers for reliable execution.
Comprehensive services (transport, accommodation, activities) for stress-free planning.
Individual payment options that meet the needs of schools.
Weaknesses
Inconsistent bus quality (according to customer feedback), which can be minimised by careful selection of bus companies.
EVR Reisen: Individuality and personal support
EVR Reisen focuses on individuality and personal support. Individual travel planning and personal support are the focus here. EVR Reisen offers flexible cancellation and booking conditions as well as a wide range of destinations and themes. Particularly noteworthy is the "Primary School Trips" category.
Strengths
Individual travel planning and personal support for a tailor-made trip.
Flexible cancellation and booking conditions for secure planning.
Wide range of destinations and themes for different interests.
Weaknesses
No explicit weaknesses in the provided information.
CTS Reisen: Specialist for group travel and ESD
CTS Reisen is a specialist for group trips and education for sustainable development (ESD). Tailored group experiences and sustainability are the focus here. CTS Reisen offers CO2 compensation and supports climate education. Particularly noteworthy are the thematically oriented programs.
Strengths
Focus on tailored group experiences for an individual journey.
CO2 compensation and support for climate education for sustainable travel.
Thematically oriented programs for educational value.
Weaknesses
No explicit weaknesses in the provided information.
Superklassenfahrten: Education and diversity
Superklassenfahrten emphasises a unique educational concept and offers a large variety of destinations. Education and diversity are the focus here. Superklassenfahrten offers a TÜV certification and values climate-friendly travel. Particularly noteworthy is the specialisation in Berlin trips.
Strengths
Unique educational concept ("GRIPS²") for high learning value.
Large selection of destinations and educational themes for different interests.
TÜV certification for high quality standards.
Weaknesses
No explicit weaknesses in the provided information.
Finding the Ideal Provider: Consider Budget, Goals, and Security
The selection of the ideal provider depends on various criteria. In addition to the individual strengths and weaknesses of the providers, your budget, the desired destination and programme, as well as safety aspects, also play an important role. It is important to carefully weigh up all these factors to make the optimal decision for your class. Also consider the needs and interests of your students.
Budget: What does a school trip cost?
The budget is a crucial factor when planning a school trip. Costs can vary depending on the destination, duration, and programme. It's important to set a realistic budget and explore various financing options. Find out about the average costs for school trips and check if there are funding programmes or subsidies available. Fundraising options, such as with FUNDMATE, can also be a good way to boost the budget.
Average costs and financing options
The average costs for a school trip depend on various factors, such as destination, accommodation, meals, and activities. Fundraising options, such as donation drives or sponsorship, can help reduce costs. Applying for funding programmes and subsidies can also provide financial relief. Explore the various options and plan ample time for implementation.
Cost transparency and price guarantees
Pay attention to the cost transparency and price guarantees offered by the providers. Compare different offers and watch out for hidden costs. A reputable provider discloses all costs and offers a price guarantee to protect you from unforeseen expenses. Examine the offers carefully and ensure that all services are included in the price.
Destination and programme: What suits the class?
The destination and the programme should suit the class. Consider the educational goals and the thematic focus of the trip. Should the trip, for example, serve team-building purposes, teach the history of a region, or promote awareness of sustainability? Involving the students in the planning ensures the trip aligns with their interests.
Educational goals and thematic focus
The educational goals and thematic focus should align with the curriculum. Choose a destination and programme that enhances and deepens the course content. Themes like team-building, history, culture, and sustainability provide numerous opportunities to turn the trip into an unforgettable learning experience. Take advantage of the various destinations.
Diversity of activities and excursions
The diversity of activities and excursions ensures variety and excitement. Offer students sporting activities, cultural visits, and experiential learning options. Ensure the activities are age-appropriate and match the students' interests. A balanced mix of learning and leisure activities ensures a successful school trip.
Safety and supervision: What to look out for?
Safety and supervision are of the utmost importance. Ensure the provider has an emergency management system and is available around the clock. Check the safety standards of accommodations and transport. The qualification of supervisors and tour guides also plays an important role. Ensure they have first aid knowledge and educational experience.
Emergency management and 24/7 availability
Professional emergency management and 24/7 availability are essential. The provider should have an emergency plan and be able to respond quickly and efficiently in an emergency. A 24-hour hotline gives you the assurance that help is always available. Familiarise yourself with the provider's emergency measures and ensure you have all the important contact details.
Qualification of supervisors and tour guides
The qualification of supervisors and tour guides significantly contributes to the success of the school trip. They should have first aid knowledge and educational experience. Ensure supervisors are able to motivate and support the students. A competent and committed supervision team ensures a positive and safe travel experience.
Sustainable School Trips: Promoting Environmental Awareness
Sustainability is playing an increasingly significant role in school trip tourism. Environmental awareness and social responsibility are crucial aspects that should be considered when planning a school trip. It's about minimising the environmental impact of the journey while making a positive contribution to society. Look for providers committed to sustainability and offering relevant solutions.
Why Sustainability Matters
Sustainability is important for a variety of reasons. It contributes to the protection of the environment and promotes responsible behaviour. By choosing sustainable options, you can reduce your carbon footprint while also contributing to social justice. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) also plays a key role.
Environmental Awareness and Social Responsibility
Environmental awareness and social responsibility are closely linked. Look for providers offering carbon offsetting and using eco-friendly transport methods. Supporting local communities and promoting fair working conditions are also key aspects of social responsibility. Find out about the sustainability measures of providers and choose options that align with your values.
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is an essential component of sustainable school trips. Integrate sustainability topics into the journey and raise students' awareness of global challenges. For example, visit environmental centres, nature reserves or renewable energy projects. Engaging with social issues, such as poverty or inequality, can also contribute significantly to ESD.
Providers Focusing on Sustainability
Some providers specialise in sustainable school trips. HEROLÉ and CTS Reisen are pioneers in this field. They offer carbon offsetting and focus on eco-friendly options. Alpetour also offers ESD programme options.
HEROLÉ and CTS Reisen as Pioneers
HEROLÉ and CTS Reisen are strongly committed to sustainability. They provide carbon offsetting and focus on eco-friendly transport methods. Supporting local communities and promoting fair working conditions are important aspects of their sustainability strategy. Get details on the specific measures of providers and choose options that reflect your values.
Alpetour with ESD Programme Options
Alpetour offers ESD programme options. These educational opportunities for sustainable development integrate sustainability topics into the trip and enhance students' awareness of global challenges. Use these options to make the journey an unforgettable learning experience while contributing to sustainability.
Planning school trips: Book early and communicate transparently
Good organisation and planning are crucial for a successful school trip. Early planning and transparent communication are key to avoiding stress and ensuring all parties are satisfied. Start planning early and involve parents and students in the process. This way, you can ensure the trip meets everyone's needs.
Early Planning and Booking
Early planning and booking offer many advantages. You have a wider selection of destinations and accommodations and can benefit from early booking discounts. Organising the trip also becomes easier, as you have plenty of time for all the preparations. Take advantage of HEROLÉ's early booking promotion.
Benefits of the Early Booking Promotion (e.g. HEROLÉ)
The early booking promotion from HEROLÉ offers flexible participant numbers and free cancellation. This gives you the assurance that you can carry out the trip even if the number of participants changes. Utilise these benefits to plan the trip early and take advantage of the favourable conditions. HEROLÉ offers risk-free planning.
Checklist for Planning
A planning checklist helps you stay on top of things. Create a list with all the important points, such as destination, programme, budget, safety, and supervision. Go through the list step by step and ensure you’ve covered all the points. This way, you can ensure the trip runs smoothly.
Communication with Parents and Students
Communication with parents and students is crucial for the success of the school trip. Inform the parents about all important details of the trip and answer their questions. Involve the students in the planning and consider their wishes and interests. In this way, you can ensure that everyone involved is satisfied.
Information Sessions and Parent Evenings
Information sessions and parent evenings provide a good opportunity to inform parents about the school trip and answer their questions. Present the destination, the programme, and the safety measures. Involve the parents in the planning and consider their suggestions. This way, you can gain the parents' trust and ensure they support the trip.
Transparent Communication about Costs and Services
Transparent communication about costs and services is essential. Disclose all costs and explain which services are included in the price. Clarify the payment modalities and answer all the parents' questions. This way, you can avoid misunderstandings and ensure that the parents financially support the trip.
Consider legal aspects: Travel safely with insurance
When planning a school trip, legal aspects must also be considered. Travel regulations and insurance play an important role in protecting you and your students from unforeseen events. Make sure you are informed about the applicable regulations and arrange the necessary insurances. This way, you can ensure the trip goes smoothly and that you are covered in case of an emergency.
Travel Regulations
The travel regulations govern the rights and obligations of tour operators and travellers. Familiarise yourself with the package travel contract and the travel price security certificate. The travel price security certificate protects you from the provider's insolvency. Pay attention to cancellation policies and rebooking options as well.
Package Travel Contract and Travel Price Security Certificate
The package travel contract sets out the rights and obligations of tour operators and travellers. The travel price security certificate protects you from the provider's insolvency. Ensure that the provider has a travel price security certificate and that you understand the terms of the package travel contract. This way, you are safeguarded in the event of the provider's insolvency.
Cancellation Policies and Rebooking Options
The cancellation policies and rebooking options determine under what conditions you can cancel or rebook the trip. Be aware of flexible conditions for unexpected events. Look into the provider's cancellation policies and ensure you are covered in case of cancellation or rebooking.
Insurance for Students and Teachers
Insurance for students and teachers is essential. Obtain travel health insurance and travel cancellation insurance. Travel health insurance protects you from the costs of medical treatment abroad. Travel cancellation insurance protects you from the costs of cancelling the trip due to illness or accident.
Travel Health Insurance and Travel Cancellation Insurance
Travel health insurance protects you from the costs of medical treatment abroad. Travel cancellation insurance protects you from the costs of cancelling the trip due to illness or accident. Arrange these insurances to be covered in an emergency. Explore various offers and choose the insurance that suits you best.
Liability Insurance for Teachers
Liability insurance for teachers protects you from damages caused by students. Make sure you have sufficient liability insurance to be covered in the event of damage. Research different offers and choose the insurance that meets your needs.
School trips in transition: Digitalisation and individualisation shape the future
The school trip market is changing. Digitalisation and customisation are shaping the future of school trips. User-friendly online portals simplify organisation and communication. The customisation of trips and the focus on specific themes are also gaining importance. Adapt to new trends and take advantage of digitalisation and customisation.
Digitalisation and online booking
Digitalisation and online booking significantly simplify organisation and communication. User-friendly online portals, such as meinHEROLÉ, provide an easy way to plan and manage trips. Online resources and information centres, such as those from EVR Reisen, offer comprehensive information and support for teachers.
User-friendly online portals (e.g. meinHEROLÉ)
User-friendly online portals, such as meinHEROLÉ, make organising and communicating a lot easier. They offer a simple way to plan, manage, and communicate with parents about the trip. Use these portals to save time and simplify trip organisation. HEROLÉ offers such a portal.
Online resources and information centres (e.g. EVR Reisen)
Online resources and information centres, like those from EVR Reisen, provide comprehensive information and support for teachers. Here you can find all the essential information about the trip, such as destination, programme, costs, and safety measures. Use these resources to fully inform yourself and optimally plan the trip. EVR Reisen offers such a centre.
Customisation and theme trips
Customisation and theme trips are becoming more important. More and more providers specialise in specific age groups and interests. For example, there are primary school trips, graduation trips, sports trips, and cultural trips. Theme trips with educational value, such as those focused on history, nature, or sustainability, are also very popular.
Specialisation in specific age groups and interests
Specialisation in specific age groups and interests enables trips to be precisely tailored to the needs of students. For instance, there are primary school trips, graduation trips, sports trips, and cultural trips. Choose a trip that matches the interests of your students and offers educational benefits. Take advantage of the various offers available.
Theme trips with educational value
Theme trips with educational value provide an excellent opportunity to incorporate learning content into trips and deepen students' knowledge. Choose a trip that aligns with the curriculum and opens up new perspectives for students. Themes like history, nature, and sustainability offer numerous opportunities to make the trip an unforgettable learning experience.
Finding the Right School Trip Provider: How to Make the Right Choice
The choice of the right school trip provider is crucial for the success of your school trip. Consider the individual needs of your class and compare different providers and offers. Gather quotes and references and make an informed decision. With the right planning and provider, your school trip will become an unforgettable experience for you and your students.
Summary of the Key Criteria
Experience, quality, sustainability, flexibility, and safety are the key criteria when choosing the right provider. Take into account the individual needs of your class and select a provider that meets these criteria. Look for providers with many years of experience, high-quality standards, a commitment to sustainability, flexible offerings, and who ensure the safety of your students.
Consideration of the Individual Needs of the Class
The consideration of the individual needs of the class is crucial for the success of the school trip. Ask the students about their wishes and interests and consider these in the planning. Choose a destination and programme that meet the needs of all students. This way, you can ensure that all students benefit from the trip and have an unforgettable experience.
Comparison of Different Providers and Offers
The comparison of different providers and offers helps you find the best provider for your needs. Obtain quotes from various providers and compare the prices, services, and conditions. Watch out for hidden costs and check the references of the providers. This way, you can ensure that you get good value for money and choose a reliable provider.
Obtaining Quotes and References
The obtaining of quotes and references is an important step in choosing the right provider. Request quotes from different providers and compare the prices, services, and conditions. Ask for references and contact other schools that have already travelled with the provider. This way, you can get an impression of the quality and reliability of the provider.
Outlook on the Future of School Trips
The future of school trips will be shaped by sustainability, digitalisation, and individualisation. Providers will adapt to the needs of students and teachers and develop innovative offerings. Be open to new trends and take advantage of digitalisation and individualisation to make your school trip even more unforgettable.
Sustainability, Digitalisation, Individualisation
Sustainability, digitalisation, and individualisation are the trends that will shape the future of school trips. Providers will increasingly commit to sustainability and develop environmentally friendly offerings. Digitalisation will simplify organisation and communication. Individualisation will enable trips to be even better tailored to the needs of the students. Be ready for these changes and take advantage of the new opportunities to make your school trip even better.
Plan your unforgettable class trip now!
More useful links
Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth offers information on funding and educational measures.
Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides statistics on education and youth.
HEROLÉ Reisen is a sustainable tour operator for school trips.
Klassenfahrten Klühspies is a major provider of school trips in Germany.
Conference of Ministers of Education offers information on educational standards and student performance.
FAQ
What are the key criteria when choosing a school trip provider?
The most important criteria are experience, quality assurance, sustainability, flexibility, and safety. Look for providers with many years of experience and positive reviews.
What are the benefits of booking a school trip early?
Booking early secures you a wider choice of destinations and accommodations, allows you to take advantage of early booking discounts, and simplifies the organisation.
How can I ensure the school trip meets educational objectives?
Choose a provider that offers thematic trips with educational value and integrates learning content into the trip. Involve the students in planning to consider their interests.
What role does sustainability play in planning a school trip?
Look for providers that offer CO2 compensation, use eco-friendly transportation, and support local communities. This promotes environmental awareness among students.
How important is cost transparency when selecting a provider?
Cost transparency is crucial. A reputable provider discloses all costs and offers a price guarantee to protect you from unforeseen expenses.
What insurance is essential for a school trip?
Essential insurance includes travel health insurance and trip cancellation insurance for students and teachers. Liability insurance for teachers protects against damages caused by students.
How can online portals simplify the organisation of a school trip?
User-friendly online portals provide an easy way to plan, manage, and communicate with parents about the trip. They save time and simplify organisation.
What is the significance of communication with parents and students during planning?
Transparent communication about costs, services, and safety measures is essential. Involve students in planning and consider their wishes and interests.
