Make sure you are getting an inclusive price!!

It was last Easter that I first posted this message, and from feedback I get from teachers who have booked tours in good faith from even some of the largest school tour operators, I think it bears repeating.

How do I choose between tour operators?

It's the time of year when the school tour brochures start arriving, and to be sure many of the offerings look inviting.

It is tempting to look for the lowest prices, but this is not necessarily the best solution, as often they are achieved by including as little as possible in the quoted price - possibly no lunches or evening meals included.

Even worse are the history or geography study tours (or those in other subject areas) which do not include all the necessary visits and guiding.

I have always felt that it is best to have totally inclusive prices for travel, accommodation and meals together with all visits, entrance fees and guiding included in the tour.  This way, you will not be going to parents some way through the process to ask for more than originally budgeted.

That said, of course, if you are travelling with senior pupils, you might well decide that allowing them to purchase their own lunch might be preferable to an included packed lunch, but I would certainly expect to have a substantial breakfast and an evening meal included each day.