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This article explains what teachers and Group Leaders look for when choosing a school tour operator and why Travelbound continues to be trusted for educational trips. It covers the value of well planned school travel, what makes a reliable tour partner, and real feedback from schools to help you decide who to work with for your next trip.
The School Travel Awards brought together many who care deeply about educational travel, school trips and the wider world of learning beyond the classroom. Travelbound attended as a finalist for Best School Tour Operator (Large), having won this prestigious award last year. Together with Travelbound’s nomination, sister brand JCA were also named finalists for Best Residential Experience for the second-year running. While we didn’t take home the award this year, there was still a quiet sense of pride among the team. Being shortlisted reflects the steady work that goes into creating safe, well-planned journeys for young people – something teachers value most.
The event at the Royal Lancaster Hotel felt calm and welcoming. There was time to speak with teachers, partners and colleagues from across the sector. Many conversations returned to the same idea: that thoughtful planning can help turn a simple visit into a memory that stays with a pupil for years.
Why days like this matter for school travel
Teachers often look for practical guidance when choosing a partner for school travel planning. They want a company that listens, responds with care and can adapt when needed. Awards events give space for those discussions.
Events such as this create space for those conversations. They remind us why reliable planning helps teachers feel secure when travelling with large groups. For many Group Leaders, the question is simple: who will help me deliver a trip that is safe, educational and enjoyable.
What teachers say about Travelbound
Travelbound’s strength has always rested on direct conversation with schools. The most meaningful feedback is often the simplest. Teachers tell us our work has helped them deliver visits that feel smooth, safe and well supported. Their words matter more than anything we could say.
Here are just a few of the comments we receive from schools
“Travelbound were excellent. They were incredibly flexible with our itinerary and were highly responsive both before and during the trip. Would definitely use again.”
Abbey Grange
“Good quality, efficient and varied trips put together professionally and tailored to our needs… will be back for a 4th time.”
Dene Magna
“Thanks to all the team at Travelbound, Bryony especially, for a fantastically organised visit to the US. We had a wonderful visit, superbly organised, action packed days and super-fun evenings.”
Norwich High School for Girls
“Travelbound are a great company who make your trip dreams a reality. They are fantastic at communication and they really listen to your requests. Couldn’t recommend them more.”
Greensward Academy
“Travelbound were extremely forthcoming throughout the process and I was very confident that they were available to contact and sort things out once we were on our trip. The children had a fantastic time and I was very grateful for the guidance given.”
Kingshott School
“An excellent trip. Children were fully engaged throughout and arrangements were all smooth. Communication was excellent.”
Fulford School
“I always rave about Travelbound’s excellent customer service to colleagues when recommending tour providers. I don’t look elsewhere now as I know I’ll receive excellent service every time.”
Q3 Academy Great Barr
“Would recommend without hesitation to my colleague and other schools and would definitely use again.”
Surbiton High School
“They were highly professional, contacted us regularly with updates and were understanding with flexibility and last minute arrangements.”
Queen Elizabeth’s School
“Travelbound were absolutely fantastic from the moment we first asked for a quote. Nothing was too much trouble and any questions were answered quickly with explanation.”
Chetwynde School
These comments offer a clear view of what Group Leaders value most: consistency, support and a calm hand when plans and needs change, as they often do during school trip planning.
What we learned from this year’s awards
Travelbound wish to congratulate all finalists and winners at this year’s awards. Attending the Awards ceremony always serves as a reminder of why we do this work. Trips succeed when every element, from planning to return, is handled with care. Teachers trust us with something significant: their pupils’ safety, time and enthusiasm. That trust is worth far more than any trophy.
For teachers asking, “How do I choose a school tour operator?”, events like this offer a helpful benchmark:
- Look for companies with consistent positive feedback across many years.
- Choose teams that stay present throughout a trip, not only during booking.
- Pick those who recognise that school travel is, above all else, a human experience, not just logistics.
Celebrating dedication to learning beyond the classroom
Our parent company, Experience Education, was proud to sponsor the Education/Learning Team of the Year Award. This award recognises teams whose commitment ensures pupils receive exceptional support and meaningful outcomes when learning moves beyond the classroom. Recognising these efforts matters because behind every successful school trip is a team working tirelessly to make learning real, safe, and inspiring.
Looking ahead
The Travelbound team remains as committed as ever to helping schools build their ideal school trip – safe, inspiring trips Our approach is shaped by listening, problem solving and a shared appreciation for the value of learning in real places.
Whether a school is planning its first trip or its fifteenth, our Travelbound team will continue to support teachers with the same thoughtful approach. The focus stays on what matters: clear communication, reliable planning and a experiences that help pupils learn through the world around them.
The Awards ceremony was a moment to pause, appreciate the journey so far across more than 30 years, and prepare for many more amazing trips still to come.
Ready to start planning your next curriculum tour? Use our online enquiry form or call the Travelbound team on 01273 244572.
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