Frequently Asked Questions | Concert Tours from Rayburn Tours

Is my group's money safe with Rayburn Tours?

Yes. We are ABTA bonded and can therefore guarantee total financial security. Booking with an ABTA bonded company like ours ensures peace of mind and guarantees financial security in the unlikely event of financial failure. In addition, our air travel packages are ATOL protected, (we hold an Air Travel Organisers Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority).

Can you provide Risk Assessments?

Yes. We provide a Risk Assessment Handbook for all of our tours. These are very beneficial and will greatly assist you with your own risk assessments. In addition, we carry out audits of all our accommodation centres and we can provide copies of these on request.

What does STF Assured mean?

Rayburn Tours is a founder Assured Member of the School Travel Forum (STF). The STF is a group of leading school tour operators who promote good practice and safety in school travel. It signifies that the tour operator meets all the requirements of the DfE and Scottish Executive guidelines and adheres to a rigorous Code of Practice and Safety Management Standards.

How many free places am I entitled to?

We are happy to quote you for the number of free places you require. Our Youth Music website prices are based on one free place in eight on all of our coach tours and one free place in ten on our flight tours. However, we understand that some LEAs insist on a higher ratio of staff to student, so please let us know if you require more.

Are excursion costs included in my price?

No. All of our tours are tailor-made and we do not finalise any of your excursions until you have had the opportunity to discuss your needs with us. We can provide you with a price list for excursions to give you an idea of the additional cost.

Does the Rayburn Tours Insurance Policy cover musical instruments?

No, but we are able to provide a quote for competitive and comprehensive instrument insurance on request.

Can I undertake an inspection visit before I travel?

Yes. We understand how important inspection trips are to give a party leader complete peace of mind. We are more than happy to arrange an inspection visit and believe that we are unique in offering an inspection trip regardless of whether or not you have booked your tour. Please contact us for further details.

Do the coaches you provide have seatbelts?

All UK coaches have seatbelts in accordance with the law. Please note that these are usually lap-belts rather than the three-point seatbelts which are fitted in cars.

Regarding foreign coach hire, it is important to note that coaches outside the UK vary in standard and specification. Whilst all coaches adhere strictly to both the safety and coach operator regulations, these may not be the same as UK regulations and whilst every effort is made to request coaches with seatbelts for our groups, it is not currently a legal requirement in the majority of European destinations.

We often use a local coach company. Can we use them on our Rayburn Tour?

Yes. We understand what a positive difference a trusted coach company can make to the success of any tour and we are always happy to use your preferred operator, subject to a coach being available on the dates of your tour.

Can we fly with low cost airlines?

Yes. However, they are not always suited to group travel. Our experience has shown that scheduled airlines offer greater reliability and peace of mind for groups, especially if you are travelling with instruments and heavy equipment. If you would like us to provide you with a quote based on a low cost airline, we are happy to do so.

What is a collective passport and how do I get one?

A collective passport allows groups of under 18s to travel without their own individual passport, provided that they are part of a school or recognised youth group. All students travelling under the collective passport must be British nationals and the group leader must hold a full and valid UK passport. Group leaders can apply for a collective passport from all UK passport agencies and are advised to allow at least six weeks for your application to be processed.

Some members of my group have non-UK passports. Is this a problem?

All passengers with non-UK passports should contact their issuing office to check entry and visa regulations for the destination country. It is also important to check that the holder of the passport may travel through all countries en-route. Please remember that non-UK nationals are not permitted to travel on a collective passport.

Will I need a trailer if we are taking instruments?

In our experience groups with 45 passengers or more on a 49-seater coach with large instruments such as timpani and double basses will need to hire a trailer for extra luggage space. In order for Rayburn to assess the need for a trailer we always request an instrument list.

Can we cater for special needs and disabled passengers?

Yes we can. Please advise us of any special needs or access requirements well in advance of departure so that we can ensure the tour arrangements incorporate the appropriate facilities. Read More

How do we plan the itinerary?

On booking completion, one of our specialist tour coordinators will contact you at your convenience to discuss in detail what you would like to achieve from your tour. Firstly, we will arrange your concert locations, followed by the excursions you wish to partake in. Remember, our tours are truly bespoke, so if you have some suggestions for your tour, our coordinators will do their very best to incorporate them.

Is there an emergency contact available at all times in the UK?

Yes, Rayburn Tours operate a 24 hour emergency service, maintained by a senior member of staff at all times.

How do I get the students/members to sign up for the tour?

Rayburn Tours is more than happy to assist you in gaining support for your tour. We can help you gauge interest in the tours and proposed destinations through personal meetings and presentations, or host a parents evening to answer any questions parents may have.

How far should I book in advance?

We recommend booking as early as possible. As a general guideline our tours generally book between 9 and 14 months in advance. For instance, if you intend to tour in July, we recommend that you get in contact with us by September the preceding year. This allows us to ensure you get the best available rates and availability for your hotels, flights and concert venues. However, if you do have to make a late booking, our dedicated team will do everything they can to ensure your tour success.