Tailor-Made Educational School Trips

Now more than ever, schools are recognising that learning extends FAR beyond the confines of the traditional classroom. International school trips provide students with unique and authentic opportunities to immerse themselves in diverse cultures – the perfect environment for academic and personal development.

Our educational travel specialists have been crafting these unforgettable international school tours since 1965, and the opportunities get more and more exciting every single year!

Educational trips abroad not only ignite curiosity and fuel creativity, but also encourage students to question the world around them, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of their place within it! With these school tours abroad, students are encouraged to think critically, to step outside of their comfort zone, to consider global perspectives – capturing so much of the curriculum AND encouraging a wealth of personal development in a matter of days is quite extraordinary.

From the geographically marvellous ‘Land of Fire and Ice’ to destinations that have seen world-shaping moments in history unravel, these international educational tours provide lessons to last a lifetime.

Our Educational Trips

Our subjects in a nutshell

And that’s not all…

We give the same level of attention and detail to hand-crafting international educational tours that are perfectly tailored to a range of other educational subjects too, including Business Studies, Classics, Religious Studies, Maths, Science, Art, Textiles and Food Technology. If you’re looking for an unforgettable inclusive school trip abroad open up to a specific year group or even the whole school, then why not take a look at our range of Cultural trips? These international educational trips for students breathe life into so many subjects!

All the added extras…

FAQs

• How to plan a school trip?

  1. Define the Educational Purpose & Curriculum Links

  The first step in planning a school trip is to be clear about what you want to achieve. Which topics will it reinforce—plate tectonics, glaciation, and renewable energy in geography; ancient civilisations or World War history in history; or perhaps art, languages, or religious studies? At Rayburn Tours, we emphasise linking every itinerary directly to the curriculum across multiple subjects, so the trip becomes an extension of classroom learning rather than just a standalone experience.

  2. Choose Destination & Itinerary

  Selecting the right destination is key. Each of our destinations – whether Iceland, Sicily, Normandy, Berlin, or beyond – offers unique opportunities to explore subject-specific and cross-curricular themes. At Rayburn Tours, we create tailor-made itineraries, ensuring the sites you visit align with your chosen learning objectives, whether that’s investigating volcanic landscapes, exploring battlefields, studying art and culture, or developing language skills.

  3. Budgeting & Costing

  Budgeting is always a priority when organising a school trip. You’ll need to account for transport, accommodation, meals, insurance, and excursions. At Rayburn Tours, we provide clear, fully costed packages, which cover accommodation, transport, and excursions, and we offer financial protection through ABTA and ATOL for peace of mind.

  4. Safety, Risk & Logistics

  Student safety is paramount. Every school must carry out risk assessments and ensure they meet local authority requirements. At Rayburn Tours, we operate a comprehensive Safety Management System, conduct audits on coaches and hotels, and provide 24-hour emergency support to give you complete reassurance throughout your trip.

  5. Roles & Staffing

  Organising the right staffing levels is essential for both safety and educational value. At Rayburn Tours, we can provide Field Study Tutors for geography and History Tour Guides for historical sites, all of whom bring expert knowledge and engaging teaching to the field. This ensures students get maximum value from every experience.

  6. Pre-Trip Preparation & Resources

  Preparation before you travel makes a big difference. At Rayburn Tours, we provide study resources, handbooks, and destination-specific guides to help teachers and students prepare. We also recommend pre-trip sessions to introduce students to the locations, what to expect, and how the trip connects to their studies.

  7. On Tour: Learning & Engagement

  While on tour, students should collect data, sketch landscapes, and link theory with observation. At Rayburn Tours, we design trips to go beyond sightseeing, with structured fieldwork, expert guides, and itineraries that bring education to life. Our aim is always to balance fun with academic value.

  8. Follow-Up Work

  The learning doesn’t stop when you return home. Encourage students to present findings, write up reports, or compare field observations with classroom theory. At Rayburn Tours, we believe reflection and follow-up are vital for consolidating knowledge and turning experiences into lasting understanding.

• What to bring on a school trip?

  When preparing for a school trip, the key is to balance comfort, practicality, and safety.

  Students should bring suitable clothing for the weather, comfortable footwear for walking, and a lightweight waterproof layer. A small backpack is essential to carry daily items such as a refillable water bottle, snacks, and a packed lunch if needed. Academic essentials, like a notebook, pens, or subject-specific equipment, should also be included, alongside personal items such as sun cream, a hat, and any required medication.

  Teachers should provide a packing list tailored to the destination and subject focus, but in general, students should pack light while ensuring they have everything they need to stay safe, comfortable, and engaged.

• What to pack for a 1 day school trip?

  For a single-day school trip, packing should be minimal but well thought out.

  Students should bring a small backpack containing lunch, water, and snacks to stay energised. A lightweight waterproof jacket is useful in case of changing weather, and comfortable shoes are a must if the day involves walking or fieldwork.

  Students may also need a notebook and pencil for recording observations or completing worksheets, depending on the subject.

  Personal items such as sun cream, a hat, or a small amount of spending money may also be appropriate. The golden rule for a one-day trip: pack only what you’ll use and keep it light.

• What to pack for a 3 day school trip?

  For a three-day school trip, students will need to prepare for both daytime activities and overnight stays. Along with essentials like a small daypack, water bottle, and waterproof jacket, they should pack a change of clothes for each day, nightwear, and a spare warm layer for cooler evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and it’s wise to pack a second pair of lighter shoes for downtime. Toiletries, a towel, and personal hygiene items are necessary, along with a small first aid kit or any personal medication. Depending on the destination, students may also need swimwear, fieldwork equipment, or subject-specific resources. Finally, a notebook, pens, and a folder for worksheets will help keep academic tasks organised. The aim is to pack efficiently: enough for three days without overloading luggage.

• Do you need a passport for a school trip?

  Yes, if your school trip is taking place outside of the UK, every student will need a valid passport. This applies to all overseas destinations, whether within Europe or further afield. It’s important to check that the passport is valid for the full duration of the trip and, in some cases, for several months after returning, depending on the country’s entry requirements.

  If your trip is within the UK, a passport is not required. However, students may still need to bring some form of photo identification if requested by the school or for certain activities.

  At Rayburn Tours, we always advise teachers, parents, and students to double-check passport validity well in advance of departure to avoid last-minute complications.