Student Travel 101: Information You Need to Know

Travel is undoubtedly one of the most impactful pathways to open-mindedness, empathy and adopting a broader world view. This especially extends to students and youth, as travel can introduce them to experiences, concepts and viewpoints they've likely never encountered prior to hitting the road or taking to the skies.

In addition to the number of educational benefits and positive social and emotional outcomes, student travel is good for business, as well. According to results from the SYTA 2023 Student Travel Business Barometer, the U.S. youth group travel sector has not only recovered but also surpassed its 2019 volumes in 2023—a strong sign for the years ahead.

HOW FAR HAS STUDENT TRAVEL COME AND WHERE IS IT HEADED NEXT?
Based on input from 40 U.S. tour operators, the SYTA 2023 Student Travel Business Barometer offers valuable insight into how the market is faring post-pandemic, in addition to where it's likely headed in the years to come. Some key findings include the following:

• Operators reported reaching 138% of their 2019 volumes in 2023, with the majority of the trips conducted being new bookings, generating new revenue.

• The popularity of domestic travel may be waning, with operators forecasting a 45% increase in international travel compared to 2023. Expectations for domestic travel growth sit at a modest 1% increase.

• The average duration of domestic trips was 4.3 days, with the typical group size being comprised of 70 students.

• Price is still a factor for student groups, with travelers increasingly seeking accommodations in more remote and rural areas or shortening their trips by one to two days.

• A shift in booking behavior was noted, with a trend emerging of booking trips two to three months earlier than in previous years.

• Educational group trips emerged as the top choice for student groups (54% of travelers), while performing arts and music trips experienced a slower recovery (31% of travelers).

• Top U.S. destinations chosen for travel in 2023 included: Washington, DC (35%), followed by New York (19%) and Orlando (15%). Rounding out the top 10 are Nashville, Los Angeles, Chicago, Williamsburg, Boston, St. Louis and New Orleans.

• Top international destinations for 2023 included the return of well-loved favorites such as London, Paris and Rome. This trend is expected to continue into 2024, though interest in new budget-friendly destinations like Greece, Slovenia, Austria, and Iceland is emerging.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT STUDENT TRAVEL.
Knowing that the student and youth travel sector is growing, you may be contemplating dipping your toes in that realm. While the world of student travel is exciting, fulfilling and absolutely worthwhile, there are certainly some things you should know and be prepared to address.

SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT.
Ensure you've extensively researched the area you're traveling to, in addition to knowing where the nearest hospital, emergency facility or first-aid station is, at all points along your route. Be sure group leaders and chaperones have contact numbers for the rest of the group, along with any emergency numbers.

Be mindful of students with food allergies or sensitivities and dietary restrictions when planning meal options and obtain medical information and necessary medications for everyone in your group. Keep accessibility top of mind and be sure that students know how to ask for help in whatever language is most often spoken if traveling abroad.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING.
Encourage educators and group leaders to get the ball rolling as early as possible on trip planning. Work with the educator ahead of time to determine what the purpose of their trip is (educational, performance, etc.) and what they'd like the takeaways to be. Traveling in the "off season" could also mean smaller crowds, better availability at top attractions, lower ticket pricing, more customized experiences, etc. With cost being one of the most common barriers preventing students from being able to experience travel, planning early also allows more time for fundraising opportunities to take place.

PARENTS & CHAPERONES!
In addition to securing trip approval from the school board, educators are tasked with helping parents feel at ease about sending their child off in their care to a sometimes far away destination. Encourage educators to bring parents into the fold by including them in the process of planning from the very beginning—host meetings to share information and ask questions; over communicate; propose and discuss fundraising ideas; have a student or parent who has traveled on a similar trip in the past share their experience; address safety concerns and cell phone policies, etc.

It's also worth noting how challenging sourcing chaperones can be. Assist educators by working with them or the group leader to create materials outlining expectations from both parents and students. While educators who have traveled before may already know these items, remind those new-to-travel educators that an ideal chaperone:

• Should have all necessary clearances required by the school.
• Is someone who is reliable and trustworthy, in addition to having a good rapport with students.
• Might have travel experience, a medical background or be bilingual.
• Understands this trip is for the students and isn't a personal vacation.
• Agrees to the clear expectations set before them, including respecting trip rules (ex. no alcohol, meeting at the scheduled times and locations).

DEMONSTRATE YOUR COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE.
SYTA, in partnership with Center for Student Travel Safety (CSTS), offers individuals and organizations the opportunity to voluntarily demonstrate their commitment to overall safety and risk management practices as it relates to student and youth travel, thanks to the Certified Student Travel Organization (CSTO) and Certified Student Travel Professional (CSTP) certifications.

Those individuals and/or organizations who complete these certifications have met or exceeded the minimum of 25 safety standards established by SYTA and CSTS, and thereby exhibit their credibility to travelers. If you're looking for a way to build confidence with student groups and prove to educators that you're the right fit for their trips, CSTO and CSTP certifications are wise.

FOR MORE ...
Interested in learning more about what destinations are on the rise for student travel? See which locations—both in the U.S. and abroad—made the cut by checking out SYTA's 2024 Top Destinations.

DON'T FORGET!
No student trip is complete without a thrilling Broadway performance! As you're planning your next student travel adventure, consider snagging group tickets to see beloved classic Wicked, which is celebrating 20 years of defying gravity. This story of an unlikely friendship and their remarkable odyssey is one students will remember long after the curtain falls. See wickedthemusical.com for more!

Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for Groups Today.

This article originally appeared in the Jul/Aug '24 issue of Groups Today.