Eyes That Travel

Evening activity for students: Dinner Theatre

2010-02-27T00:57:00.003-05:00

When planning an educational tour for student groups, it's often a challenge to find an evening activity that can appeal to both the students and their parents. Many student or educational tour operators suggest a sit-down dinner followed by some kind of show to fill up the evening. Or kill two birds with one stone and spend an evening at a dinner theatre ('theater' if you're American of course) like Toby's Dinner Theater in Baltimore and Columbia, Maryland USA. Some dinner theatres have a set show that runs indefinitely, while others like Toby's mix it up with different shows to keep people coming back.

Michelle Murphy from Toby's told me a little more about their offerings:

"Deliciously entertaining and convienantly located between Baltimore, Washington DC and Annapolis Toby's Dinner Theater's have been serving up delicious meals, live orchestra and broadway style musicals for almost 30 years. Two locations to better serve you - Baltimore and Columbia, MD. Free motorcoach parking, Driver and Escort Complimentary tickets and tour planning assistance."

Toby's Dinner and Show

Location: Baltimore MD, and Columbia MD USA

Tel: +1 866-998-6297

www.tobysdinnertheatre.com

Hotels for Student Groups - Overton Hotel

2010-01-19T20:37:00.006-05:00

Choosing a hotel for student groups is never easy, since there are often a number of things parents and teachers request or DEMAND from a hotel. Some of them are:

No room doors leading outside (like your typical motel)
Pay TV and Adult channels blocked
Coffee removed from the room
No mini-bar
Outgoing telephone calls blocked
rooms all in one area, or split boys/girls on different floors or different ends of the same hallway
Room-to-room calls blocked (in most cases can't be done)
Space to meet with group. Teachers are fine with the lobby. Hotel staff not so much.
A pool
No pool (safety concerns and to avoid the hassle of students asking to use it
A gym (for teachers and parents to use)
No gym (so the students don't use it and get hurt)

It's nice to know many hotels are taking these steps and seek out the business of student and school groups. Many hotels don't want groups of young people because of these extra concerns and requirements.

Josh Henegar at the Overton Hotel in Lubbock Texas sent me this announcement to pass along to teachers and educational tour planners:

Lubbock’s new conference center and full-service hotel is now open! They call Lubbock the Hub City with good reason: It’s the center of a five-state region where everything comes together. Soon Lubbock will be the area’s hub for meetings, events, conferences and conventions, at the new Overton Hotel and Conference Center. Lubbock is rich with agricultural, music and military history. International tours are beginning to book fast, so be sure to check out more about your group's trip to the South Plains of Lubbock at www.visitlubbock.org.

Overton Hotel and Conference Centre

Location: Lubbock, Texas USA

Tel: (806)776-7000

www.overtonhotel.com

Hostels for Student Groups

2009-10-17T00:49:00.004-04:00

Hostels have changed a great deal in the last couple of decades. What was once an accommodation choice reserved for backpackers on the tightest of budgets, has now become a popular option for travelers of all kinds on a budget. School and student groups are using hostels with greater frequency as the years go by. I should know - I've worked at a few hostels, and for educational travel companies that made use of hostels for some groups.

Hotels are nice, but for student groups, hostels provide some distinct advantages:

Often no television in the rooms (students won't be tempted to stay up all night watching)
Common room where students can gather (hotels usually only have the lobby which can be disruptive)
Kitchen where students can keep food and drink or prepare snacks/meals on their own (a nice group activity)
Student-friendly atmosphere
The chance to meet and interact with travelers from other countries (something nearly impossible in a hotel)
Central location (compared to the inexpensive hotels used by tour companies usually located on the outskirts of the city)

So, if you're interested in using a hostel for your next group, consider contacting the people at Hostelbookers (www.hostelbookers.com). Cal Cromie from Hostelbookers sent me this info to pass on to my readers:

Hostelbookers.com offer budget accommodation ranging from hostels to 3 star hotels in 2700 destinations throughout the world. With over 13,000 propertie sto choose from we are able to offer you net rates and a range of properties to match your group requirements. We aim to get back to you within 4 hours on any enquiry and can send you a direct link to our multi-lingual Groups dept. For further information about our properties please log on to our website www.hostelbookers.com. or contact Carl Cromie on 020 7440 4903

Hostelbookers

Location: Worldwide, London England

Tel: 020 7440 4903

www.hostelbookers.com

Student Travel to India

2009-08-25T20:26:00.005-04:00

India is a hot destination now (pun intended) and when preparing a trip to a foreign land you've never been to, you really should go with a trusted local expert. Mini V. Jain contacted me from PrimeTravelS.com with this info to pass along to you:

"We are an India-based company with presence in US and UK. We specialise in customized tour packages for India and have cultural tours, educational tours for school and college students, adventure tours, Yoga tours or other common interest tours as per clients requirements.

We have been in business since 1992 and have most of the well established Tour Operators and Academic Institutes in Europe and US buying India Tour requirements from us.

Visit our website to know more about us."

PrimeTravelS

Location: New Delhi, India

Tel: +91.11.4670 0000

www.primetravels.com

Homestays and ESL in England

2009-08-08T18:34:00.004-04:00

At first I wasn't sure whether to write about homestays and ESL education here because it didn't fit my definition of "Educational Travel" or "Student Tours", but changed my mind. "Educational Travel" can have a broader meaning than I apply to it (students traveling with teachers), and I've always been a fan of homestay programs for the cultural exchange value. I used to teach ESL in Japan too. So, here is the profile for a homestay program in England worth checking out. Lorna Allen from Live and Learn Homestays Ltd sent me the following info. I wonder if they could handle a group of teenagers?

"We provide the ideal solution for people who want to improve their English quickly! Live and learn English in your private tutor's home.

Stay in the beautiful Heart of England and enjoy a 1:1 English course and cultural visits with your tutor.

We can arrange English courses and activities for groups, individuals, adults, children, beginners and advanced learners. Specialised business English and exam preparation courses are also available.

Contact us today and we'll help you to succeed in English."

Live and Learn Homestays Ltd

Location: Birmingham, England

tel: 7706975227

www.homestay-online.com

Sustainable Tourism Ireland - Dublin Eco Tour

2009-07-29T11:21:00.004-04:00

Until now I didn't think it was possible to get much greener than Ireland, the "Emerald Isle", but now that Sustainable Tourism Ireland has introduced an eco tour, I'm positive. You can't get greener.

Barbara Tomasella informed me of the company's new program catering to students with a mix of educational and environmental aspects:

"Sustainable Tourism Ireland is happy to announce the official launch of the first Dublin Eco Tour. It is a tour of the city mixed with educational activities, particularly designed for young students on their first visit to Dublin. We have two types of modules available to students, both include an eco-tour of Dublin stopping at many points of interest."

Sustainable Tourism Ireland

Location: Dublin, Ireland

Tel: 00353 87 1210463

www.sustourism.ie

Ecotourism in the Philipines - Ecoconut Tours

2009-07-28T00:23:00.006-04:00

Matthias Bohné from Ecoconut Tours Inc in the Philipines sent me a ton of info about their programs. It would make one heck of a trip for a student group, and can count as another experience in another country I'd like to visit. So many countries to explore, so little time in a lifetime... Here is what Matthias sent me in its entirety:

Our Tour Operator, Ecoconut Tours Inc. is (www.ecoconut.net), based in Cebu, right in the centre of the Philippines, and devoted to developing ecotourism and responsible tourism in close cooperation with the local communities and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines.

You are very probably keen to develop social tourism.

Our Ecoconut agency and our organized trips start from Mactan Island in Cebu, more precisely from Lapu Lapu City. It is on the island of Mactan that the international airport of Cebu is conveniently located. The Ecoconut tours enable you to discover the island of Olango and its multiple facets, through various adventures and activities

The island of Olango and its 6 small satellite islands constitute an exceptional site, with 920 hectares of natural park having an importance of international recognition since 1992 (Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary) and 2 marine sanctuaries preserved and protected since the beginning of 2000 (Hilutungan Sanctuary Marine and Talima Sanctuary Marine).

Our tour circuits make it possible for our visitors to discover a preserved tropical island by setting out for the exploration of the “Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary”. Here it is possible to observe migratory birds at a site of exceptional beauty (in the presence of a guide), participating in activities such as swimming and snorkeling in the protected Marine zones. There is also a direct contact with the local culture thanks to the permanent contact which we have established with the local community (tasting of regional foods, possibility of staying one night in a local family, etc). These activities are proposals implemented within the framework of the Ecoconut Tours in which improvisation always has its place. The circuits are always flexible depending on your choices and decisions of the moment, in the middle of an authentic Filipino culture. We propose 4 types of Tours, for all budgets, depending of your tastes and availability:

Eco-Tour of Olango Island: Adventures & Discovery from one small island to another; All included (Total time: Approximately 9 hours);
Express Eco-Tour of Olango Island (Total time: Approximately 5 hours);
From one small island to another; Snorkeling (Total time: Approximately 4 to 6 hours);
Two-day Eco-Tour of Olango Island: Full adventure and discovery from one small island to another (2 days and 1 night). Various kinds of activities.

The Ecoconut Tours enable you to discover the island of Olango and its multiple facets, through exploration and many activities, such as:

• From one Island to another: You will board an Ecoconut boat for a water tour of the various small islands which comprise the island of Olango, such as Pangan-year, Coahagan, Sulpa, Camungi, Hilutungan, Nalusuan… This maritime exploration also constitutes a unique opportunity to discover the marine sanctuaries, protected marine zone (Marine Protected Area), where the marine fauna and flora are completely preserved.

• Snorkeling and Fish feeding in the Marine Sanctuaries of Olango Island: There is also a protected marine sanctuary on the small island of Hilutungan (the Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary), which is among the most known in the Philippines. Since 2000 and world recognition of the importance of preservation and protection of these submarine tropical paradises around the island of Olango, other marine zones have become protected like the marine sanctuary of Talima. During various excursions, you will be able to go swimming, while you feed tropical fish or do snorkeling (mask and tuba) in these marine sanctuaries observing closely the incredible richness of their fauna and flora.

• Discovery of OIWS and migratory birds observation: The island of Olango is a fragile and unique ecosystem. In recognition of its exceptional character, 920 ha were declared “Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary” (OIWS) by an agreement signed by the President Corazon Aquino on May 14, 1992. This area is geologically mainly made up of limestone sands scattered with shells and some soil supporting mangrove trees. On November 8, 1994, the OIWS was designated the first “Ramsar” site in the Philippines, which is to say the first wetland of international importance, particularly as a protected zone for migratory birds. Indeed, due to its geographical position, the island of Olango is right along the migratory path connecting the northern hemisphere (China) to the southern hemisphere (Australia). One can count 97 species of birds on OIWS including some species on the verge of extinction such as the Chinese egret (Egretta eulophotes). The Ecoconut tours will thus enable you to penetrate this exceptional territory accompanied by a scientific guide.

• The « Coconut Village » of Olango Island: Coconut Village means the site of artisanal production of coconut alcohol, called “Tuba”. Its name is a traditional drink in the Philippines. The site, managed by a group of local workmen, ensures an essential source of revenue. Nevertheless it is today threatened by international competition leading to the closing of the local commercial activities. Ecoconut Tours Inc. decided to help safeguard this local tradition. Thus a visit to “Coconut Village” will give you the chance to discover the local method of coconut harvest, seeing the production process of the coconut alcohol, talking to the local workers, but especially tasting the coconut alcohol or quite simply the fresh coconut juice, called Buko juice.

• A tropical shell shop: A cottage is managed by a local organization of women who produce artisanal objects like collars, bracelets, earrings, but also lanterns or glasses, all made from tropical shells. These artisanal objects are then exported and sold internationally. This organization gives the local artisans an additional income to provide for the needs of their family. You will observe the work of these artisans, talk with them, and have a chance of making your own tropical shell accessories.

• The discovery of local fishing techniques: Fishing constitutes the primary and fundamental source of revenue for the population living on Olango Island. It is an activity impossible to miss on this island and, in a more general way, in the Philippines. We highly recommend that you take the opportunity to discover the techniques of local fishing through demonstrations and discussions with local fishermen.

• A night with a Filipino family in a traditional house made of bamboo: Depending on your choice of housing on Olango Island, whether you decide to spend the night wherever you are, you will have the possibility of dining and having a night with a Filipino family, in one of their traditional and comfortable cottage, made of bamboo. This experience will allow you to become friends with the family you are with. This will be a memorable time of a special evening sharing Filipino culture in an authentic way.

1. Our values.

To have the private sector, on the one hand, play an active role of economic and social development, and, on the other hand, to preserve the environment, by promoting responsible ecotourism.
To use social and responsible tourism as a source of local development.
To work in close cooperation with the local communities and the Department of the Natural resources of Philippines.
To allow tourists to be actors in a local development process.

2. Our objectives.

To sensitize our visitors to the environment and to the local culture. - To create an awareness in the local community of the stakes of their living environment.
To allow our visitors to have an unforgettable experiment through the discovery of a tropical island preserved by the “Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary” and the Protected Marine zones, and to establish an authentic exchange with the local community.

For more information, visit us at www.ecoconut.net

Yours sincerely,

Matthias Bohné

Operations Manager

www.ecoconut.net

www.ecoconut.fr

ecoconutours@ yahoo.com

matthiasbo@ hotmail.com

Flying to India - Kingfisher Airlines

2009-07-10T00:37:00.006-04:00

We can add another airline to the list of companies eager to take student groups abroad. Kingfisher Airlines is one of the major carriers to India - a country experiencing large growth in tourism, and a prime destination for student volunteer trips.

Joe Garcia, a rep for the airline in San Francisco (one of my favourite American cities by the way) sent me this:

Kingfisher Airlines is the number one and preferred carrier in India. We are the only Five Star Airline in India and have the largest India route network offering competitive fares to all our guests. Educational groups looking for an airline carrier that will provide them with seamless connections and quality travel services throughout India, need to only consider Kingfisher Airlines.

Kingfisher Airlines
Location: India (and worldwide)
tel: 415-692-1490 Ext 109 (San Francisco office)
www.flykingfisher.com

Sustainable Tourism in Bhutan - Bridge to Bhutan

2009-07-08T01:17:00.006-04:00

USA? Been there. Europe? Seen it. Japan? Hai! New Zealand? Yes to that one too. Bhutan? Uh... no. But after checking out this website - www.bridgetobhutan.bt - I think I'll be adding it to my list of countries to visit. Wow.

Sandwiched by India and China and ringed with the Himalayas, Bhutan is called "Druk Yul" by the Bhutanese which means "Land of the Thunder Dragon". That's 100% awesome. This from Wikipedia on Bhutan:

Bhutan used to be one of the most isolated nations in the world, but developments including direct international flights, the Internet, mobile phone networks, and cable television have increasingly modernized the urban areas of the country. Bhutan has balanced modernization with its ancient culture and traditions under the guiding philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH). Rampant destruction of the environment has been avoided. The government takes great measures to preserve the nation's traditional culture, identity and the environment. In 2006, Business Week magazine rated Bhutan the happiest country in Asia and the eighth-happiest in the world, citing a global survey conducted by the University of Leicester in 2006 called the "World Map of Happiness".

Who wouldn't want to visit a country that measures Gross National Happiness?

Bridge to Bhutan is a member of several sustainable and ecotourism associations and can handle student groups looking for unique adventure in a country most no nothing about! Fin Novu from Bridge to Bhutan sent me this to pass along to my readers:

Bridge to Bhutan is a pioneer in promoting sustainable tourism in Bhutan. The Founders, shared professional background and combined passion in, the environment, the youth and all things sustainable, led to the founding of Bridge To Bhutan. One specialty of ours is student travel. All trips to Bhutan are all-inclusive and guided trip. We want to be the bridge in connecting people, nature, and spirits. We are enthusiastic and excited to be able to share our country and allow young folks to see the world from a whole new perspective. Re-discover yourself!

Bridge to Bhutan
Location: Thimphu, Bhutan
Tel: 9752331766
www.bridgetobhutan.bt

Culinary Travel

2009-06-11T23:20:00.004-04:00

The area known as "culinary travel" is growing in popularity. Combining travel with lessons in cooking local dishes is a great way to gain a better understanding of the culture. I think food is just as important to a culture as rituals, customs, and religion - and in some ways more so, since it is often woven into all three. When traveling with students on an educational tour overseas, one of the primary objectives is (or should be) gaining a better understanding of the culture. When I lived in Japan, a large part of my "initiation" into the Japanese community was eating all the things Japanese people think westerners don't eat. Raw cod testes, raw angler fish liver, fermented soy beans, raw horse, raw sea urchin... the nightmares, the nightmares...

I love food. I even love Japanese food now (the more straight forward sushi, seafood, and noodle dishes though) but I'm not going to lie to you - I am more of a fan of eating than cooking. I suppose I just have not discovered the joy of cooking - the kind you see on the cooking TV shows and in the magazine ads from the 50s with smiling housewives holding out a steaming pan of meatloaf.

Personally I blame my kitchen (its small and far from ideal from a functional standpoint), but maybe I just have not been taught how to cook food I love. I love Polish food. I'm from a Ukranian background and although Poles and Ukes have not seen eye-to-eye on things in the past, their cuisine is quite similar. Perogies, borsht, keilbossa, cabbage rolls...yum!

There is a whole word of culinary travel, but you might want to consider starting your research here with Poland Culinary Vacations. How was that for a segway? Sarna Rose, company president, writes:

"Our vacations offer culturally rich, casually elegant, and truly unique Polish experience. We offer hands-on and demonstration-style cooking lessons. Itineraries include trips to local markets, farms, festivals, and visits with Polish bakers, farmers, and shop owners. In between, view art, architecture, and even sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List with a local, English-speaking guide. Our trips are different in that that we combine sightseeing adventures with hands-on, demonstration-style cooking classes taught by local village women in their private homes. We spend the majority of the vacation in the beautiful Polish countryside for an in-depth regional experience."

Poland Culinary Vacations Inc.

Location: Bozeman MT, USA

Tel: (406) 579-6435

www.polandculinaryvacations.com

Traveling Indochina

2009-06-08T00:55:00.009-04:00

Here's another idea for a trip "off the beaten educational tour path": Indochina (Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam). I've not been to any country in Southeast Asia... yet! However, many of my friends have been and they tell me it is an incredible destination. Vietnam ranks as many of their favourite places they've ever visited with amazing historical, cultural and adventure experiences.

For any travel outside your own country, I always recommend working with an expert or specialist. With the internet acting as a great leveler, there are many home-based travel agencies and companies that boast they can "do it all". Me, I'd go with an expert who has chosen a particular region or specialty type of travel (like educational tours for students).

Here's a company called Travel Indochina, based in California that (surprise surprise) focuses on one region and tours for small groups (15 or less). Perfect for a small group of students and a teacher chaperone or two!

David Rothschild from Travel Indochina writes:

Travel Indochina has been operating tours in Asia since 1993. Our idea is simple – we want our travelers to have a total experience of Asia – the cuisine, the natural beauty, the history, culture and people. Our philosophy is that travel should be an exchange of knowledge and culture.

We have a total of six offices across our 7 destinations, more than any other operator in the region giving our travelers a greater sense of safety and security
We are an Asia specialist operator and do not water down our enthusiasm or knowledge by juggling a worldwide program.

Our tours include Expert Western leaders & local tour guides guaranteeing that our travelers experience the best of both worlds.

We have agenuine commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism exhibited by our support for projects throughout the region including our Footprints of Indochina volunteerism journey

Travel Indochina

Location: El Segundo, CA

Tel: (310) 414-2205

www.travelindochina.com

Student Tours to Belize

2009-05-27T22:59:00.006-04:00

Travel to Central America can be fascinating and rewarding. When most people think of traveling to Central America, Costa Rica might spring to mind, but it is certainly not the only place in the region for travel, though it may be the most popular with tourists. Much can be learned and experienced, and money can be saved by looking to the countries that have not yet realized the full value of tourism or have been "discovered" by most travel agents and travelers. Belize is one such country. With travel to Belize being somewhat "off the beaten tourist path" it's wise to consult with experts for where to go and what to do. Recently the Belize government has made tourism an economic priority second only to agriculture. Belize considers itself part of both Central America and the Carribean, with a great deal of biological diversity, safe waters, ecotourism, and Mayan ruins!

Katie Valk from Belize Trips claims: "We are Belize-based travel specialists for natural history, Mayan sites, caves with artifacts, flora/fauna, cultures, marine and reef biology, botanic gardens, butterfly farms, rainforest medicine and more."

Belize Trips

Location: Belize City, Belize

tel: 561 210 7015

www.belize-trips.com

Adventure Engine - Online Trip Booking

2009-05-23T23:21:00.005-04:00

The internet has changed the way we book travel. The vast majority of tour companies and travel providers make use of online booking systems. Many use the internet to advertise and promote their brand as well. If you are a tour company and want to improve your online presence, contact me.

Here is a Canadian company that serves as both an online warehouse for tour operators to list their products power their online sales and a listing of such operators for teachers and clients to search. Cool!

Adventure Engine

Location: Rossland BC, Canada

Tel: 1-800 993-6648

www.adventureengine.com

BLOG: http://blog.adventureengine.com/

They invite tour operators to add their services and clients to search their listing of trips and tours. If you're looking for an experience for your students, check them out.

Disabled Accessible Travel - Students in Wheelchairs

2009-05-16T12:46:00.005-04:00

Having been a tour guide for quite some time, I have had groups that included students with differing levels of mobility and sensory acuity. Each disability poses its own unique set of challenges to the student who has it (obviously), but also the group and tour guide as well. Walking tour routes might have to be modified to accommodate students in wheelchairs. In historical districts or attractions, with cobblestone roads and no modifications for accessibility allowed (in order to preserve the original look and feel), this can sometimes mean missing entire sections of the tour, and perhaps some activities. Bus loading and unloading times can be longer if a wheelchair has to be loaded and unloaded by lift. The challenges can be many and are often unforseen.

Tour companies plan educational tours based on the assumption that all students and chaperones are able to walk a reasonable distance. On a few tours I've had people show up on the day of the trip that were on crutches from a leg injury, very pregnant, or too obese to walk very far at all unassisted. It's a grey line between accommodating such people and giving the rest the fullest possible experience. As a guide you want everyone to have the same great experience, and it can be frustrating when a disability (something you have no control over) throws a monkey wrench into your itinerary (something you can control).

For students that require additional care or have special needs, their parents might opt not to send them on a school trip thinking that the extra time and consideration when planning and executing the trip just to accommodate their child is not warrented. My recommendation is for parents of disabled students to talk to the teacher planning the trip and the for both to talk to the tour company about what accommodations can be made, and how to best meet the needs of everyone on the trip. Tour companies want as many children to enjoy educational travel as possible, and sitting out should be the last option considered.

One company, located in Barcelona, caters exclusively to tour and travel experiences for people with disabilities. Alan Broadbent from Disabled Accessible Travel sent me this info about his company:

We offer something unique, a Global service in walking tours (and often much more for people over 18, such as sky diving, hot air ballooning)for the disabled. Our team is led by former educators, who are disabled, with experience of teaching from junior to post graduate university level so educational tour groups enjoy high levels of understanding of their needs.

Disabled Accessible Travel

Location: Barcelona, Spain

tel: +34 605918769

www.disabledaccessibletravel.com

Other companies that specialize in tours and travel for people with disabilities are welcome to contact me to have themselves featured in an upcoming post.

Small Tour Companies - JRP Educational Travel Inc

2009-05-11T22:55:00.008-04:00

Educational travel is big business, but working with a big company to plan your class trip isn't necessarily the best choice. It really all depends on what you want from your tour company. With larger companies you often get a lower price (but not always) because they deal with higher volumes when it comes to booking hotel rooms and buses. You often deal with more people over the course of planning your trip, since there are more staff at the company involved in putting your trip together. With the larger tour companies, you might end up speaking to a sales rep, their sales assistant, an operations person, and customer service department if they have one.

That said, there are many smaller tour operators worth looking into. Here is an example of one from Oakville Ontario (near Toronto) called JRP Educational Travel Inc. Owner J.R. Portoraro tells me they hande "English courses, summer camps, high school, boarding school, ballet school, cultural trips, tours, excursions, and graduation trips."

JRP Educational Travel

Location: Oakville, ON Canada

Tel: (905) 849-4355

www.princeofwales.ca

In any case, it helps if you decide what it is that you want most from a tour company. The default answer is lowest price, but I've found that when it comes to planning a school trip year after year, finding a tour company you can build a comfortable relationship with (whether it's with a trusted rep, or team of professionals) makes life a heck of a lot easier, and is well worth the little extra you might pay.

Supplier Profiling and LinkedIn

2009-05-04T15:46:00.004-04:00

Like many in the travel industry, I am part of a few groups on the business social networking site LinkedIn. I posted on a couple of industry groups there a week (or so) ago that I was looking for suppliers to profile on this blog. It was the second time I had made such a posting on LinkedIn, and received about 3x the number of responses as the first, and all within about 48 hours of posting. I have just started to resume posting, and will aim for one post every day or two to get caught up.

If you are one of the few dozen who completed a supplier profile, please be patient. I have a lot of work ahead of me, and I don't want to do more than one post a day, so everyone gets a decent amount of exposure on the site.

If you would like to be featured in an upcoming post, simply complete this online form.

I am doing this for free (and for fun), but I would appreciate it if the suppliers I profile would tell others about my blog. If you would like to connect, my LinkedIn profile is here:

http://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonkucherawy

Jason Kucherawy

Tour Guys - Toronto and Vancouver Student Tours

2009-04-27T02:31:00.008-04:00

Okay, this is another shameless plug - the last one was about Voluntraveler. I've started a side project with a good friend and fellow travel expert, Steve Woodall, in Vancouver. Together we are offering free walking tours of Toronto and Vancouver. "Free?" you ask? Yes, the tours are free, but we ask for a tip based on what you think the tour was worth to you.

We are also available for hire by school groups and individuals who want a private tour. We can also do trips from Toronto or Vancouver to any city in Canada and the USA. Steve and I are very well traveled and are familiar with all of the most popular destinations. For information on what we offer, our free tour schedule, and the rates to hire us on an hourly or daily basis, check out our website: www.tourguys.ca

You can also find us on facebook and become a fan!

Oh, and the tours start on May 1st!

ROM Free Teacher Night - Fail!

2009-04-20T20:22:00.008-04:00

As someone who usually gets paid to visit museums (while leading tour groups albeit) I have a hard time forking over $22 admission to get into the newly rennovated Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto, so my sweetheart and I waited until tonight to visit. She's a teacher and the ROM opened its doors from 6:30pm - 8:00pm tonight for educators and their families.

We had this date marked on our calendar for weeks, and were looking forward to the opportunity to learn about the ROM's educational programs - her for a potential class trip, and me for something to wite about here - and see inside the new crystal-like facade that has been both hailed as an artistic masterpiece and an extravagant eyesore.

So, despite the rainy weather and our low energy levels, we made off for the museum...

Upon arrival, entered through the new crystal lobby, checked our jackets and umbrella and went into the entrance atrium where there was self-serve coffee and cookies. We waited around for a little while sipping and snacking, thinking that the ROM would have organized a presentation or intro talk to sell teachers on their educational programs and lead us through to see the museum highlights. Instead, there were three rooms open (Earths Treasures, Chinese Temple Art, and Ancient Egypt) and a handful of museum educators and security to inform guests. The closest they had to a presentation was an info table with the kindly head of ROM Education explaining that the educational programs involve hands-on activities. Great. Now show us! There is a saying we have in improv: "Don't say, show!" Showing something is so much better than talking about something, and here the ROM had a chance to really delight and impress teachers but chose not to. Instead, they let us wander around three rooms that I don't think were really highlights of the museum - at least not for children. Too much pottery and rocks - not enough dinosaurs! I think they were really relying on the fact that it's the only museum of its kind in Ontario, it's one of the biggest museums in Canada and they have no trouble booking visits from school groups simply because of that. However, as a tour guide and great fan of museums of all kinds, I was really disappointed in this free teacher night.

I'll be contacting the ROM directly about this, with some suggestions to improve their event for next year - starting with the date. Shouldn't they be hosting this sort of thing earlier in the school year when teachers are planning their field trips instead of at the end of the year when teachers are planning their summer vacations?

Passport Tours - Costa Rica

2009-04-14T21:50:00.005-04:00

Costa Rica is a hot destination for school groups for several reasons. For a Central American country it is remarkably safe and their economy is stable. Tourism is BIG business there, so English is commonly spoken and travelers are welcome and accommodated. The biodiversity is incredible, which makes Costa Rica a popular place for science classes to visit. There are many NGOs (Non-government Organizations) operating in Costa Rica on development projects and volunteer tourism is on the rise.

Susan Godfrey from Passport Tours sent in this bit of info on their programs:

Description: Passport Costa Rica Tours provides educational and cultural tours to Central America for teachers, students, professors and others in the field of education at both the high school and college levels.

Passport Costa Rica Tours specializes in Costa Rica and Central America. It’s the only destination we do. We are the experts in this region and this allows us to plan unique and adventurous customized trips for all of our student groups and extend special benefits to our teachers.

Location (office): Mount Laurel, NJ USA
tel: (856) 222-9880
www.passportcostarica.com

Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier

2009-03-24T17:03:00.006-04:00

In the summer of 2007, I drove with my sweetheart from Toronto to Chicago. From downtown Chicago we began our trip along the length of the famous then Route 66 to Los Angeles. Route 66 officially ends at Santa Monica Pier on the Pacific Ocean. We had a really nice evening on the pier, strolling the wooden walkway, taking in the sights and sounds of the ocean at sunset and the bustling activity of the pier's attractions. For any trip to LA, I would recommend spending some time here.

Susan Smith from Pacific Park, the amusement park on the pier sent me some info on their attractions:

Description: More than just another day at the beach, join us at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier and add some fun to your sun! The West Coast's premier family amusement park located on the Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park gives you 12 exciting rides, including the ALL NEW Pacific Wheel – the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, plus 21 fun-filled midway games, a food court with a view and nonstop fun – all at LA’s only over-the-ocean family amusement park.

Location: Santa Monica, California
www.PacPark.com
tel: (310) 260-8744

With educational trips and student tours it's important to balance the education with some thigns that are just plain fun. Play is a kind of learning, and is key for social skills development. It's also a nice break from museums and tours of historic sites.

Chez Cora's Breakfast and Lunch

2009-03-11T17:50:00.005-04:00

Food is incredibly important on a student tour or school trip. It's never the first consideration when planning a trip, but I've found that that if the group has bad expereinces around their meals, the whole perception of trip quality suffers. As human beings, we have an incredibly refined sense of taste. That, combined with our powerful cultural trappings concerning food (taboos, preparation and eating rituals, food symbolism) have turned food into something much more than just fuel for our bodies. What we eat should be enjoyable, and delight not only the tastebuds, but also the eyes.

Which brings me to talk about one of my absolute favourite places to eat breakfast or brunch...

I was first introduced to Chez Cora's in Montreal, and nearly (NEARLY!) squealed with delight when I saw one open in my home city of Toronto. Now there are more than 100 locations in Canada. The food is amazing both in freshness, flavour and presentation. I've eaten there alone, with friends, and while on tour with students. Every meal has been a sheer delight.

Dave Bagley from Cora's in downtown Toronto says they "offer a set group menu with 5-6 options" and invites tour operators to email him (corabreakfastlunch at bellnet dot ca) for more information. With groups, limiting the choice to a few selections for students means they can have everyone in and out quickly with full tummies and smiles on their faces.

Location: Across the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, Canada

www.chezcora.com

tel: (416) 598-2672

Howard Johnson Hotel Toronto-Markham

2009-03-09T18:31:00.006-04:00

Hotels are funny things. Sleeping in rented rooms is funny to me. Like many people I do it all the time, but when you really stop to think about it - how we turn an unfamiliar room into a sanctuary of privacy so quickly and rest so peacefully - it strikes me as strange. But I digress...

When it comes to educational travel, price is often the biggest point of contention, and I can recall times when a matter of a $10 difference between my price and a competitor made all the difference. Hotels are one of the biggest costs on a trip and where tour companies create value. Since students are usually housed 4 to a room, and the hotels give tour companies prices nearly impossible to get on your own (unless you start booking rooms 15 at a time), the tour companies are able to build profit into the cost of the trip without the client really noticing. It's a win-win for everyone, which I love. Groups get value, hotels fill rooms, and tour companies make some money.

A lot of groups want to stay downtown, but the prices in a city centre are higher than outside the city. When you have a bus, a 20 min drive into town isn't that big of a deal.

Swimming pools, saunas, spas and other hotel features really don't matter to school groups. Clean, comfortable rooms, friendly staff that will treat students like any other paying guest, and a great price are what tour companies seek from hotels. Having a continental breakfast included with the room rate is also a deal-maker or breaker since it can save students the cost of eating breakfast at a restaurant and the time it takes getting 50 students seated and served. Are you listening hotel managers?

I've enjoyed many nights at Howard Johnson hotels. Paul Moran from the Howard Johnson Hotel Toronto-Markham (northeast part of the Greater Toronto Area) was kind enough to send me the following info on his hotel:

Description: Enjoy great value in Northeast Toronto, 20 minutes to Canada's Wonderland and 25 minutes to Downtown Toronto. 172 well appointed guest rooms, banquet and catering facilities for up to 100, large indoor pool, all-day restaurant & lounge, free Internet access, Business Centre, coin laundry. 10 minutes to 3 major shopping malls, several group-friendly restaurants close by

Location: Markham, Ontario (north GTA)
www.hojomarkham.com
tel: (905) 479-5000

For another Howard Johnson type of experience all together, check this out.

If you are a supplier of services, like a tour operator, hotel, restaurant or attraction and want to be featured in a future post, just complete this simple form.

Travel Gate Sweden

2009-03-08T20:54:00.004-04:00

Sweden is a country I have not yet been to. I've always thought the Scandanavian countries were someplace I would get to someday. I've heard nothing but good things about that part of the world, and now that I've made friends there, I'm even more keen to visit. Britt-Marie Andrén from Travel Gate Sweden, an inbound travel and tour operator, sent me the following info on their services and specialization with student and school groups:

Description: We work with booking school trips to various destinations in Sweden (e.g Gothenburg), where we have ready made package deals for classes. These packages include accommodation, activities, meals and free transport within the city. Students of all ages are welcome and the prices are based per person.

We also offer technical visits to different institutions and companies in South Sweden, Stockholm and Gothenburg (Göteborg).

Location: Lerberget, Sweden

ww.travelgatesweden.se/school-tours

tel: +46 42 707586539

Japan Airlines - Group Rates

2009-03-04T18:53:00.005-05:00

I love Japan. I love Japanese things. Japan Airlines is Japanese, and therefore I love it by default, despite having only flown once with them in 2001 when I made my way from Tokyo to Misawa. I think much of the world (and certainly most of North America) could learn a lot from the Japanese when it comes to customer service and courtesy. It's first rate.

Debra Hindley from JAL's Chicago office sent me the following on the airline and hinted at their group rates and fares for student travel:

Description: Special fares and incentives for students. Excellent service between the USA and Japan or Asia. Meet on departure ex the USA and meet on arrival when group returns to the USA. Choice of Japanese or Western Cuisine.

Location: Woldwide.

www.jal.com

tel 773-601-7520 (Chicago IL office)

Wild at Heart - Youth Adventures

2009-03-03T00:39:00.005-05:00

Volunteer travel is big news and big business. Most of the companies that offer volunteer experiences (like my own company Voluntraveler) deal with community projects and people. Wild at Heart gives you the rare opportunity to work with African animals! It's locally owned and caters to student groups. Billy Fourie of Wild at Heart sent me the following info:

Description: We offer a "voluntour" where students will travel around Southern Africa, visiting South Africa, Botswana & Zambia. Working with Cheetah, Africn Wild Dog, elephant and community upliftment programs in the Okavango & Victoria Falls areas. With lots of adventure and 'giving back' to the areas you visit.

Location: Durban, South Africa

www.wah.co.za

tel: + 27 566 5264