A worthy tour operator must:
- Provide a complete, comprehensive trip proposal quickly.
- Demonstrate knowledge of group destinations, venues, events and opportunities in its sample itineraries.
- Give truly inclusive trip costs in the trip proposal. No hidden or post-trip costs, period!
- Provide a comprehensive reference list.
- Supply a certificate of liability insurance upon request.
- Be prepared to discuss financial stability.
- Give a list of business partnerships.
- Offer a plan of consistent communication with the trip coordinator to make sure the group's needs are met.
- Be flexible and accommodating during the planning and execution process. Unforeseen changes happen and they must be dealt with, pleasantly and professionally.
- Furnish an experienced Tour Director from the trip’s point of departure to its return point. The Tour Director should be housed at the same hotel as the group, and she or he should never leave the group.
- Provide a complete travel itinerary booklet to each traveler.
- Make available an emergency communication plan to all travelers and their families back home.
- Provide an emergency contact person, 24 hours per day, 7 days a week while your group is traveling.
- Offer an easy and secure (preferably on-line) individual payment plan and mechanism, managed by the tour operator.
In addition to these requirements, employing a qualified travel company to help create and manage your trip is a great way to shift liabilities (and onerous tasks, like “collections”) from the school or boosters to a third party – the travel company.
Even if you decide not to travel with Educational Destinations, be sure to use our Travel Standards Checklist when searching for a travel provider so you and your group may have a safe and worry-free experience.
