Planning a trip for your music students is no small feat, and finding the right travel company can help make all the difference. The right partner will ensure the creation of a smooth, memorable experience that your students will cherish long after the trip concludes. Look for these factors in a travel company to ensure your trip is a success.
EXPERIENCE
When it comes to student travel, experience really counts. You want a company with years—preferably decades—of experience under their belt. Look for a team that has been around long enough to know the ins and outs of organizing trips for music groups. Even better if their staff have taken the time and resources to earn certifications like the CSTP (Certified Student Travel Professional), which underscores their commitment to excellence. An experienced team will take the guesswork out of planning and ensure everything goes off without a hitch.
COMMUNICATION
Good communication is key to a stress-free trip. The best travel companies will be with you from start to finish, keeping you in the loop every step of the way. Look to see if they will have a small, dedicated team handling your trip, so you’ll always know exactly who your go-to people are the entire way.
Frequent updates and personalized communication are a must and having a 24/7 support line during your trip can be a lifesaver if anything unexpected comes up. Knowing you can reach out at any time gives you peace of mind.
CUSTOMIZATION
No two music groups are the same, and your trip shouldn’t be either. A good travel company will work with you to create an itinerary that fits your group’s specific unique needs and interests. Whether your students are gearing up for performances, looking for music clinics or workshops, or simply want a mix of fun and education, the company should be able to tailor the trip to suit your goals. ETI has built long-term relationships with clients and strong connections within the student travel community (such as Disney Imagination Campus, Universal Destination & Experiences, Broadway and more), allowing them to offer exclusive destinations and top-notch services worldwide.
CREDIBILITY
Credibility matters when it comes to choosing a travel company. You want a partner that’s recognized in the industry for their reliability and professionalism. Look for companies that are members of respected organizations like the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and the Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA). These memberships are a good sign that the company meets high standards for experience, safety, and financial stability, giving you confidence that your students are in good hands.
Additionally, it’s useful to hear from those who’ve experienced their services firsthand. For example, one of the many educators who’ve traveled with ETI shared:
“It’s difficult to find words to describe my respect for ETI. It’s quite obvious throughout the entire trip process (planning, billing, tour guide, etc.), that getting my economically disadvantaged students to a great location and doing super things at the best possible price is ETI’s top priority. In 26 years of teaching, I’ve never seen or heard of a company that comes close—no exaggeration. They care that much and are that good.”
This level of feedback highlights a company’s exceptional commitment to their clients and reinforces their credibility in the field.
SAFETY
Safety is always a top priority when planning a trip for your students. Look for travel companies that have earned certifications like the Certified Student Travel Organization (CSTO) from the Center for Student Travel Safety, an affiliate of SYTA. This certification is awarded to companies that meet or exceed at minimum 25 different rigorous safety standards, covering everything from risk management to emergency preparedness.
These standards are based on SYTA’s Code of Ethics and are reviewed by industry experts to ensure they reflect the best practices in student travel. Choosing a company with this certification means you’re working with a partner who values safety as much as you do. It’s an extra layer of reassurance that your students are traveling with a company that’s committed to their well-being.
Picking the right travel company is crucial to pulling off a successful trip for your music students. By focusing on experience, communication, customization, credibility, and safety, you’ll find a partner who can assist you in creating a trip that’s both fun and educational. With the right company by your side, you can focus on what really matters—your students and their journey—while leaving the logistics to the pros.
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