From one educator to another—here’s what really matters when choosing your travel partner

When I was a teacher planning student trips, I quickly realized something: not all travel companies understand what it means to work in a school. They might know how to book hotels and buses, but they didn’t always know how to support a classroom teacher juggling lesson plans, parent emails, fundraisers, and hallway duty.

Now, as a former theatre teacher turned travel designer, I’ve made it my mission to build a company that’s different—a company that truly puts teachers first. If you’re planning a trip and looking for the right partner, here’s the checklist I wish I had back then:

✅ 1. Built by Educators, for Educators

The best travel companies understand school systems because they’ve worked in them. They know how to align with your academic calendar, get things approved by administration, and communicate clearly with parents. Look for someone who has stood in your shoes and knows what your daily life is like.

✅ 2. Flexible, Realistic Payment Plans

Teacher-friendly companies don’t just offer payment plans—they build them with your community in mind. That means:

• No-interest monthly payments

• Clear refund policies

• Fundraising support for families

• Transparent cost breakdowns (no hidden fees)

A company that’s truly educator-focused wants every student to be able to go, not just those with easy access to resources.

✅ 3. You Get a Real Human (Who Knows Your Trip Inside Out)

There’s nothing worse than calling customer service and getting passed around. You need one dedicated expert who’s there from planning to takeoff. Someone who knows your itinerary, your school, your students, and your needs. When questions arise—and they will—you shouldn’t have to explain your trip again and again.

✅ 4. Full Support for Parent Meetings and Admin Approval

A teacher-friendly company equips you with:

• Slide decks for interest meetings

• Custom flyers and info packets

• Sample itineraries, fundraising letters, and administrator FAQs

• Digital tools to collect forms, track payments, and share updates

You shouldn’t have to design everything from scratch—they’re the experts. Let them help you look like a pro.

✅ 5. Crisis Management Plans (That Actually Work)

The right company has a real plan for what to do if something goes wrong—illness, missed flights, emergencies. You should never feel like you’re the only adult making decisions in the moment. Look for 24/7 support, trip insurance options, and clear protocols.

✅ 6. Personalized Itineraries, Not Cookie-Cutter Packages

A great trip reflects your students and your curriculum. Teacher-friendly companies help you build from the ground up—with workshops, shows, landmarks, or industry visits that bring your classroom content to life.

Bonus: They listen. If something doesn’t work for your group, they change it. No pushback. No upsell.

✅ 7. A Mission That Aligns With Yours

Finally, choose a company that shares your values. Whether that’s creating equitable access to travel, celebrating diverse voices, or supporting arts and education, the best travel partners care about more than just the itinerary. They care about your students.

👋 Let’s Make Travel Teacher-Friendly Again

At Impact Tours and Travel, I built the company I wish I had when I was in the classroom. Every trip is personal. Every educator is respected. And every student matters.

So if you’re ready to work with a company that truly gets it—I’m ready to make your vision a reality.

Let’s plan something unforgettable—together.