Anyone who knows me is aware that I am incredibly type A and careful to a fault. When I was asked to be the lead teacher for Global Travel Alliance trips at my middle school, a wave of excitement (good) and anxiety (scared) washed over me. However, as someone who sees that fire light in the eyes of my US history students, I knew that there was no way I could turn down a chance to share the gift of travel and the opportunity to bring history to life with 8th-grade students.
After four trips and many learning experiences, three clear things lead to a successful trip.
Be flexible
In my first year, I learned the gentle art of patience, and in the year following COVID, I mastered it. The kids are so happy to be on an adventure. The behind-the-scenes challenges (rain, unexpected diversions, sick kids, less than patient adults) are inconsequential to the kids and their memories of the trip. Rained out of a ball game? Go shopping in a touristy area of Baltimore. Can’t get into Ford’s Theater? Spend an afternoon at the zoo. The kids are subjected to firsthand history, big city culture, and, for many, develop an appetite for future travel. They won’t remember our long wait to get food at the local pizza joint.
Be proactive
This was huge. It dawned on me in the second year that kids need permission to be emotional on a big trip. I distinctly remember a student being followed by a friend who insisted on knowing what was wrong with him. “Are you mad at me?” “Why are you so quiet?” This is when I realized that kids are experiencing more than just the East Coast. They are experiencing new feelings that can leave them agitated or moody. For some, they are struggling with homesickness. For others, they are not prepared for unlimited time with their friends and zero time alone.
I decided to tackle the emotional rollercoaster of 5 days away from home with no privacy or quiet time by announcing on the bus that it is OK to need a break from your friends. It’s OK to say, “I need space.” It isn’t personal, it’s healthy. I also invite students to hang out with the adults if they need time to be quiet and relax or if they feel like they are spinning out and want to cry or vent. We’re their support system while on the trip. This has minimized emotional teen drama by leaps and bounds. Sometimes, I’ll literally say, “Mental health check! I want to remind you that it is OK if you are drained and need a break! And it’s OK to tell your friends that. If your friends are acting distant, let them. Give them time. They’ll come around.”
Show your passion
I will never forget the first trip to Independence Hall with my students. Neither will they. I nearly had to be dragged out of the magical room where so much was accomplished. Kids look to us for the tone of a trip. By being excited, nerdy, and passionate about the places we are seeing and making connections back to the classroom, the positive vibe spreads, and the kids can’t help but be pumped, too. “You guys, THIS IS WHERE LINCOLN STOOD. RIGHT HERE!!! Come stand where he stood!” Yes, I am in charge. Yes, I am responsible for you on this trip. And YES, I am having fun, too! I treat every trip as my first, to permit kids to BE EXCITED!
Nothing compares to the exhaustion, happiness, and memories buzzing at the airport as parents pick up their kids. These three things have allowed my students and adults alike to enjoy the gift of travel.
Ready to plan your successful student trip? Contact us today to learn more about our travel programs and how we can help you create an unforgettable experience for your students!