The destination for secondary school end-of-year trips cannot be just any place. It must be chosen taking many factors into account. The most important of all is that it should be a place that excites and motivates all the participants, and where the possibilities for fun and learning are at their greatest. The destination of a secondary school end-of-year trip is more than a city or a beach. It is a setting where the group will live together, often for the last time before its members go their separate ways. It is for this reason that the choice of destination is perhaps the most important decision in organising a secondary school end-of-year trip. Today there are many options, and the fact that a trip is international does not mean it has to be expensive.
One way to decide on the destination is through proposals and a vote. Secondary school pupils often have a very clear idea of where they want to travel. Having them debate it amongst themselves is a good way to foster communication and group decision-making. Other times the destination is set by the school, as a kind of tradition that reflects the school’s approach to end-of-year trips. The Year 10 trip to Mallorca is the best-known and most popular. However, it is not the only option. Below we look at various end-of-year trip destinations for secondary school.
The Best Destinations in Spain for Secondary School Trips
Within Spain there are many possible destinations for secondary school end-of-year trips. As mentioned above, the most popular — especially for Year 10 — is Mallorca. This island offers beaches and plenty of opportunities for fun at these ages. In general, both the Levante and Andalusian coasts are very well-rounded settings for end-of-year trips. They are active tourism destinations with a wide cultural and tourist offer that makes for a very complete itinerary. In the Levante region, Valencia stands out as a cosmopolitan beach destination. In Andalusia, both Doñana and Cazorla are nature parks whose visit offers an unparalleled immersion in a completely natural environment. These can be complemented with visits to the most interesting nearby areas, such as Almonte, Seville or Córdoba.
Although the beach and coastal trips attract all the attention, there are also end-of-year trips with other focuses. Within Spain, the Pyrenees and Asturias stand out as places that can also include nautical activities and be complemented with multiadventure and tourism. These mountain destinations involve contact with nature and sporting activities. The Sierra de Madrid, Galicia and Cuenca are also further possibilities for these end-of-year trips.
The Best International Destinations for Secondary School Trips
International destinations also have great appeal for secondary school end-of-year trips. As these are groups of young people who are already close to fifteen or sixteen years old, many of them are keen to leave the Peninsula and discover other cultures. When considering destinations outside Spain, the range of options opens up considerably. Visiting European capitals, tours through different regions, Mediterranean islands or even cruises — all have their own particular attractions and a wide offer of activities and opportunities for fun. Europe tends to be the preferred setting for these destinations, as it offers a degree of proximity and a shared cultural atmosphere. Moreover, the cost of trips within the continent is more affordable for groups than some other international destinations that require longer journeys.
Thus, for international destinations, Europe is the most popular choice. However, it need not involve a long journey. Portugal, being close to our country, is one of the most popular and comprehensive destinations for secondary school end-of-year trips. Its capital, Lisbon, has a vibrant cultural atmosphere. On the edge of the Atlantic, its proximity to Sintra, its gastronomy and its particular charm make it a unique destination. France is also a very popular destination, as are the Netherlands and Germany. England and its main cities (London, Edinburgh, Plymouth) stand out for the boost they give to English-language skills. Malta is another very popular option for these age groups.
How to Organise a Secondary School End-of-Year Trip
To answer this question you can consult the guide that Natuaventura Ocio y Tiempo Libre has prepared for schools interested in organising their secondary school end-of-year trip:
