Something inherent to secondary school trips is the desire for them to be affordable. This can often be challenging, given that there is also a wish for the trip to be as comprehensive as possible — packed with activities and entertainment. However, with some advance planning that takes certain factors into account, it is perfectly possible for the chosen trip not to come at a great cost. In addition, various money-raising activities can be carried out to partially or fully cover the cost of each place on the trip. Below, we offer a range of tips and tricks to help make your secondary school trip as budget-friendly as possible. Whether the trip is being organised by the school, the families, or the students themselves, an affordable school trip is always achievable.
As we have already seen in other parts of this guide to secondary school trips, using the services of an organising agency is extremely helpful. Firstly, the agency offers a range of options within a pre-agreed budget. This ensures that the trip to the desired destination does not exceed a certain amount. Secondly, the agency can advise and put together a programme that is in line with the budget — one that is affordable in terms of cost, but not in terms of quality. Finally, the agency also has ways to help finance the school trip so that each student can raise the money to cover their own place.
How can the school trip be financed?
Financing the school trip is the easiest way to keep it affordable. Financing a secondary school trip means raising money to cover what has been invested in each place on the trip. This can be approached in two ways: through group activities involving all participants, or on a more individual basis. An example of the first approach is holding group events where the money raised goes towards funding the school trip. Several examples suitable for this age group are parties, sporting events or competitions, where raffles and tombolas can be held. The money raised through these activities, as well as any income from food or drink sold, can be put towards the trip.
The more individual approaches focus on selling raffle tickets or merchandise items. Although these are offered equally to the whole group and involve everyone, the selling is usually done individually or in small groups. In these cases, the main buyers tend to be family members, neighbours and friends of the children, who are typically the ones purchasing raffle tickets or merchandise. Taking part in the associated draw or competition is always fun.
Tips and tricks for an affordable secondary school trip
Below are some tips and ideas to help make your secondary school trip as affordable as possible. In addition to money-raising ideas, these other suggestions can be useful for keeping the budget as tight as possible. One option is to travel during off-peak times. There is no need to wait until the very end of term — other dates can be chosen that work out to be more economical. Late April and throughout May offer generally good weather, with lower prices for many destinations than some June dates. It is also a way to offer a small break before the school year ends and each pupil heads off on their own summer plans.
Another idea is to compare several destinations. Sometimes the popularity of a destination means that trips to that area are more expensive than usual. As a result, alternative destinations with the same range of activities can be considered, which may work out to be more affordable. Another possibility, when wanting to visit large cities such as Madrid, Valencia or Barcelona, is to stay in surrounding areas rather than in the city itself. This allows for greater proximity to the natural surroundings of the area, which can be combined with visits to the city, while reducing accommodation costs.
How to organise a secondary school trip
To answer this question, you can consult the guide that Natuaventura Leisure and Free Time has for schools interested in organising their secondary school trip:
