When it comes to organizing a successful school trip, reaching the right number of participants is crucial in getting your first (or new) trip off the ground. That's why Jumpstreet is there to help!
For schools, especially those in rural areas, smaller institutions, or those with multiple competing trips, the challenge is real. But by securing the right number of participants, you’re not just filling seats and reducing costs for your students—you’re building a legacy of educational travel within your school or community, paving the way for future adventures for years to come.
The earlier you start promoting your trip, the better!
Give your students and their families as much time as possible to plan and spread out their payments. A few extra months can make a significant difference in affordability, allowing more families to participate.
CHOOSE A MEETING DAY AND TIME
The first step in gathering interest for your trip is to schedule an informational meeting. This can be held in person or entirely online, depending on what’s most
convenient for your community. Be sure to pick a time that accommodates working parents and consider providing snacks inspired by your travel destination to make the meeting more enticing—like croissants for a trip to France or empanadas for Spain.
HANG POSTERS
Visual reminders are powerful tools for sparking interest. Use the informational posters (created by your school or provided by Jumpstreet) to advertise your meeting details and hang them in high-traffic areas around your school. Key spots include the cafeteria, main entrances and exits, busy hallways, and, of course, your classroom. The more visible your meeting is, the more likely you’ll attract participants—think colours and beautiful destination pictures!
CONNECT WITH EXPERIENCED TRIP ORGANIZERS
You’re not in this alone! Tap into the experience of fellow educators who have successfully led multiple student tours with Jumpstreet. Your Tour Consultant can connect you with these seasoned trip organizers, who can offer valuable insights and tips to help you recruit participants and plan a successful tour.
FIND ADVOCATES
Leverage the influence of key members in your community. Identify students who are likely to join your tour and ask them to help spread the word. Additionally, if you have a colleague who shares a passion for travel, enlist their help in promoting the trip. By creating a team of tour ambassadors, you’ll amplify your reach and increase sign-ups.
ANNOUNCE YOUR TOUR AND DISTRIBUTE INVITATIONS
It’s important for students to hear about the trip directly from you, in addition to the buzz created by your advocates. Make regular announcements about the tour in your classes and at school-wide events. Be sure to distribute meeting invitations for students to take home, ensuring parents are also in the loop.
LEVERAGE PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Promoting your trip doesn’t have to be limited to the classroom. Connect the destination with lessons in other subjects—ask the art teacher to mention your trip to the Louvre when discussing famous artworks or have the biology teacher highlight the Costa Rica trip when covering ecosystems. Additionally, announce your tour at school events and promote it online through your school's website and social media channels. Use our Social Media Guide for tips on how to get started on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter or TikTok, depending who you are targeting.
PREPARE FOR YOUR PARENT MEETING
A well-prepared parent meeting is key to securing sign-ups. Start by setting a registration deadline that creates urgency and request a personalized PowerPoint presentation from your Tour Consultant. Compile a list of interested students and parents, and personally reach out to them to ensure they attend the meeting. Enhance your presentation with personal insights. Invite a past participant or a parent who has experience with student tours to share their stories. Alternatively, consider using photos from past trips as a slideshow before beginning your presentation.
HOST YOUR PARENT MEETING
When it’s time for your meeting, make sure to present yourself as a credible and passionate leader. Open with a personal introduction and share your enthusiasm for travel and the educational value it offers. Address the benefits of the trip rather than focusing solely on cost and be prepared to answer questions. Plus, get a sense of interest with the 80% rule. At the end of the meeting, ask attendees who are 80% likely to enroll to raise their hands. This helps gauge enrolment and nudges attendees who are on the fence. If any questions remain unanswered, direct them to the Jumpstreet FAQs page, and follow up with your Tour Consultant after the meeting.
FOLLOW UP
After the meeting, send a thank you message to everyone who attended, including the portal registration URL and Trip Code. Keep track of how many students have registered by frequently checking your portal account and send reminders as the registration deadline approaches.
Now that you’ve successfully recruited participants, the next steps are just as important. Planning and organizing the details of your trip will ensure a smooth and successful experience for everyone involved. Jumpstreet’s Trip Planning Checklists for Domestic and International tours are invaluable resources to help you stay on track. These checklists outline what you need to do at 90 days, 60 days, and 30 days before departure, ensuring that all necessary information—like passport details, rooming lists, dietary restrictions, and special needs—are collected and submitted on time.
With the right strategies and resources, your student trip will be an unforgettable educational experience!
Book a meeting with one of our Tour Consultants and let's start talking!
