The best time to plan a school field trip is about three to four months out. That gives organizers enough time to make reservations, put down deposits, and organize all the permission slips and other paperwork that needs to be completed prior to the outing.
Small, local outings and long-distance overnight trips require pretty much the same amount of planning. And if you want to schedule your class excursion in the most popular months for field trips — March and April — the time to get started is right now.
Secure Transportation First
The first call organizers should make is to the transportation company. After all, if you can’t get where you are going, you aren’t going anywhere.
The best field trip transportation companies tend to sell out fast, especially during the most popular months for field trips. So that’s why it’s essential to lock down your reservation in November so that you can be assured of getting your first choice in the spring.
FloridaTours.com still has luxury charter buses available for spring field trips, but if history is any indication they are likely to sell out fast. If you want to make sure your group has its transportation locked in, call as early as possible.
Other Considerations
Transportation is the first priority, but it’s not the only factor to consider when planning your spring trip. The most popular tourist destinations also tend to fill up quickly, such as museums, theme parks, and sporting or entertainment events. So it usually pays to inquire ahead of time whether or not there will be room for your group on the dates you plan on hosting your trip.
Similarly, planners will want to consider logistical details like food, rest stops, adult supervision, and traffic. The best field trips have no surprises when it comes to executing them. Instead, efficient, conscientious organizers think of everything ahead of time.
