Student Tours FAQ

What about the student’s safety and security?

Safe and secure travel is a top priority for Latitude Group Travel and our hand- picked international ground operators. Even though all circumstances cannot be predicted and complete safety can never be guaranteed, our ground operators meet every insurance, government and travel standard required. Our ground operators are extremely experienced, ranging from 15 – 50 years of ground operations, in addition to our own 25 years. This gives us all valuable knowledge on how to operate a tour safely.

 

Here are some examples:

• Motor coach transportation provided on tour is contracted with busses that are not older than 5 years. This means busses that are in new condition and have met the latest governmental safety standards.
• Professional Tour Guides that have background checks and are licensed by governmental agencies.
• Hotels that have been pre-screened, have interior corridors and appropriate surveillance services.
• A 24 hour emergency number for participants to use for any emergency situation.
• The ground operators liaise with the tour director frequently so that the tour runs smoothly.

 

What extra costs will be incurred on tour?

A list of inclusions and exclusions is on your itinerary so you know exactly what’s included.

 

All breakfasts and generally half the meals are included.  This allows schools to have the opportunity to make their own choices.

 

Insurance, visa and passport documents and spending money are not included.

 

We recommend that you think about spending money.  For your convenience, Latitude Group travel offers a Cash Passport card with the ability to hold multiple currencies.  Teachers are given a spare card in case your child loses theirs.

 

 

What happens if there is a problem on tour?

Usually, there is an experienced and licensed tour director who will ensure that any problems or issues are addressed immediately and professionally. He or she will organise the tour from start to end as well as ensuring that everything runs smoothly. In almost all cases, problems are solved prior to the group ever realising that anything was amiss!

 

Both the ground operator and Latitude Group Travel have 24/7 emergency numbers to call if required.

 

Will the students get bored as an “educational” tour is not always engaging?

Exciting, varied and experiential components include special programs at almost every location.  Although education is the major focus, there is a balance of fun and discovery to ensure we keep the students engaged.  While learning, the students may be swimming with Manta Rays or meeting an astronaut!

 

Is the tour going to be just for fun?

Educational components are a major inclusion at each location and on the coach. We cover a range of subjects including history, politics, social studies, culture, geology, arts/performing arts, technological innovation and life skills. Tour groups will also be given an opportunity (if requested) to participate in a community service project in one of the cities they visit.

 

Tours that are offered to our school are not always what we want for our students

Latitude Group Travel is proudly Australian owned and operated and so we understand the needs of Australian schools. We always work with the school to determine the best tour for to meet the needs of the curriculum.  All our tours are developed from scratch.  We will either work with the school on the theme from inception to implementation or you may change a tour that you see in our Tour Finder, in any way you choose.

 

What happens if the students misbehave while on tour?

Each student with his or her parent or guardian will agree to and sign a code of behaviour document prior to departure outlining the social interaction guidelines that are expected and administered during the tour. If a student causes and continues to cause problems after being approached and warned, the offending party will be removed from the tour and returned home at his or her own expense.

 

I have heard that student tours stay in locations a long distance from the city, or that they stay in poor quality accommodation?

With our tours, the students stay at high quality hotels.  The hotels are close to the destination, in a safe location and often in the city itself. You can choose that your child stays in triple or twin room. No single rooms are allowed for students unless there is no other choice.  If a single room is required, this room will be located close to a chaperone.   Triple rooms are limited and consist of two beds and one roll away or sofa bed.

 

Do we need to take out travel insurance for our child?

All participants in our tours are required to take out travel insurance to make sure that they are covered in the unlikely event that insurance is accessed. We prefer that all members of the group take the same insurance cover if possible.  This is so that, if a trip interruption or other problem occurs, we are able to treat each group member equally.  We advise that credit card insurance is not, in our opinion, sufficient to travel with our groups.

 

Additionally, Latitude Group Travel offers a significant discount if you choose to take QBE Travel Insurance or SureSave Travel Insurance.

 

> SureSave Travel Insurance special discounted rates

> QBE Travel Insurance special discounted rates

 

Are special meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian, gluten free, diabetic, coeliac friendly meals are available in most instances

 

Does my child need to bring medication?

Your child’s medical history will be required for the head teacher who will keep the medications and who will look after dispensing these medications as your child requires. Please make sure that your child has all his or her medications packed in his or her hand luggage.

 

What do I pack for this trip?

We provide a list for each tour that suggests what you will need to pack for your child. These lists will be provided to the group a few weeks prior to departure date.

 

Will the tour be exactly as on the itinerary?

Latitude Group Travel ensures that the tours we have developed in conjunction with you have all activities booked where possible.  Due to traffic delays and unforeseen circumstances, there are occasions where the itinerary may need to be altered.