When Adults Enroll on High School Foreign Tours
Student Tours May Be Too Fast Paced For Older Travelers
Nov 26, 2008
Taking students on foreign trips can be a daunting experience, but when adults join such excursions, the trip group leader is often forced to manage an added agenda. Although usually the parents of participating students, the presence of non-chaperon adults establishes a new tier of responsibility that may involve reconciling student expectations with adult considerations.
Why Parents Enroll
Student tour prices tend to be highly affordable, attracting adults seeking to travel abroad on a limited budget. In many cases these adults are parents or relatives of participating students, endeavoring to share in an experience that may only be once in a lifetime. In some cases, adults want to relive earlier experiences abroad by having children or grandchildren see the same things they did in younger years.
Tour Considerations Relative to Adults
Adults should be aware when they enroll that tours costs may be higher. While students are usually lodged four to a room, adults are placed in rooms with twin beds, adding to the cost of the trip. Additionally, adult meals tend to be more expensive. Most tour companies will not permit students to room with adults – even parents, unless they are children under the age of twelve or have paid a single-room supplement.
Student tours tend to be fast paced. In most cases, hotel check-in does not occur until a full day of activities. Adults may not be able to adjust to the rapid itinerary of student tours. Further, tours that take the group to a variety of locations and hotel changes demand a constant movement of luggage; student oriented tours offer no porterage services. Transporting baggage from one hotel to the next often poses a chore adults may not be used to.
Accommodations and Meals
While the majority of hotels used on student tours are highly adequate, they still represent tourist accommodations geared toward student travel. Many hotels used for student tours are two or three star. Adults frequently find such hotels less than adequate. In most cases, there is little ambiance and even fewer amenities then adults may be accustomed to or expect.
Tour-included meals tend to be good but basic. Adults on student tours frequently opt out of the standard fare and seek out local cuisine more reflective of the culture represented by the particular country. Ultimately, this increases the cost of the tour for adults.
Enrolling With an Open Mind
Adults that wish to enroll on student tours should be given all of the facts before making any deposits. They must accept higher pricing and the possibility of lodging in hotels that may often be off the beaten path. Many student tours abroad involve long rides on a bus and adults should be aware of this. Student tours are not second honeymoons nor are they geared to luxury travel. Student tours are designed to integrate culture with educational goals through a fast paced dash through iconic cities and historical sites.
Adults comfortable with the direction of student tours should be encouraged to enroll. In many cases these enrollments help boost tour numbers and the presence of more adults on a student tours adds to the psychological impact of student discipline while on tour. Additionally, parent participants help to monitor the activities of their children.
Summary
The role of adults on a student tour can be highly beneficial but enrolling adults must know that the tour is designed to serve the needs of students. Adults should be encouraged to participate in student tours as long as they are aware of all aspects of the tour.
