Planning your first educational tour is an exciting adventure, though it can feel a bit overwhelming. As a Program Leader, you’re the visionary who brings the dream to life—and with WorldStrides Canada, you’re never alone on this journey.

Our expert team of Tour Consultants will be by your side every step of the way. They’ve successfully managed countless travel programs and are here to answer any questions you might have. From navigating the approval process to recruiting students and preparing for departure, our consultants provide personalized support to ensure your trip is a success. Their experience and dedication will help you feel confident and well-prepared throughout the entire process.

To help you navigate planning your first WorldStrides Canada program, we’ve highlighted our top three essential tips to ensure your first student trip goes off without a hitch.

1. Choose the Right Destination and Itinerary

Heading to a unique and out of the box destination can be thrilling, but we recommend you save those for after you’ve planned your first trip.

For first time Program Leaders, selecting a destination that is easily approvable is crucial for a smooth planning process. Your Tour Consultant can help by recommending destinations that typically meet school board regulations and government travel advisories. These destinations are vetted for safety and ease of approval, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

For your first trip, we highly recommend selecting a standard itinerary. Our standard itineraries have been tested and refined to offer the best experiences, including top landmarks and optimal timing. Custom itineraries can be more challenging to manage, so starting with a proven plan will help ensure success.

Not sure where you want to go? We have tons of school-board approved international destinations to consider!

2. Learn from Experienced Mentors

Whether you’re planning a history tour or a science expedition, having a mentor with relevant experience can make a significant difference. Our Teacher-to-Teacher (T2T) program is designed to build your confidence and provide expert advice from fellow teachers who have been in your shoes. By connecting with a mentor, you can gain valuable insights, practical tips, and support throughout the process.

So, what exactly makes mentorship a game-changer?

Personalized Guidance: Having a seasoned traveller by your side—someone who has successfully navigated the same challenges you may face—really can’t be beat. Our mentors offer advice based on their own travel experiences, helping you avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions. They’ve been there, done that, and are eager to share their wisdom with you!

Confidence Building: Having someone who understands your journey can make all the difference. Mentors offer emotional support, helping you stay positive and motivated throughout the planning process. Their reassurance and practical tips— like effective communication with parents and smoothly handling unforeseen events—can transform your anxiety into excitement.

Problem-Solving: Every trip comes with its own set of challenges, from handling student behaviour to managing logistics. Mentors can provide advice for these challenges, drawing from their own experiences. Whether it’s dealing with a last-minute itinerary change or ensuring student safety, their practical advice can help you navigate any situation with ease.

3. Plan Ahead and Stay Organized

We understand it might feel like a lot of information, but we promise the sooner you get started, the easier your planning will be!

Start the process well in advance to ensure you have ample time to handle all the details. Create a checklist of tasks and deadlines to keep everything on track. Staying organized will help reduce stress and ensure nothing is overlooked.

By following these tips and leveraging the support of our T2T program, you’ll be well on your way to planning a successful and memorable student trip. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey—our community of experienced peer mentors and knowledgeable Tour Consultants are here to help you every step of the way!

Interested in learning more about our T2T program, or requesting a match with one of our expert mentors? Visit our website, complete the information form and a member of our team will connect with you shortly.

We can’t wait for you to open up a world of learning for your students!