Why a Tour Director for Your Student Trip

A Tour Director is a Game Changer on Your Student Trip

Travel is a life-changing experience for students.  Stepping out into the world without a parent is liberating.  It’s exciting to connect with new people, explore new places, perform and learn in thrilling new venues.

As the person responsible for these newly unfettered travelers, it’s a little intimidating.  Traveling with students is like herding squirrels.  You try to give them an amazing experience while they spend all their money at the first rest stop and wander off at the first opportunity!

That’s why a tour director is a game changer on your student trip.  A tour director is a professional group tour leader expertly trained to handle your trip from the minute you arrive at your destination until departure.

What’s the Difference Between and Tour Director and a Tour Guide?

Don’t confuse a tour director with a tour guide -they are two very different roles.

Tour Guide

A tour guide is typically someone who is very knowledgeable about one specific place, attraction, or event.  A guide provides in-depth insights and experiences on-site.

For example, a TG might meet your group at a historic venue and share local stories and important highlights.  The guide might take you behind-the-scenes, or teach a lesson tailored to your students’ needs. But when you leave that attraction, the guide does not go with you!

Tour Director

A tour director, on the other hand, will coordinate the logistics of getting you to the attraction, getting you checked in, and ensuring that you have the best possible experience while there!

A tour director is responsible for leading your group tour experience.  A TD might also offer commentary about the things you see and do – but a tour director’s primary goal is making sure you have the best experience possible.

Related Reading:  What is a Tour Director?

Why a Tour Director is So Important

A tour director is a MUST for your student trip for several reasons…

• Experience
• Safety
• Troubleshooting and Communication

Experience

A tour director should have experience dealing with students AND with destinations.

For example, Kaleidoscope Adventures tour directors will confirm your reservations in advance and prepare your rooms to facilitate a simple and seamless check-in. They’ll move you quickly and efficiently through your itinerary, taking charge of the details every step of the way.

A tour director also is an expert when it comes to herding those squirrels!  Skilled TDs manage student expectations (and attention spans) with a friendly and fun student rapport.

Safety

Student safety is everyone’s top priority, so including a tour director on your trip is a really smart move.

If you travel with Kaleidoscope Adventures, know that every KA tour director is first-aid and CPR-certified.  Each completes annual, in-person training to ensure compliance with the latest health and safety regulations.

Knowing a trained and reliable professional is at the helm is a great way to reassure parents and administrators that your trip is in good hands.

Troubleshooting and Communication

If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected.  A tour director is tasked with handling the surprises and challenges that pop up so you can focus on giving students the best travel experience possible.

Additionally, a tour director is in constant communication with you, your students, and your student travel planning partner.  Keeping everyone in the loop is a critical part of the travel experience – meeting times, safety checks, itinerary changes, or emergencies are in capable hands!

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Tour Directors Make All the Difference

As you plan your next student trip, remember that a professional tour director is a game changer.

Kaleidoscope Adventures, a student tour company for 30+ years, includes a professional tour director to help make your trip run smoothly and successfully.  The TD will meet you at your destination and work with you to execute the itinerary, handle any unexpected surprises, and help give your students a transformative travel experience – no acorns necessary!

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