Away We Go Tours: Why Early Planning Makes All the Difference for School Excursions

August 1, 2025

A school excursion isn’t just a day out—it’s a chance to ignite curiosity, reinforce learning, and create unforgettable moments outside the classroom. But what makes the difference between an excursion and an enriching learning experience? Early planning.

Whether you’re coordinating the trip yourself or working with a school travel specialist, starting the process well ahead—ideally up to 24 months in advance—can transform the entire experience for students, teachers, and families.

Here’s why planning early is the goal when designing a successful school excursion:

More Choice, Better Options

Top educational attractions and school-friendly programs—like the Australian War Memorial or Old Parliament House in Canberra often book out quickly during peak periods. Getting in early means:

The chance to design a custom itinerary tailored to your group’s needs, not just what’s left over
A wider selection of destinations, accommodations, and transport options
Advanced access to the best programs with limited availability

Seamless Integration with Curriculum

Planning in advance allows excursions to become an integral part of the learning journey, not just a day off-site. Teachers can:

Align the trip with subject areas and lesson plans
Use pre-excursion resources to build student understanding beforehand
Turn the excursion into a hands-on extension of what’s taught in the classroom

Smarter Budgeting for Everyone

The earlier you plan, the easier it is to manage costs. With more time, schools and families can:

Develop practical budgets and payment schedules
Take advantage of early-bird pricing, especially for flights
Launch fundraising efforts well ahead of time and
Lock in any specials your school travel specialist may be offering.

Waiting too long can lead to limited availability and higher costs.

Less Stress for Parents and Staff

Early planning gives everyone time.

Parents can prepare financially and submit paperwork without last-minute scrambling
Medical, dietary, and logistical needs can be addressed at a comfortable pace
Staff have time to complete risk assessments and fine-tune every detail

When the departure day arrives, everyone is ready and excited.

Let’s Make It Easy

At Away We Go Tours, we specialise in turning your educational goals into perfectly planned school excursions. Want help getting started? Request a quote or request to complete our Advanced Booking Form—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Our consultants do not sell concepts or create sales proposals; they build lasting relationships with every school and support their teachers so that everyone on one of our excursions has a rewarding experience!

Planning early isn’t just smart—it will make the difference between a good excursion and an unforgettable one.