The Future of Student Travel: The Good, The Bad, The Affordable

The future of student travel is taking another hit with the start of the new school year. The 2005-06 school year saw fewer groups traveling overnight throughout the United States and Canada due to increased travel cost. This trend may continue with the higher cost of traveling making it difficult for groups to raise the money needed for travel.

This past year has seen the following average increases in basic travel services: 8% increase in meal cost; 10% increase in lodging costs; 5% increase in attraction fees; and 18% increase in transportation cost. Collectively, these increases have advanced the basic $300.00 student trip to close to $425.00 and even higher based on the travel distance to the location the group chooses. These prices can also vary based on time of year and type of event the student group seeks to attend.

The major student destinations remain the same with ‘the big three’ (Florida, Washington DC, and New York) getting the major attention from groups and tour operators. The next three (Illinois, California, and Texas) are gaining shares, but the prices for the top six destinations are still out of reach for some groups. Big cities, beaches (water of some sort), and theme/ amusement parks are still the mainstay of the student markets. Special events are gaining as an affordable activity for groups.

Many cities and destinations throughout the United States are beginning to offer events and activities for student groups. These locations can help control the travel cost by providing events and activities that are within driving distance of most youth and student groups. The key is where to find theses ‘new’ and ‘affordable’ destinations.

This publication, “PREP Traveler”, has a new web site ( www.PREPtraveler.com ) that has showcased every state in the country with events and activities that are geared for the student market. Just pick a state within driving range and select a city within that state to see what is available for student groups. Student group leaders and directors can also use this site to find information regarding events, festivals, competitions, accommodations, attractions and youth activities.

Youth and student group leaders and directors can also Google the city (add the words Convention and Visitors Bureau {CVB}) that is within their travel budget range and find listings for student events and activities. Example: type Dallas CVB and the site www.VisitDallas.com will pop up on the screen. Call the 800 number and ask for a copy of their Student Destination Handbook. Almost every major city has some type of Student Handbook with Events, Attractions and Activity Listings and other useful information to assist the student travel group.

Other cities like Louisville, Denver, and New Orleans not only have student travel information, but listing of festivals and competitions for groups. There are entertainment opportunities in most cities that rival New York and Broadway. Forty (40) U.S. cities now have traveling Broadway Shows available with group rates (for information see www.BroadwayToYou.com ). If you are a band seeking a parade, 60 U.S. cities offer a St. Pat’s Parades. Or try Louisville’s new “Tribute To Baseball Parade” in April. Fall events are becoming popular and more affordable. And the list goes on. Groups can get better pricing and information by using a student Tour Operator that is a member of A.B.A. (American Bus Association). Travel remains a major experience for student groups, it is the American way for our younger generation.

By: Michael Th. Embrey, CHO, FunME Events: Mr. Embrey is a former university music educator and produces special events and festivals throughout the United States. For More information e-mail: [email protected], www.FunMEevents.com