There’s a saying that goes, "It’s the little things that make a BIG difference." Although it’s a cliché, it is often very true, especially when choosing the right tour operator. When planning your trip, a detailed step-by-step process is needed. This process is outlined below and is systematic, thorough and will help you decide which tour operator best suits your needs, what destination to take your performance ensemble to, what festival, if any, you would like to participate in, what fun activities you would like to include on your tour and if you want your group to perform in public.

It Starts with a Conversation

First, the simple process starts with a conversation with multiple tour operators. You must first discuss approximate dates, destination possibilities, performance goals and venues, any festivals, fun activities, and more. Make sure you choose to speak with operators who are well versed in student performance trips and send bands, choirs, dance troupes and more to the top performance destinations throughout North America. For example, Orlando has some of the finest music performance festivals, workshops and public performance venues in the U.S. including Disney Performing Arts OnStage, Festival Disney, Disney Honors, Universal Stars, Sea World’s SoundWaves and OrlandoFest. Washington DC provides a wonderful historical backdrop for performing groups including the Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall and more. New York City provides student performance ensembles with many exciting options including Broadway Workshops, performance venues such as the Statue of Liberty and more.

Build a Program Your Way

Upon review of your conversation with each operator, ask them to build a program based on your budgetary needs, curriculum, performance goals and more. Make sure they can provide economic solutions that fit your budgetary needs. Most of all though, make sure they place a priority on scheduling activities that appeal to you and your performance group. You may want to visit a museum, historical site, theme park, attraction(s), zoo, theatre, special event, sporting event, day trips to other destinations, etc. Also ask them if they can provide any high profit fundraising suggestions. Some operators actually work with third party fundraising companies that can produce high profits for your program that will ensure that you and your group travel.

Ask for a Proposal

Ask each operator to present a proposal to you outlining the itinerary and budget. From this point on, you can fine-tune your itinerary giving you a trip that satisfies all of your needs. Also, make sure that there is an emphasis on exceeding the level of educational and curriculum expectations that your school administration requires. With each itinerary, carefully look at all the details making sure that everything you asked for, including transportation, indoor corridor accommodations, amount of meals, attractions, museums, tour director, hotel security, etc. is included on the itinerary. Then compare each itinerary to see which one best fits your needs.

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