Accommodation, Transport & Activities
Education Destination are a fast-growing local organiser of group visits, predominantly working with independent schools, academies and the state sector to deliver high quality, memorable residential trips.
Our whole ethos is about delivering excellence in everything we do - making trip planning as straightforward as possible for busy teachers as well as the partners we choose to work with.
Due to our sustained growth we are always on the lookout for new accommodation and transport providers as well as fun or educational activities for children to participate in.
We bring thousands of students and teachers to our destinations every year, with a 90%+ retention rate and at least 30% growth per annum. Schools and groups value the simplicity we offer, and frequently rebook 2-3 years in advance.
Accommodation Types
With group sizes ranging from 15 to 200+ and ages 6 to adult, we welcome a wide range of accommodation types such as hotels, guest houses, glamping / camping, hostels and more.
No Block Booking
We don't pre-book weeks then let you down. Each enquiry is dealt with individually once we have an intent to proceed from our client. We'll tell you who you will be hosting from the outset, and you can veto any group you wish.
Headcount Guarantees
Our terms provide for headcount reductions above an agreed threshold, protecting your revenue in case of unexpected drops in group numbers. You shouldn't be out of pocket because a school overbooked.
You Set The Price
You are invited to set the price on a booking-by-booking basis. We won't dictate what to charge - it's entirely up to you. For distant bookings we'll automatically include a mark-up for inflation and invite you to finalise pricing closer to arrival. We do not charge commission.
Repeat Bookings
We have an impressive retention rate running around 90%+ on average. This means that most of our groups re-book year on year, providing a degree of certainty and allowing you to foster relationships with regular clients.
Improved Cashflow
Subject to guarantees, we invite you to invoice 50% of the booking cost in January ahead of the trip. We will finalise headcount 12 weeks prior to arrival and are happy to pay your balance 2 weeks prior to arrival.
No Weekend Interruption
Most of our bookings are Monday - Friday, leaving your weekends free for private bookings if you wish. Our main season is Easter to mid July, with a smattering of bookings outside this window.
Out All Day
Our intensive itineraries mean that the group are away from accommodation most of the day each day. Wave them off after breakfast and expect them back for tea. Groups often have evening activities too.
Simplified Paperwork
Room allocations, special requirements and menu pre-selection can be handled online from a simple standard interface. You'll have everything you need for planning purposes well before arrival.
Detailed Itineraries
We'll share each group's confirmed itinerary with you, so you can see at a glance the times they are expected to arrive and depart each day, helping you minimise staffing costs and plan mealtimes.
Exclusivity
We don't insist on exclusive use, but some schools require it. We will respect your thresholds for exclusivity and offer you only relevant-sized groups or negotiate uplifts.
Setup Assistance
Want to reconfigure your premises for a period of back-to-back group bookings? We can help you re-arrange beds and furniture, or even provide additional beds to help maximise capacity.
Minor Damages Fund
Accidents sometimes happen, and using our Minor Damages Fund we'll help you get up and running again quickly after a mishap, then we'll handle the recharging of the group for you.
Group Sizes
We welcome groups of all sizes, typically from 15 to over 200. We therefore need a range of transport solutions, from minibuses to high-capacity coaches.
Passenger Ages
Most of our groups are primary aged children, typically 8-10 years old, with adult teachers at a ratio of 8:1 to 10:1 although some groups can be older or younger than this.
Coverage
Our client base is mostly in the south of England and the Midlands / East Anglia, but we do welcome groups from across the UK and abroad.
Typical Requirements
Most of our trips are Monday to Friday during termtime. Vehicles are usually needed throughout the trip to shuttle groups around various activities, usually within a small geographical area.
Overnight Stays
Drivers that are Enhanced DBS checked will usually stay with the group. Overnight parking and meals will be provided, as will any ferry costs or pre-advised tolls, LEZ charges etc.
Driving Hours
Most groups will depart between 07:00 and 08:00 on their first day, returning by late afternoon on their last day. During the visit, 3 or 4 short transfers per day is typical, usually between 08:00 and 21:00.
Detailed Itineraries
We will provide an outline itinerary at the point of booking, and a fully detailed copy two weeks prior to the trip. This will include everything the driver might possibly need to know.
24 x 7 Support
A duty manager is always available 24 x 7 when we are hosting groups. Any questions or problems experienced can be escalated quickly and efficiently by the driver.
Improved Cashflow
Subject to guarantees, we are happy to pay a deposit on booking and settle the balance a month before the trip. We are happy to consider alternative payment schedules.
Group Sizes
We welcome groups of all sizes, typically from 15 to over 200. We can stagger larger groups where capacity is a constraint, or bring them in batches over different days.
Student Ages
Most of our groups are primary aged children, typically 8-10 years old, with adult teachers at a ratio of 8:1 to 10:1 although some groups can be older or younger than this.
Activities
Fun, educational and hands-on activities of all types are offered to our clients. From theme parks to watersports, museums to forest walks, storytellers to mobile DJs, anything goes!
Educational
We promote venues where good quality, curriculum-linked resources or learning sessions are available. Most of our clients like to mix up their trips with educational as well as fun activities, and will favour destinations based on their class topics.
Teambuilding
Teambuilding activities and outdoor pursuits are very desirable additions to our portfolio as most of our visiting schools are from inner cities and large towns with limited exposure to such environments.
Visitor Attractions
Traditional visitor attractions are also popular with our groups, and by working with us you can significantly increase footfall outside the key tourism seasons.
