Bandtravel.com

Today's Realities
In today's educational world of crowded school calendars, mandatory testing, School District policies regarding eligibility for extracurricular activities, as well as economic pressure affecting individual students' ability to participate, a recent student travel trend is a trip which does not include a performance.

A New Trend -  Groups Traveling Together but not Performing
There are many educational opportunities available to students besides a group performance.  Many School Districts are now approving group travel which includes an educational alternative to a performance.

Benefits of Non-Performance Travel

• Cost - The most important benefit is cost.  With airlines now charging for checked baggage it is very costly to take band equipment and/or uniforms on a trip.  Baggage fees add $5,000 to $10,000 (or more) to the total cost of a typical band trip.
• More Dates - Another benefit is that the dates you can travel are greatly expanded.  Instead of being forced to go when a specific event takes place, you can pick a date that works for your school and your group.  This is a welcome thing in most Districts where the calendar is jam-packed and when it can be next-to-impossible to find an event that works.
• Eligibility - A trip scheduled without the school-calendar as the main driver can overcome many problems associated with eligibility and District policy concerning student absences, make-up work, etc.
• New Experiences - Another welcome benefit is simply the experience of doing something new.  The students have performed many times, but they may have never been to a Theatre Production or to a Symphony Concert.  The educational value is still present, and the experience of traveling with peers is still present.  It is still an educational experience, which is why many Districts are approving this type of travel.