YOUR GUIDE TO A WORRY-FREE JOURNEY
Preparing for Travel Abroad
Are you preparing for your child’s departure to an educational summer camp or a boarding school abroad? This guide is for you. From choosing the right flight and arranging the Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service to organising documents and airport transfers, we provide essential advice to ensure a smooth, stress-free journey. Every detail matters, and Your Education Shape is here to support you at every stage of this memorable experience.
TIPS FOR TRAVEL AND AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Travel arrangements and airport transfers are key steps. Before purchasing plane tickets, please keep in mind:
- Flights should always be booked AFTER you receive confirmation of enrolment in the course, camp, or study programme.
- Ensure you follow the recommended travel dates, times, and airports for arrival and departure. Failing to do so may lead to additional costs.
- Check whether airport transfers are included in the summer camp fee. Some programmes offer free transfers provided that the schedule and airport are respected.
- Boarding schools place great importance on adhering to the school term dates. If available flights do not match the recommended travel times or dates, speak with the school before booking.
- Many schools organise an induction week for new students before the official start of term. This allows students to get to know the campus, school rules, teachers, and classmates.
For pupils attending schools abroad, airport transfers usually involve an extra fee.
TIPS FOR FLIGHTS AND ADDITIONAL SERVICES
- Connecting flights: Pay close attention to the connection time. To avoid risks linked to delays, it is advisable to choose a longer layover.
- Separate tickets: Avoid purchasing separate tickets for connecting flights, even if they seem cheaper. If you miss the connection due to a delay, the airline will not cover the cost of a new ticket. With a single ticket, you will be rebooked free of charge on the next available flight.
- Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service: This is a paid service and not all airlines provide it. Book it together with the flight ticket. If the journey includes a stopover, the UM service must be purchased for each flight segment. Always check the specific rules of the airline and destination country.
Be aware that additional fees may apply for airport transfers when using the UM service. Each case is different, so it is essential to check the details.
DOCUMENTS AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
- Make sure you have all the necessary documents: passport/ID card, ETA, visa, flight ticket, notarised parental authorisation, letter of consent to travel (for the UK), medical and travel insurance, transfer confirmation, and the contact details of the camp organiser or school. Do not forget to activate international roaming on your phone.
Always check the official travel requirements of your destination country using reliable, official sources only.
Your Education Shape wishes you a safe and worry-free journey! If you have any questions about preparing for travel or studying abroad, do not hesitate to contact us.
