Inspired Travel - Specialist Group Tours

Teachers FAQs

Does Inspired Travel attend a parent’s meeting?

Another important part of the process is to ensure that all students and teachers know exactly what to expect when they arrive in resort. We are more than happy to come to your school and present a slide show and “question and answer” session to ensure any queries students, parents or teachers may have are addressed. We also provide information containing provisional timings, places, insurance policy wordings, contact details for when you are abroad and any other information you require.

What about meals on the journey?

The first meal of the tour/trip is usually dinner on the day of arrival. Meals during the journey are not included. Students should either have food in hand luggage for the outward journey or currency to purchase food en-route. There is usually time for students to shop for food before departure from the resort and in many cases we can arrange for a packed meal to be made available at departure.

Do the coaches you provide have seatbelts?

Yes. All UK coaches have seatbelts in accordance with the law. Please note that these are usually lap-belts rather than the three-point seatbelts which are fitted in cars. Regarding foreign coach hire, it is important to note that coaches outside the UK vary in standard and specification. Whilst all coaches adhere strictly to both safety and coach operator regulations, these may not be the same as UK regulations and whilst every effort is made to request coaches with seatbelt for our groups, and an increasing number of foreign coach operators have vehicles that are fitted with seatbelts, it is not currently a legal requirement in the majority of European destinations.

 

Will our foreign coach driver speak English?

Not necessarily. Whilst we always ask for a driver who can speak some English, we cannot guarantee this for your tour. If you have concerns about communication with local people during your tour we recommend that you request a native speaker to accompany you.

We often use a local coach company. Can we use them on our Inspired Travel Tour?

Yes. We understand what a positive difference a trusted coach company can make to the success of any tour and we are always happy to use your preferred operator, subject to availability.

How many seats are normally on a coach?

We work on 49, however depending on availability we can provide larger coaches. All coaches are full executive vehicles with 49 passenger seats.  They are equipped with video or DVD, a WC, seatbelts, a PA system and all have a continental safety door.  We do not request larger vehicles as they are rarer and should your vehicle break down whilst on tour it would be difficult to source another vehicle of the same size.

Can we go on the ferry and come back on the shuttle?

Yes, no problem

When can you tell me which coach company we will be travelling with?

We can provide the details of the coach company shortly after receiving a definite booking, but we reserve the right to change this if it is in your best interests.

Can we request a driver that we have had before?

Yes.  Once you re-book with us you can make a request for a particular driver and we will endeavour to secure his services for your next Inspired Travel tour.  This is, however, subject to that driver being available and not on holiday on your chosen tour dates.

Do you offer overnight coach travel?

For longer distances, coach travel will include overnight journeys. For near continent tours we will plan your itinerary to be during the day; in many instances only one driver is required but depending upon the location of the school we may recommend a second driver in the interests of the of the group. All journeys will be planned to comply with EU Driver regulations and the EU Working Directive.

Why do you need to know the intended use of the coach?

This is to ensure that the coach company can operate in a safe and legal manner.

When do we have to leave school if we are going on a day trip?

We shall ensure that we arrange the best departure time to fit in with your wishes and your proposed itinerary.

Where are my ferry / shuttle tickets?

We provide a ticketless service – to make your trip as easy and convenient as possible, simply quote the reference number on your itinerary.

Where will my group be staying?

If you have travelled with us before, or you have a particular accommodation in mind, then you can make a request for your preferred accommodation and we will do our best to secure this for you, subject to availability.  If you are certain that you wish to travel with us again then it is advisable to request a re-quotation on your return and make your request at this time.

If you are a new client, we will choose accommodation that best suits your needs and is most convenient for your chosen itinerary.  We have a wide range of accommodation types that we use regularly. 

What provision is made for passengers with disabilities?

We make every effort to provide coaches and accommodation that are suitable for disabled passengers.

Will the rooms have en-suite facilities?

Unless otherwise stated, all accommodation used by Inspired Travel, whether in hotels or hostels, has en-suite facilities. 

What happens if I have students with allergies or special dietary requirements?

If we are made aware of these in advance and they are written on the student lists completed by you two to three weeks prior to travel then this information can be sent to the accommodation or restaurants on your itinerary.  If Halal or Kosher food is required, special arrangements will need to be made so a greater period of advance notice is necessary (preferably at the time of booking).  Please note that few hotels and restaurants are able to offer Halal or Kosher food and a vegetarian menu may be offered as an alternative.

Where is my rooming list?

Simply send in your final specialist information form and we shall endeavour to produce the rooming list as soon as possible. Please note however, that the accommodation always reserves the right to amend a rooming list and usually releases the information approximately 10 days before departure.

How many single rooms am I entitled to and how much do they cost?

An odd number of men/women will mean 1 person is entitled to a single room free of charge, £25 per person per night. This is subject to availability.

Do you supply emergency contact numbers on tours?

As part of your Final Tour Details pack we provide the contact numbers of the emergency services for the country or countries in which you are travelling.  If you have a tour guide then he or she will assist with any issues that may arise.  If a serious issue arises we have a Duty Manager on call out of hours.  This number will also be supplied with your Final Tour Details.