Picture this: your students, wide-eyed with wonder, exploring the ruins of ancient Rome, absorbing the buzz of Tokyo, or diving into marine biology in the waters of Costa Rica. These are the kinds of experiences that shape young lives—and the planning starts now.
At Educational Travel Adventures (ETA), we know how transformative student travel can be. But if you’re waiting until next school year to book your 2026 trip, you could be missing out on more than you realize.
Here’s why savvy educators and group leaders are locking in their 2026 trips before the final bell rings this year—and why you should, too.
Lock in the Best Prices
Travel is one of the few things in life that gets more expensive the longer you wait. By booking now, you’re locking in current rates before airlines, hotels, and activity providers raise prices. And with 2026 just around the corner, those price hikes are coming fast.
Early booking means better value for your students and their families. That’s more experiences, more destinations, and more memories—without the last-minute premium.
Secure the Best Attractions & Dates
The most popular student destinations (think Washington D.C., Paris, Costa Rica) and ideal travel windows fill up quickly. Groups who wait often have to settle for less convenient dates, longer travel times, or a second-choice itinerary.
When you book early, you’re first in line. That means more flight options, better hotel choices, and smoother logistics. Simply put: the earlier you plan, the better the experience for everyone.
More Time to Fundraise and Prepare
Booking before the school year ends gives your group a massive head start. With extra months on the calendar, students have more time to fundraise, families can budget more comfortably, and you’ll have space to build excitement and educational context into your curriculum.
ETA offers customized fundraising toolkits and payment plans—tools that work best when there’s time to use them well. Imagine launching next school year with your trip already in motion and momentum already building.
Peace of Mind and a Head Start on the Adventure
Planning ahead isn’t just practical—it’s powerful. It gives you, your students, and their families something to look forward to. It transforms the countdown to summer into a countdown to the world.
