World Expeditions Schools BlogTransforming Students into Global Citizens for over 35 yearshttps://worldexpeditionsschools.com/blogTrending & Emerging Destinations for Schools in 2024https://worldexpeditionsschools.com/blog/postid/5550/trending-emerging-destinations-for-schools-in-2024Destinations,School ProgramsTue, 31 Oct 2023 03:34:02 GMT<p>Our experienced team love talking to teachers about incredible travel opportunities. It is rewarding and exciting to know that the students who join our experiential journeys are loving the opportunity to #travelgivegrow. </p> <p>So, with 2024 just around the corner, where are schools travelling to, and where are some extraordinary gems waiting to be discovered again? </p> <h2><strong>NEPAL</strong></h2> <div><strong></strong> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><strong><img alt="Students enjoy the stunning scenery in Nepal | <i>Dominic Garner</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="2634779" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Charities-_-Schools/World-Expeditions-Schools/Students-enjoy-the-stunning-scenery-in-Nepal-2634779-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Charities-_-Schools/World-Expeditions-Schools/Students-enjoy-the-stunning-scenery-in-Nepal-2634779-###width###px.jpg" /></strong></div> <strong> </strong></div> <p><br /> Our Number #1 destination for Schools in 2024 is the Himalayan wonderland of <a href="https://worldexpeditionsschools.com/countries/nepal" target="_blank">Nepal. </a></p> <p>Nepal offers a mesmerising blend of scenic beauty, rich heritage, physical challenge and warm hospitality. Trek, challenge, cultural immersion and service-learning opportunities abound as students immerse themselves in the unique traditions of this enchanting country. </p> <p>The Himalaya is where our company started way back in 1975 and remains one of our most popular areas for school groups thanks to our experience and variety of options. </p> <h2><strong>ASIA</strong></h2> <div><strong></strong> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><strong><img alt="Schoolies group at Angkor Wat | <i>John Nichol</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="2632156" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Charities-_-Schools/World-Expeditions-Schools/Angkor-Wat_-Cambodia-2632156-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Charities-_-Schools/World-Expeditions-Schools/Angkor-Wat_-Cambodia-2632156-###width###px.jpg" /></strong></div> <strong> </strong></div> <p><br /> Easily accessible from Australia, the rich tapestry of historical treasures and diverse culture has also been a very popular reason why <a href="https://worldexpeditionsschools.com/countries/vietnam" target="_blank">Vietnam </a>and <a href="https://worldexpeditionsschools.com/countries/cambodia" target="_blank">Cambodia</a> are a top choice. Students can discover the bustling streets of Hanoi and Phnom Penh, cruise through the stunning limestone pinnacles of Halong Bay, build a house for a family living in a remote village outside Siem Reap, complete a trek and service program in Vietnam’s hilltribe area and cycle around the ancient temples of Angkor Wat. </p> <p><a href="https://worldexpeditionsschools.com/countries/japan" target="_blank">Japan </a>with its blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology creates a fascinating tapestry of experiences for students. Walk through the dynamic streetscapes of Tokyo, witness the serene beauty of Kyoto's temples, come face to face with history in Hiroshima, soak in natural hot springs in Hakone all the while experiencing the mouthwatering cuisine that Japan is famous for. </p> <p>The tropical warmth of the Philippines is another Asia destination that has piqued some of our Schools’ interest. Visiting Manila for mega-cities, island hopping, regenerative service programs and exploring different landscapes has been top of the list. </p> <h2><strong>AUSTRALIA</strong></h2> <div><strong></strong> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><strong><img alt="Our groups join a multi day Indigenous immersion program at Pudakul | <i>Tourism NT/Nick Pincott</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="2632159" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Charities-_-Schools/World-Expeditions-Schools/World-Expeditions-Schools-2632159-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Charities-_-Schools/World-Expeditions-Schools/World-Expeditions-Schools-2632159-###width###px.jpg" /></strong></div> <strong> </strong></div> <p><br /> Exploring our own backyard continues to develop students’ understanding of the ancient wisdom and culture of Indigenous Australia. <a href="https://www.worldyouthadventures.com/countries/australia" target="_blank">Our Australian programs </a>travel to every state in the country and have a very unique mix of cultural immersions with local indigenous mobs, physical challenge, conservation and humanitarian service and importantly, loads of fun activities for students to experience. </p> <p>These destinations will continue to captivate our schools as they have done for decades with the safe and authentic programs we offer. </p> <p>But what are some emerging destinations that our Schools are looking into? </p> <h2><strong>MALAYSIAN BORNEO</strong></h2> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><img alt="Permaculture service in Borneo" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="2634780" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Asia/Borneo-_-Malaysia/Permaculture-service-in-Borneo-2634780-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Asia/Borneo-_-Malaysia/Permaculture-service-in-Borneo-2634780-###width###px.jpg" /></div>   <p><a href="https://worldexpeditionsschools.com/countries/malaysia" target="_blank">Borneo</a>, with it’s untamed wilderness including rainforest, mountain peaks and diverse wildlife is at the forefront of our new programs. Here students have the opportunity to gain unique insights into biodiversity and conservation, complete service programs with local tribes and world class conservation groups, trek through lush jungle, encounter orangutans in their natural habitat and witness breathtaking landscapes, a world away from the confines of the classroom and school yard. </p> <h2><strong>FURTHER AFIELD, PERHAPS?</strong></h2> <p>A little bit further afield, <a href="https://worldexpeditionsschools.com/countries/tanzania" target="_blank">Tanzania </a>with it’s vast savannas and abundant wildlife paired with well-established community service learning programs provide the quintessential African school experience. </p> <p>One destination which was very popular going back a number of years is <a href="https://worldexpeditionsschools.com/where-we-go/south-america" target="_blank">South America.</a> <a href="https://worldexpeditionsschools.com/countries/ecuador" target="_blank">Ecuador </a>is a fantastic destination for conservation service and has just been voted on the 2024 <em>Lonely Planet </em>Hot List or the best destinations to travel to next year. <a href="https://worldexpeditionsschools.com/countries/peru" target="_blank">Peru </a>has long been a favourite amongst our schools with trekking along the many Inca Trails and the history of ancient civilisations being the main drawcards. </p> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><img alt="School group exploring Machu Picchu in Peru | <i>Drew Collins</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="2632172" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Charities-_-Schools/World-Expeditions-Schools/Eco-Adventure_-Peru-2632172-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Charities-_-Schools/World-Expeditions-Schools/Eco-Adventure_-Peru-2632172-###width###px.jpg" /></div>   <p>If it is more of a STEM program you are after then <a href="https://worldexpeditionsschools.com/where-we-go/europe" target="_blank">Europe</a> is now more popular than ever. History, the arts, culture, cuisine with more flight schedules now on offer, the cost for our Europe programs are more value for money than ever before. </p> <p>With so many opportunities, the important message is to take the time to discuss your learning requirements with <a href="https://worldexpeditionsschools.com/aboutus/our-youth-adventure-experts" target="_blank">our team.</a> With the hunger and passion for travel reignited across the world, we are seeing flights, accommodations and other services book out exceedingly far in advance. </p> <p><a href="mailto:scott@worldexpeditions.com.au?subject=2024%20Trending%20Destinations&body=Hello%20Scott%2C">Contact our team </a>now to discuss your next learning adventure to ensure the best possible price and overall experience for your School.</p> 5550Authentic Indigenous Immersion Experiences for Schoolshttps://worldexpeditionsschools.com/blog/postid/4985/authentic-indigenous-immersion-experiences-for-schoolsSchool ProgramsMon, 14 Feb 2022 02:22:31 GMT<p>Indigenous immersion programs are cultural journeys that provide students with a firsthand opportunity to understand the connection with Country through Indigenous eyes and helps them to appreciate one of the longest surviving cultures on the planet.</p> <p>The opportunity to spend time with local communities and caring for the land like their ancestors did is invaluable for students’ understanding of our First Nations people. Genuine experiences carefully crafted in consultation with local communities, that head deeper into Australia’s remote communities and wilderness regions, help to foster a personal connection between students and their hosts. Such experiences also help young people to examine their own lives from a new and completely different perspective.</p> <p>From bush tucker samplings to cultural conversations, a smoking ceremony to exploring hidden rock galleries, tracking animals to learning how to identify medicinal plants and living off the land, your school group will participate in team building exercises and engage in physical activity and as they learn more about the Aboriginal people’s deep respect for their environment.</p> <p>The following is just a sample of what your students could experience.</p> <h2>Follow a 'Dreaming Pathway' or songline on the Jatbula Trail</h2> <p>A culturally significant area, the Jatbula Trail follows a songline that has many dreaming story crossroads. The trail is named after Peter Jatbula, a traditional owner who fought hard for the area to be returned to the Aboriginal people in the 1970s and 80s.</p> <p>Tracing ancient passages, the hike through the exceptional Arnhem Land escarpment and Stone Country in the Northern Territory is elevated as you visit ancient rock art sites, which bring to life the Dreamtime stories handed down through the generations.</p> <p>Interesting sites include the Jawoyn Aboriginal rock art hidden in the many stony outcrops and overhangs en route to Crystal Falls. You also explore the Amphitheatre, which is a rainforest gorge, with its rock shelters exhibiting the art of the Jawoyn Traditional Owners.</p> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><img alt="Gain a deeper understanding of the local Indigenous culture with visits to ancient rock art sites | <i>Linda Murden</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1145546" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Australasia/Northern-Territory/Ancient-Rock-Art-Jatbula-Trail-Nitmiluk-National-Park-1145546-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Australasia/Northern-Territory/Ancient-Rock-Art-Jatbula-Trail-Nitmiluk-National-Park-1145546-###width###px.jpg" /></div>   <h2>Taste authentic bush tucker in the Red Centre</h2> <p>Ever tried bush muesli? Well, there are plenty of unique bush foods on the menu on an Indigenous immersion trip for schools in Central Australia.</p> <p>While exploring iconic sites including the Serpentine Gorge, the Ochre Pits, Ormiston Gorge & Standley Chasm, students can complete an indigenous cultural program with local community members and landowners covering local arts, ancient sites, traditional methods, and ceremonies and of course, bush tucker.</p> <p>A highlight is Standley Chasm, a private reserve proudly owned and operated by its Traditional Owners as part of the lwupataka Land Trust.</p> <p>A cultural conversation is led by one of their local guides where students learn about the site’s significance, being one of the areas where Aboriginal land has been passed back to them.</p> <p>Also known as Angkerle Atwatye to the local Indigenous people, the site's rocky slopes rise an astonishing 80 metres above the chasm, which has been carved out over millions of years by a tributary of the Finke River system – purported to be the oldest river in the world.</p> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><img alt="Food glorious food; our menu includes many native bush foods | <i>#cathyfinchphotography</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1145542" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Australasia/Northern-Territory/20200810_080703258_iOS-1145542-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Australasia/Northern-Territory/20200810_080703258_iOS-1145542-###width###px.jpg" /></div>   <div><strong><a href="https://worldexpeditionsschools.com/our-programs/australian-trips-projects/northern-territory">View Northern Territory Indigenous Immersion and School Travel programs</a></strong><br />   <h2>Marvel at hidden rock art galleries in the Top End</h2> <p>In addition to the rock art found on the Jatbula Trail, Kakadu National Park offers an array of hidden rock art, which recount ancient stories, lore and songs significant to Indigenous Australian culture.</p> <p>Coupled with the vast landscapes and rich wildlife, a visit to these rock galleries adds a unique element on an Indigenous immersion tour of Australia’s Top End. Over 40,000 years of Aboriginal heritage of both the present and past is on display in the Top End.</p> <p>While staying in Pudakul country on Wulna Land and in exclusive semi-permanent campsites away from other tourists, students will learn about the area from their Indigenous hosts during a hands-on cultural immersion program.</p> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><img alt="An Indigenous guide shares his knowledge of Aboriginal music during a cultural tour | <i>Tourism NT/Nick Pincott</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1145547" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Australasia/Northern-Territory/Cultural-experience-at-Pudakul-1145547-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Australasia/Northern-Territory/Cultural-experience-at-Pudakul-1145547-###width###px.jpg" /></div>   <h2>Pay respects to those lost during the Wybalenna ‘Aboriginal Settlement’ on Flinders Island</h2> <p>Shrouded by myth and legend, Truganini was considered one of the last full-blooded Aboriginals in Tasmania and was moved to Flinders Island along with her husband and approximately 100 other last surviving Tasmanian Aboriginals. </p> <p>Her story is debated by historians and a visit to the fascinating Flinders Island Museum and the historic Wybalenna is a must for students eager to learn more about the plight of the First Nation’s people in Tasmania.</p> <p>The infamous site of Wybalenna reverberates a sad history about the disastrous indigenous resettlement scheme back in 1834. Wybalenna is where Tasmanian Aborigines were transported after the 'friendly mission'; that is, the mission to round up and remove Aboriginal people from mainland Tasmania.</p> <p>While the remaining graveyard, housing and chapel are a heavy and melancholic sight to take in, it is an important and historically significant place to learn about.</p> <p>Our guides take care to make sure information presented here is accurate and sensitive and visitors are then taken to the local museum nearby where they are given the chance to learn more about what happened there.</p> <p><img alt="The graveyard near Wybalenna Chapel contains unmarked Aboriginal graves. Around 300 Aboriginals were ‘delivered’ there during its time as a mission. | <i>Dietmar Kahles</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1145549" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/Wybalenna-Chapel-Flinders-Island-1145549-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/Wybalenna-Chapel-Flinders-Island-1145549-###width###px.jpg" /></p> <div><strong><a href="https://worldexpeditionsschools.com/our-programs/australian-trips-projects/tasmania">View Tasmania Indigenous Immersion and School Travel programs</a></strong></div> <h2>Connect with the land in WA's Francois Peron National Park</h2> <p>Access the heavily restricted Francois Peron National Park and explore this impressive area of acacia-cloaked red dunes and arid shrublands surrounded by turquoise water on an exclusive immersion experience with the Wula Gura Nyinda Eco team.</p> <p>There are about 130 registered Aboriginal Heritage sites in the area, including quarries, rock shelters, burial sites and middens and students will learn about connection to country, environmental awareness while exploring the region on foot and by kayak. </p> <p>Looking for bushtucker, learning about medicinal plants, animals tracking. And engaging engage in storytelling over a campfire are just some of the experiences on offer in this stunning region of Western Australia.</p> <p><img alt="The Wula Gura Nyinda team will provide the indigenous immersion program in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area | <i>Tourism WA</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1145545" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Australasia/Western-Australia/117932-56-1145545-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Australasia/Western-Australia/117932-56-1145545-###width###px.jpg" /></p>  <strong><a href="https://worldexpeditionsschools.com/our-programs/australian-trips-projects/western-australia">View Western Australia Indigenous Immersion and School Travel programs</a></strong> <h2>Experience a smoking ceremony and the Great Barrier Reef</h2> <p>In Far North Queensland, join the Mandingalbay Yidinji people to explore their country straddling the wet tropics and Great Barrier Reef World Heritage areas.</p> <p>Students will be welcomed to Country with a traditional smoke ceremony before listening to their hosts’ stories about their spiritual and cultural connection to the land.</p> <p>A wide range of immersion programs and activities are on offer including learning about bush tucker, maintaining land with local Aboriginal rangers, and preparing a "Kup Murri" earth oven dug into the ground. </p> <p>Discuss totems and the protection of animals, native title acts and visit an aquaponics gardener for a fun, hands on look at how to produce organic fruits, herbs, veggies and fish in a sustainable way in your school or backyard. </p> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><img alt="We join a local Indigenous artist and try our hand at painting | <i>SWJ</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1145551" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Charities-_-Schools/World-Expeditions-Schools/Indigenous-Artist_-North-Queensland-1145551-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Charities-_-Schools/World-Expeditions-Schools/Indigenous-Artist_-North-Queensland-1145551-###width###px.jpg" /></div>  </div> <div><strong><a href="https://worldexpeditionsschools.com/our-programs/australian-trips-projects/queensland">View Queensland Indigenous Immersion and School Travel programs</a></strong> <p><em></em></p> <p><em>World Expeditions Schools respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of all the areas that it operates in and thank them for sharing this beautiful land with us.</em></p> </div> 4985Australian Educational Trips: 6 things to considerhttps://worldexpeditionsschools.com/blog/postid/3447/5-things-to-consider-australian-educational-tripsDestinations,School ProgramsTue, 26 May 2020 23:32:00 GMT<p>International school trips won’t be going ahead as planned for the foreseeable future, but that’s ok because there is a plethora of diverse learning outside of the classroom experiences to be had right here in Australia.</p> If you’ve never planned an active or educational school trip longer than a week at home, then you may want to get ready for a few key differences. Australia provides high quality, safe experiences, but they do come with extra costs and often, regulations. <h3><strong>PRICE</strong></h3> <p>A two-week trip in Nepal for AUD$4k with flights is very possible. Getting the same length of trip for the same price in Australia, at the same level of quality, will be harder. Internal flights are already on the higher end when compared with cheaper flights to Asia. Wages for experienced Australian guides and staff are much higher than in developing countries. As can be National Park fees and permits, accommodations and the cost of nearly everything to operate a trip, from the muesli in the morning to fuel in the tank. </p> <p>It costs more to operate quality wilderness programs in Australia. Your existing budgets are likely to go a lot longer if you can reduce the length of trip.</p> <h3><strong>GROUP SIZES</strong></h3> <p>The Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park in Tasmania only permits 10 paying walkers per group. That’s a little awkward when you have a group of 25-35 kids you want to take away. </p> <p>Many of our National Parks or places worth protecting do come with some rules and regulations that you may not see abroad; however, they are in place to minimise the impact of popular places so they can be enjoyed by everyone. Before you get too excited about a destination, check the National Park commercial group size allowance.</p> <h3><strong>SEASONALITY</strong></h3> <p>As good as the weather is in Australia it certainly pays to choose the right season when choosing to take students into our wilderness. Many schools get the advantage of the warmer weather in the northern hemisphere with mid-year trips however that is the Aussie winter, which is ideal if you're headed out to the desert.</p> <p>Here's a quick glance at the best times to visit some of our most popular places. </p> <ul> <li><strong>Tasmania:</strong> ideal for October to March, the warmer summer months with typically less rain. It can rain and temperatures can drop at anytime during summer.</li> <li><strong>Darwin and Kakadu:</strong> Outside the wet season, June to August is coolest with least humidity</li> <li><strong>Alice Springs and Larapinta</strong>: May to September are the coolest months, winter nights can be freezing</li> <li><strong>Flinders Ranges and Kangaroo Island</strong>: The winter months June to August are the coolest times, however it is also rainy season on Kangaroo Island</li> <li><strong>Ningaloo Reef and Karijiji National Park: </strong>Between May and September, the milder, drier months. Average winter temperatures can still be warm, mid 20C.</li> <li><strong>South West Australia: </strong>Most of the year really. Cooler to walk during winter although swimming might not be in the itinerary.</li> <li><strong>Daintree Rainforrest and Cape Tribulation: </strong></li> <li><strong>New Zealand: </strong>Late September it begins to warm up for a typically mild summer before autumn brings the changing of the leaves and the lower temperatures again. It can rain and temperatures can drop at anytime during summer.</li> </ul> <h3><strong>SERVICE LEARNING </strong></h3> <p>Our wilderness is iconic and helping to clean and protect it is of valuable need and instils a long-standing ethos of respect between the student and our native landscapes. There are some wonderful and highly beneficial conservation service learning programs all around Australia and New Zealand. You can join a hands on project studying species, helping with landcare management, caring for bushfire affected areas or perhaps studying the impact of microplastics in our river systems.</p> <p>Australia offers a robust network of social programs to help support those in need. Unlike developing countries, where there is essentially little to no government or third-party assistance for the poor, the government and many charities have programs in place at home assisting where required. While they are more limited here than you would find abroad, humanitarian service-learning programs are still possible within Australia. </p> <h3><strong>EXPERIENCE IS EVERYTHING</strong></h3> <p>Australia is a vast, remote land. Our landscapes are beautiful but can be dangerous is you are not experienced with the terrain. During this time many school group operators will scramble to provide product in Australia, except us. Our parent company, World Expeditions, has pioneered many classic Australian adventures and has been rewarded for our sustainability initiative. Before swapping your international student trip to a domestic one, ensure your local operator has the ‘runs on the board’ and can offer a high quality, safe educational learning experience in Australia.</p> <h3><strong>USING KNOWLEDEABLE GUIDES</strong></h3> <p>While using a local guide is obviously going to be more expensive than leading a local tour yourself, don't be tempted too quickly by the saving. For a world class, safe experience only a guide can bring stories of local history and flora, be familiar with the weather patterns and add an extra element of comfort, knowledge and safety into your school tour. It's tempting to lead a trip even with experienced outdoor staff but to truly get the most out of an experience you spend time organising why not get the most out of it.</p>  3447Best in Adventure Travelhttps://worldexpeditionsschools.com/blog/postid/3223/best-in-adventure-travelDestinations,Gear,General,School Programs,Schoolies Adventures,Service LearningWed, 04 Dec 2019 05:22:49 GMT<p>World Expeditions Schools are proud to be part of the World Expeditions Travel Group. Every school that travels with us benefits from the decades of logistical experience of our parent company, World Expeditions, who are unmatched in their ability to draw on their four decades of expertise both in the field and in the planning stages of all school trips we operate.</p> <p>In recognition of World Expeditions' sustained “Big Adventures, Small Footprint” travel philosophy we are absolutely thrilled to announce that they won the top gong in the Adventure Travel category at The Travel Awards in Sydney, receiving the Adventure Travel Wholesaler of the Year for 2019.</p> <blockquote> <p><strong>"We dedicate this award to all the porters, trip leaders, sirdars, cooks, office staff, consultants and every single member of our global team who work tirelessly to ensure that our travellers receive the high-quality adventure travel holiday’s that we promise to them."</strong></p> </blockquote> <p>The timing of this award is serendipitous as the company celebrates their 45th year of pioneering adventure next year and the recent announcement that all trips across the group, including our school adventures, are now 100% carbon offset.</p> <p><img alt="World Expeditions wins Adventure Travel Wholesaler of the Year for 2019 at The Travel Awards in Sydney" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="574808" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Marketing-Images/World-Ex/Adventure-Travel-Wholesaler-of-the-Year-2019---The-Travel-Awards-574808-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Marketing-Images/World-Ex/Adventure-Travel-Wholesaler-of-the-Year-2019---The-Travel-Awards-574808-###width###px.jpg"></p> <p>World Expeditions' Operations Manager, Sarah Higgins, who accepted the Award, said the culture of pioneering new adventures remained a focus at the group:</p> <blockquote> <p><strong>Since 1975, when we became the first Australian company to offer commercial trekking holidays in Nepal, we have continued pioneering adventure holidays all over the world.</strong></p> </blockquote> <p>"World Expeditions was the first company to offer walking holidays in Japan and Tibet and cycling in China, India and then Vietnam,” she said.</p> <p>“In Australia, we pioneered rafting the Franklin River and trekking the Larapinta Trail, and our pioneering philosophy continues today with our constantly evolving range of remote treks in places like Pakistan and India and with our most challenging trip – the 150-day, 1600km Great Himalaya Trail across Nepal, departing next year for the 10th consecutive year.”</p> <p>They were also one of the first to operate student adventures to Nepal back in the 1980's, long before experiential travel became a buzz word in the overseas school travel market.</p> <p>The Adventure Travel Wholesaler category recognises travel companies that package together unique adventure travel holidays to remote or exotic locations and/or taking part in physically challenging outdoor activities while on holiday and was judged by more than 50 of Australia’s most experienced travel industry alumni. </p> <p><img alt="World Expeditions crowned Best in Adventure Travel at Industry Awards" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="574806" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Marketing-Images/World-Ex/Adventure-Travel-Wholesaler-of-the-Year-2019---The-Travel-Awards-574806-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Marketing-Images/World-Ex/Adventure-Travel-Wholesaler-of-the-Year-2019---The-Travel-Awards-574806-###width###px.jpg"></p> <p>Among the companies many <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Thoughtful-Travel/Awards-and-Achievements" target="_blank">achievements and awards in the past 44 years</a>, we are all particularly proud of their:</p> <p>   • <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Thoughtful-Travel" target="_blank">Responsible Travel policies</a>, including pioneering <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Thoughtful-Travel/Porter-Welfare" target="_blank">porter welfare</a> policies which help to raise the working standards of porters in Nepal; the development of a <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Thoughtful-Travel/Child-Safe-Tourism" target="_blank">child safe travel</a> policy; and their industry-leading <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Thoughtful-Travel/Animal-Welfare" target="_blank">Animal Welfare Code of Conduct</a>, all of which are also followed by World Expeditions Schools.</p> <p>   • <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/thoughtful-travel/carbon-offset-positive-impact-projects" target="_blank">100% carbon offset</a> adventures, all of which support renewable energy and reforestation projects across the world.</p> <p>   • Progression to eliminate single use plastic from trips across the group</p> <p>   • <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Thoughtful-Travel/Community-Project-Travel" target="_blank">Community Project Travel</a> programs giving travellers the opportunity to give back, the genesis of Service Learning school trips in Australia.</p> <p>   • Charity brand, <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Charity/Huma-Charity-Challenge" target="_blank">Huma Charity Challenge</a>, raising over $6 million for Australian charities.</p> <p>   • Youth brand, <a href="https://www.worldyouthadventures.com/" target="_blank">World Expeditions Schools</a>, giving thousands of students the opportunity to help underprivileged communities all over the world, following UN Sustainable Development Goals as guiding principles.</p> <p>   • <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/World-Expeditions-Foundation" target="_blank">World Expeditions Foundation</a> fundraising $70,000 towards delivered project works in Nepal.</p> <p>Awards such as this provide a wonderful reminder to our whole team, and to those who choose to travel with us, that the path less travelled is, for us, the right path.</p> 3223Disconnect to Connect on a School Trip Abroadhttps://worldexpeditionsschools.com/blog/postid/3149/disconnect-to-connect-school-trip-abroadGeneral,School Programs,Service LearningWed, 18 Sep 2019 13:55:00 GMT<h2>How a school trip abroad can help bring back real communication</h2> <div><span style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"><em>On returning home from my travels this Summer I squeezed onto a packed commuter train at Gatwick, carefully trying to avoid knocking into too many people with my rucksack whilst on the search for an empty seat. A little boy of not more than seven beamed as I sat down opposite him, his bright eyes seeking out mine, clearly fascinated about where I had come from. Was it the rucksack he was drawn to? Had he found it funny that it was just that little bit too awkward to walk down the aisle with? Did I have a dirty mark on my face? Oh no he’d just found the only other person in the train carriage not wearing headphones lost to a world of technology – he wanted to do the strangest of things … talk! <br> <br> We passed a wonderful hour. He’d been to London (his first time in the capital). Seen Buckingham Palace (not the Queen unfortunately). Helped his Mum at work (wouldn’t want to do that every day). Explained that the mass of clothes next to him was his sleeping sister (exhausted from their adventures). Quizzed me about who might live in the castles that flew past the train window (do all those fields belong to the castle?) Those around us continued to exist in their own bubble, knees bizarrely touching, shoulders rubbing, eyes averted and brains and minds intent on their solitary fix.</em></span><font face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif"><i></i></font></div> <h3>What are we teaching our next generation? </h3> <div>That it is wrong to talk to complete strangers under any circumstances? That it is awkward to make eye contact? That last night’s fictional episode is more important than the day the person opposite is having? Are we deskilling our children? Are they able to recognise facial signals, respond to conversation starters, confidently engage with others and develop social skills in order to form positive relationships and real friendships?</div>   <h2 style="text-align: center;">Unplug to unwind. Tune out to tune in. Disconnect to connect.</h2>   <div>A recent <a href="https://www.worldyouthadventures.com/countries/morocco" target="_blank">experiential learning trip to Morocco</a> with a group of my secondary students has given me hope. As organisers of the trip we explained prior to enrolment that students were not allowed to take mobile phones with them for a number of reasons. It was fascinating to watch the results. </div> <div> </div> <div><img alt="Disconnect first, in order to connect with each other" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="535298" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Charities-_-Schools/World-Youth-Adventures/kids-on-their-mobile-phones-535298-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Charities-_-Schools/World-Youth-Adventures/kids-on-their-mobile-phones-535298-###width###px.jpg"><br> <br> The initial reason, given to us during our original staff training, was partly due to the poor signal in many of the parts of the High Atlas Mountains. On top of that, it is essential that if there is a difficulty or even an emergency that students have to deal with, that they are able to do so without feeling the need to immediately text parents back at home. Students need to work as a team, support each other, react to the situation at hand and learn from the experts. Our local guides had both the equipment, and more importantly, the knowledge of the surrounding area to get messages through if required. Broken and confused messages received by worried parents who are unable to help cause unnecessary angst. Besides, a student who has successfully overcome feeling unwell, upset, homesick or just simply exhausted comes back from their school trip abroad as a far stronger and independent person.  </div> <div> </div> <blockquote> <div>There was no pressure to pose for selfies</div> </blockquote> <div> </div> Our students found the lack of a phone disconcerting at first. Many panicked, thinking they had left it on the coach or in the airport, but it didn’t take long to feel a new found sense of freedom. There was no risk that they were going to lose, scratch or drop their phone. Or worse still, be the target of theft. There was no pressure to pose for selfies, pout and post or even consider what their friends were doing that evening at a party they were missing. There was no worry about a bad hair day or whether the clothes were right – we were there to live alongside, support and build contacts with the Moroccan community in a beautiful part of the world that relies, for the fragile present, far less on modern technology. <h3>Entertainment had to be technology free</h3> <div>The sheer joy of watching students bond as a group, making friendship bracelets, playing cards, creating ball games, doing yoga and talking, really talking, was a breath of fresh air. Not just for those of us old enough to remember a different world, but also for those students who have known nothing other than the technological frenzy of social media they have been born into.</div> <div> </div> <div><img alt="Enjoying breakfast in Bhaktapur, just outside of Kathmandu | <i>Greg Pike</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="535299" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Charities-_-Schools/World-Youth-Adventures/Kathmandu-Nepal-535299-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Charities-_-Schools/World-Youth-Adventures/Kathmandu-Nepal-535299-###width###px.jpg"><br> <br> Communication was real. Individuals had to pick up whether members of the group needed help, support, distraction or time alone. Their soft skills flourished. Communication with those speaking a different language had to be carefully thought out, expressed through gesture or the simplicity of a smile.</div> <h3>Through the senses</h3> <div>The <a href="https://www.worldyouthadventures.com/school-group-adventures/morocco/atlas-adventurer" target="_blank">trekking in Morocco’s High Atlas</a> is demanding both physically and mentally. To truly experience the challenge and the splendour, whether in Morocco or any other destination for a school trip abroad, it is paramount to do so through the senses. A quote I saw on my own travels in Estonia summed up the need to embrace the world not from behind a phone or through the ubiquitous headphones but through the heart and through the people around you:</div> <div> </div> <blockquote> <div><span style="font-size:16px;"><em>Hiking means looking with one’s own eyes, listening with one’s own ears, thinking with one’s own mind and feeling with one’s own heart.</em></span></div> </blockquote> <div>– Edgar Kant, geographer & economist</div> <br> There is an irony that due to the close friendships formed across a quite disparate group the students are using their phones to remain in contact with each other since their return and going their separate ways. Likewise, once the bundle of clothes that was the sister woke up, my train companion grabbed an iPad to challenge his sibling. Technology is undoubtedly here to stay. But we must ensure that, despite the obvious advantages, we provide our children with opportunities to disconnect in order to connect, before we all forget how.<br> <br> <em>Article is written by Jo Biddle, who travelled on a school trip abroad with World Expeditions Schools in July 2019. Pictures from World Expeditions Schools image library. </em><br>   <div style="background:#eeeeee;border:1px solid #cccccc;padding:5px 10px;"> <h3>What does 'Disconnect to Connect' mean?</h3> To maximize the benefits of the travel experience, students need to be free to be fully in the moment, engaging in the activities on offer and focusing on the people they are travelling with. This <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/disconnect-to-connect_b_7697698" target="_blank">blog article by the Huffpost</a> explains it in another way. <br> When phones are down (students are disconnected), eyes are up, freeing students to look around and notice things (they are connected). Without phones, students are open to receive information from all their senses, allowing them to fully engage in the travel experience, to maximize the potential for learning and growth. It also gives them the chance to top up their creative fuel by being in tune to their own thoughts and responses in a way that is not possible when they are beholden to the phone. </div> <div> </div> <div><strong><a href="https://www.worldyouthadventures.com/Design-Your-Program" target="_blank">>> Organise a school trip abroad with us and allow your students a technology free experience where they can reconnect. Learn More</a> >></strong></div> <div><strong></strong></div>   <div><strong></strong></div> <div><strong><a href="https://www.worldyouthadventures.com/aboutus/enewsletter">>> Sign up to the World Expeditions Schools eNewsletter here</a> >></strong></div> 31498 Hacks for Your First Trek in Nepalhttps://worldexpeditionsschools.com/blog/postid/3099/8-hacks-for-your-first-trek-in-nepalDestinations,School Programs,Service LearningWed, 05 Dec 2018 04:59:00 GMTIt’s tricky to decide on a destination for your overseas school program or your Schoolies, especially when you have so many options out there. Why not venture to the destinations less travelled such as Nepal and support communities in need? You’ll be surprised to discover you can easily find all sorts of info about Nepal on Google.<br /> <br /> To help you get started, here are some travel hacks from our frequent adventurers to make your first trek in Nepal easier.<br /> <br /> <strong>1. Down boots are your friend.</strong><br /> The year before I went to Nepal, I hiked the Overland Track in Tasmania. It was full pack trekking, so anything deemed unnecessary for survival was culled. The first evening at camp, one of our seemingly tough group members donned a pair of down booties. It took all of three seconds for me to mentally place these wacky Michelin Man looking shoes on the ‘unnecessary’ list. As it later turned out, this person had been on treks all over the world and knew what he was doing. Fast forward one year and I’m sitting in Gorak Shep with, you guessed it, a pair of down booties on my weary feet. Do not underestimate the power of the weird and wonderful footwear.<br /> <br /> <strong>2. And so is a hot water bottle.</strong><br /> Hydration is crucial, especially at altitude, so you’re going to have an assortment of water drinking contraptions that adorn your backpack. Fill your bottles with boiled water at night and make use of these steamy bottles of goodness by putting them in your sleeping bag before you settle in. Just make sure the bottles are unbreakable and sealed very tightly.<br /> <br /> <strong>3. Keep your batteries warm.</strong><br /> Battery life suffers in cold temperatures and you most likely won’t be able to recharge it. Keep them in a sock at the bottom of your sleeping bag each night to help prolong the inevitable.<br /> <br /> <strong>4. Take it slooooow.</strong><br /> Acclimatisation is serious business and it can be life threatening if not treated with care. While on the trek, drink lots of water, continue to eat even if you lose your appetite and go slow. If you feel unwell at any point in time, don’t hesitate to let your guide know. In the words of the Nepalese, ‘slowly-slowly’ wins the race.<br /> <br /> <strong>5. You need to train for the trek.</strong><br /> Hiking in the Himalaya requires endurance and fitness. You’ll want to do a mix of day walks with and without a full pack, cycling and cardio workouts for at least 3 months prior to your trek. You wouldn’t want to give up halfway on your trek and miss out on the full experience.<br /> <br /> <strong>6. Always have two towels handy.</strong><br /> When you wash up in the morning, have 2 towels at hand - one to soak in the water to clean yourself with, and one to dry yourself with because it’s always cold. Tie them to the straps of your backpack during the day and they’ll be dry and ready for use when you’re back in camp.<br /> <br /> <strong>7. Walk on the mountain side of the trail.</strong><br /> Always walk on the inner edge of the trial (the mountain side). You’ll frequently come across yaks that are sharing the trail with you, which gives living on the edge a whole new meaning, and you need to step aside to let them pass. Keep an ear out for the sound of their bells up ahead.<br /> <br /> <img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Youth Adventures 2/LiveBlog/WP-Images/nepal-mountain-side-yak-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Youth Adventures 2/LiveBlog/WP-Images/nepal-mountain-side-yak-###width###px.jpg" width="470" /><br /> <br /> <strong>8. Act on the urge to get up at night.</strong><br /> Yes, it’s warm in your sleeping bag and cold outside. Yes, it’s dark and you need to navigate to the toilet set up by torch light. Once you get past that, you will be a happy person because the crisp, starry Himalaya night sky is a sight to be seen and a memory to capture.<br /> <br /> Interested in bringing your students to Nepal? <a href="mailto:enquiries@worldyouthadventures.com" style="color:#afa200;text-decoration:none;">Get in touch</a> and we can customise a program to suit your school's learning objectives and budget.<br /> <br /> If you are a student and want to explore Nepal for your Schoolies, you can now register for our <a href="https://www.worldyouthadventures.com/School-Leavers-Schoolies-Adventures/Nepal/Explore-Nepal-Alternative-Schoolies-Community-Project" style="color:#afa200;text-decoration:none;">2019 alternative Schoolies</a>, where you can meet like-minded people, help repair a remote school and make a difference in this world.3099