Several years ago I was teaching science at a school in Indiana. Our school was going through a transition to a new principal and it was good news. Our new principal (Ralph Walker) was a very progressive thinker. He was open to new ideas and was excited when I brought to him a brochure I had somehow received in the mail. The brochure highlighted an exciting new program that was being promoted to science teachers. The program included staying a few days in Orlando, Florida, with visits to EPCOT Center at Disney World, a day at Kennedy Space Center, and a visit to the beach. Perhaps there were a few other things included that I cannot remember?
We raised money for airfare and for the trip package (airfare was not included). Soon enough, we were on our way and had a pretty good time. The trip was an overall success, though there were a few things that were promised to us that were not delivered. On this trip, I learned an awful lot about traveling with students and these lessons, as well as others learned later, became valuable in the formation of our own travel company years later.
One of the first things I found is that if it is not in writing, it is not going to happen. This is a painful lesson and can cause bitter feelings for those who have booked a trip. When dealing with any type of trip, or for that any kind of transaction, get it in writing. “He said-she said” does not hold too much weight especially if other things are documented on paper. We were promised a “welcome pizza party” but it never happened!
