Contact me!
The Well Traveled Teacher
  • Blog
  • About
  • Resources
    • The Basics
    • Recruiting Travelers
    • Recruitment Meeting
    • Fundraising
    • Before Departure
    • Departure Day
    • On Tour
    • After Tour
  • Contact

Safety First!

2/15/2017

3 Comments

 
Picture
At my second pre-departure meeting, I always cover the topic of TRAVEL SAFETY.  My number one job as a group leader is to make sure that my travelers are safe and accounted for at all times.  As a group leader, you should always address safety with your group and not just assume that your travelers know how to keep themselves safe.  

Curious what that might entail?  Take a look at what I cover during my 2nd pre-departure meeting:


Click here for a sample agenda
Click here for my Travel Safety Dos and Don'ts handout
Click here for my Rules of the Road handout
Click here for a copy of my Security Card

First things first!  I always address the CURRENT WORLD SITUATION and give some basic tips about crowded areas/tourist destinations:
  • Always stay with your group!  Never ever travel alone.  You should be in a group of four and no less.
  • As you enter a building/museum/church familiarize yourself with the exits.
  • Be very considerate of your words and actions--don't do anything that could be interpreted as suspicious (saying the word "bomb" in the airport or other crowded area).
  • If there is some sort of evacuation follow the directions of the authorities.  If you have a phone with international service, contact me immediately! 

I also share some important AIRPORT TIPS:
  • Always be aware of your surroundings.  If you see something suspicious--say something!
  • Never stray from the group, even in the airport.
  • When going through security, always pay attention and follow the TSA Agent's directions.  (No side conversations, or horseplay).
  • If you are searched by a TSA agent, be calm, respectful and comply with their directions.  (If you are asked to be searched, let one of your chaperones know).
  • If a TSA agent searches your bag, stand back and do not touch the bag.  (their rule, not mine.)
  • Here is an informational video about the TSA 3-1-1 rule for packing liquids in your carry on bag.  Following these guidelines will save a lot of time and hassle in the security line. (Click here for a flier with the same info.)

It is always important to address what to do IF SEPARATED FROM THE GROUP:
  • If you are separated from the group--stay where you are!  Do not go look for the group, we will find you.
  • Stay visible.  Stand on the sidewalk or out in the open.  If you sit inside a cafe or building, you will not be visible to those searching from you.
  • Use the safety card provided to you on departure day, and call me and/or the EF Tours Emergency Number.
  • Ask for help!  Ask a local merchant to call the hotel and ask them to call our Tour Director (the number is on the safety card).
  • If all else fails, hail a cab and ask them to take you to the hotel (the address is on the safety card).

Picture
​To quickly count the group, I use a silly little method called PAIRS-N-SQUARES.  it works a little something like this...
  • Every student travelers gets a "travel buddy" (of whom they know the whereabouts at all times).  This is a PAIR.
    • I like for each pair to be roommates.  This makes it easy when we need to find someone who might still be in their hotel room.  We can send up their pair, who knows where the room is located and probably has a key.
    • It is also nice if the pairs are same sex, in the event that we are looking for a missing person at headcount, and someone needs to check the bathrooms.
  • Each pair, partners up with another pair and form a SQUARE.
  • Each pair-n-square is instructed to make eye contact with their pair first, and then their square when they hear this verbal command..."FIND YOUR PAIR" (pause for eye contact) "FIND YOUR SQUARE" (pause for more eye contact) "WHO IS MISSING?"
  • If anyone is missing from their square, they are supposed to put their hand in the air, and then call out the name that is missing.
I know that seems like a lot to remember, but this method is so much faster (and efficient) than counting off, or having your chaperone's track down a larger group and do a headcount. (Click here for a Pairs-n-Squares worksheet).

I hope that these tips will work for your group.  Do you already use some of these? What other tips do you have for promoting safety in your group?  Let me know in the comments below! 
Picture
3 Comments
    Picture

    Author

    Hi!  I'm Jessica, and I  have traveled the world with my students on seventeen EF Tours.  I am a teacher and group leader, just like you!  I hope that you find some resources on my site to help you with your next EF Tour. Safe Travels!

    Archives

    October 2019
    November 2017
    September 2017
    July 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    November 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014

    Categories

    All
    Advertising Your Tour
    Before Departure
    Breaking The Ice
    Chaperones
    Communication
    Departure Day
    Follow Up
    Fundraising
    Gearing Up For 2016
    Google Forms
    Group Leader
    Group Leader Took Kit
    Lucky Girl
    My 2015 Tour
    Nomination Letters
    Packing
    Pairs-n-Squares
    Passport
    Post Recruitment Meeting
    Pre-Departure Meetings
    Pre-Tour Presentation
    Recruit Meeting
    Recruitment
    Restricted At School
    Safety
    Setting Expectations
    Staying In Touch With Your Group
    Tech Tools
    Tipping
    Tour Consultant
    Traveler Info Form

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.