AN UNEXPECTED ATTACK

On January 7th two Islamic militants forced their way into Charlie Hebdo headquarters and killed 11 people in Paris.

While the search for the terrorists, and the subsequent international response, kept most people glued to CNN, we had other things on our mind.

ON THE WAY TO PARIS

One of our Senior Class Trips was enjoying a tour through Rome and Florence in the days prior to the attack, and their itinerary had them scheduled to travel to Paris on the day after the attack happened. At that point, the situation was still very unclear, and we didn’t feel right about having our group anywhere near that type of situation. So, we sprung into action.

Having taken groups around the world for 18 years, we have seen our share of travel emergencies. Weather is always unpredictable, and we’ve steered clear of everything from blizzards to Icelandic Volcano ash. We’ve navigated around protests that shut down entire city centers, and we also diverted our groups to secure locations when the September 11th tragedy happened. We believe that one of our main roles as tour provider is to ensure a smooth trip, regardless of the circumstances.

So, for this group, our Airline Department, and our Senior Class Trip Coordinator stayed in constant communication with the group in Italy, with the airlines, and with the bus companies to make sure that the group was able to continue their tour without going to Paris. After a tireless weekend of rearranging international travel plans at the last minute for a group of 46, the Seniors in the picture below were able to spend the last few days of their trip enjoying Munich instead of Paris. Parents back home breathed a sigh of relief, and for all intents and purposes, the tour was a success.

HOW WOULD YOUR TOUR COMPANY RESPOND? 

Here is some feedback that we received after the group returned:

 “Whew!  What a nightmare!  I’ll say this, though.  It is an encouragement to me to know that you guys know how to handle the most difficult situations.  Thanks for all you do!”

– Stephanie, Principal:

“I must commend you and your staff for doing an outstanding job in a difficult situation.  With very little time, you “made a silk purse out of a sow’s ear”!  Well done!  Thanks for your efforts on our behalf.  I have heard nothing but good things from our students and chaperones on the trip, not to mention all the parents who were so relieved that their kids did not go to Paris.  Be assured that this only adds to the already great reputation you have earned in and around our school community.”

– Steve, Principal:

READY TO TRAVEL WITH AN EXPERIENCED COMPANY?

We truly believe that student travel can change the world, and we work tirelessly to make sure that all of our students leave our tours inspired. In a world filled with fear and uncertainty, we know that international travel may seem like a scary prospect, but we want all our groups to rest assured that their safety is our number one priority. We also believe in God’s provision and continually lift all of our groups up as a company. We are thankful to have the opportunity to introduce many of these places to our students and think God is glorified when students grow into a deeper understanding of God’s magnitude.

 “The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1