What to Do After a School Trip: 6 Smart Post-Trip Tips for Teachers

You made it! The school trip is over, everyone made it back in one piece, and you’ve got a backpack full of receipts and a heart full of memories.

But before you dive back into regular classroom life, take a little time to reflect and set yourself up for an even smoother experience next time.

Here are six smart things to do after a school trip that will help you gather feedback, stay organized, and make next year’s trip even better.

1. Send a Quick School Trip Feedback Survey to Students

One of the best ways to improve future student travel is to learn from this one. A short feedback survey helps you understand what students enjoyed most, what didn’t work, and what could be improved. Plus, it helps students reflect on their experience – a great post-trip learning activity.

2. Review the School Trip Itinerary While It’s Fresh

Open your itinerary and make quick notes on what worked, what felt rushed, and what you'd change. Did you need more time at the museum? Was the lunch spot too far away? These small reflections can make a big difference when planning your next school trip.

3. Pre-Book the Experiences That Worked Well

If a certain venue, restaurant, or tour guide stood out, try to reserve them now for next year. You can always shift the date later – but having it penciled in will save you time and stress when next year rolls around.

4. Document Trip Highlights to Share with Administrators

Did a student say something meaningful? Were there moments that showed real learning or growth? Write them down now. You can even pull things from the students' feedback responses too. These stories are powerful tools when requesting approval or funding for future trips, and they help showcase the impact of experiential learning.

5. Review and Tweak Your School Trip Planning Timeline

Think about the trip prep process. Did you give yourself enough time for permission slips? Were forms or medical info hard to collect? Adjust your planning timeline while it's still fresh in your mind – future-you will be grateful.

6. Celebrate Your Success as a Teacher Trip Leader

Leading a school trip takes major effort – and you did it! Take a moment to celebrate your work and appreciate the experience you created for your students. These trips leave lasting memories for them – and for you.

At Chapperone, we make school trip planning easier, safer, and more organized for teachers across the country. From pre-trip checklists to on-the-go communication, our platform supports you every step of the way.

Want to simplify your next school trip? Try Chapperone and see how we can help make your student travel stress-free.