With the situation continuing to change, the information below is being constantly updated. We will periodically update/add and remove content as appropriate. A lot of this information is also available in the public domain. The date stamp represents when the page was last updated and the information is correct and current as at that time.
Resumption of School Trips - The Department of Education updated its coronavirus operational guidance on 6th July 2021 with important information for English Schools.
We understand that you may have a number of question and concerns regarding booking guidelines, safety procedures and insurance for future travel. Our FAQ's are here to support you planning and if you cant find the answer to your question just drop us a line.
As part of our service we offer a travel insurance solution so everyone in your group is insured 12 weeks prior to departure until the end of your trip when you arrive at home. The policy is bespoke to True north and compiled to protect you in all areas from cancellation/ curtailment/ personal belonging/ medical etc. We know that many schools and groups have their own insurance providers, so for us its about having a product that is really good for those that don't or those that don't have specific winter sports coverage. It is also a question of price, we know our insurance isn't the cheapest, so we want you to be able to make your own decision and shop around if you choose. When you receive a quote from us for your trip, you will clearly see the cost of the insurance.
Yes we can! We have recently written a blog which outlines what is and isn't covered. We have also spent time creating a questionnaire in regards to our travel insurance through the eyes of a teacher and school to be as clear as possible. You can view this page here
Endsleigh Insurance is the provider of our travel insurance policy. They are specialists within the student market and they have a quality infrastructure and assistance partners.
STOP THE PRESS!!!We would treat this like we do any other illness or predicament that prevents travel and our standard cancellation policy would apply and you should check with your insurers. We know that cancellation due to Covid-19 is a grey area at present, however the True North Travel policy supplied by Endsleigh Insurance that we have available to schools if they don't have their own, now covers pre departure cancellation due to Covid-19.
The DfE has given schools the green light to book some new educational trips as long as they have ‘adequate financial protection’ in place, such as using a reputable tour operator that offers flexible COVID booking terms. When you make a booking with True North, you are financially protected through the Travel Trust Association (member no. Q9293) and for flight groups ATOL (licence holder 12017) and unlike most other school providers, your money is held in a trust account where funds are released only to pay for services for your trip.
In all cases, it is always best to ask your travel insurer as to what you can claim for. True North does not offer refunds or compensation for loss of ski time whilst you are on your trip. With a doctors note saying the participant is no longer able to ski due to sickness, this can be presented to the skipass company, who will reimburse the lift ticket cost for the unused days.
We will support you and your group throughout the trip. We will always take advice and follow the local authorities recommendations and rules. If you have True North Travel Insurance (provided by Endsleigh Insurance) extended stays in regard to quarantine are covered whether you continue to stay in the same accommodation or have to move to a new accommodation and repatriation back to the UK when you are allowed to travel. For students, adult supervision is a requirement for the duration of the extended stay, whether that be a group leader or supporting teacher staying with the student for the extended stay or a parent flying out to be with their child, this is also covered by the insurance.
If you have taken your own insurance, please check the policy carefully to ensure you have adequate cover.
Our coach providers are all members of The Guild for British Coach Operators and CPT Associations. Instructions for safety on board coaches for schools are evolving at the moment. We will be ensuring that all our coach suppliers comply with the guidelines set out by the DfE prior to departure and will keep you informed of this. We will issue you in advance with the safety rules of the coach company taking your tour.
Eurotunnel and P&O have continued to operate throughout the pandemic and continue to update their information to travellers. Here are the links to Eurotunnel & P&O
Pre travel we will provide updates as to protocols.
© True North Travel 2023
Unit 10, English Business Park
English Close,
Hove, East Sussex.
BN3 7ET