With one dedicated travel specialist supporting your school from the first enquiry to the journey home, you can spend less time managing suppliers and more time getting excited about the trip.
Planning a school residential should feel exciting, not like a second full-time job.
First Education & School Travel, better known as FEST, is a UK-based school tour operator and part of First Travel Solutions and First Bus UK. We design and deliver all-inclusive residential trips, educational visits and outdoor adventures for schools and learning establishments across the country.
Every FEST package brings together the key elements of your trip under one trusted provider, including:
• Coach or rail travel
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Activities and attractions
• A programme tailored to your chosen venue and group
Each school works with one dedicated travel specialist, who supports the group leader throughout the planning process. From dates, destinations and itineraries to planning documents, risk assessments, safeguarding information and menus, our team helps take care of the details from the first conversation through to the safe journey home.
FEST works in formal partnership with trusted providers at more than 100 venues across the UK. Our partners are selected to meet or exceed relevant industry legislation and Learning Outside the Classroom guidelines, giving schools confidence in the quality and suitability of their trip.
Trips are available throughout the year, including lower-cost residential options during the quieter season from November to April, when schools can often benefit from greater availability and considerable savings.
Why choose FEST?
• One simple, all-inclusive package price
• One dedicated point of contact
• A UK-wide choice of venues and activities
• Packages for different key stages, group sizes and learning objectives
• Trusted and accredited partner providers
• Customer payments protected through our bonding arrangements
• Support from an experienced education travel team
FEST is a fully bonded tour operator and a member of the Bonded Coach Holiday Group, overseen by the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited. We are also members of the British Educational Travel Association and the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom.
Whether you are organising your school’s first residential, a curriculum-led educational visit or an outdoor adventure, FEST will help turn your plans into a safe, well-organised and memorable experience.
Simply tell us your preferred dates, approximate group size and ideal destination, and our team will create an all-inclusive package for your school.
School trips, sorted.
Empowering students through unforgettable educational travel experiences
We offer immersive group tours to meet your educational needs with ongoing support at every stage of your trip
Rondo Travel Ltd – Experts in Educational and Thematic Travel
Rondo Travel Ltd is a distinguished leader in educational and thematic group travel, operating under specialized brands to provide tailored experiences that align with diverse learning objectives. With over 35 years of expertise, we are committed to delivering high-quality, curriculum-enhancing tours that blend education, cultural immersion, and adventure.
Our Brands
Rondo Travel – Offers diverse educational tours for students from Year 7 through university, covering destinations across the UK, Europe, and beyond.
Curriculum Travel – Specializes in bespoke travel experiences for primary and middle school students, designed to complement classroom learning while ensuring safety and engagement.
Battlefield & History – Provides immersive historical tours focusing on significant wartime sites across Europe, Asia, and Africa, often accompanied by expert guides for in-depth insights.
Our Approach
At Rondo Travel, we prioritize a personalized service model, ensuring that clients work with a dedicated travel expert from initial planning to post-tour support. Our commitment to safety, quality, and enriching travel experiences is reflected in our ABTA and ATOL certifications, membership in the School Travel Forum, and recognition through the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge.
Mission & Vision
Mission: To empower students and travelers through customized educational journeys that seamlessly blend learning with exploration. Our tours are designed to inspire curiosity, broaden perspectives, and create meaningful cultural connections.
Vision: To be the UK’s premier provider of educational and thematic tours, setting the industry benchmark for excellence, safety, and customer satisfaction.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainable tourism is at the core of our operations. From maintaining a nearly paper-free office and reducing carbon emissions through remote work initiatives to promoting group travel for carbon efficiency and participating in reforestation efforts, we are dedicated to responsible travel that benefits both people and the planet.
Why Choose Rondo Travel?
Expertise & Experience: Over three decades of leading educational travel.
Customized Itineraries: Tailored tours aligned with academic and thematic interests.
Safety & Accreditation: ABTA & ATOL protected, STF members, and LOtC accredited.
Sustainable Practices: Proactive efforts to minimize environmental impact.
Join Rondo Travel in creating unforgettable journeys that inspire learning, discovery, and cultural appreciation.
