As you’ve seen through working with your Account Manager, we go to great lengths to ensure every last detailed is communicated to you so that there’s not a question left unanswered about your trip. Before you travel, during your trip, and even after you travel, we have someone available to keep you posted about anything that may impact your travel plans. It’s this peace-of-mind that many of our teachers have come to love – and it’s this same peace-of-mind that your parents are looking for when they send their child on the trip.
There’s so much to share during a WorldStrides trip. You might want to communicate information to students while traveling or alert parents if something changes. Or, perhaps you’d like to quickly and easily send photos and videos to parents to show them what a great time their child is having!
Thanks to smart phones, this daily communication with parents and students doesn’t have to take much time. Thanks to several free apps for your smartphone, sharing photos and videos with parents and keeping them updated if travel plans change can be easy. There are many of these apps available, but here are five of our favorites that make this communication even easier.
Remind
Remind is already a popular classroom app for teachers to stay in touch with students and parents about assignments and upcoming events. It also allows for the exchange of photos and messages, making it a great app for travel. You can easily set up a parent list in advance of your trip at your pre-tour meeting, which will allow you to quickly communicate flight updates, daily updates, highlights, expected arrival time, or any other items of note to parents. You can also use this app while on tour to communicate with your students and chaperones and let them know about any reminders, meeting time expectations, or alert your group to any other travel updates, if necessary.
WhatsApp is a cross-platform app that allows users to send and receive messages for free. It’s especially popular with international travelers. Users can even group chat through WhatsApp.
GroupMe
Want to share photos and videos with parents back home? GroupMe is great for exchanging media, especially in a group setting. Users can set up galleries, like messages, share locations, and even use emojis.
SimplyCircle
SimplyCircle is designed with the parent in mind. While it is free at its most basic level, the paid version allows for RSVPs, automated emails, and even group calendar imports, perfect for sharing travel itineraries.
Cluster
If you’re looking for a simple, easy-to-use app, Cluster may be it. It can be used on both mobile and desktop, and can create group text threads full of photos, videos, and messages.
Do you have a favorite communication app? Email us and let us know!