“From Long-Haul Flights to Saltwater Crocs” Lessons from My Summer on the Road
In this episode of Teacher Show Me the World, I’m sharing lessons from my own summer of travel. After logging miles across continents, I’ve collected tips, strategies, and stories that I know will help you as you plan and lead student trips abroad. From packing smart to debating whether parents should come along, this episode is all about real-world takeaways from the road.
Here’s what I cover:
Setting the Stage
My Polarsteps recap: miles traveled, countries visited, and days on the road.
Why backpack-only travel was the smartest choice for navigating two seasons and countless stops.
Travel Logistics & Survival Tips
How I survived the long-haul flights (yes, the sleeping pill tip!).
My favorite way to maximize travel—adding bonus trips before or after the main tour.
Big Picture Debates in Student Travel
Parents or no parents on trips? I weigh the pros and cons.
Destination Spotlights & Takeaways
Australia & New Zealand:
Why having a top-notch Tour Director matters.
How I prepare families for the cost of extra activities.
And the surprising reason you can’t swim in Cairns (spoiler: crocodiles!).
If you’re a teacher planning your first student trip—or just curious about what really happens behind the scenes—this episode is packed with insights you can use right away.