Sending your child on an international trip is a monumental milestone. It’s a huge leap towards independence and an opportunity to see the world and create unforgettable memories. Learning that the trip is being supported by a tour operator, parents and carers with a few questions, such as who are they? How will they keep the group safe, and how will they keep my money secure?
In this guide, we will walk you through who Venture Abroad are and our experience in operating international travel for the Scouting and Guiding community, as well as our safety procedures, financial security and insurance policies to give you peace of mind throughout the lead-up to departure and until the group returns home.
Who are Venture Abroad?
Venture Abroad is a specialist travel provider for the Scouting and Guiding community, organising unforgettable travel experiences since the 1970s. Our goal is to help young members of the Scouting and Guiding community and volunteers embark on life-changing adventures that inspire a love of travel, cultural exploration, and outdoor immersion.
We work with group leaders, volunteers, and local commissioners to plan enriching international trips, providing support from the initial enquiry through to departure. We’re a team of specialists dedicated to planning safe and exciting experiences, ensuring every trip meets high safety standards and financial security. Many of our team members have been involved in Girlguiding and Scouting since childhood, so we understand the importance these trips hold in young people’s lives.
How does Venture Abroad keep Scout and Guide groups safe on international trips?
Each group’s safety is at the forefront of our trips, and we never compromise on our standards. With over 50 years of experience in operating activity holidays, you can rest assured that groups are safe, as we monitor all aspects of safety on our tours.
This includes having a robust safety management system policy, which includes accommodation and coach operator audits, DBS-checked staff, tour managers and coach drivers. We check that the accommodation audits meet local fire and health and safety regulations, meaning that you will not need to worry about your child staying in unsafe accommodation.
Evaluations are also conducted for each excursion and adventurous activity.
For this, we consult with our Nominated Technical al Advisors, Inspire 2 Adventure, on safety matters related to adventure activity programmes. means that they check that everything is safe, and they won’t let groups do activities if they don’t pass the checks.
While groups are on adventures across the globe, leaders have access to our 24-hour emergency phone line if needed, meaning our support doesn’t stop when groups are on tour.
As a Tour Operator, we follow and adhere to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) advice regarding travel to each country, which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. Our group’s safety is our top priority, and we continue to monitor global events, and are following the advice of our industry bodies, including ABTA and ABTOT.
How do we keep your money safe?
We hold ABTA membership and are ABTOT bonded and ATOL licensed, so you can have the peace of mind knowing your money is financially protected.
Learn more about how we keep your money safe here.
What travel insurance does Venture Abroad provide?
Each group must have insurance when travelling with Venture Abroad, for financial security reasons. We provide a comprehensive insurance policy through Aviva. Our insurance is specifically tailored for group travel, and it includes medical cover, such as covering all pre-existing medical conditions, cancellation and curtailment.
For more information about our insurance policies, check out our frequently asked questions here.
What will groups get up to on a Venture Abroad trip?
A Venture Abroad trip is tailored to each group’s requirements and can be as adventurous, cultural or relaxing as they like! Each destination offers a wide range of unique activities and experiences, from hiking glaciers in Iceland, canyoning in Switzerland or taking part in local community action projects at the WAGGGS World Centre in Sangam, India.
We offer a varied portfolio of destinations featuring classic adventure activities that get the adrenaline pumping, such as mountain biking, rock climbing and abseiling, as well as destinations in the sun perfect for water sports. Venture Abroad also provides trips to destinations where groups can engage in thrilling activities while soaking up some culture and history, for example, Rome, Belgium, Amsterdam and Canada.
Groups can also take on exhilarating rides at Disneyland Paris or Legoland in Denmark, where they can experience the magic of their favourite characters. Or groups can hit the slopes in some breathtaking resorts on a ski trip, where they will have structured lessons to learn how to ski or snowboard safely.
No matter where groups decide to venture to, they will be met with amazing activities that can help them grow in confidence, learn about the world around them and are full of fun.
What is the key purpose of international travel for uniformed groups?
One of the most important reasons for international travel is to give uniformed groups the opportunity to experience new things, whether it’s destinations and cultures, activities and cuisines. These trips are a great way for members to bond as a group and connect with the global community of Guiding and Scouting.
Another key purpose for international travel is to create lifelong memories and build key personal skills. For example, teamwork during an activity, managing spending money, and taking responsibility for belongings. Venture Abroad aims for each trip to be meaningful and overall enriching through carefully planned experiences that encourage adventure, cultural immersion and personal growth. To learn more about the key purposes of travel for Scouts and Guides, read our blog.
Want to Learn More About Venture Abroad?
If your child is preparing for an international Scout or Guide adventure and you’d like to know more about how Venture Abroad keeps groups safe and your money secure, head to our website to discover more.
