Q. What is the standard of accommodation that you use?
A. Our accommodation is selected by a senior representative of Encounters Europe and regularly inspected. We also have in place a stringent and externally verified accommodation auditing procedure. The type of accommodation we use for our groups varies from 2 or 3 star hotels to the more basic youth hotels and hostels. We will recommend accommodation to suit your needs and your budget. Please note, we only ever use accommodation that is particularly suited to groups.
Q. Do you offer inspection visits?
A. Yes, we encourage teachers to take advantage of our inspection trips and DfES guidelines strongly recommend that you do so. We will organise and pay for 2 nights Bed and Breakfast accommodation for 1 person (or 1 night for
two people) upon receipt of your first deposits. We will also offer every assistance with travel arrangements, although the price of travel is not usually included. Q. What would I do if there were an emergency while I am away with my group?
A. We offer a 24 hour helpline, for your peace of mind. Our staff will follow clear guidelines to ensure a fast and efficient response to your call. Q. Is my group safe with Encounters Europe?
A. Safety will always be our priority. We comply fully with the DFES guide "Health & Safety of Pupils on Educational Visits 1998" and the appendices added in 2002. Q. Do you have external recognition for your safety management system?
A. Encounters Europe is an assured member of the SchoolTravel Forum (STF). STF has established a new and high set of safety standards for school travel operators and its members must adhere to a rigorous Code of Practice
and Safety Management Standards. These at least meet the requirements of DfES guidelines and are externally verified each year by suitably qualified independent Health and Safety professionals. Q. Is my group’s money safe with Encounters Europe?
A. We are fully ABTA bonded and ATOL licensed, and subject to their Codes of Conduct. Your money is therefore fully protected. Q. Can you provide risk assessments?
A. We will provide you with a copy of our Safety Management System which contains all the information about our accommodation standards and sample risk assessments. This should provide all the information you or your LEA require, but if you have further paperwork we will be happy to complete it on your behalf. Q. Do all coaches have seatbelts?
A. Following Government legislation, all British coaches transporting young people under 16 years of age must be fitted with seatbelts. All coaches hired by Encounters Europe in the UK conform to this requirement. Many European coaches are also fitted with lap belts, though they are not yet subject to the same rules as the UK. However, the coach transporting you from Britain will fulfil most or all of the transportation required by your group whilst abroad. Wherever fitted, seatbelts must be worn and it is the Party Leader’s responsibility to ensure children comply with this rule. This is now becoming law across Europe also. Q. Will we have use of the coach during our stay?
A. Yes, you will have use of your coach during your tour,subject only to EU driving regulations. Q. Is my group fully insured or do I need to take out separate insurance?
A. Extensive insurance cover is included in the Encounters Europe Educational Tours package. It covers each child and adult for the whole period of the trip including travel to and from your chosen destination. Full details of our
insurance will be supplied at the time of booking. Q. What if my group is smaller than 35?
A. If you have a small group, don’t worry. Although our brochure prices are based on 35 pupils, we will still make the best possible arrangements to accommodate your group. Please ask us for details on small group travel
arrangements. Q. Do the prices include admission fees?
A. No, in the majority of cases the admission fees are not included in our prices. We will make it clear on our quotations which fees are included and which are not. Q. Do you cater for children with special needs?
A. We are dedicated to providing a wonderful experience to all children, no matter what their needs. Please contact us with your requirements and we will endeavour to accommodate them. | 
