Year on year GTC Travel Group has seen a sharp rise in the number of schools travelling abroad with leading destinations being to China and Africa. Teachers are recognising the benefit of taking flights abroad to unlock students learning potential. With these countries so rich in culture and history, it is no surprise that schools are being enticed to book so many flights to these two amazing destinations!

GTC travel group have been inundated with group requests to both China and Africa, with nearly half of it’s business to these destinations coming from educational groups including schools, universities and colleges.

So how are GTC travel group tackling this rising demand?

• With over 30 years experience in the travel industry, specialising in group travel, its experienced sales and customer service team are removing logistical difficulties for clients as well as keeping the whole booking process as simple as possible!
• We are using our long-standing relationships with the world’s leading airlines to secure discounts and passing these onto our clients.
• We have also recognised that lengthy connection times can impact heavily on the passenger’s experience especially when travelling in a group. This has driven us to work harder to find flight routes with short connection times or direct flights to ensure all passengers get a positive experience from the outset.

GTC travel group are now using the latest airline reservation technology and always book and issue our own tickets. This keeps us in full control of bookings, making it as simple and stress free as possible for everyone!

More info on School Group Flights >>

http://www.germantravelcentre.com/group-flights/school-group-flights/

Or any other Group Flights info >>

http://www.germantravelcentre.com/what-we-do/

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Taking Music on tour abroad, why is it such a great idea?

For many choirs and music groups, they make many memories during the performances that they play but some of their most poignant and memorable experiences happen whilst touring abroad. Not only because of lovely backdrops but also from the closeness they get from being together for a substantial amount of time. This often enhances the music as members seem more synchronised but also improves the quality of each performance. But why are more and more music groups touring internationally? And why it such a great idea?
Offers the chance to collaborate with other choirs and music groups around the world
Choirs and music groups have an opportunity to not only collaborate from people from different countries and cultures but also gives them an opportunity make connections with the local community. They could perform together, collaborate music together and even just gain new friends with a shared passion. What a fantastic way to show your group how music can bring so many different people together.

• Learning from other cultures
  Living and touring in a different country can help the group appreciate cultures that differ from their own and gain perspective by seeing how others may do things differently. Even group leaders can benefit greatly from learning how various aspects of the music scene are organised in a different place. From rehearsals to concerts, teaching to learning, they may gain a different or even better perspective that can positively change how they do things themselves.
• Builds friendship and solidarity
  Solidarity and harmony are the key foundations of any Choir or music group. It strengthens the quality of the music they make but also strengthens the overall performance of the group. So what better way to achieve that unity and promote that friendship than with touring abroad! Seeing each other all day, every day would encourage an understanding and closeness between members that could only be fostered from that intense time together.
• Gives the group time to perfect their skills and performances
  During rehearsals at home, groups often only have a few hours to practise but when travelling abroad they are less restricted on time. This gives both students and teachers the time to practise their skills and really explore their musicality together!
• Can generate publicity and interest
  Touring can be enticing for new members of any Choir or music group as it presents a new challenge that is different to the norm. It can also raise the profile of the group as the more they are seen, the more they are known and talked about which can provide many more future opportunities for them.

So, whether you are a choir or musical group, touring abroad doesn’t need to be expensive or stressful to book. Get in touch with GTC Travel group and see how easy it can be to join the musical community worldwide and see just how valuable that can be!

To book with us call 0208 429 2900 or email us at groups@germantravelcentre.com

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Singapore Airlines hit the Skies this May with their new Boeing 787-10 aircraft

One of the world’s leading airlines has recently unveiled their plans to extend their aircraft family by ordering 49 brand spanking new Boeing 787-10 wide body aircrafts. Although Singapore Airlines already have a great relationship with Boeing and currently fly 787-8 and 787-9 aircrafts through their subsidiary, obtaining this new ‘Dreamliner’ will score them the hat trick! This will make them the first airline to fly all three Dreamliner models!

The new Boeing 787-10 aircraft seems to score highly in all areas, not only is it 16 feet longer than its previous model (increasing its on board capacity), but it is also is said to be 10 per cent better in fuel and emissions than its competition, making both Singapore Airlines and their customers happy!

The new aircrafts will feature just two classes, 36 Business Class seats and 301 Economy, furnished with a new cabin interior that will entice you to fly.

The best features on the Business Class seats in the new aircrafts are that they convert into fully flat 76 inch beds and some seats even have an adjustable divider that can be used to increase privacy. Additional perks include the 1-2-1 configuration giving every Business class passenger direct aisle access and luxurious ‘Alcantara’ padding which is said to be also used in sports cars! Definitely in keeping with the high standards that Singapore Airlines are known for!

Economy seats on the B787-10’s also boast some lovely features, with ergonomically designed seats, six way adjustable head rests, in seat power supply and lots of storage!
Excited by the new B787-10 aircrafts? Well, you don’t have long to wait! Singapore Airlines will be commencing their new aircrafts’ services in May 2018 with two scheduled destinations, Osaka in Japan and Perth in Australia. More destinations are to follow as they increase their fleet but they will mainly be used for medium haul routes of 8 hours or more within the Asia Pacific region.

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Learning happens in many ways and although the traditional learning in the classroom is undeniably important, life’s real education happens outside the classroom where those boundaries can be moved that little bit wider.
Travelling abroad with your school can give teachers a chance to teach with more time and flexibility and students a fantastic opportunity to learn in a real life, tangible setting, imbedding their learning and enhancing their development. It will:

• Enable students to learn or practise a language:Whether a language is being studied or not, submerging your students in a different culture is the best way for them to master that countries’ language. Not only do students learn more by practising it in a real life scenario but hearing the accent and intonation from the locals adds a new dimension to their learning.
• Give them an understanding and appreciation of other cultures
  Staying in a different country will help students understand and appreciate cultures that differ from their own. Actually living there for a short period of time will give them a comprehensive understanding of how their host country works and help them appreciate the similarities and differences between both cultures. This would not only give them a better understanding of themselves but also the world around them, an invaluable lesson to learn.
• Encourage self-development and social skills:
  Travelling abroad will naturally push students to engage and interact with strangers in order to live, get their daily tasks done and socialise at the end of the day. They can only rely on their peers to a degree but inevitably will need to ask the locals for help and support. This will not only make them into more confident and social young people but encourage self-development.
• Teach students about the world around them:
  Travel gives students a unique education about the world around them. Seeing first hard how another country operates and functions is one of the best ways for students to compare it to their own and others, allowing them to truly understand what the world is made of and how it functions both socially and economically. It also develops young minds in the most fantastic but natural way.

Give students the chance to grow and develop in ways they can only imagine!

To book with us call 0208 429 2900 or email us at groups@germantravelcentre.com

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Although there has been some controversy following the unveiling of Lufthansa’s new aircraft livery in February 2018, it does seem a little premature. Whilst it can be seen as odd move that that the traditional yellow has not been included in the new livery but the simpler blue and white combination has been favoured instead, Lufthansa have remained true to their history and identity by retaining the instantly recognisable Lufthansa crane.
The original crane logo created by Otto Firle in 1918 now looks refined, refreshed and modern to fit in with Lufthansa’s revamped brand image and it is definitely clear to see that a lot of work has gone into keeping the traditional Lufthansa brand alive whilst trying to bring it into the modern day. Designers have also had to think one step ahead by not only making the new appearance sharper but also in sync with the increasing use of technology being used as part and parcel of today’s world.
Plus, all is not lost, the distinctive yellow has not completely gone but is being used in a smarter way as accents such as the yellow accessories being used for the cabin crews new uniform in order to remain fresh and current. Additionally, other items on board such as tableware and blankets will also showcase Lufthansa’s new design and image.
Overall, the revamp of the brand and livery looks positive and so does the 100 year old crane still proudly residing on the aircraft’s tail. Carsten Spohr, the Chairman of the Executive Board of Lufthansa said “The crane has always been with us and clearly stands for the promising performance from Lufthansa. To this day, it still stands as a symbol of highest quality, excellent service, flying expertise, reliability, innovative spirit; and it stands for trust.” A perfect description of what Lufthansa is and will always be, no matter what livery they have.

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