Travel Update: New Entry Requirements in Europe starting soon

Starting 12 October 2025 a new digital European Union EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will commence. Details of non-EU nationals (including Australians) will be registered when entering one of the 29 European countries that make up the Shengen Area (including Italy, France, Germany and Spain). European countries using the EES will gradually introduce the new system at their external borders, with full implementation by 10 April 2026.

When you enter the Shengen Area on your first visit to Europe on the commencement of the EES, all travellers will be required to show their passports, have their fingerprints and photo taken and answer Schengen Border Code questions, creating a digital record. 

The EES registration is free and should only take a few minutes, however you may experience longer border queues. Click here for the full details from Smartraveller.

Big Savings Alert! PACER Rebate increased by 50% for Canberra School Tours

The Australian Government's Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) program is offering 50% increased rebates for the remainder of 2025! Visit PACER for eligibility and requirements.

Your school tour must include at least three of the four mandatory PACER institutions:  

• Australian Parliament House (Guided Tour)
• Museum of Australian Democracy
• National Electoral Education Centre 
• Australian War Memorial

What a great time to plan your school's next Canberra trip - contact us NOW!

Japan Beckons: A Travel Boom Like No Other

Japan is experiencing a remarkable tourism surge, with over 33 million international visitors recorded in 2024 alone—a new national record that’s turning heads across the travel industry. From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the tranquil temples of Kyoto and the powdery slopes of Hokkaido, travelers are flocking to the Land of the Rising Sun in record numbers.

Read about what we can offer on our Japan tours.

International Museum Day 2025 - A Global Celebration

On Sunday 18 May 2025 museums across the globe will open their doors to visitors in celebration of International Museum Day. Since its inception in 1977, International Museum Day has grown significantly, with thousands of museums participating each year. The event serves as a reminder that museums are more than just places of preservation—they are hubs of innovation, education, and cultural dialogue. There are also some quirky museums out there that deserve a mention too. Here’s a list of some not so well-known museums that you might want to add to your travel bucket list.

It’s back! The Outback Queensland Education Experience Program is now open.

Queensland schools can once again apply for funding to help cover the costs of an educational tour in Outback Queensland! This vast area of Queensland offers learning opportunities in nature, astronomy, dinosaurs and pioneering life. Eligible schools (primary and secondary) can receive up to $130 per student, based on the round-trip distance travelled. Applications close at 5pm on 31st December 2025. For more information click here.

Anzac Day 2025

This Anzac Day we commemorate 110 years since the Gallipoli campaign—a chapter in history that defined courage, resilience, and mateship. It is a day to honour the extraordinary sacrifices made by those who served during this pivotal campaign and to commemorate the dedication of all Australians who have served in times of both peace and war. Together, we pause to remember their legacy, pay tribute to their enduring spirit, and express our deepest gratitude for their service to our nation. 

 Let’s investigate this significant day’s origins and how it is celebrated. 

Why an international music tour?

Imagine standing on a stage in a foreign city, your music resonating in front of new audiences, connecting cultures, and weaving stories beyond words. An international music tour is more than just a series of performances—it's an experience that transforms student musicians into global citizens. From forging lifelong memories with peers to discovering the universal language of music across borders, these tours empower students to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the world stage.

Join us as we explore how such journeys ignite passion, hone talents, and create bonds that last a lifetime.

Rhapsody Rotorua - New Zealand’s premier youth music festival awaits!

Rhapsody Rotorua, was launched in 2001, and has become New Zealand's premier youth music festival. Stimulate students' musical development through performance, adjudication and professional coaching, whilst immersing them in the adrenaline-fueled activities of the North Island’s adventure capital. Picture your students walking through the enchanting, rolling hills of Hobbiton, build confidence as they perform in front of a live audience and create friendships, skills and memories to last a lifetime.

Contact Hayley to find out more and give your students the most exciting performance travel opportunity in the world!

News from the Bayeux Tapestry Museum

As part of its redevelopment project, the Bayeux Tapestry Museum will close its doors to the public from 1st September 2025 for renovations. It is scheduled to reopen in October 2027. The Bayeux Tapestry will not be on display during this period.

In the meantime there are many other options to add to your France itinerary - contact us to start planning.