Why December Is the Perfect Month for School Trips
As the school year winds down, December brings excitement — from festive performances and museum visits to reward trips before the holidays. But for many teachers, organising affordable, reliable transport can feel like a challenge.
The good news? December is also the season for savings — and The Manchester Coach Company offers exclusive school transport deals that make planning easy and cost-effective.
Whether it’s a trip to the Christmas markets, a cultural visit to Manchester Museum, or a festive theatre outing, our fleet of safe, modern coaches ensures students and teachers travel comfortably, confidently, and within budget.
1. Why Schools Are Travelling More in December
December has become one of the busiest months for educational and cultural outings. From festive drama performances to reward trips, schools are increasingly using this period to celebrate achievements and build student engagement before the holidays.
Top December School Destinations in Manchester:
- Manchester Christmas Markets
- The Science and Industry Museum
- LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
- Chill Factore Snow Park
- Royal Exchange Theatre
To secure reliable travel during this busy period, early booking and smart deal-hunting are essential.
2. Early Booking = Bigger Savings
Just like flights and hotels, coach prices fluctuate based on demand. The earlier you book your school transport, the more you save.
Benefits of Early Booking:
- Access to seasonal discount rates
- Better choice of vehicle types and sizes
- Time to complete risk assessments and approvals
- Peace of mind before the end-of-term rush
Pro Tip: Book your December coach trip by mid-November to unlock Manchester Coach Company’s early-bird school deals.
3. Combine Trips for Greater Cost Efficiency
Many schools run multiple trips throughout December — why not combine them? If different year groups or departments are visiting nearby destinations, shared transport can significantly reduce costs.
Trip Combination Idea | Savings Potential |
Year 7 and 8 reward trips to Chill Factore | Up to 25% |
Primary school visits to local panto shows | Up to 20% |
Sixth-form volunteering trips | Up to 15% |
The Manchester Coach Company can help plan shared itineraries and create multi-stop routes that maximise both convenience and savings.
4. Take Advantage of Off-Peak Travel Times
Most schools travel mid-morning or early afternoon — but shifting your departure times by just an hour or two can unlock extra discounts.
Off-Peak Booking Benefits:
- Lower rates for early or late departures
- Less traffic on Manchester roads
- Quieter attractions upon arrival
- Easier parking and faster loading times
This is especially useful for half-day trips or local excursions where flexibility is easier to manage.
5. Choose the Right Vehicle Size for Your Group
Selecting the right vehicle can make or break your budget. Booking a full-size coach for a small group wastes resources, while underestimating size can lead to last-minute rebooking fees.
Fleet Options Available:
- Minibuses (8–19 seats): For small classes or staff-only trips
- Midi coaches (20–33 seats): Perfect for day trips or sports teams
- Full-size coaches (34–57 seats): Ideal for large year groups or residential outings
Our team helps schools match group size to the most cost-effective vehicle, ensuring you only pay for what you need.
6. Prioritise Safety and Comfort Without Paying More
Affordable doesn’t mean cutting corners. Every vehicle in our fleet undergoes rigorous safety inspections, is fully DVSA compliant, and is driven by enhanced DBS-checked drivers.
Our Safety Promise:
- Seat belts fitted on every seat
- Regular maintenance checks
- Experienced school-trip drivers
- GPS tracking for added peace of mind
And for comfort? All vehicles include heating systems, climate control, and reclining seats — perfect for chilly December days.
7. Ask About Loyalty and Multi-Trip Discounts
If your school books multiple trips each term, you could be eligible for exclusive loyalty pricing.
Examples of Savings:
- 10% off your second booking within the same term
- Complimentary vehicle upgrades for repeat clients
- Dedicated account manager for all school bookings
By partnering with a trusted local operator, your school benefits from long-term relationships, priority scheduling, and consistent service quality.
Case Study: How One Manchester School Saved £450 on Winter Trips
A Manchester secondary school needed transport for two separate December outings — a theatre trip and a science museum visit.
By coordinating both events and booking early through The Manchester Coach Company:
- They combined both trips into one efficient multi-stop journey
- Secured an off-peak discount of 15%
- Saved £450 total on transport costs
The teachers praised the professional drivers and punctual service, and the students enjoyed a safe, fun day out before the holidays.
FAQs:
How early should we book our December trip?
At least 4–6 weeks in advance is ideal. Early booking unlocks the best vehicle options and discount rates.
Are your drivers experienced with school groups?
Yes — all drivers are DBS-checked, trained in child safeguarding, and have extensive experience with educational travel.
Can we book multiple trips under one invoice?
Absolutely. We offer multi-trip packages that simplify payments and planning.
Do you offer flexible cancellation policies?
Yes — schools can reschedule or cancel with minimal notice during the winter season.
What about safety during winter travel?
All vehicles are winter-ready, equipped with heating, anti-slip flooring, and emergency support systems.
Are discounts available for small schools?
Yes — we tailor deals to group size, helping smaller schools enjoy the same value as larger ones.
Book Smart, Travel Safely, and Save More This December
December school trips should be festive, fun, and stress-free — not a financial strain. With Manchester Coach Company’s special winter deals, your school can enjoy safe, comfortable, and affordable transport across the city and beyond.
Ready to secure your December transport deal?
Book your school coach today or call +441615118176 to speak with our education travel team.
Your students deserve a memorable trip — and your teachers deserve the peace of mind that comes with professional, trusted transport.
Ready to Book?
Have questions? Our team is here to help.