Italian schools shift to education, safety and cost transparency in travel

A 2026 Didatour survey of Italian teachers shows that 99% of schools organized at least one instructional trip in the 2025‑2026 academic year. While destination remains important, schools now prioritize the educational value of outings, inclusive and sustainable designs, clear cost structures and reliable organization. Younger pupils mainly take day‑trips or one‑ to two‑night stays, whereas secondary students favour multi‑day programmes, often abroad.

Trips typically stay within a budget of about €300 per student, with more than 60% lasting one or two nights and a preference for three‑star hotels. Domestically, Naples, Rome and Milan remain the top destinations, with Turin showing notable growth. For overseas travel, Spain, France and Germany lead, but interest is rising in less‑traditional itineraries. Accessibility for students with disabilities, quality transport and organisational reliability are cited as key safety factors.

The findings were produced by Didatour in collaboration with the Centro Studi de La Fabbrica, highlighting a broader shift in school tourism from a recreational add‑on to an integrated component of learning and inclusion.