Hidden Gems: Overlooked School Field Trips

11/20/2023

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5 Minneapolis-St Paul School Field Trip Ideas

Teachers know the “usual suspects” when it comes to planning a school trip in the MSP area (The Science Museum, etc.).

But here at Lorenz Bus Service we’ve been planning and executing charter bus field trips in the MSP area for decades, and we want to remind everyone that the Twin Cities hare has more than a handful of good field trip options.

Here are five charter bus school trip destinations that are easily overlooked:

• Walker Art Center: Ideal for art-focused field trips, the Walker Art Center features contemporary and modern art installations, as well as educational programs designed to engage students with art and culture. It is one of the 5 most visited contemporary art museums in the country, with a 125+ year history. There are good planning tools online.
• Guthrie Theater: The Guthrie Theater offers school groups the opportunity to experience live theater productions and provides educational programs designed to enhance students’ understanding of the performing arts. Their Student Matinees provide a way to experience live theater for the first time, and include contemporary new work as well as classic Shakespeare plays.
• Minnesota Children’s Museum: Geared towards younger students, this museum offers interactive exhibits and hands-on learning experiences that encourage exploration and creativity. There are 11 interactive exhibits that “cultivate lifelong skills” such as creative and critical thinking, confidence, and communication. It is a celebration of learning through play.
• The Bakken Museum. Focusing on science and innovation, the Bakken Museum offers a range of exhibits and activities that engage students in the world of electricity, magnetism, and invention. Field trips enable students to explore connections between history, science, and engineering. A variety of activities are available for school trips.
• Fort Snelling State Park. A historical site with educational programs, Fort Snelling allows students to step back in time and learn about Minnesota’s history during the 1800s, including its role in the Civil War and Native American history. Field trips are led by naturalists who bring the experience to life. With more than 1.0 million visitors each year it is wise to plan ahead.

If you’re planning a trip or just doing research, please feel free to contact us at Lorenz Bus Service for a no-obligation, no-pressure conversation with one of our planning professionals.

Look Before You Book

11/10/2023

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Basic charter bus research can help avoid hiring the wrong company

There are thousands of charter bus companies to choose from in the U.S.

That’s the good news. It’s also the bad news.

With so many choices, how can you be sure you’re selecting a reliable charter bus provider? Here are 3 ways to “kick the tires” of a charter bus company before you buy.

3 ways to evaluate a charter bus company

1. Look for “trust signals” on their website. A good rule of thumb is this: Quality charter bus companies often have quality websites. By “quality” we mean:
   • A good “Request a Quote” function that’s accurate and fast.
   • An “About Us” section that shares the number of years the company has provided service, company leadership, staff information, core values, and so forth.
   • “Service from experts” that connects you to a human being who is trained to answer questions and solve problems.
2. Ask tough questions. Established charter bus companies have learned from experience, and they should be ready to share their knowledge. Some examples of questions to ask:
   • What are the safety and maintenance protocols for vehicles?
   • In the event of a breakdown, medical emergency, or serious weather event, what are the procedures the company follows?
   • How are drivers trained – and will your driver be experienced in handling the type of trip or event for which you’re arranging transportation?
3. Check safety records. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration maintains a good website with safety tips and safety records of many charter bus companies. Some of their evaluation criteria include:
   • Unsafe driving
   • Crash records
   • Compliance with regulations
   • Vehicle maintenance
   • Driver history

If you’re planning a trip or just doing research, please feel free to contact us at Lorenz Bus Service for a no-obligation, no-pressure conversation with one of our planning professionals.