No school trip, whether local or international, can ever be entirely free of risk. Our task together is to have awareness of risks, proceed logically to minimise, control and manage risk wherever possible, and have emergency procedures and contingency plans in place to react appropriately, should the unexpected occur.

As a tour operator, Cactus works with quality, carefully selected education providers in each country location. This ensures that external companies such as coach companies and accommodation providers can be vetted both at the local level within the context of good knowledge of local conditions and local legislation, and by Cactus via inspection visits. Cactus also expects a group leader to undertake an independent inspection (see Exploratory Visits) to ensure satisfactory levels of local knowledge and risk awareness. The nominal fees charged for inspection visits are deducted from the balance of fees payable. (Please contact us with regard to non-European destinations, as slightly different rules apply).

Two Measures to Guarantee Your Security - ATOL & TOPP

Cactus is also one of the very few language travel specialists to hold both an ATOL licence AND to be covered by TOPP.

ATOL (the Air Travel Organisers Licence) offers financial protection if our clients book flights through Cactus, while TOPP provides Total Payment Protection.

Other useful documents on security overseas:

1. Foreign & Commonwealth Office 'Know Before You Go' campaign

2. Common Sense Tips from Sussex Police

Please feel free to contact us at any point if you have any questions or concerns.