Having worked with Abbey Language Travel on several occasions to plan trips to France, I cannot recommend them highly enough. When I sought permission from our BOT for our 2024 trip and informed them that we would once again be working with Abbey Language Travel, they had no hesitation in supporting the trip. From the first planning moment, until we were back in New Zealand, Abbey Language Travel was right alongside us in support which was so reassuring, given the huge responsibility involved in taking young people to the other side of the world. Sarah is fantastic work with. Every detail was carefully planned and she co-ordinated closely with us to make sure the itinerary and timings were exactly what we had in mind. Her knowledge and expertise are really enviable and Sarah’s advice on our planned activities was invaluable. She also suggested additions to our itinerary which enhanced the experience for our students. Our parents and school management received extremely detailed documentation, including all travel details and contact details of all accommodation providers.
Once in France, we received regular updates and check-ins to make sure everything was going to plan. Our students had the most amazing experience because of the meticulous planning which went into their trip and the connections they made with homestay families and our in-country guides. Through Sarah’s contacts in France, we were so fortunate to have guides who loved being with our students and built a great relationship with them. The girls still talk very fondly about them and how much they enjoyed being in their company. Transport was always waiting for us (luxury coaches, which impressed the girls no end!), contacts in France, such as guides, accommodation managers and school representatives had all been well-briefed on our requirements and were fully prepared. As teacher-in-charge of the trip, I felt as if there were a safety net ready to catch us if anything went wrong. I knew that a member of the Abbey Language Travel team was just a phone call or message away. That feeling of security is worth its weight in gold!
Our school has partnered with Abbey Travel since 2014. We have arranged three ‘French Tours’ that have been highly successful with our students and their families. Alyson, Sarah, and their team are meticulous in their planning, and their communication is exceptional. Our initial tour (2014) was in France, followed by expansions to include Belgium and Switzerland in subsequent trips (2018 and 2024). Throughout the planning stages, they maintained constant communication to tailor the tours to our group’s needs.
During our tours, Abbey Travel has consistently provided us with a detailed ‘cheat sheet’ that included contact numbers for guides and drivers, updated daily with any changes or reminders. Their staff’s availability, despite time differences, and prompt responses to our questions and requests have always made us feel secure and valued, knowing that we are in good hands.
In early 2020, after extensive preparation, we were forced to cancel a tour due to unforeseen circumstances caused by COVID-19. Throughout this challenging period, Abbey Travel prioritized our safety and the well-being of our families. In addition, Abbey also refunded our families due to this unpredictable situation. We are very grateful for their support and understanding during this time.
Even in the face of unexpected challenges, Abbey Travel has always been quick to act and flexible in finding solutions. When our Sister School in Paris informed us of their inability to host us just two months before our 2024 departure, Abbey Travel worked tirelessly to secure an alternative host school for our group of 24 students. Their ability to rearrange a wonderful three-week tour to three French-speaking countries in such a short amount of time was a great relief for us and our students.
We look forward to working with this knowledgeable, professional, and enthusiastic team again soon to start preparing for the 2026 French Tour
Abbey Language Travel organised our first trip to Tahiti and I was very impressed with all aspects of the organisation. The rapid email response from Saritha was particularly appreciated, especially when dealing with parents who needed immediate answers to queries. The Information pack before departure was detailed and covered everything we needed to know including Risk Assessment forms, which helped me with my own planning. Whilst overseas, every aspect of the trip had been considered which made my job a very easy one.When planning our trip to New Caledonia, I was impressed with Abbey’s communication and response to the political situation happening at the time. I was relieved that they made the right decision to cancel the trip, and refunding us fully was of huge benefit to me and our college and students, who were very anxious about losing funds. They made an incredibly difficult situation not stressful at all, which is why I trust them to organise future trips overseas for Paraparaumu College.
Abbey Language Travel was very professional and dedicated to providing the best possible experience for the students on this trip. They went above and beyond to ensure that each student was cared for and looked after in the best way possible. The trip ran very smoothly and was full of highlights that we will all remember for the rest of our lives. Thank you Abbey Language Travel!
Thanks Saritha! Abbey Language Travel was excellent all throughout the process but especially when I had to suddenly leave the tour due to a family emergency. My fellow teachers here at school were all so impressed with the help that you and others at Abbey Language Travel gave them in the rush to get another teacher out to replace me. Viv, especially, has raved about you and your organisation and I’m sure we will be looking at using you again for future trips!
Our Trip to Tahiti in July 2018 went really well overall and the students all said they enjoyed themselves. The Excursions were really well organised, interesting and fun! Particular highlights were the coral nursery, the stand-up paddle-boarding, swimming with the stingrays and the dancing lesson. The people running each activity were friendly and enthusiastic, and they spoke in French. I would definitely recommend Tahiti as a destination for other groups of French students. Thank you both for all the work you did to help make it a positive experience!
We have had a superb time in Noumea (July 2018).
Students loved it. Our accommodation was wonderful and the students were really happy with their host families. The students really enjoyed their teacher Isabelle and Yves was very kind and helpful. Most impressed with Institut Voltaire. Buses great. Zip-line brilliant and wonderful day at Phare Amédée. To be there for July 14th and France winning the World Cup! We could not have asked for more! Amazing time so thank you for all the organisation. Everything was perfect!
Merci beaucoup.
New Caledonia Sep 2017 was a great trip. The boys had a great time and I feel they gained a lot of confidence and motivation for the future for their language learning. The cultural and linguistic experience is great!!!! The pressure that organizing a trip overseas can put on an individual or individuals is tremendous. With Abbey Language Travel, I felt that this was contained and kept to a minimum with regular updates and scheduling. Both Sarah and Saritha did a great job, keeping me updated.
We all had a marvelous time and thank you SO much for the wonderful trip you planned for us! Yves (NB : French school director/Abbey Representative) was so lovely and the girls’ families were just delightful! All bookings were well managed and lessons were great. The ability to solve any issues that came up through Yves / you was a great comfort to us, both pre and during trip. We felt very supported at all times 🙂
Overall we are very impressed and would definitely do this trip again with you!!!