Safety & emergencies
How our 24/7 ops desk works, what your Tour Director carries in their bag, and the playbook for the small-stuff scenarios (lost passport, missed train, late flight) that come up most often.
ENGLAND · 2026
London Group Leader Training Conference.
Wednesday, November 11 – Sunday, November 15, 2026
Section 01About the half-day training
Section 02Day-by-day in London
Section 03What's included, what's free
Section 04How to earn your spot
The morning training session
A half-day with people who’ve already solved your problems.
Mid-trip on Day 3, the conference settles into a half-day roundtable with Passports staff and veteran group leaders. The agenda is shaped by what you actually deal with — not a sales deck. Six themes anchor the morning, and there’s real time to push on each one.
Recruitment that actually fills a tour
What works in the hallway, at parent night, and on social. Real numbers from leaders who run 30-traveler tours every other year — and the small adjustments that turned 12 sign-ups into 28.
The parent conversation
Scripts for the four hardest questions you'll get from parents — money, safety, food, supervision — and the documents Passports already has to back you up.
Tour Director, gate to gate
What your TD handles so you can be a teacher again. Where the line falls between TD decisions and Group Leader decisions. How to use them well — and what they wish more leaders asked them.
Itinerary tradecraft
Pacing, free-time strategy, the days that always feel long, the museums worth the line and the ones that aren't. Tricks veteran leaders bring back from a dozen trips.
When something goes sideways
Crisis comms with parents back home, working through a sick traveler, what to do when two kids have a falling-out two days into a 10-day trip. Real stories, real responses, plenty of time for your questions.
Roundtable, not lecture. Every cohort sets its own emphasis. If your group is fundraising for the first time, that’s where we spend the time. If you’re taking a tour after a hard year on safety, we’ll dig into that. Come with the questions you can’t Google.
About the city
London, England.
London, England's iconic capital, is celebrated for its rich history, world-class museums, and unmistakable energy. From the grandeur of Westminster Abbey to the lively streets of Covent Garden, the city offers a captivating blend of tradition and modern vibrancy. As a Passports group leader, you'll have the perfect backdrop to strengthen your leadership skills while experiencing London's dynamic atmosphere and warm, welcoming spirit.
This teacher training conference is designed to provide valuable networking opportunities, expert-led discussions, and practical insights into leading student tours. Plus, you'll have the chance to explore London, immerse yourself in British culture, and gain a deeper understanding of what to expect on your upcoming Passports tour.
Your free spot
Enroll 15 travelers on your first Passports tour, or use 1,200 Rewards Points.
Agenda
What you’ll do.
- Learn the ins-and-outs of what to expect on a Passports tour
- Meet Passports Tour Directors and Passports staff
- Experience Passports tour services for yourself
What’s included
Everything covered.
- Roundtrip airfare to London, England
- Meet-and-greet transfer from London airport to your hotel
- Hotel accommodations for the duration of your stay
- All breakfasts and dinners
- A half-day instructional session on the finer points of being a group leader
- Welcome Reception, Activities, and a special Farewell Dinner
Tour summary
Five days, at a glance.
Days 1–2: Arrival London
- Arrival Transfer
- Tour Director-led Walking Tours
- Welcome Reception
Day 3: London
- Morning Training Conference
- Free Time
- Dinner
Day 4: London
- Optional Excursion to Windsor Castle
- Farewell Dinner
Day 5: Departure
- Departure Transfer
Detailed itinerary
Day by day in London.
Sample itinerary — final day-by-day timing and excursion choices are confirmed and sent to attendees before departure.
Arrival in London
As your flight descends over England's green countryside, London greets you with its iconic skyline, historic landmarks, and lively streets. Upon landing at Heathrow Airport, you'll be met by Passports staff and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Take some time to settle in and soak up the city's unique charm — from its red double-decker buses and stately architecture to the buzz of life along the Thames, London makes an unforgettable first impression.
Walking tour to Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square
Join us on a captivating walking tour led by our expert Tour Director, as we delve into the vibrant essence of London's most iconic public spaces. Begin in Leicester Square, a bustling hub known for its entertainment and nightlife. Venture next to Piccadilly Circus, often referred to as London's Times Square — mesmerized by the dazzling neon lights and the iconic Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain. Culminate at Trafalgar Square, a historic symbol of national democracy and pride. Marvel at the majestic Nelson's Column, guarded by four lion statues, and the beautiful fountains that add to the square's grandeur.
Walking tour from Covent Garden to Trafalgar Square
Take a walking tour with your Tour Director. Start at Covent Garden, the stomping ground of Eliza Doolittle and Professor Higgins. See the entertainment district around Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus and end in the imposing Trafalgar Square, home to Nelson's Column and The National Gallery.
Welcome Reception
This evening, join Passports staff and fellow organizers for a delightful welcome reception. Engage in lively conversations, share your exciting travel experiences, and create new connections while savoring delectable refreshments and mouthwatering canapés.
Group Leader Training Conference
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, our group leader training conference can provide an invaluable opportunity to network with other group leaders and learn from their experiences. Attendees can expect to receive plenty of practical advice on everything from itinerary planning to dealing with difficult travel situations.
Enjoy afternoon free time in London
Spend a relaxed afternoon discovering the effortless charm of London at your own pace. You might wander the historic streets of Covent Garden, browse unique shops and boutiques, or stop for a classic afternoon tea at a cozy café. Take in panoramic views from the Sky Garden, stroll along the South Bank for sights of the London Eye and the Thames, or explore the historic Tower of London for a taste of the city's medieval past. For a modern twist, check out the vibrant street art and trendy eateries in Shoreditch.
Dinner in London
Enjoy a delicious British meal at a local restaurant, where you might sample British classics such as fish and chips, traditional shepherd's pie, or beef and Guinness stew, followed by a sweet treat like sticky toffee pudding or a slice of rich British cheesecake.
Optional excursion to Windsor Castle
Head to the town of Windsor, the location of royal residences for almost one thousand years, ever since William the Conqueror settled there in 1070. A visit to Windsor Castle includes the State Apartments, Queen Mary's Dolls' House (a palace-within-a-palace with functioning lights, running water and Lilliputian-size books written by famous authors of the 1920s) and St. George's Chapel, one of the country's finest churches in the typically English style known as Perpendicular Gothic. If you have some free time, make your way to the Admissions Centre, or the Courtyard, to check whether you may join (at no extra cost) a thirty-minute guided tour of the Castle Precincts, which goes as far as Henry VIII's North Terrace.
Farewell Dinner
As the perfect finale to an unforgettable Group Leader Training Tour, our Farewell Dinner brings everyone together for an evening of celebration, connection, and inspiration. Set in a warm, authentic local venue, this special night is a chance to relax, share stories from the journey, and reflect on everything you've experienced as both a traveler and an educator.
Depart London
With images of your journey still vivid in your mind, race the sun westward aboard your wide-bodied jet. Write down what you remember best. You'll be home before you know it, eager to share your discoveries with family and friends.
Sights you’ll see
London, in pictures.
Piccadilly Circus
Leicester Square
Covent Garden
Group Leader Training Conference
Windsor Castle
Trafalgar SquareWe look forward to meeting you soon
Talk to your Tour Advisor.
We’ll walk you through where you stand on Rewards Points and confirm whether the London program is the right fit for your school’s calendar.