Thank you to all of our wonderful clients, for their ongoing trust in our service.

I have taken trips with my high school band to places 2 hours, 6 hours, and even from Washington State to Southern California. For my first trip I was the booking agent and was in charge of all details from scheduling busses to purchasing tickets, etc.... I used On Trek services for the first time in April of 2009 and was so impressed with the improved quality of experience for me and my students on our trip to Southern California that I will never travel without them again. Our guide Jackie was so informative and great with our kids and chaperones, and working with the staff at On Trek was very pleasant and professional. Other than when I was with my band for performances or a workshop I truly felt like I was on vacation. We may have saved a little bit of money had I done all the planning but the experience for the kids and me was certainly better with On Trek.

We will be traveling with On Trek again in 2013!

Bill Legg
Music Director
Clarkston High School, WA

The trip to New York City that On-Trek put together for us was truly fabulous! All of my expectations were met and then far exceeded. It was clear to me from the onset that
On-Trek has a true understanding of what teachers, parents and students want out of a trip; they understood my time restraints as a teacher and made sure to provide every little thing along the way so that I could focus on my teaching; they understood the financial concerns that parents had; they understood what the kids wanted out of a trip and how much they could cram into a day so that the kids were ready for bed by the time we got back to the hotel each night.

Every detail was attended to, so that I could sit back and enjoy the trip instead of worrying the whole time! The hotel was fabulous, the meals were great and our tour guide was truly remarkable.

My students came home inspired. Sharing their music with the general public made it more meaningful to them and they are eager to tour more. The excitement generated by the trip in the choir department will help my program grow!

On-Trek made student travel an absolute joy - I will travel with them again!

Julia Dale
Choral Director
Rock Canyon High School

Every time I leave those islands it gets just a little bit harder to get on that plane and it takes just a little bit longer to adjust from "Hawaii Time" if you know what I mean. The kids had a blast. I don't think many of them were actually able to process the trip until they got back and started telling people what their lives had been like over the previous week. It was a big growing experience for all of them.

I really appreciate all you have done for our kids on these trips. I was talking to a competitive tour company rep who called me when I got back, and I was telling her that even though we have changed companies, we still use the same guide, Stevyn Polk. She thought that was quite a testament to you, and she's right. Thanks for all you do for us! Keep in touch, and take care of yourself. Can't wait till I see you in another airport!

Jeff Garver
Science Teacher
Boyne Falls High School, MI

Thanks for a great trip! The students had an awesome time, and everything was so well organized. We didn’t have to worry about a thing; and that makes for an easy and relaxing trip. The hotel was nice; my students loved the pool. ( Can you tell we’re from Montana? :-) Everything we did was fun. Tillicum Village, the Underground Seattle tour, the Space Needle, Experience Music Project-of course!, and the Seattle Aquarium. It was nice to have lots of free time at Pike Place Market, and it was very fun to eat at the Hard Rock Café! Thanks again for all your help. I couldn’t have done this trip without you!!!!

Sarah Gallardo
Director of Bands
Big Sky High School

Over my educational career, I have taken my choral groups on scores of tours, traveling to everywhere from Hawaii to New York, and we will be heading to Orlando in April. I have used various student travel companies, and I have yet to find anyone that come close to taking the time and care that On-Trek does to ensure that the travel experience is both educational AND fun! They do a fantastic job of eliminating the stress from the adult leaders of the tour, and make the trips incredibly memorable for the students as well. In addition, they are priced very competitively…and it’s worth every penny!

Tim Friesen
Director
Molalla High School, Molalla, OR

"Travel with On Trek and you won't be sorry." That was the actual advice given to a trip leader who was working for another travel company at the time. I have taken over 1000 kids to Florida since 1988 and we have traveled with a few different companies. On Trek is now leading my trips because they are caring, professional, flexible, and you will not get a better trip for your money with any other company. On Trek is managed by people who care more about the teachers and students than how much money they can make off your students. They make it very easy to lead my trips and my parents and students are always completely satisfied with their On Trek experience.

Ken Tell
Life Science
6th Grade
Barr Middle School

I just want you to know that I am very thankful On Trek came into my teaching career! Taking a group to Hawaii was a professional goal for many, many years and I am not one bit disappointed by that marvelous trip we took last year. In fact I have only the fondest of memories and am very proud of what my students were able to accomplish with the solid framework you provided us. I wish you the very best this Christmas, throughout the Holidays and in the coming year!

I think I was on an adrenaline high last week with all the performances and just trying to keep up with the paperwork and other expectations and am finally enjoying some well needed rest. I appreciate all the work you put into the Reno Jazz Festival quote. I will be speaking with all parties about this in the coming month so we can make a decision about which trip to take.

Thanks for all of your hard work - see you on facebook in the coming weeks!

Larry Jackson
Scappoose High School

I just wanted to send a quick note to you about how happy we were with our trip to Hawaii and the great service provided by On Trek Student Travel. Please thank everyone on your staff for being so pleasant, informative and professional. Please send an extra special thank you to our guides on the island. Everyone was impressed with their expert knowledge of the islands and their ability to handle a large group with such ease. In fact, I think a lot of kids adopted Heidi as their second mom! Please share that our parents and students were very happy with their guidance on the tour.

Thank you On Trek for being so helpful and thoughtful in the planning stages of the trip. You had great insight on everything and my students and parents enjoyed all of our musical performances and tour activities. Thanks again, we hope to do this again sometime soon.

Steve Nance
Director of Bands
Kerman High School

Our trip to Honolulu, Hawaii was handled by On Trek Student Travel in a very professional manner. I had heard good things about the company from another band instructor, and was looking for someone with a thorough knowledge of the islands. On Trek came through in every possible way.

It was a pleasure working with an upbeat staff that committed to every detail of our trip. Michale helped adjust our itinerary to meet our specific needs which made for a happy group of band and choir participants. Our tour guide, was like a walking encyclopedia of information about the islands, which he presented to us at the appropriate times with humor that kept everyone’s attention. He also connected positively with both chaperones and students in a way that made them all feel comfortable.

We are thinking of taking another Hawaiian tour in 2 or 3 years. On Trek will be the first ones I contact to help set up another trip.

Thank you On Trek for making our Honolulu trip such a positive experience!

Larry Jackson
Scappoose, Oregon

Dear On Trek,

Many gracious thanks goes to you all, especially Jackie and company, who guided us through an historical as well as history-making tour in Virginia and Washington, D.C. this past week!

Redwood was thrilled to be accepted to march in President Obama’s Inaugural Parade. However, as we all know, there were many people who were needed to turn the sudden news, excitement and energy into reality. On Trek was instrumental in this. With only about a month to pull this trip together, On Trek was a tremendously valuable resource in helping make our trip to the East Coast as eventful, educational, and memorable as possible for our students.

What a joy it was to work with our On Trek trip leaders! Having all of them so knowledgeable and caring was great, and they really made us feel both welcome and taken care of from the moment we arrived to the moment we boarded the plane back home. Redwood’s travel to participate in the 56th Inaugural Parade went exceptionally smoothly, and we made our actual parade report time in the morning not only on time, but early! We are so grateful that On Trek helped keep us on track, and helped us greatly with the organization of tours, food, rooming, transportation, and more!

Finally, we truly appreciate the peace of mind and comfort provided by our On Trek trip leaders. From helping us receive shipments of instruments and uniforms to the hotel before the rest of us of arrived, to helping us pack up our uniforms and plumes after the parade, to facilitating our safety and well-being whether exiting a charter bus or touring historical Virginia, our accomplishments of this trip were as much yours as well as all of ours. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your patience, efficiency, and knowledge that made our trip the success that it was, and for your help in helping our students march their way to a handful of incredible memories that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives!

Musically Yours,

Vicki Wyant & Jon Jow
Music Department
Redwood Middle School

Congratulations are in order for working so hard to procure a one-in-a-lifetime experience for Redwood! I must let you know I was quite impressed with the stellar staff you had leading the group. Led by Marie, they were calm, collected, helpful, positive, encouraging, and shared in the genuine enthusiasm of the event. Bravo! I'm not sure if you know this or not, but Mrs. Wyant and the Redwood kids were actually operating "short-handed" since the 2 administrators on the tour were not actually with the group, and it was so impressive to watch your staff work so diligently to work this out with ease and care. Again, BRAVO and THANK YOU!

I wouldn't imagine not being there to support Mrs. Wyant and her students. Just the same, I would never consider taking a major tour without having her and Tom with us, as we're a close-knit group here and truly share in the long-term joy of music education and the journey surrounding it. My only regret this past weekend is being so limited in terms of my ability to be present the whole duration, but that's a "price" of running a program with kids that come from Vicki Wyant...Excellence is not an act, but a habit!

Best Wishes,

Michael Boitz
Director of Instrumental Music
Saratoga High School

Hi my name is Raiza De Vera, I am in the 7th grade. I play in the percussion section of The Redwood Middle School advanced marching band. Before leaving for the trip, it didn't really hit me that I was actually going to perform at The Inauguration. While on the plane, I felt all my nerves building up.

When we took that first step into the piercing cold weather of Washington DC... is when it hit me. I knew then that it was going to be hard! But I knew I would enjoy every second of it. During the parade, I had a natural smile on my face. I was amazed at how much we accomplished in the past few months. As the football lights hit us, and we walked into The President's sight, I felt a level of happiness I have never reached before. Overall, I feel it was a memory I could never forget. It was a hard challenge for everyone, but sometimes a challenge is what people need to motivate them. I absolutely loved it!

Raiza De Vera
7th Grade
Advanced Marching Band
Redwood Middle School

On Trek Student Travel was responsible for our trip to San Francisco and our trip to Hawaii. I cannot emphasize enough how pleased we were with their service. They were First Class in every sense of the word, from the preparation of the itinerary, to processing payments, handling inquiries and delivering exceptional trips. In my 14 years at John F. Kennedy High School and all the trips we have taken throughout the United States and abroad, I’d rate On Trek as the best student travel company we’ve ever dealt with. We were so pleased with their exceptional service, that we awarded to them our March St. Patrick’s Day Parade 10-day trip to Ireland and England.

Bob Anthony
Director of Bands
Kennedy High School, La Palma, CA

I just wanted you to know that I had an amazing time with the Spanaway Lake High School Music Company in Hawaii and Oahu. Everywhere we ate, the food was exceptional. The luau was superb! Our kids got to sing everywhere they went, even on the stage at the luau which I hear never happens.

Pearl Harbor and the Governor’s Memorial Day Ceremony left goose bumps on my arms. At the ceremony, we had a veteran come up with tears in his eyes and said that the Music Company's version of God Bless America was the most moving he had ever heard. And before we departed, another veteran came on our bus and thanked us.

The catamaran to Kealakekua Bay was fantastic! We were blessed with the appearance of a very large spinner dolphin pod that swam within feet from those in the water, plus a manta ray even made a daytime appearance!

Trip leader Stevyn Polk was awesome. He is so knowledgeable in many subjects; we learned a lot about the islands from him. He made learning fun and really had us thinking on some history questions he would ask us. He runs a tight ship which is what you need when you are in charge of 70 people!

Our days were so structured that there was never a wasted moment. I have talked with some of the music moms since we got back and they feel the way I do - we are not ready to give up the euphoric feeling we had while in Hawaii. It truly was amazing!

Lia Poch
Parent Chaperone
Spanaway Lake High School, WA

The owners of On-Trek have been managing my trips since 1996. The way they approach custom performing travel has always provided exceptional experiences for my students and I unhesitatingly recommend their services.

1. Safety is my primary concern, and it is number one with On-Trek as well. Each student has a name badge with a toll-free number on the back. This connects them with the home office, which then contacts the tour guide by cell phone so they can deal with the problem on the spot, be it a lost child or a dangerous situation.

2. On-Trek provides a tour guide for every trip, leaving me free to concentrate on the music and enjoying myself. They usually live in the area we are visiting and do more to make the educational experience meaningful than I ever could. They meet our plane and stay with us twenty-four hours a day until the plane takes off for home. I don't have to worry about busses, restaurants, mix-ups at performing venues, hotels, a time schedule, an alternate route when there is a traffic jam, or what to do if our return flight gets cancelled. It ends up being a vacation for me as well as the students; we are refreshed and ready to perform.

3. I plan my trips in conjunction with the staff at On-Trek, blending their knowledge of educational opportunities along with my performance needs. A simple desire to go to Hawaii blossomed into a two-island tour, including a day studying the Big Island volcano, a snorkeling adventure to a marine sanctuary, an unforgettable performance at a local school, and a morning at the Place of Refuge where native Hawaiian park rangers showed my students how their ancestors lived. Anybody can go to the usual tourist places on Oahu; my students come away with much, much more. And Disneyland becomes more than "the Happiest Place in the world." My students learn what goes on off-stage as well as the fascinating history of the place, all led by a tour guide who knows it all.

4. The pre-trip parent meeting is planned for me by On-Trek. They think of things that make me sound like a pro and assure parents that their sons and daughters are in good hands. When we arrive at the airport I have everything I need to get us there and back in comfort and safety, and I know that my kids will have what is often a life-changing experience. Many of my seniors say that travel with On-Trek was the best thing of their entire high school career.

Over the years the owners of On-Trek have become my friends, and like a good friend they are constantly looking for ways to make our trips more meaningful and enjoyable. I was not surprised a few years ago when my Music Company students elected to make them honorary members. They have truly become an integral part of the music experience at my school.

Bernard Crouse
Vocal Director
Spanaway Lake High School, WA

Crocker Middle School has worked with the staff at On Trek for years and have always been more than satisfied with their services. We have found them to be courteous, personable, flexible and infinitely patient. Everyone from the office staff to the travel guides is dedicated to making traveling with students safe and as free of stress as possible. I would highly recommend putting your traveling needs in the hands of On Trek.

Janet Chun
Principal
Crocker Middle School

I traveled with On Trek to Hawaii on a concert band tour.  My experience with On Trek was outstanding.  They took care of literally everything:  the itinerary (both sight-seeing and performance opportunities), meal arrangements, hotel reservations, airline reservations, and best of all is how they handle individual student accounts.  I never handled any money at all. Our hotel was great and so were the places where we ate group meals.  Our trip leader was most helpful and was very knowledgeable about the area we visited in Hawaii.  I would highly advise any leader of a student group to give On Trek an opportunity to arrange a trip for their school organization .  

Ed Cunnington
Band Director
East Valley High School, Yakima, WA

Dear On-Trek

I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you how "amazing" my most recent trip with On-Trek was. ( New York) I could not have been more impressed with you and the entire office staff at On-Trek. While I didn't expect everything to be perfect, I have to say it was pretty close. Every single aspect was just as we discussed. Air and ground transportation / hotel lodging / meals / performances / equipment-instrument rental and sight-seeing all went off without a hitch. My only problem was an emergency with one of my students , he had a problem with his eardrum and you even took care of that by making sure we were able to get the hospital at 1am in the morning. Having all the worries of collecting money and keeping trip accounts up to date, was such a relief for me. All I had to do was take care of my kids and the music performances, which is what any music director will tell you they want. I'm happy that you handled all of that for Shel and myself. I/we look forward to traveling again with you in the very near future. It was a FANTASTIC experience for our kids!

Thanks On-Trek Student Travel

Orlando Otis
Director of Bands, Chaparral HS
Performing Arts, Department Chair

Molalla High School 's presentation

Aloha e On Trek,

Mahalo nui loa for the opportunity of sharing with the students, teachers and 'ohana of Molaalla. A nice time was had by all.

The students from Kailua and Ka Pa Ku Kaiaulu halau greeted the visitors with chants of aloha and lei as Molalla exited the bus. We did a short introduction inside, covered 4 values, and practiced some basic hula steps with everyone. From there we broke into 2 groups that completed a hula and lei-making workshop.

There was an exchange period between the groups before we were blessed with a choral performance by the Oregon students. We barely had a chance of returning the favor with a hula by the students from Kailua before completing a proper closing of gifts, song, aloha, food, pictures and send off. This was done in 1 1/2hours.

Mahalo nui loa again to both you and BJ for this exchange. It was a holiday well spent with all.

Everyone left hearts filled with aloha and joy. We welcome the possibility of another exchange in the future.

Me ke aloha no,

Ku'ulei Akaka

Thanks for the great experience!

I am the principal of Delta Secondary School in Delta, B.C. Canada (just south of Vancouver). We recently completed a 5-day trip to New York under On-Trek's auspices. I wanted to pass on my thanks and appreciation for a job well done.

The trip was most enjoyable for all of our staff, students and accompanying parents. We returned to Vancouver with great memories and the realization that we had covered a lot of ground in the time we spent in NYC. The success of the trip was in no small part due to the valued leadership of Pam Boudrot, our tour guide. She did an excellent job with the pacing and organization of the activities and things worked out very well. Pam and Matthew (our bus driver from Academy) worked well together to make sure the transportation went smoothly.

These days, people are often too quick to criticize and remain silent when things go well. I felt you should know that the trip did indeed go well.

Thanks again,

Ray Holme
Principal
Delta Secondary School
Delta, B. C. Canada

We just returned home from a trip to San Francisco with our school band/orchestra group.  We had Sara and Beth and they were delightful.  We rode on the bus with Sara and she was awesome to watch and deal with.  She handled things that came up with weather and trying to haul around a 45 foot truck with attached trailer in addition to the two tour buses.  She was cheerful, helpful and a joy to work with.  Beth was equally friendly and a joy to work with.  Please let them know how much we appreciated their efforts and expertise!  They are great representatives of your company! 

Teri Miller, chaperone
Kamiakin High School
Kennewick WA