For many students, the biggest hurdle standing between them and a life-changing travel experience isn’t interest or enthusiasm—it’s cost.

Even with smart planning choices like traveling in the off-season or choosing a less tourist-heavy destination, finances can still be a real barrier.

The sooner you get the fundraising ball rolling, the better. Even for your trips coming up in 2027, you’ll benefit from starting now! This can mean raising funds for your full group, or encouraging students and their families to get started—saving, applying to travel scholarships, organizing events, whatever it takes.

Below are some tried-and-true fundraising ideas designed to bring your community together, spark excitement, and help more students see the world.

ENGAGE YOUR COMMUNITY

Your community is one of your greatest resources. Being visible, present, and vocal about your trip not only spreads awareness—it helps people feel invested in your students’ success. Don’t hesitate to connect with local businesses and potential corporate sponsors as well.

Photos, stories, and student testimonials from previous trips can work wonders. Show the transformation travel brings—the confidence, curiosity, and joy. When donors can see the impact, they can better understand exactly what they’re supporting, and you’re building relationships that can last for years to come.

GET THE GOODS

Selling tangible items may feel “old school,” but it’s a classic for a reason—it works. The key is choosing items people actually want and will use (no random dust collectors needed!).

Go with crowd-pleasers:
Sweet treats like candy or chocolate.
Fun food kits like popcorn or pizza.
Seasonal favorites like poinsettias or wreaths.
Useful home items like candles.
Or even handmade crafts created by students themselves.

Meaningful + practical = support you can count on.

EVENTS AND AUCTIONS

Events bring people together—and they can be wonderfully fun while doing serious fundraising work. We’ve seen educators have great success with car washes, bake sales, raffle nights, and restaurant fundraisers. Host a silent auction with items donated by local businesses. Organize a secondhand or vintage sale with treasures from families’ homes. Or invite the community in for something entertaining, like a student talent show or trivia night.

Service-based fundraising can be powerful, too. Students can volunteer at community events, help with yardwork or snow shoveling, assist at local fairs, or participate in community cleanup efforts in exchange for support.

Just be sure to check your school or district guidelines so everything stays compliant.

GET AHEAD

When it comes to funding a trip, time truly is your friend. Planning early gives students—and families—the breathing room they need to make fundraising manageable. Many groups begin at least a year out, sometimes even two.

Be clear and transparent about financial expectations from the start. Share deadlines early. Consider offering payment plans. The more time families have, the more realistic the dream becomes.

SCHOLARSHIPS

And remember—there are scholarships out there designed specifically to support student travel, including opportunities through the SYTA Youth Foundation and similar organizations. These financial resources open doors for thousands of students every year and are absolutely worth pursuing.