How to Plan Your Next Model UN Conference Trip

You sponsor the MUN club at your school.  Your students have worked hard to prep and now they’re ready to take on the world – literally!

So where can you find the perfect MUN conference for your school? And what do you need to do to get there? We can help!  Here’s how to plan your next Model UN conference trip without wasting time or breaking the budget.

Conferences and Other Learning Opportunities

There are lots of organizations that host conferences or provide resources for your Model UN club.  It can be confusing, so we’ll dig a little deeper and share a few of our favorites.

National Model UN (NMUN)

National Model UN was the first organization to simulate the UN. It started in 1927 and today hosts conferences in NYC, Washington DC, Germany, the Galapagos, and Canada.

United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA)

UNA-USA gives students the tools and experiences that prepare them to be the next generation of global leaders. Local chapters encourage students in their communities to participate in Model UN.

UNA-USA partners with local chapters to operate Model UN Conferences in Boston, Washington DC, Houston, Tampa, New York City, and other communities.

All-American Model UN

All-American MUN has a wide range of resources for Model UN team training.  These include summer academies and a travel team for students who are really serious about MUN!

Best Delegate Model UN

Best Delegate is a clearinghouse for the greater MUN community. It has an up-to-date database of Model UN conferences for elementary, middle, high school, and college-level participants.

Best Delegate Comprehensive Conference Database

They also host programs throughout the school year and summer camps in locations like Georgetown University, Columbia University, Boston University, UCLA, UC Berkley, and UC Irvine.

Conference Fees

Typically, the fees associated with attending a MUN conference are nominal.  Most charge a fee for any participating student/teacher, along with a school delegation fee.  These fees are usually collected to cover the costs of the venue, food, etc.

For example, the National High School Model UN (NHSMUN) charges $125 for participants and $95 for school delegation fees.

Planning Your Travel

If you’re planning a MUN conference trip, first decide whether to travel by motorcoach or airplane.  If you need a little coaching on which will work best for you, click below.

Bus vs. Plane: Which is Better for Your Student Group?

Regardless of which you choose, the MOST important thing to know is that you must book your transportation early!

Traveling by Motorcoach

Book Early

Booking a bus is a challenge right now.  83% of the motorcoach industry’s full-time employees were furloughed during the pandemic.  Now those drivers have found other employment, leaving a huge gap in the number of qualified people who can drive a bus.

What does that mean for you?  It’s a lot harder to lock down a bus for your trip! Book your transportation as early as possible to avoid being left in a lurch.

Cost

There are many factors that affect your bus costs. These include when and where you travel, how long you’ll require the bus, parking, tolls, tips, fuel costs, and number of travelers.

On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,300 – $2,200 per day for a 56-passenger motorcoach.

Pro Tip! One of the best ways to cut costs on your trip is to ensure that every seat on the bus is filled.  Consider sharing the motorcoach with other local MUN groups attending the same conference.

Click the link below for more information on how to book and what to look for when booking.

Booking Buses and Driving Through the Night

Traveling by Plane

If your MUN event is far away (or even international) and you’ve decided to travel by plane, there are a few key points to consider:

Cost

Like everything else, air travel costs have increased.  Working with a group booking partner can help you secure some great rates.  A booking partner will use its buying power and expertise to search multiple carriers for the lowest possible price.

Passports and REAL ID

If you’re traveling internationally, students will require a passport.  If they don’t have one, expect the application process to take at least 6-8 weeks.

As of May 7, 2025, EVERY air traveler 18 years or older MUST have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.

Travelers younger than 18 do not need identification, but their adult companions and chaperones do.

Get your Groups REAL ID Ready!

Special Medical Considerations

There may be a student on the trip who requires special medical attention. Whether s/he needs medication or equipment, is autistic, or is hearing/vision impaired, be aware of the TSA’s procedures. A little research can go a long way in making the travel process easier.

Pro Tip! Be prepared for any unexpected snafus- skip the slides and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes like tennis shoes when you fly.

Flying with a Student Group

Fundraising

While MUN is a fairly “budget-friendly” activity, there is still a cost associated with it.  Give your students time to do some fundraising to help offset those costs.

Pro Tip! If you really want to kick your fundraising up a notch, use an online crowdfunding platform to help pay for your trip.

Packing for the Trip

One of the hardest decisions a teenager makes is what to pack for the trip.  Here’s a handy guide that makes packing for a plane or bus easy and efficient.

Pro Tip! Keep a change of clothes in your backpack or carry-on for emergencies.

How to Plan Your Next Model UN Conference Trip -Make it Easy and Plan a Partner

If you really want to make planning your MUN conference trip simple, plan with a trusted student travel partner like Kaleidoscope Adventures.

KA has 30+ years of experience planning outstanding student travel.  Online registration and payments, convenient crowdfunding options, and an expert team make your planning simple and efficient.

KA will work with you to plan an exceptional travel experience and provide impeccable customer service from start to finish!

Kaleidoscope Adventures delivers travel beyond expectations – wherever in the world your MUN travels take you!