[JaneYoung]

This is a thought or two:

One way to eliminate problems with communication is to communicate.
In this case, it would mean that the person(s) in charge of the trip would communicate the travel plans to the parents of the students involved, as well as the students, in advance.

It is my understanding that many teams who have students staying in hotels, tape the room. This is to put the students on notice that there is room check and if the tape is removed or damaged, the adult checking will know the tape has been tampered with. If I have this wrong, please correct me.

The purpose of the taping should be conveyed to everyone involved so that they know going into it what is involved.

My second thought is that students and parents should be instructed as to the expected appropriate conduct and behaviors of the students and adults involved in travel and the consequences that will occur if the expectations are not met. Hotels are not playgrounds for student groups that travel and that should be made clear. It should also be made clear that the ramifications could include the team being kicked out of the hotel and/or not invited back for future stays.

Bottom line, travel plans and guidelines should be discussed with students, parents, chaperones, and leaders well in advance of the trip.