Buzz
Field trips provide a fantastic opportunity to learn beyond the classroom walls. They’re even more enjoyable when you're fully prepared for them. Thankfully, with the right packing strategy, you can ensure you’re ready for any situation that arises. As a student, opt for a compact bag to carry all the essential items your teacher requires, along with any books and snacks you’ll need. If you're a chaperone or teacher, don’t forget to bring any materials, assignments, or forms that you'll need during the trip. If there’s space left, consider adding a few personal items to enhance your experience.
Steps
What to Pack as a Student
Choose a lightweight bag to carry your essentials. Your regular school backpack may be too large or unnecessary for a field trip. Select a smaller, lighter bag that fits your essentials without taking up too much space.
- Consider a messenger bag that you can easily carry over your shoulder for convenience and less bulk.
- A drawstring bag is a great option for something simple and lightweight that can still hold your items.
- If you’re bringing fewer items, a compact bag will be perfect.
Mark your last name and phone number on your bag in case it gets misplaced. Smaller bags are more likely to be lost, especially amidst the excitement of a school field trip. Use a permanent marker to clearly write your last name on the bag for easy identification. Add your phone number beneath your name, ensuring it can be returned to you if it gets lost.
Warning: Avoid writing your first name on your bag to prevent strangers from pretending to know you if they find it.
Check with your teacher or review the list of items you’re required to bring. To ensure you have everything necessary for the field trip, confirm the items with your teacher. If you received a checklist from your school or teacher, go over it carefully to make sure you have everything you need.
- Store any papers, like notes or your itinerary, in a folder to keep them safe.
Pack your books, binders, and notebooks in your bag first. Larger and heavier items like textbooks and binders should go into your bag first to prevent squashing any smaller, lighter objects. Arrange them so they lie flat and their spines and edges press against you while wearing the bag.
- Place heavier books and binders in your bag first, then layer lighter items such as notebooks and folders on top.
Store your pens and pencils in a case before putting them in your bag. If you’ll need writing tools or to take notes during the field trip, place your pens and pencils in a pencil case or container to avoid losing or breaking them. Put them in your bag on top of the heavier items, so they’re easy to access when needed.
- Consider adding any highlighters, scissors, or sticky notes you’ll need to the case.
- Pencil cases are available in department stores and online.
Place your lunch at the top of your bag to avoid it being squished. Pack your lunch last so it stays protected from the other items. Put it on top so you can easily grab it, and it’s less likely to get crushed or move around while you're carrying your bag.
- Ensure you pack enough food for the entire trip.
- Include high-energy snacks like granola bars or trail mix to keep you fueled throughout the day.
Bring your cellphone, if allowed. If you're permitted to take your cellphone on the field trip, keep it near the top of your bag or in an external pouch for easy access. Use your phone to snap pictures or contact your parents for pickup once the trip is over.
- Add your teacher or chaperone’s phone number to your contacts, so you can reach them if needed.
- Use your phone to call friends or your teacher if you get separated from the group.
- If phones aren’t allowed, leave yours at home to avoid trouble—field trips should be fun!
Bring a book to pass the time on the bus. Bus rides to field trips can sometimes feel long and boring. Pack a lightweight book you enjoy to keep yourself entertained. Choose one that fits easily in your bag without taking up too much room.
- If you prefer, bring headphones and an MP3 player or use your phone to listen to music, but be aware it could drain your battery.
- Check with your teacher first to make sure bringing a book is allowed.
- Use the trip to study for your class or read up on the place you’ll be visiting.
How to Prepare as a Chaperone or Teacher
Store a first aid kit on the bus or vehicle for quick access. While on a field trip, you’re far from the school nurse and might be in a location where medical help isn't immediately available. That’s why it's crucial to have a basic first aid kit nearby. Keep it somewhere accessible on the bus or in your vehicle, like under a seat or in the glove compartment.
- First aid kits are available at pharmacies, medical supply stores, and online.
- Consider building your own first aid kit to bring along in case of any accidents or injuries during the trip.
Distribute name tags to students for easy identification. Giving out name tags to students during the field trip will help other teachers, chaperones, and destination staff recognize them. Before reaching the destination, hand out blank name tags for the students to write their names, or pre-write the names and attach the tags to their chests for visibility.
- You may want to include your phone number or the school’s name on the tag in case a student gets separated from the group.
Keep signed waivers and permission slips in a folder. Organize all permission forms in a folder so you can quickly find and review them if necessary. Having everything in one place will make it easier to show or verify signatures and completion when required.
- Include any relevant allergy or medical information in the folder as well.
Prepare a folder with any handouts or assignments for the students. If you’re handing out any informational material or assignments during the field trip, keep them all together in a folder for easy access and organization. Store the folder in your bag so you can easily distribute the materials as needed on the trip.
Bring your cellphone and charger. Keep your phone with you in case you need to contact parents, other teachers, or chaperones. You can also use it to take pictures during the trip. Don’t forget to bring a charger in case your phone needs a recharge.
- Be sure to ask for permission before taking photos of the students or the trip’s location.
- If your charger requires a plug, remember to bring an outlet adapter as well.
Tip: Before leaving for the field trip, save the contact information of all teachers, bus drivers, chaperones, and anyone else you may need to reach in your cellphone.
Bring extra school supplies in case a student needs them. Pack a few extra pens, pencils, notebooks, paper, or other essential items for the trip. If a student forgets or loses something, you'll have backups to lend.
- Carry copies of any documents the students need so you can provide one if theirs gets lost or damaged.
Keep cleaning supplies on hand for any messes. Bring paper towels, tissues, trash bags, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer to clean up any spills or messes during the trip. Store them in a bag or on the bus so you can easily reach them when needed.
- Consider packing disposable gloves to keep your hands clean during cleanups.
- Peppermints can be useful to ease motion sickness if you or the students start feeling unwell during the ride.
Including Personal Items
Pack a pair of sunglasses for outdoor activities. Bring sunglasses to protect your eyes when you’re outside during the trip. Keep them near the top of your bag to prevent them from getting squashed by other items.
- Avoid bringing expensive sunglasses, as they might get lost or damaged.
Bring a filled water bottle and pack it in your bag. Bring your own water bottle to stay hydrated and avoid having to buy drinks. Use a refillable bottle, fill it to the top, and make sure the cap is securely fastened before packing it in your bag.
- Refill your bottle whenever necessary to keep hydrated throughout the day.
If you can’t use a phone, bring a disposable camera instead. Check with your teacher to see if you can bring a camera to take photos during the field trip. A disposable camera is a simple and fun way to capture memories of the places you visit and the friends you’re with. Keep it within easy reach in your bag so you can take a picture whenever you see something interesting.
- Disposable cameras are available at most department stores and pharmacies.
- Many pharmacies can also develop photos from disposable cameras.
Pack a jacket in case the temperature drops. Even if the weather seems warm, your field trip might involve time indoors, and air conditioning can sometimes make things chilly. Carry a light jacket just in case you need it.
- If you’re sure you’ll be outside and the weather’s warm, you can leave the jacket behind.
Field Trip Pro Tip: If you tend to get cold easily, it’s always a good idea to pack a jacket. If your bus makes a stop at a restaurant or cafeteria for lunch, you’ll be happy you did!
Bring any medications you might need during the trip. If you take regular medication or have a medical condition, pack it in your bag so it’s easily accessible when you need it. For food allergies, carry any necessary medication to handle an allergic reaction.
- If you have asthma or another respiratory issue, don’t forget your inhaler.
- Always carry an EpiPen if you have a severe allergy to something, just in case of an emergency.
Keep some extra cash in your bag, if allowed. It’s a good idea to bring a little extra cash for snacks or souvenirs during the trip. Make sure it’s permitted first, then pack around $10-$15 in your bag just in case you need it.
- This will come in handy for small purchases during the field trip.
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If you're unsure about what to pack, review the field trip itinerary and gather the essentials. You can always remove unnecessary items later. If your trip spans overnight, there's no need to pack a whole new set of clothes for every activity, as you can reuse your outfit (unless it’s really dirty or soaked). Remember, wearing the same clothes for more than two or three days might make them uncomfortable and unhygienic.
This section is based on real-life tips shared by Mytour readers like you. If you have a useful suggestion you’d like to contribute, feel free to submit it below on Mytour.
- Pack some chewing gum (if allowed), which can help with motion sickness and freshen your breath whenever you need it. Plus, it’s a great way to share a little treat with friends during the bus/train/car ride.
- Bring a portable charger or powerbank (fully charged), so if your phone battery runs low during the trip, you can recharge it and stay connected.
- If you tend to get cold easily, make sure to pack a jacket. You’ll appreciate having it when the bus makes a stop at a restaurant or cafeteria for lunch.
- Avoid bringing expensive or valuable electronics. Opt for items that you and your parents can afford to lose without too much trouble.
