Buzz
Excited for your upcoming school trip? Before the excitement takes over, make sure you pack wisely to avoid missing anything important. Here are some suggestions on what to bring along.
Steps
Pack the right clothes: Not sure about the weather for your trip? It's best to prepare for both hot and cold conditions. Alternatively, check the forecast online or in the local news.
- It's important to pack enough clothes for the entire trip. Choose based on the weather, and it's always smart to bring an extra pair of pants and a shirt.
- If you have a school or trip shirt, pack it. Even if it's not a shirt, ensure you bring the required school gear.
- Nightwear that ensures comfort. You don't want to sleep in uncomfortable clothing, so consider packing sleep shorts, pajama pants (fleece for colder nights), and a comfortable t-shirt.
- If you're camping, bring a sleeping bag.
- Towels for swimming or showering. Hotels often provide towels, but you may need your own for outdoor activities.
- Toiletries (soap, toothbrush, shampoo, etc.). Hotels typically offer toiletries, but if you're particular about your products, check if items like hairdryers and straighteners are allowed to be packed.
- Comfortable and warm clothing. A sweatshirt might be helpful in case it gets chilly.
- Proper footwear. Avoid bringing brand new shoes unless necessary. Pack sneakers or gym shoes if you plan on walking a lot. Converse shoes are fine, but they might not offer enough support for long walks. Heels or wedges should be avoided. Flip-flops are a must for swimming or public showers.
- Undergarments. Pack at least two extra pairs of socks and three pairs of underwear/boxers. Girls may want an extra bra, as well as a sports bra.
- If the weather is warm, consider packing:
- Swimwear – girls might prefer one-piece swimsuits, and boys should pack swim trunks. This will come in handy if there's a hotel pool!
- Casual clothing such as shorts, t-shirts, or tank tops. Ensure your clothes follow the trip's dress code or at least are appropriate for the setting. For girls, avoid overly revealing attire, like bandeaus or very short shorts. The same applies to boys, so avoid overly short shorts.
- Bug repellent – if you're going to be outdoors at night or near water, bringing a small bottle of bug spray is a smart choice.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses with UV protection to protect your skin and eyes. Also, pack a baseball or snapback hat for shade. Don't forget a water bottle to stay hydrated.
- If it's cold, pack an extra pair of pants or sweatpants. If it's really chilly, bring along a hat and gloves.
- Flashlights with extra batteries can be helpful, especially if you're camping or doing activities at night. A flashlight that requires shaking to produce light is a great option.
- Insulated insoles (to keep your feet warm) or take a pair from an old pair of shoes.
- Extra weather-related items. Consider packing a portable, battery-operated fan if it's going to be warm. A windbreaker jacket is a good idea if it's windy, and a foldable umbrella will come in handy if there's a chance of rain.
Don't forget your toiletries: Toiletries are essential, so ensure you pack items like shampoo, conditioner, soap, shower gel, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a hairbrush. If you need period products, pack a few extras, even if you're not currently using them or haven't started your cycle yet.
Bring along something to entertain yourself. The journey might get a bit dull, so it's a good idea to pack something to pass the time. Options include a DS, PSP, MP3 player, or even a good book.
Learn a few local phrases. If you're visiting a country with a different language, it can be helpful to learn some useful phrases. For example, "Aidez-moi s'il vous plaît?" means "Could you help me?" or "Où sont les toilettes?" means "Where are the restrooms?"
Learn about the local culture. In Japan, it's considered impolite to use your phone on the train. In France, making jokes about your mother in French (such as "Ta mère...") is highly offensive.
The tips shared here come from the real experiences of Mytour readers like you. If you have a valuable suggestion to add, feel free to submit it below on Mytour.
- If you're heading to a colder destination, especially one with snow, don't forget to pack hand cream (preferably in a tube) and a face moisturizer. These can keep your skin soft and hydrated and can be shared with friends.
- Always keep your essentials in a carry-on bag for easy access, especially when your checked luggage is out of reach.
