DC solo trip to Europe - what are we forgetting?

[Anonymous]

Please don't flame. We are not travelers and I haven't been to Europe in decades. DS is going for a post-HS trip next week with 3 friends, for 8 days. Will be in Spain and South France so not exactly off the grid, but some small towns. What does he need that I am not thinking of? I bought an outlet adapter...fanny pack type thing for his phone...what else would be good to have?? TIA for thoughts/ideas/suggestions.

[Anonymous]

- passport
- cash
- credit card / debit card
- print out of itinerary, tickets, reservations, emergency numbers
- copy of passport

[Anonymous]

His passport valid for at least 6 more months
International plan for his phone for the duration of the trip or get a SIM card
Notification to bank of travel so he isn’t declined
Enough Medication if he is on any for the trip

[Anonymous]

Have him take either a picture of his passport and credit cards and end them to you or a photocopy that you keep if you don't want digital images of them. This is very helpful if something gets lost.

Are they traveling on trains and staying in hostel dorms? Are they backpacking?

Mostly reinforce safety - never leave anyone alone. Don't go home with a stranger, don't accept drinks from other people etc. Don't get too drunk and if you do get drunk, stay with your friends. Don't do drugs in foreign countries. Don't try to walk or jump between balconies type thing, don't go out hiking or swimming in the dark. Most misadventure comes from bad decisions...and often involves alcohol.

I found a travel lock and a small combo lock very helpful. I put some duct tape around a pen - great for quick fixes.

They can get a SIM card at the airport if they need a physical one or buy an esim before they go. Having data is also a good safety measure.

What he should pack depends on how he is travelling but he can also get anything he forgets there.

[Anonymous]

Spare power bank for his phone.

[Anonymous]

Sunscreen.

[Anonymous]

If he would use it a passport holder that tucks under your clothes.

Does he have a rail pass to make it easy? Does he have rooming locations pre booked?

[Anonymous]

Ear plugs
Flip flops
Face cloth

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:- passport
- cash
- credit card / debit card
- print out of itinerary, tickets, reservations, emergency numbers
- copy of passport

Plus proof of health insurance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have him take either a picture of his passport and credit cards and end them to you or a photocopy that you keep if you don't want digital images of them. This is very helpful if something gets lost.

Are they traveling on trains and staying in hostel dorms? Are they backpacking?

Mostly reinforce safety - never leave anyone alone. Don't go home with a stranger, don't accept drinks from other people etc. Don't get too drunk and if you do get drunk, stay with your friends. Don't do drugs in foreign countries. Don't try to walk or jump between balconies type thing, don't go out hiking or swimming in the dark. Most misadventure comes from bad decisions...and often involves alcohol.

I found a travel lock and a small combo lock very helpful. I put some duct tape around a pen - great for quick fixes.

They can get a SIM card at the airport if they need a physical one or buy an esim before they go. Having data is also a good safety measure.

What he should pack depends on how he is travelling but he can also get anything he forgets there.

And don't go swimming together and leave your documents unguarded on the beach. My brother did that. They were stolen. Tell him not to pack anything he really needs in a suitcase - it must go in the cabin baggage eg prescriptions, wallet, phone, laptop etc. if he does have prescriptions, be sure to take it in it's original bottle from the pharmacy.

Get him to download Google Translate before he goes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ear plugs
Flip flops
[/b]Face cloth[b]

This made me laugh. Why would an older teen boy need a facecloth? But talking about cloths, I’ve been traveling everywhere with a Turkish towel, and it’s been great. Use it on the the beach as beach towel, but also can be used as regular towel, or just a cover if it’s chilly.

[Anonymous]

microfiber towel
packable daypack

[Anonymous]

Download WhatsApp. Mini hotels and hostels and you use this for communication with guests.

If not using an international plan for your US mobile carrier, they can purchase an eSIM through Holafly.

Take student ID.

Ibuprofen not as readily available in France (not sure about Spain). Take a small container with him if that is something he might need.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Download WhatsApp. Mini hotels and hostels and you use this for communication with guests.

If not using an international plan for your US mobile carrier, they can purchase an eSIM through Holafly.

Take student ID.

Ibuprofen not as readily available in France (not sure about Spain). Take a small container with him if that is something he might need.

Sorry. All thumbs while I type and walk the dog.

[Anonymous]

Access to cash. I had to phone home back in 2011 for more cash. Make it easy to access. But not so easy that someone could steal his card and wipe out his account.

Mini travel fan and additional chargers.