School trip - the best ideas, packing lists and tips

For many children and their parents, a school trip is often the first long separation in their lives - it is often accompanied by great anticipation and is eagerly awaited. However, school trips also bring with them mixed feelings, for parents, students and teachers alike.

Many schools now start with an overnight stay away from home in the lower elementary or primary school levels - as a small test and to get used to it for the coming years.

School trip questions 1st place:

"Is a school trip compulsory?"

This question seems to be of burning interest. In short: No.

A school trip is not compulsory . BUT: School trips - also known as school trips or school trips - are very important for community building . A school trip offers students the opportunity to get to know each other better outside of the normal school routine. This can strengthen the cohesion within a class. A school trip is often a highlight of the school year and offers students the opportunity to gain new experiences, broaden their horizons and create unforgettable memories.

School trip questions 2nd place:

"Travel cancellation insurance for school trips?"

Yes, you can usually take out travel cancellation insurance for school trips in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). Travel cancellation insurance covers the costs incurred if the trip is cancelled under certain conditions. The exact conditions and insured amounts can vary depending on the provider and the tariff selected.

There are special travel cancellation insurance policies for group trips and school classes that are suitable for school trips. These take into account the special conditions of group trips and can be cheaper than taking out individual insurance policies for each participant.

It is advisable to check and compare the exact conditions and the scope of insurance carefully. In particular, you should pay attention to which reasons for cancellation of a trip are covered (e.g. illness, accident) and which are not.

When planning a school trip, it is advisable to think about taking out travel cancellation insurance early on and, if necessary, to include this in the overall travel booking package. This gives both the organizers and the parents and students more security in the event of unforeseen events.

School trip questions 3rd place:

“How much does a school trip cost on average?”

Many parents are worried about the cost of a school trip. This is understandable – the costs for school trips are sometimes in the high three-figure range, not including any purchases of equipment etc.

However, based on our research, we can give you these guidelines (survey from 2022):

• School trips with overnight stay in a youth hostel : These could cost between €150 and €400 per student for a week . This may include accommodation, meals and some activities.
• School trips with hotel accommodation : These can cost more depending on the standard of the hotel. A week could cost between €250 and €600 or more per student.
• Ski trips or special activity trips: These could be more expensive, especially if equipment needs to be rented or special courses booked. They could cost between €300 and €800 or even more for a week.

It is almost impossible to give an exact average price for a school trip , as many factors influence the price: destination, duration of the trip, type of accommodation (e.g. hostel, hotel, campsite), program activities, meals, means of transport, time of year and so on.

Basics:

Organising a school trip requires careful planning and consideration to ensure it is both educational and entertaining, whilst ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the students.

Packing list for the school trip (8-12 years)

General:

• Backpack or travel bag
• Small daypack for excursions
• Sleeping bag or bedding (if required)
• Documents (passport, identity card, e-card, vaccination certificate)
• Toiletry bag with:

1. toothbrush and toothpaste
2. Shower gel and shampoo
3. Towel and washcloth
4. Deodorant (if desired)
5. Hairbrush or comb
6. Hair ties & hair clips
7. Hygiene items such as sanitary pads, period underwear, diapers in sufficient quantities

• Underwear for every day
• Socks for every day
• Pajamas or sleepwear
• Comfortable shoes (e.g. sneakers)
• Slippers
• Weatherproof clothing (e.g. rain jacket, warm jacket)
• Depending on the destination and requirements (rubber boots, climbing shoes, football boots, hiking boots, flip-flops, etc.)
• Change of clothes
• Swim shorts, bikini
• Umbrella possibly
• Drinking bottle
• Snacks (e.g. cereal bars)

For students with special needs:

• Medications (please clearly label with name, dosage and time of administration)
• Possibly medical equipment (e.g. inhalers, insulin pumps)
• Contact information in case of emergency (e.g. special instructions for teachers)
• Necessary aids (e.g. glasses, braces, walking aids, contact lenses, wheelchair)
• Special dietary requirements or allergy information

Miscellaneous:

• Sun protection (sunscreen, sun hat, baseball cap, sunglasses)
• After-sun lotion
• Labello, tissues
• First aid kit
• Disinfectant spray/gel
• Mosquito spray
• Flashlight and batteries
• Pocket money (in consultation with the teachers)
• Note with important phone numbers and contact details
• Game (cards) or book for leisure time

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Important information for parents:

• Please discuss any special needs or requirements your child may have due to a disability or medical condition with the teachers in advance.

• Make sure all medications are clearly labeled and contain the necessary information for administration .

• If your child needs special resources , inform the teachers in advance so that they can plan accordingly.

• Communication : Inform teachers about the best ways to reach you in case of an emergency. If you are unavailable during the school trip, provide alternative contacts, such as the numbers of grandparents or other relatives.

• Motion sickness : If your child is prone to motion sickness, consider appropriate medication or other aids and inform the teachers.

• Pocket money : Check with teachers how much pocket money is appropriate and whether there are any joint activities that might incur additional costs.

• Cell phones and electronics : Ask your teachers about the rules for bringing cell phones, tablets or other electronic devices. It is often advisable to leave such devices at home to avoid loss or damage. Ideally, there are general rules that everyone must follow.

• Labeling : Label your child's personal belongings, especially clothing and more expensive items, to minimize confusion or loss.

• Behavior : Discuss with your child the importance of good behavior, respect for others, and following the instructions of teachers and caregivers.

• Emergency plan : Create an emergency plan with your child in case he or she becomes separated from the group. This should include simple steps like "Stop and call a teacher" or "Find an adult and ask for help."

• Special Diets and Allergies : If your child has a special diet or allergies, make sure teachers know about it. It may also be helpful to provide a list of your child's specific food allergies or requirements.

• Enrollment lists : There may be a list or form that teachers provide prior to the trip to ensure that all required information, such as medication schedules or allergy information, is correctly recorded.

• Feedback after the trip : After the school trip, it is helpful for organizing future trips if you give the teachers feedback, both on positive aspects and on areas that could potentially be improved.