What does a 15 year old boy need to have for his school trip to Germany?

December 9, 2014 1:14 PM

My son is travelling to Germany with his school choir in February. He has his passport, luggage, and spending money. He has asked us to get him a travel pillow and a passport holder. Do you know the best travel pillow and/or passport holder? If so, please point at them. What else should we get him to help him have a fun and safe trip?

He's a great kid. Very responsible. In addition to essentials, he would love anything fun and funky that he could use on his trip and I would love to get him something(s) that will make him happy. But, I have never really traveled, so am at a loss for what that might be.

posted by qldaddy to Travel & Transportation around Germany (25 answers total)

Guidebook to Germany, or the specific part of Germany he'll be visiting. A phrasebook. Extra points if it's one of those flippant ones with swears and slang. For the guidebook, pick something on the young/funky side, like Let's Go, Lonely Planet, or Rough Guide rather than Fodor's.

If you guys live in a warm climate, what about winter gear? I'd stick to something minimalist with a sporty/techy edge if the idea is for him to fit in a little bit. Even if he already has a coat, sweaters, etc. a new hat and scarf would be cool. Not sure this is travel specific, but smartwool socks are the bomb.
posted by Sara C. at 1:18 PM on December 9, 2014 [1 favorite]

My preference for travel pillows are the kind you blow up as opposed to the kind that are stuffed u-shaped pillows. I like to be able to deflate and tuck the pillow away when it is not in use.

Does he have a device for ebooks? Loading that up with books and music and games before he goes will be a good idea. He may need a power converter for the charger. If he doesn't have a device, then a couple of paperbacks to read will be nice. Traveling can involve a lot of waiting.
posted by TORunner at 1:25 PM on December 9, 2014

I bought the Travelrest inflatable pillow for an upcoming vacation. I've only used it in the car so far, but I've found it comfier than a regular pillow because I can use it to brace my head more easily. Do read the Amazon reviews--there seems to be a common issue with difficulty in figuring out the valve and how it works.
posted by telophase at 1:32 PM on December 9, 2014

Kindle with books and games. For the flight and for those nights when you're awake at 3 am with the time change.

Make copies of his passport and any other documents. Keep a copy at home and tuck paper copies into luggage. My friend got pick-pocketed in Paris on her school trip and it was a true hassle!

I got a U shaped pillow with beads in it at Target and it's really great!

This travel wallet from LL Bean is an exceptional product. Will hold the Passport and travel documents and it can go under a coat to keep it safe.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 1:32 PM on December 9, 2014 [1 favorite]

Get him a good camera so he can have photos of this amazing experience forever. Here's a great one on sale for next to nothing today at Amazon. For travel pillows, I bought a Tempurpedic on a whim at the airport once prior to 3 months overseas, and it was the best purchase ever. Not cheap, but my neck was so amazingly happy.
posted by The Michael The at 1:37 PM on December 9, 2014

I went to Germany when I was 15, luckily for a month.

Things that I can think of - Guidebook, phrasebook if he doesn't speak any German, although everyone under 60 speaks English, really light and small laptop or kindle-type device, ideally to play music as well, headphones, camera (good one), small presents he can give to hosts, money/passport holder. Extra batteries for anything he's taking that requires them. Wall plug-in converter.

Plain, brown, leather, comfortable shoes. Nothing shouts 'rob me i'm a tourist' more than wearing sneakers.

One thing I might impress to him is to try to keep a journal. I wish I had more actively written in mine.
posted by efalk at 1:44 PM on December 9, 2014

Believe it or not, one of the things I find handiest while traveling is one of the plastic mesh bags that onions or fruit comes in, which I keep with my toiletries. Use it for carrying things to and from the bathroom, tie it up to let your shaving stuff dry out, and the softer ones can double as a washcloth in a pinch.

If he wears glasses, maybe an extra pair or sunglasses or something?

I must concur with the preference for an inflatable pillow over a stuffed one.

Paper maps of his destination cities could be handy, if he doesn't have a device or doesn't expect to have internet access for it. Though of course that might serve as temptation to adventure...

If he finds that he enjoys traveling, after he comes back you might get him a membership to American Youth Hostels or a similar organization.
posted by XMLicious at 1:46 PM on December 9, 2014

If he's bringing electronics, make sure he has adapters/converters to charge them. At least one kid on the trip will forget theirs, so they're good to have to loan out, too.
posted by jaguar at 1:47 PM on December 9, 2014

Does he have a camera? Even if he has a smartphone, I prefer using my tiny point and shoot (Canon makes great small cameras in exciting colors) because the battery life and quality is better. Send extra SD cards.

Passport holders-- honestly I don't think you need to go for a really nice leather one or anything like that, though I don't like the bigger bulkier versions. I used to have a cheap plastic cover and it was terrible, it started yellowing within a couple of years and it prevented zero damage. Just look for one that actually makes it easy to take the front part of the passport physically in and out, which he'll have to do at multiple points during the security and customs processes.

Even better than just paper copies of his passport/travel documents/minor travel docs is having access to scanned PDF versions through Dropbox.

Does he ever play cards? Having a spare deck of cards might be useful in case they're cooped up in a green room or at the airport for a while.

Sometimes group tours have mandatory luggage tags, but if not (or in addition to) maybe a TARDIS tag or another offbeat thing from a show he likes?

Also, it's a bit cliche, but my parents gave me money on my first grown-up international trip (a little younger than he is) to get a piece of jewelry or an outfit-- it wasn't a huge amount of money (maybe a hundred bucks) but it meant that I really looked for something special and memorable and not just little magnets or cheap replicas. I ended up with a skirt and a cardigan that I still have and wear sometimes. If there's anything he collects or needs (fossils, particular toys, hats, watch, whatever) and if you can afford it, maybe offer to pay for an upgraded souvenir.
posted by jetlagaddict at 1:49 PM on December 9, 2014 [3 favorites]

Check if your cell phone plan has international coverage included. On my Tmobile plan, we get unlimited texting and data in a ton of countries; no need to buy a sim card or sign up for a special plan. We just used it in Mumbai and it was awesome - we could cue up maps, request an Uber, FaceTime with family members, etc.

I have this memory foam pillow, and it is awesome. An eye mask for the plane is nice as well, though many airlines provide them. Most of his personal electronics (laptop, iPhone charger, etc.) should work in Europe - check the plug for the voltage/cycle range; he'll just need a plug adapter.
posted by melissasaurus at 1:50 PM on December 9, 2014 [2 favorites]

A condom or two quietly slipped into the travel wallet before he leaves? He may never need one, but if he does, he isn't going to want to have to remember how to say the inevitable 17-syllable German word for condom (OK, it's just Kondom, but still) and have to go and find a place that sells them before the moment slips away.
posted by pracowity at 1:51 PM on December 9, 2014 [1 favorite]

Since he'll be singing and travel can be very drying for membranes and vocal cords, I'd get him a good supply of slippery elm lozenges (such as a bottle of Thayers) and a nice big refillable water bottle for plane legs (Nalgene, Lifefactory and Camelbak are good brands).
posted by kalapierson at 1:53 PM on December 9, 2014

Re stuff to carry toiletries and the like in, do NOT have him use plastic bags. Assuming he'll be sharing a room or hostel dorm with his classmates, they will want to murder him for all the crinkling and rustling noises early in the morning or late at night. In fact, a good dopp kit might be an ideal choice for this gift if he hasn't traveled much or this didn't come with his luggage.
posted by Sara C. at 1:56 PM on December 9, 2014 [1 favorite]

If he has a smartphone, Google translate is a godsend.

Most free wifi in Germany is connected to T-MOBILE and he won't be able to use it if he's not on their plan. He CAN buy access for certain amounts of time.
posted by brujita at 2:02 PM on December 9, 2014 [1 favorite]

I have this Eagle Creek Travel Pillow 2 in 1 that's useful and very comfy in both shapes.
posted by amf at 2:05 PM on December 9, 2014

I love my travel tray (like this one) so much that I use it at home even when I'm not traveling. It's good for keeping the contents of your pockets in one place when you go to bed. And it folds flat!
posted by joan cusack the second at 2:46 PM on December 9, 2014 [1 favorite]

I asked for a travel pillow on my first trip abroad because to me, it was something travelers have, and something I did not have. I totally did not need or use a travel pillow. Get an inflatable one if you get one at all. Also, guidebooks and phrasebooks take up space. People use devices for this these days.

What I needed was money and phone cards (to call home). I missed out on having Ziploc bags and a sturdy manila envelope to keep ticket stubs and other things I wanted to keep. My favorite headache medication, because I couldn't read the labels on anything when I had a killer headache.

Anything else I thought I had to take with me or else was readily available not just in stores but with my host family. And in retrospect, had they existed when I went, I would have used the hell out of a smartphone (maps), a Kindle (book), and an encrypted USB drive with all my identification documents (the less sensitive paper data floating around my luggage, the better).

Oh, and a ridiculous neon piece of fabric tied around my luggage handle. Turns out that everyone has identical black luggage these days.
posted by theraflu at 3:20 PM on December 9, 2014 [2 favorites]

If he is flying in the new Airbus A380 with Lufthansa, he might not need a travel pillow, the headrest wings fold forward. I lost my inflatable pillow en route recently and discovered I didn't need it.

My passport holder is a very dorky lanyard with a zip pencil case hanging from it which holds my passport, lip balm, and a pen to fill out arrival and departure cards. Everything else gets put into my carry-on which is padlocked. So, a couple small padlocks.

Flip flops for shower shoes if he is staying in hostels.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 3:30 PM on December 9, 2014 [1 favorite]

Noise cancelling headphones and an adapter for the plane are pretty awesome. Can be expensive, but even the cheaper earbud ones can make a big difference.

Agree with the blow up travel pillow. Also eyemask.

Make sure he can carry all his luggage at once and still have a hand free.
posted by kjs4 at 4:53 PM on December 9, 2014

I'll be a voice of dissent for the inflatable pillows - they arent quite high enough and give me neck cricks. I just bought this guy for my latest international flights and it's much better. It squeezes down but it is a little bulky. I'd choose it over my noise cancelling headphones on any flight.
posted by umwhat at 5:58 PM on December 9, 2014

I'm not sure exactly what he means by a passport holder, but I would try to buy him something that will let him keep his passport, money, and other ID someplace that is not a backpack or a back pocket. Groups of foreign high-school kids are a very common target for pickpockets, because they're not very sophisticated about keeping their valuables safe and they're generally goofing around with each other rather than paying attention to what's going on around them. I used to work for a company that organized such group tours, and every tour I went on, a kid got his backpack pickpocketed (pickbackpacked?) on the subway or at a tourist attraction. (Even with that, everyone always had a wonderful time, so I'm not trying to make you be a worrywart! Just get him some sort of around-the-neck or around-the-waist document/money carrier. Most people prefer the neck ones.)
posted by jaguar at 6:27 PM on December 9, 2014

I fly a lot internationally and I love my Brookstone nap inflatable travel kit. Inflatable pillows pack up into small spaces. Those microbead ones take up a lot of space and you can't adjust the support. The cover is soft and cozy. The pack it comes in is large enough to put small incidentals.

I couldn't imagine traveling without my smartphone and the following apps:
- Kindle app to read books
- Games to keep me from getting bored
- Podcasts
- A white noise generator -- I use Ambiance with ocean sounds
Yes, the battery does wear out, but you can minimize battery drain by turning off GPS, Bluetooth, WiFi (unless you are using it), 3G data (I always turn off roaming data) and airplane mode. All those functions are radio transmitters or receivers and use a lot of battery.

For charging, I like my "uber-plug" (this is one example) which has all the plugs built in so you always have the right one and don't lose the one piece you need.

For spare juice, the Mophie battery pack is what I use, but there are a lot of options. There are also solar chargers, but you need to have sun and time to use those.

After using Bose Quiet Comfort headphones for many years, I am now an earbud fan. I like the Sol Jax -- the flat cord gets less tangled. Earbuds allow me to sleep with my head in different positions and my ears don't get hot :).

After losing my passport out of my pocket on a layover in Germany on my way to India (that was an awful 2 hours until they found it), I got one of those around the neck passport holders. I think I got mine from Levengers. I feel like a dork every time I wear it, but I haven't lost my passport again.

I bought this Sea To Summit daypack at an REI sale. It packs into a little attached sack smaller than a pair of socks. Good for holding laundry, gym clothes or whatever and if you don't need it, it barely takes up room in your bag.

Hope he has fun!
posted by elmay at 9:05 PM on December 9, 2014

Response by poster: You people are so great.
posted by qldaddy at 3:39 AM on December 10, 2014

Late to the game but...

1. I want to second the advice about the cell phone data plan.

2. If you haven't already called your credit/debit card company to let them know your son will be traveling and using the card, please do (and speak to someone rather than leave a message!) And I'd recommend practicing using it in the US, too, if he hasn't already been using it. Paying by credit card is much less common in Germany unless it's a big store or tourist site; however, he should be able to withdraw money from most ATMs, even without a chip.

3. In addition to talking about sex, I'd have a talk about alcohol, too. The legal drinking age for beer and wine is 16 in Germany and he's likely to have access. I'd encourage discussion on drinking responsibly rather than not at all (although he may not be interested!)

4. Germany can feel SO COLD in February and people tend to heat less (bc energy is so expensive) so I'd recommend dressing warmly and in layers.

5. Black socks! (It doesn't really matter but it's a little thing. German men tend to go for non-white socks, but I've noticed this becoming more common in the US, too. Again, not that it really matters.)

6. Another little thing: in Germany, it's considered good manners to have your hand without the utensil on the table rather than in your lap like the US.

7. If he's staying with a family, I'd recommend he try to take short (~5 minute) showers. Germans are amazing hosts (to totally generalize here!) but this is one thing he can do to be extra respectful. (Again, because heating is so expensive!)

8. Sex, politics, and religion may be considered off-limits for polite discussion in the US but they're a mainstay in German conversation. Discussing politics is common and people generally won't hold back when expressing their opinion about particulars when they find out he's American. This isn't negative even if it's different from American culture where such declarations can feel like a personal affront. (They're not, really!) It's not meant a personal critique and people generally want to know HIS opinion, too.

9. I'd just really recommend he go with an open mind -- it sounds like he's well-prepared, thanks to you, and is excited about his trip. Germany is very similar to the US (and Canada, etc.) superficially but has some big differences that are less apparent. To a North American, people in Germany may sometimes seem rude on first encounter: there are fewer friendly gestures for strangers and small talk is rare, so it may feel unwelcoming at first. It's not that people are meaning to be impolite, there's just a different concept of politeness. I hope he can let the little negative stuff slide and go on to enjoy the lovely little things (like Pommes stands at the train station! Kindereggs! And, you know, non-food, too. ;-) and experience the great big stuff, too (hospitality, etc.)

10. Most people, especially those 40 and under, can speak good to excellent English even if they claim to "not be very good." He shouldn't hesitate to ask for help: unlike the US, people aren't going to come up to him if he's confused (people don't want to be rude by intruding!) but they will be glad to help if he asks.

11. If he's staying with a family, I'd recommend a Mitbringsel like a book of photos from your home state, some local food items, etc. Gift-giving is common in German culture as a token gesture.

12. Just as things will be new and exciting to him, he'll likely be considered "exotic" for being North American so I hope he enjoys the (positive) attention and remembers the experience when he meets foreigners in the US. :-)

I wish him a wonderful trip! Please let me know if you have any additional questions as this is right up my alley. Ich wünsche deinem Sohn eine gute Reise und viel Glück!!
posted by smorgasbord at 3:32 PM on December 10, 2014

I would second the talk about alcohol. I wasn't a party kid in HS so I had zero drinking experience when I went to Germany. I was turned down for an alcohol purchase exactly once in 30 days. One of my classmates went to the hospital with alcohol poisoning, I was luckier, in that I didn't go to the hospital that same night as my teacher was already at the hospital with the other kid.

Your kid will drink at some point, so you might as well have some rather frank discussions. I wish I knew not to chase 10 beers with a glass of white wine, for instance.
posted by efalk at 7:05 PM on December 10, 2014 [1 favorite]