Preparing for your departure

As a parent, this may be the first time your child has travelled without you, or even spent the night away from you – so it could be a bit milestone in both of your lives! The Canberra school trip is a piviol time for many young students and the experiences they have could even be a lasting memory for life.

To make your child’s trip run as smoothly as possible it’s important that each student has appropriate belonging with them. Helping your child pack, but giving them responsibility also is a great way of helping their independence. It is good to use a checklist so your child does include all essential items. Kids who are well prepared will feel more confident setting off on a trip as momentous as this!

Packing

Backpacks must be small enough to take as carry on luggage on the plane and to fit under the seats or in the luggage racks on the coaches. It is important that the children pack their backpacks carefully for the first day, as we won’t have access to our other luggage until we arrive.

The children will often have to carry their own bag / suitcase and backpack, so it is important that they don’t over pack. Luggage with wheels are recommended for your child’s ease.

Another good tip is to attach a bright ribbon or key ring to your child’s bags so they are easily identified. And remember to label every item, to ensure you see it again! Many children have identical belongings so it’s easy for belonging mistaken identity.

It is essential that sharp objects such as tweezers, scissors are not packed in this backpack as they will be confiscated at the airport.

We have compiled a guideline list of equipment that your child may want to bring with them. Following this we have also a list of items that are forbidden to take on tour. Please note that this is only a guideline and your school may provide you with a more comprehensive list that may be school specific.

Kids who are well prepared will feel more confident setting off on a trip as momentous as this!

Recommended Items

Numbers of items required also would vary from length of trip so the below list is for a 5 day trip. Pack enough clothes for the whole trip as kids won’t have the chance to wash.

  • One large bag or suitcase (checked luggage 23kg max)

  • One small bag or backpack (for carry-on luggage / Day bag)

  • Toiletry gear: soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, roll-on deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, hair brush, tissues, sunscreen, hair-ties

  • Clothes:

    • 6 pairs of underwear
    • 6 pairs of socks
    • Pyjamas (season suitable)
    • Enclosed shoes
    • Sneakers/comfortable walking shoes
    • Socks
    • 2 pairs of shorts
    • 1 (2 jumpers if travelling in winter)
    • 2 pair of long pants (eg jeans)
    • 2 tracksuit pant
    • Tights/skins/thermals (if travelling in winter)
    • 5-6 tee shirts/tops
    • Shorts/T-shirts/Dresses (enough for number of days on trip)
    • 2 long sleeved shirts (if travelling in winter)
    • Full School Uniform (often worn to Parliament House)
    • Canberra School Trips T-Shirt
    • Beanie and Scarf (if travelling in winter)
    • Hat (schools usually request no caps)

  • Large plastic garbage bag for worn/dirty clothing

  • Water bottle

  • Money – usually schools set a spending money limit for souvenirs from $20–60, please adhere to your school’s limit and practice discression. Children will often be responsible for their own money.

  • Wallet with zip to store money securely

  • Camera

  • Torch (with batteries)

  • Watch

  • Sunglasses

  • Itinerary

  • Notebook (clipboard may be requested by school)

  • Pencil case – a few pens and pencils but no scissors

  • Small board games and card games (optional)

  • Snacks – muesli bars, biscuits, dried fruit or other healthy snacks (mustn’t require refrigeration). Most schools have a nut free policy.

  • Book/Novel to read

  • Digital entertainment (schools have different policies on electrical equipment, please check with your school)

  • Medications (ensure the school is aware). Generally all medication will need to be labelled with the name (even Panadol). Medications may need a letter to accompany from the doctor, and may be collected before departure to be kept safely by staff.

If you are travelling to the snow

  • Waterproof gloves

  • Waterproof jacket

  • Please note: If your school has chosen to include a snow sports option with Canberra School Trips the cost of your tour includes hire of ski boots, pants and jacket while on the snow fields.

    Other items to bring if participating in snow sports:

    • T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt for under the ski clothes in case it is cold (or a thermal shirt)
    • Long socks – preferably a wool blend or thermal socks
    • Shorts or leggings for wearing under ski hire pants (or thermal pants)

Maybe required/accepted – Please check with your school

  • Ugg boots/slippers

  • Thongs/sandals

  • Swimming attire

  • Waterproof jacket

  • Towels – As towels are provided at accommodation most schools request you don’t bring towels, though in some cases they may be required

Not Reccommended

Each school policy if different so you may find some on this list acceptable. This is just a guide of what is usually not recommended.

  • Chewing gum

  • Lollies or junk food (a small amount may be acceptable by school)

  • Pillow (these may be acceptable if travelling by coach only)

  • Blanket (these may be acceptable if travelling by coach only)

  • Towels

  • Sleeping bag

  • Mobile phone

  • Electrical equipment (MP3, iPods, iPads & games etc.) – may be acceptable, banned or may require registering with your school – please check with your school

  • Appliances (ie hair dryers/straighteners)

  • Make-up

  • Credit cards

  • Excessive money (please adhere to your school’s monetary limit)

  • Valuable items