Dd's first residential trip away to Paris (PGL) any advice?

[lottieandmias]

She's in year 6, currently. The journey looks very long to me. I was going to let her take her iPad with audible books on and music but not phone (because of roaming charges). They are going to Paris. any advice? How much spending money etc?

Didn't want to leave this with no reply. Our year 6 trip is no where near as involved but the premise is the same. The school should provide info as to what is and is not allowed. Our school state no electrical toys or phones so playing cards or board games only. They also give an amount of spending money that should not be exceeded. Have they provided you with a full kit list? If not ask them what is the normal allowable amount and whether tablets and the like are allowable. Hth.

Yes we've got a kit list. I think I've covered it. It says electronic equipment is allowed. Thanks for your reply. I'm a bit nervous (far more than she is!)

Bump?

My DS went to France (not Paris) with PGL for a school trip in Y6 and had a fabulous time. I really wouldn't recommend taking an iPad unless you can afford to lose/break it. The coach journey is just fun in itself - talking to your mates, playing cards, whatever. .

Try not to worry, I am sure your DD will have a great time - and don't let your nervousness show.

She won't be bored, long journey or not. Have you ever been on a bus with a group of kids?

I'd send the phone, but not the ipad. I take groups of kids abroad and if they do take their computers, on their heads be it if they get nicked or broken. Where will it be left when they are out and about? Especially on a PGL type holiday. I'd imagine when they say electronic equipment they are probably envisaging an MP3 and a phone rather than an ipad

What we do with our kids is take them to the nearest Vodafone shop and get them a cheapy SIM to avoid roaming (if they want one) but tbh, constant phoning home is generally discouraged as, apart from the first night to say you've arrived, you tend to operate on the "no news is good news" thing. We know the kids who are having a good time because we get the calls from the parents saying "could you ask Junior to call when he has a minute".

It's natural for you to be nervous, and to worry from start to finish. I make sure my parents have got MY mobile number and get them to ring me rather than the kids as often, hearing from home is the absolute worst thing out. I send them email updates and photos every day or so.

Thanks Ragwort. It's an iPad mini and she takes it everywhere with her already. I know what you mean though. She takes pictures with it. It's good to hear your ds enjoyed it.

Drank - x posts, thanks for your advice. Yes the phone is a contract one which her father pays for. The school have asked us not to contact the children directly on the trip so it may not be worth her having it anyway.

I know what you mean about the iPad. She already takes it to school every day. She will have it with her all the time I think.

The school will advise on how much spending money. It is really just for a few souvenirs/sweeties etc. Perhaps for a snack en route at the services ?
I would leave ipad at home. What if it gets broken/lost? There will be plenty of entertainment on the coach. All the other students for a start :) They will no doubt put a movie on too depending on how long the journey is.

I would let her have a cheapo phone on a payg basis. Or just purchase a Giffgaff sim - to use it abroad you have to buy credit anyway (it doesn't come out of the 'goodybag' amount. No chance of going over -yet if she needs to call you then you can very easily top it up from home for her.

Sounds like an exciting trip.

Thank you, perhaps I will get her a payg sim.