Worried sick - am I overreacting?

[Mandarina4]

I didn't know where to post this so I apologize if it is the wrong place.

My 14 year old son and four of his classmates won a history competition last year and the school is taking them on a trip (together with two teachers) to the Balkans in September. The plan is to spend 5 days visiting all the historical places they learnt about in the competition and also to meet the locals, the culture, etc... they will visit 5 countries, some of the places are Albania and Kosovo.

I know it is a very well organised trip, they have hotels booked, transport, etc.. and that the school will make sure everything is fine but I am worried sick about this trip. I haven't told anyone else because my son is so happy and I don't want to spoil it for him but I can't help wondering, what if he gets sick there? They will be visiting remote places and areas with not-so-good healthcare. I also wonder, what about food and water? He has a sensitive digestive system and I can't help worrying about that as well. We've traveled to several countries before so it won't be the first big trip for him.

I know there are a lot of "what ifs" and I can't control everything, I also know the other parents are completely calmed about this trip and the kids are really excited, so I'm the only one going through hell... I mean, the other kids might get sick, or a teachers, so I'm sure they've thought about every possible scenario but still...

Am I overreacting?

Yes that’s an overreaction.
School will have completed a risk assessment for this trip so you could ask the lead teacher to talk you through it - might that help you feel reassured?

Yes you are overreacting. I'm sure the tour organisers and staff have considered the what ifs.

Thank you! You're right of course. There will be a meeting on Monday to talk about the trip so I'm sure they will clarify everything there.

My DD15 is recently back from a school trip of 3 weeks in Borneo - jungle, leeches, dirty water, poisonous spiders, rabid dogs, malaria, no toilets - she had a blast and survived throughout with her nut allergy and gluten sensitivity so I'm sure your boy will be fine!

Oh my god that's amazing! What a trip! He will definitely be fine! 😁

I don’t think you are over reacting I would be the same. School trips aren’t fool
proof I would look at the risk assessments in place do a bit of research before allowing it.
you always have to weigh up safety Vs them living their life and having experiences

What an amazing trip - 5 kids and 2 teachers!! Put your feet up and don't worry - he and his friends will love it, as will the teachers!

My daughters first school trip was to Spain in year 5 for a weeks water sports, she has since been to France, Belgium, New York and Skiing.

You’ve traveled, you know it’s safe, the teachers will probably be more careful than a parent, I know I would be looking after others children!

He will be fine! How exciting, it sounds like a fantastic trip.

Thank you so much for all the encouraging messages!

You're overreacting.
Conditions might be shit in general but medical care will be relatively ok if he needs it.
(As credentials - I'm from a slightly better part of that area of the world, and my family are doctors.)

I spent several years living in the region you mention. Your child will have a wonderful experience. Hospitals are basic and also staffed with brilliant people! He's lucky to visit such a beautiful and under-appreciated area of Europe.

He had an amazing time, people were so friendly with them and had the best food. Definitely worth visiting!

Thanks for all your messages!

Glad he had a great time. I’d save your worrying for a few years time when he goes on a chlamydia cruise to Magaluf with his mates.

School trips are usually well organised and safe ways for young people to have experiences.

good news! glad he had a great time. It’s hard for us; but risk is part of life. when i was 18 I went to Cairo as part of my course . I was ill, did some very foolish things, my mum would have been shocked! but it was the best education ever and am so glad I did it.

I should really leave the worrying part for later, I agree! I started traveling on my own or with friends at 18 and yeah, I can remember very well all the crazy things we did!

Risk is part of life for sure and I should keep that in mind all the time.