Travel in Europe- what to take? (1 Viewer)

[jon_mx]

Let her go. She's way more likely to be killed by a pool, trampoline, car wreck or accidental gun violence here than anything that might happen in Europe.

I am not sure I buy that this is really true.  There is an elevated risk of something happening in a major event in a place like Paris that is impossible to calculate.  The risk is very small that something would happen to his daughter, but let's not completely belittle it.  These attacks are becoming more frequent and more bold.  

 

[AAABatteries]

Voted no - unless they take me with them

 

[fatness]

I'd let her go, and let her know what to watch out for in the way of danger. She's a young adult with a good mind I'm assuming. Include her in the specific concerns, and include yourself in the excitement over her going. Seems like an excellent opportunity to talk across the generations.

I have one graddaughter that goes on week-long mission trips to the Dominican Republic. I always take time to ask her about the trips, what it's like there, what to watch out for, just open-ended questions that let her explain what she wants to explain. It's surprising how sensible she is; she tells me very clearly about what to watch out for there.

I have one grandson who, 3 years ago, moved to Poland to live with a g/f, to go to college part-time, and to teach spoken (American) English there to support himself. Totally crackpot scheme. I took him out to lunch the day before he left and let him explain it all to me -- the way he saw the opportunity, what he was looking forward to, what he was concerned about. The only things I told him were that I'd miss him, and that he should jump on the chance to go because possibilities get fewer as life goes on.  3 years later (a few months ago) he came home to visit (with his g/f), with plans in another year or 2 to both move here. We got to talk again for some time, and his crackpot scheme has worked quite well for him.

Include your daughter in the decision-making. It's a matter of trust, and of her bit-by-bit taking control of parts of her life. And it's a great opportunity for you to be heard expressing your concerns for her safety. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Judge Smails]

Of  course let her go.  Great life experience.  Will give her the taste of travel/Europe, and then she'll come back with a gap year plan to travel the world like all kids in this generation expect now.  

 

[Galileo]

I'd let my kid go...my wife wouldn't.

 

[msommer]

Keep her home and endure her anger, disappointment and resentment for the next couple of years. Besides, who needs more American tourists anyway

 

[bentley]

I am not sure I buy that this is really true.  There is an elevated risk of something happening in a major event in a place like Paris that is impossible to calculate.  The risk is very small that something would happen to his daughter, but let's not completely belittle it.  These attacks are becoming more frequent and more bold.  

I guess you don't understand how math works. Look at the numbers.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

I'd be worried about the quality of chaperoning on these things, and the inventiveness of boys, not about terrorists.  Pack some jimmy hats, morning after pills, strong antibiotics, a good quality ##### or five and some phisoderm.

 

[RokNRole]

My daughter is a rising sophomore and in the marching band at school. The band is scheduled to go to London the day after Christmas, spend a few days there, then go to Paris where they will lead off the 2018 Paris New Years Day parade down the Champs Elysee. 

I have some obvious misgivings about letting her go considering the situation over there. On the one hand, I'm sure security will be absolutely insane for the parade itself, and I'm almost more concerned about the time prior to the parade in London. My wife and I are very torn about whether we should let her go, and I am half-hoping the school takes the decision out of our hands and arranges an alternate trip.

What would you do?

The elites only perform these false flag attacks along ley lines on certain dates. London and Paris have already been hit recently so there won't be any more attacks there for a while.

 

[NCCommish]

It sounds hackneyed at this point and has been used for some very silly things but really why let the terrorists win? She has a very small chance of being hurt. No greater than her chances of getting hurt here really. So if she doesn't go and those days are just average days in America 7 children/teens will be killed in gun violence, 21 will die in accidents. That's not counting accidents in cars. in 2015 over 2000 teens age 13-19 were killed in car accidents. By the way that's actually an improvement. So there is no truly safe place. Let her have the experience of a lifetime. Yes you'll be worried because that's your job and you love her. But at the same time you really can only protect her so much if you let her leave the house at all.

 

[Otis]

Only if it's a rock band. If he plays the fiddle or a tuba or something, GTFO

 

[jon_mx]

I guess you don't understand how math works. Look at the numbers.

I understand them quite well thank you.  Statistics are only as good as the underlying assumptions. And anyone who comes up with something like one in a billion are making some real crappy assumptions in applying the numbers. 

 

[NutterButter]

The trip is free.  This shouldn't require any thought.   

 

[Adam West]

During the Troubles (the IRA wars 1970-1995) London and England in general suffered much worse and more consistent terrorism than they are now. At one point it seemed like there were bombings at Harrods every weekend. Yet it didn't dampen tourism and Americans certainly weren't scared to travel there. 

 

[Mr. Ected]

I would find a way to chaperone. Our oldest son is a rising freshman, and they were going to have a similar trip that somehow fell apart. Wife and I were going to dump other two kids with grandparents and chaperone, especially once the band director mentioned that parents didn't really have to do much, just be there.

 

[shadyridr]

For those people saying to look at the math.

Lets assume X = % chance getting killed in terrorist attack and Y = % chance getting killed any other way (ie accident, trampoline, gun violence, pool, etc). The equation isn't

Y > X

but is really

Y < X + Y

The chance for Y still exists in Europe.

Just saying. Id still send her though

 

[Tecumseh]

Uhm I'd let her go AND GO WITH HER TO CAPTURE THE MOMENT.

No way I'd miss that.

I would find a way to chaperone. Our oldest son is a rising freshman, and they were going to have a similar trip that somehow fell apart. Wife and I were going to dump other two kids with grandparents and chaperone, especially once the band director mentioned that parents didn't really have to do much, just be there.

If I could make it work, I absolutely would. Not that I could necessarily keep her safe, but at least I'd be there. Unfortunately, the chances of this are minuscule.

 

[Tecumseh]

My fear is that this trip isn't exactly a secret, and the opportunity to hit a bunch of American kids at a high profile event would be awfully tempting. I get that the odds are lower, but I agree with an earlier poster that I think some people are being overly dismissive. 

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

My fear is that this trip isn't exactly a secret, and the opportunity to hit a bunch of American kids at a high profile event would be awfully tempting. I get that the odds are lower, but I agree with an earlier poster that I think some people are being overly dismissive. 

You're the Dad, do what you think is best. My Dad shot down my request to go to Europe for a pre-college thing way back when before terrorism was even a concern.

 

[jon_mx]

For those people saying to look at the math.

Lets assume X = % chance getting killed in terrorist attack and Y = % chance getting killed any other way (ie accident, trampoline, gun violence, pool, etc). The equation isn't

Y > X

but is really

Y < X + Y

The chance for Y still exists in Europe.

Just saying. Id still send her though

Yep.  Although there are certain things like gun violence that is higher in the US, so Y in Paris is not really the same as Y in anytown USA.  But then again, X on New Years will be higher than X on a normal day. 

 

[shadyridr]

Yep.  Although there are certain things like gun violence that is higher in the US, so Y in Paris is not really the same as Y in anytown USA.  But then again, X on New Years will be higher than X on a normal day. 

I know. Just trying to make the point that those other risks still exist in Europe whether they be lessor or greater (for those who want to point out the math) seem to be forgetting that.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

Soon, too soon she will be making decisions for herself and seeing the world, if she wishes, without your permission or blessing.  In this stage of adolescence a transition to her eventual self, surrounded by friends and hopefully responsible and vigilant chaperones can be a nice transition, an education to where she will eventually arrive.  I would support this, but as a father I would also worry. 

 

[Nugget]

I let my wife and daughter go to Chicago, so Europe seems like an easy Yes!

 

[Sinn Fein]

For those people saying to look at the math.

Lets assume X = % chance getting killed in terrorist attack and Y = % chance getting killed any other way (ie accident, trampoline, gun violence, pool, etc). The equation isn't

Y > X

but is really

Y < X + Y

The chance for Y still exists in Europe.

Just saying. Id still send her though

Sure but the risk of homicide - by any means - in England is 0.9 per 100,000

In France, it is 1.2 per 100,000

In the United States, it is 3.9 per 100,000

So, statistically speaking, you are 3-4 times more likely to be killed in the US - from any source - than you are to be killed in England or France.  

 

[MarvinTScamper]

I don't see how going to Europe is any more dangerous than driving on American highways or walking down American streets.

I'm WAAAAAY more nervous about daily driving than I am about any singular terrorist, environmental, etc etc event they will ever face.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

I let my wife and daughter go to Chicago, so Europe seems like an easy Yes!

You did what!  What kind of husband and father are you? 

 

[Tecumseh]

So, given the attacks in Vegas, New York, etc, obviously bad things can happen anywhere. With that in mind, we decided to let her go on the trip. Now the question becomes: what does she need for the trip? I have never been to Europe, and haven't been abroad in many years. Does she need a special type of debit card, or can I just get her a prepaid card here for expenses? Does she need adapters for wall charging? Anything else I should know?

 

[gianmarco]

1-2 Adapters. Most places should have USB adapters, so iPhones should be fine, but you never know.

I'd call your bank and make sure she has a credit card with no international conversion fees and a debit card(this will have conversion fee, just make sure she doesn't use it for $40 here and there.

There are debit cards that don't charge fees either. Either way, credit card for virtually everything she can that has no foreign fees. Debit card to take out like $100 when she arrives to have just in case.

Yes, she'll need an adapter. There are nice travel ones for like $20-30 that have a plug and a couple USB adapters that can allow charging more than one thing at once. 

 

[Chemical X]

So, given the attacks in Vegas, New York, etc, obviously bad things can happen anywhere. With that in mind, we decided to let her go on the trip. Now the question becomes: what does she need for the trip? I have never been to Europe, and haven't been abroad in many years. Does she need a special type of debit card, or can I just get her a prepaid card here for expenses? Does she need adapters for wall charging? Anything else I should know?

Start with passport.  A good backpack/napsack.  Will she be packing light, if so, a 20" carry on works great, as it fits in overhead and makes it so you don't have to check bag.  A non bulky jacket with hood that can fit in backpack.  Credit and debit cards with MC/Visa logos, preferable a CC that does not have foreign fees.  Contact all financial institutions to inform them of travel.  Have you looked into international cell phone plans for your carrier?  2 color copies of her passport and a digital version too.  Never travel with passport if you don't have to, leave it in hotel safe.  Send her with some pounds/euros in advance.  Always good to have cash.  Travel size stuff.  Charging cords, adapter.

 

[McGarnicle]

Placeholder    our Europe trip is finally happening in April 2019, Mrs. McG and I and another couple who have become our partners in crime lately and they know Europe. The rough schedule is 14-16 days, fly into Paris and then train trips across the continent. My preliminary route is Paris, french wine country, Geneva, Salzburg, Munich, Prague, then end up somewhere in Italy and fly back from there. It is likely to change drastically after we have some meetings and catalog our wishlists. Obviously any suggestions are welcome. 

 

[McGarnicle]

Actually looking closer at the map I think I'd rather come back through Nuremberg & Brussels and fly back from Amsterdam.  

 

[RokNRole]

The original post is below, but now I just need to know what I need to send with my kid on her trip. Special credit card? Adapters? Small arms/weapons? Deodorant for the French?

*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

My daughter is a rising sophomore and in the marching band at school. The band is scheduled to go to London the day after Christmas, spend a few days there, then go to Paris where they will lead off the 2018 Paris New Years Day parade down the Champs Elysee. 

I have some obvious misgivings about letting her go considering the situation over there. On the one hand, I'm sure security will be absolutely insane for the parade itself, and I'm almost more concerned about the time prior to the parade in London. My wife and I are very torn about whether we should let her go, and I am half-hoping the school takes the decision out of our hands and arranges an alternate trip.

What would you do?

Make sure she packs her burqa

 

[Chemical X]

Placeholder    our Europe trip is finally happening in April 2019, Mrs. McG and I and another couple who have become our partners in crime lately and they know Europe. The rough schedule is 14-16 days, fly into Paris and then train trips across the continent. My preliminary route is Paris, french wine country, Geneva, Salzburg, Munich, Prague, then end up somewhere in Italy and fly back from there. It is likely to change drastically after we have some meetings and catalog our wishlists. Obviously any suggestions are welcome. 

are you planning on your own or using a tour planner?  don't be too aggressive, plan downtime.  in Europe, things move slower and time seems to leak out everywhere, if that makes sense. 

 

[McGarnicle]

are you planning on your own or using a tour planner?  don't be too aggressive, plan downtime.  in Europe, things move slower and time seems to leak out everywhere, if that makes sense. 

The 4 of us will meet a few times to hammer out the details. I'm definitely aware of not wanting to cram too much in and allowing flexibility for spontaneous stuff. Also a big fan of the Rick Steves approach, going to less touristy smaller towns and searching out local festivals and whatnot. I'm happy to spend just a day in Paris for example, get the obligatory photo by the Eiffel Tower and then spend more time in wine country. I want to stay at some B&B in the French countryside and eat cheese that local farmers made and bang my wife under an olive tree. Eat lunch at a sidewalk cafe in some little town I've never heard of, and smoke some good hash that we bought from some guy named Guy. 

 

[waiver wire]

for the last 3 years , I have backpacked Europe at least  2 times a year for 5-7 weeks at a time 

backup your passport 

photocopy your passport and just carry that around 

only carry 1 debit or visa card around , leave backup card in room 

universal adaptor 

Belkin power bar 

I use pac safe day bag and backpack . they are slash proof 

pack lightly , you don't need that much clothes , you can use airbnb washer and dryers 

figure out what bank doesn't charge foreign atm charges and open up account there 

portable phone charger

download apps : maps.me , google translate . airbnb . booking , hostel ,  railplanner , whatever airline you are flying on ,xecurrency ,WhatsApp or facetime , viator , tripadvisor  ,couchsurfing (great way to meet other travelers and free walking tours or events) 

unlock phone 

 

[rascal]

for the last 3 years , I have backpacked Europe at least  2 times a year for 5-7 weeks at a time 

backup your passport 

photocopy your passport and just carry that around 

only carry 1 debit or visa card around , leave backup card in room 

universal adaptor 

Belkin power bar 

I use pac safe day bag and backpack . they are slash proof 

pack lightly , you don't need that much clothes , you can use airbnb washer and dryers 

figure out what bank doesn't charge foreign atm charges and open up account there 

portable phone charger

download apps : maps.me , google translate . airbnb . booking , hostel ,  railplanner , whatever airline you are flying on ,xecurrency ,WhatsApp or facetime , viator , tripadvisor  ,couchsurfing (great way to meet other travelers and free walking tours or events) 

unlock phone 

 

[Mr. Ected]

Going to do UK in summer 2018. Looking at 2 weeks, with 1 in London and surrounding area and 1 week in Edinburgh and surrounding areas. Am thinking of doing its own thread, but any thoughts?!?!

 

[Slider]

We went for 17 days. London was the worst of the four countries we visited by a wide margin. 

 

[Zegras11]

The 4 of us will meet a few times to hammer out the details. I'm definitely aware of not wanting to cram too much in and allowing flexibility for spontaneous stuff. Also a big fan of the Rick Steves approach, going to less touristy smaller towns and searching out local festivals and whatnot. I'm happy to spend just a day in Paris for example, get the obligatory photo by the Eiffel Tower and then spend more time in wine country. I want to stay at some B&B in the French countryside and eat cheese that local farmers made and bang my wife under an olive tree. Eat lunch at a sidewalk cafe in some little town I've never heard of, and smoke some good hash that we bought from some guy named Guy. 

Try to get to Rothenberg if you can.  Awesome place om our 18 day trip in August.

 

[sbonomo]

We went for 17 days. London was the worst of the four countries we visited by a wide margin. 

Assume you mean cities.  Did you visit anywhere else in the UK?  I am leaving for London on the 25th with planned trips to York and Burges as of now.  I may also make a day trip to Paris just because I can.  Any favorite spots in London, even though it sounds like you were not a fan? 

 

[gianmarco]

Assume you mean cities.  Did you visit anywhere else in the UK?  I am leaving for London on the 25th with planned trips to York and Burges as of now.  I may also make a day trip to Paris just because I can.  Any favorite spots in London, even though it sounds like you were not a fan? 

Was just there for a week. Make it out to Windsor and tour the castle.

 

[sbonomo]

Was just there for a week. Make it out to Windsor and tour the castle.

That was another one on the list....Due to it being slow season, we may actually rent a car for that trip. Thanks for reminding me.

 

[chet]

Assume you mean cities.  Did you visit anywhere else in the UK?  I am leaving for London on the 25th with planned trips to York and Burges as of now.  I may also make a day trip to Paris just because I can.  Any favorite spots in London, even though it sounds like you were not a fan? 

Tower of London is cool.  Don't believe the Haterade--London's a cool town.  Where are you staying?

 

[sbonomo]

Tower of London is cool.  Don't believe the Haterade--London's a cool town.  Where are you staying?

My friend is lending us her flat in Knotting Hill.  Her and her husband our traveling to Costa Rica for a months so we are "house sitting" for them.  Nice thing is she is centrally locate to everything.  Already have dinner plans at Boulevard and a few Michelin star places...any recommendations would be appreciated.  

 

[boots11234]

Pack a burka. 

 

[Christo]

Tower of London is cool.  Don't believe the Haterade--London's a cool town.  Where are you staying?

You have to try to not like London.

 

[The General]

How do you not like London? Spent a week in London and could have easily done another week.

Tower of London following one of the Beefeaters doing their tour is fantastic, one of the better touristy things to do in any city.

 

[The General]

Placeholder    our Europe trip is finally happening in April 2019, Mrs. McG and I and another couple who have become our partners in crime lately and they know Europe. The rough schedule is 14-16 days, fly into Paris and then train trips across the continent. My preliminary route is Paris, french wine country, Geneva, Salzburg, Munich, Prague, then end up somewhere in Italy and fly back from there. It is likely to change drastically after we have some meetings and catalog our wishlists. Obviously any suggestions are welcome. 

Candle lit Vaux-Le-Victome

About an hour SE of Paris. If you heading that direction this was a pretty nice night.

 

[chet]

My friend is lending us her flat in Knotting Hill.  Her and her husband our traveling to Costa Rica for a months so we are "house sitting" for them.  Nice thing is she is centrally locate to everything.  Already have dinner plans at Boulevard and a few Michelin star places...any recommendations would be appreciated.  

I'm jealous.  Try e&o for dinner and Granger for lunch. 

If you make it to Sloane Square watch out for the Sloane rangers if you're checking out the Sloaney ponies.