As summer approaches, many trips have come up for students to enjoy countries outside of the U.S. But whether you’re going to Italy or Iceland, you may not know what to bring, how to act, or what is acceptable in another country. So with that being said, here is some general advice for when you’re going on one of these trips. The trips this year are Iceland, Italy and Greece.
Whenever you’re going on a trip, it’s important to know what the climate is like.
“Iceland’s a country known for its natural beauty and its unpredictable weather. Students should prepare for quick changes in weather, even during the summer. One minute it’s sunny and 60 degrees the next it could be windy and rainy. It’s good to remember the sun doesn’t really set in the summer, so bringing a sleep mask might be helpful for getting good rest,” social studies teacher John Blake said.
Before leaving for trips, you’ll want background information on where you’re going, so it’s good to research.
“It’s good to know about Greek and Roman history so they’ll appreciate what they are seeing- Pompeii, the Colosseum, The Sistine Chapel, and the Acropolis, to name a few. On the practical side, I want them to understand there are a lot of things out of our control when traveling and to just have a good attitude and make the best of it,” English teacher Lynn Peterson said.
It’s always important to be dressed properly for the climate and culture of the country you’re visiting.
“Layers are essential, think moisture-wicking base layers, a fleece and waterproof jackets. Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are a must, especially for exploring waterfalls and volcanic landscapes,” Blake said.
“Clothing that could get them judged is the athletic wear that we tend to wear. They should not wear leggings, ripped jeans, clothing that shows too much of their midriff or clothing with graphics like the American flag,” Peterson said.
There are essentials for every trip, but some things should just be left at home.
A refillable water bottle is useful, and sunglasses are a good idea even if it’s cloudy, a suitcase that’s easy to move and pack in a bus is best. Things not to bring: bulky luggage, unnecessary valuables—there’s no need for fancy jewelry or gadgets,” Blake said.
In every country, there are different cultural norms on how you should treat people, how you should dress or even how to act in a public area.
“ Respect for nature and cleanliness is a big part of Icelandic culture. Littering or going off-trail in protected areas is heavily frowned upon. Icelanders also value personal space and tend to be reserved , so being overly loud or ‘touristy’ in public can come off as inconsiderate. It’s always appreciated when visitors try to pronounce a few Icelandic words,” Blake said.
Some extra tips and tricks from social studies teacher and trip advisor Debra Troxell are:
1) Know the itinerary
2) Plan communication with parents
3) Ideas on what to do in free time
4) Bring a converter for wall plugs
5) Do not bring a hair straightener/curler if you can’t adjust the temperature
6) Don’t wear t-shirts with American flag imagery, colleges, or high schools
While the trips are meant to be fun, you should obviously be careful, make sure to follow this advice and to always respect the country you’re visiting.
