Packing for a school trip can be tricky, especially if your students’ itinerary includes multiple locations. We’ve compiled a list of essential items plus a few extras that will ensure your kids are best prepared for their school trip to China.
What type of bag should I take?
When it comes to preparing for a school trip to China, you first need to decide what type of bag you’re going to pack everything into. First, you’re going to want a lightweight suitcase or a large backpack as the main, checked in luggage. Take into consideration how many days your students will be away for and how many clothes they’ll need, this will help you choose between a suitcase and a large backpack.
Next, you’ll want a smaller day bag to use as hand luggage and on a day-to-day basis on excursions. Small backpacks are a great option as they are secure, comfortable, small enough to not be bothersome and big enough to carry any studying material your students may be carrying.
What kind of clothes should I pack?
China has very distinct seasons, so make sure you find out exactly when your students will be travelling. Summer is hot and humid, spring and autumn are both pleasantly warm but can cool down significantly in the evenings, and winter is cold and frequently snowy. If your students are travelling to the south of China, temperatures are generally a lot warmer than the north throughout all seasons, but be wary of the rainy season, which occurs around July and August. Clothes that can be layered are the best way to cover all bases as, after all, the weather is completely unpredictable!
We recommend packing the following clothes:
- Sturdy, flat shoes – comfortable for lots of walking
- Jeans/trousers – suitable for spring, autumn and winter trips
- Shorts/skirts – suitable for trips during the hot summers
- T-shirts/long sleeve tops – enough for 1 per day, students are unlikely to have access to laundry facilities
- Jumpers/cardigans – to layer in the winter months, or throw on in the evenings
- Light waterproof jacket – compact and practical, easy to layer underneath for warmth
- Thick coat/jacket – for the winter months, preferably waterproof
- Gloves/hat/scarves – for the winter months
- Sunglasses – for summer trips, students will likely spend a lot of time outdoors
- Towel – microfiber towels are compact, fast drying and great for short trips
What toiletries will I need?
Travel sized toiletries are great for short school trips lasting around 1 week. Remember, liquids or sprays taken in hand luggage have a limit of 100ml. If your school trip to China is longer than 1 week, it’s likely that travel sized toiletries will run out. We suggest dividing packing responsibility for shareable toiletries between students sharing a room. This way, each student won’t need to fill their luggage with bulky, heavy bottles of shampoo and shower gel that they won’t finish on their own!
- Deodorant – aerosol sprays are not allowed on Chinese metros, so we recommend roll-on deodorants
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Shower gel/soap
- Moisturiser – for the winter months. Moisturisers sold in China usually contain a skin whitening ingredient
- Suncream – same as above
- Lip balm – for the winter months
- Hairbrush
- Spare hair ties – in case of broken or lost hair ties, be prepared for activities!
- Painkillers – students may be required to hand these into their teachers for safe keeping
- Medication – bring any allergy medication etc, as well as a complete list of all medication
- Tampons – sanitary pads are available in China but tampons are rarely sold
Essential items
Be sure to double check that you have packed these essential items so that you’re prepared for any and all emergency situations:
- Passport – complete with a Chinese visa.
- Emergency contact details
- Pocket money – Chinese RMB
Are there any extras I need to pack?
From flights to train rides to evenings in their rooms, students will likely want some form of entertainment to keep them occupied. Here is a list of extra things that can be useful to pack:
- Travel adaptor – ensure that it is suitable for Chinese plugs
- Book – ideal for keeping students occupied on flights and/or overnight trains
- Phone/camera – no doubt students will want to take photos
- Electronics/games and chargers – to be brought at your own risk
- Headphones
- Snacks – great for long journeys and a taste of home!
- Earbud/eyemasks – very useful for noisy flights, overnight trains or dorms
Now that you have a complete list of everything you’ll need on a school trip to China, be sure to not pack your luggage completely full. There are so many unique and quirky souvenirs to buy in China, so you’ll appreciate some spare room when you’re on your way home!
Interested in booking a school trip to China? From complete culture tours to subject-focused trips to specific curriculum-based itineraries, we’ve got you covered. Find out more about what The Learning Adventure can do for you by downloading our latest brochure below or email us at [email protected].
