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Post by workingclassdog on Feb 3, 2021 20:43:29 GMT
There is going to be a meeting next week to go over a possible trip to Europe. I don't have much information yet as they are saving it to give out all at once, understandably. DD has expressed real interest in going which is surprising since she is a real homebody. So I am excited that she might want to go. I believe the trip will cover France, England and Italy (One or two cities in each country is what I am expecting).
I LOVE to travel and my oldest daughter loves to travel as well. My son, eh, he can take it or leave it. I always want that option for my kids to experience other walks of life. (Funny thing is another trip that didn't happen was to Costa Rica and I for some reason really hesitated on that.. but it was a mute point anyways, she didn't want to go)
Would you hesitate because of covid?
Would you just not let your kiddo go?
Would you go if it is an option?
I'm trying to think of good questions to ask.
This is my thoughts...
My first choice would be that we both go. (She wants me to go.. and so does her jealous older sister..lol) I never pass up an opportunity to travel. IF the covid is under control to a degree and refundable if the trip is cancelled.
My second choice if I couldn't go, send her sister (who would have to pay out of her own money) with her.. Sister is of age, she would be 26 in 2022.
Third choice she goes alone and would rely on another teacher/parent to supervise.
Forth option... we wouldn't be able to afford it.. I don't know the price yet or how they are going to arrange payments. That would suck but life is life.
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tracylynn
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by tracylynn on Feb 3, 2021 20:49:54 GMT
I put Other.
For me, it would be entirely too early to commit to such a trip - even in 2022. I mean, we're 11 months into this, and still no where near the end.
A lot would depend on where the US is sitting with Covid, and more importantly, where Europe is.
Also, my guess is that Countries are going to start requiring proof of vaccine. Currently, there is no vaccine for children under 16 years old. That right there may be a deal breaker.
And, last, if my kid was going to go, I would want to be a chaperone on the trip. I'm not sure I would let an 8th grader go to Europe without a parent.
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Post by workingclassdog on Feb 3, 2021 20:55:30 GMT
I put Other. For me, it would be entirely too early to commit to such a trip - even in 2022. I mean, we're 11 months into this, and still no where near the end. A lot would depend on where the US is sitting with Covid, and more importantly, where Europe is. Also, my guess is that Countries are going to start requiring proof of vaccine. Currently, there is no vaccine for children under 16 years old. That right there may be a deal breaker. And, last, if my kid was going to go, I would want to be a chaperone on the trip. I'm not sure I would let an 8th grader go to Europe without a parent. I don't know how committed we have to be at this point. I am sure that will be covered. I think they set these up early to help people to start putting money aside for trips. Maybe we can set the money aside through the school and at some point then we have to either put that money towards the trip or back out? We have had some like this that was similar but on a smaller budget. The school finance dept held the money. Yes I agree where we are and Europe is with covid, for sure. Good question on vaccines.. that would be good to bring up. And if I would consider her going without me or her sister, I would want to know who the chaperone is... I know a lot of parents so I think I would be comfortable with a few of them... If I didn't know any of them, I would really have to think about it. I do know the teachers really well, one because two of my kids have gone through the school and had the same teachers.. so round three for me. So if she was assigned to one of them, I might be okay. |
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Post by bc2ca on Feb 3, 2021 20:59:59 GMT
Assuming COVID is under control and world travel has resumed, I would let my child go.
FTR, I think it would be a fabulous bonding experience for your DDs and fun for the other kids to have a chaperone who isn't a parent.
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Post by jlynnbarth on Feb 3, 2021 21:03:40 GMT
I voted yes, go alone etc... but of course it would depend on travel restrictions closer to the trip. I would absolutely start saving for it now, just in case it's clear to go etc... and secretly I'd be hoping that I could be a chaperone for the trip.  |
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Post by hop2 on Feb 3, 2021 21:11:42 GMT
Maybe if the pandemic is over and there’s no new crisis
BTW buy the trip insurance if it’s offered. It frequently covers a lot of helpful stuff that your medical insurance won’t cover. Especially if they travel with a travel company and the company offers it.
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Post by ~summer~ on Feb 3, 2021 21:13:03 GMT
I vote yes / I’d probably have them go lone bc I think my kids would prefer the independence away from a parent, unless they wanted me to go.
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milocat
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Post by milocat on Feb 3, 2021 21:20:10 GMT
My DD went to Italy spring break 2019 on a school trip. She was in grade 10 at the time. it wasn't really an option for parents to come, they were only allowed so many people and chaperones. There were 15 kids and the vice principal and his wife who also works at the school. I'm happy she went on her own and enjoyed her friends and bonded with the others whom she didn't know as well before the trip. and had the courage to go. We have travelled every year at least once, never overseas but at least she has travelled so I was comfortable with her knowing that she knew what to do. She had a good group of kids they had a great time and I'm glad it was for 2019 and not the next year.
Not sure what to think with COVID and what will be happening by then. I guess they will be able to tell you what kind of cancellation insurance you'll have.
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Post by ntsf on Feb 3, 2021 21:25:33 GMT
I sent all of my kids in high school overseas.. one went with a public school teacher organized tour group--to russia. one went with private school teacher and they went to greece for 3 weeks
one went alone to visit a kid in taiwan.
covid makes this too unsure at this point.
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Post by monklady123 on Feb 3, 2021 21:25:37 GMT
I would totally let my dd go, and with older dd if that was possible. Of course I'd love to go but I think it would be good for dd not to have mom around. However, two big "IFs" of course...
IF I knew who the chaperones were and I knew I could trust them, if older dd wasn't going. and...
IF the covid situation has been resolved.
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Post by Darcy Collins on Feb 3, 2021 21:26:03 GMT
I adore travel, but I'm not a huge fan of big international trips for middle schoolers. I definitely would feel like I'd have to go which would nix the whole independence thing, and I'd just rather have a family trip of my own design which would probably be a lot more fun and cheaper than these school trips. I swear these trips get younger and younger!
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lesley
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Post by lesley on Feb 3, 2021 21:26:24 GMT
I’m surprised that it might be an option for you or your other daughter to go. When my kids were at school, foreign trips were only ever chaperoned by staff. I remember the 5th and 6th year pupils (ages 17/18) having a trip to NYC - a big deal from Scotland. I would have loved to accompany them on that one! I was a chaperone for all of the day trips the pupils would do, but was never asked if I wanted to go to Belgium, or Morocco, or even London!  |
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Post by MichyM on Feb 3, 2021 21:31:43 GMT
My son did a trip to England first, and then Scotland with his HS theatre group between Freshman and Sophomore years. They performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival amongst other things. It was a small group of about 20, and I had no hesitation sending him. I had no desire to keep track of HS students 24/7, so I happily stayed home.
He also took a trip to Northern Ireland (again, about 20, or maybe a few less, students participated) during his Junior year in HS. Anyhow, in normal times I say let her go, with or without you.
That said, these are far from normal times and I truly doubt the world will be anywhere close to finding a new normal by next year. I’d probably have my kid miss this one. There are just far too many *maybes* between vaccinations, vaccinations in other countries (not just the ones she’s be visiting), new variants of the virus, and the like.
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Post by myshelly on Feb 3, 2021 21:35:37 GMT
I wouldn’t say no because of COVID or being afraid of international travel.
I would say no because of my experience with school trips.
I went on a lot of school trips with a lot of different teachers.
Our Europe trip (summer after freshmen year) was heavily chaperoned, as in lots of teachers went (good teachers, the teachers of the year who only taught honors and got type of teachers), but we were not heavily supervised once we got there. I got drunk in Germany (my first experience with alcohol - I had no idea how much I could handle or how quickly it would affect me), woke up in the room of a man I didn’t recognize and lost a few hours that I still don’t remember.
I never went on a school trip that I couldn’t get off on my own, or sleep in my boyfriend’s room instead of mine, or meet guys or whatever.
Teachers aren’t being paid to watch students on the trip - they’re using the trip as a cheap way to travel.
Just manage your expectations of whether the teachers will actually be chaperoning/whether the teachers are actually there to work.
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QueenoftheSloths
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Member Since January 2004, 2,698 forum posts PeaNut Number: 122614 PeaBoard Title: StuckOnPeas
Posts: 5,955
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Post by QueenoftheSloths on Feb 3, 2021 21:45:37 GMT
Not a parent, but I would not take a trip that I had to make payments on/go into debt for.
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Post by workingclassdog on Feb 3, 2021 21:55:02 GMT
She is a rule follower to the core so I don't worry about her getting in trouble. She wouldn't dream of sneaking away and a bit young for those shenanigans.
I don't say that because she is my kid, my oldest DD would or could be the one that snuck out or drink. My oldest son would probably not get in trouble but he could have easily be talked into it. This kid would be mortified if she got in trouble.
Our school is a small one and I have known most of the teachers since my two oldest went there. I would trust my kid with any of the ones going.
Most of our school trips in the past have limited the amount of volunteers (usually only 2 per trip).. this might be the same.. We might have to drawn names to see which parents are going? Another thing that will be addressed in the meeting.
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Post by workingclassdog on Feb 3, 2021 21:57:21 GMT
Not a parent, but I would not take a trip that I had to make payments on/go into debt for. I don't see it any different from saving for any other trip we would take? I would set aside xx amount of dollars a month for a trip in six months. I don't see that going in debt. |
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tincin
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Jul 25, 2014 4:55:32 GMT
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Post by tincin on Feb 3, 2021 21:57:34 GMT
I must’ve missed it, how old is she?
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Post by workingclassdog on Feb 3, 2021 21:58:57 GMT
I must’ve missed it, how old is she? Oh no, I just said 8th grade.. she will beeee... 13ish depending when trip is. |
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Post by myshelly on Feb 3, 2021 21:59:27 GMT
She is a rule follower to the core so I don't worry about her getting in trouble. She wouldn't dream of sneaking away and a bit young for those shenanigans. I don't say that because she is my kid, my oldest DD would or could be the one that snuck out or drink. My oldest son would probably not get in trouble but he could have easily be talked into it. This kid would be mortified if she got in trouble. Our school is a small one and I have known most of the teachers since my two oldest went there. I would trust my kid with any of the ones going. Most of our school trips in the past have limited the amount of volunteers (usually only 2 per trip).. this might be the same.. We might have to drawn names to see which parents are going? Another thing that will be addressed in the meeting. I was a rule follower. Valedictorian, captain of the drill team, president of academic decathlon, teacher’s pet, full ride scholarship to college, I can go on. Of course my parents weren’t worried about me doing anything. Drinking in Germany was an organized activity on the trip, btw. The teachers were there drinking, too. |
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Post by workingclassdog on Feb 3, 2021 22:05:20 GMT
She is a rule follower to the core so I don't worry about her getting in trouble. She wouldn't dream of sneaking away and a bit young for those shenanigans. I don't say that because she is my kid, my oldest DD would or could be the one that snuck out or drink. My oldest son would probably not get in trouble but he could have easily be talked into it. This kid would be mortified if she got in trouble. Our school is a small one and I have known most of the teachers since my two oldest went there. I would trust my kid with any of the ones going. Most of our school trips in the past have limited the amount of volunteers (usually only 2 per trip).. this might be the same.. We might have to drawn names to see which parents are going? Another thing that will be addressed in the meeting. I was a rule follower. Valedictorian, captain of the drill team, president of academic decathlon, teacher’s pet, full ride scholarship to college, I can go on. Of course my parents weren’t worried about me doing anything. Drinking in Germany was an organized activity on the trip, btw. The teachers were there drinking, too. They will be a bit young for all of that. I am not worried they will be pulling stunts. Like I said.. my oldest, maybe or probably, my middle sure thing.. not this one... I don't have my head in the clouds either. She is basically like young Rory on Gilmore Girls.. if you know that show. Being valedictorian, captain, president were usually the ones in my school that were the ones out there 'having fun'. So I don't take that into consideration. She is a good student and a good kid. I don't need to defend her anymore than that. And she 1000% wants me to go with her... She is the one that brings it up over and over again. |
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Post by cindytred on Feb 3, 2021 22:06:17 GMT
If COVID isn't a consideration I would let her go.
My son had a chance to go to Europe in the 7th grade. I said no because I thought he was too young, it was too expensive, and because I wanted to go to Europe before my kid did.
A few years later my youngest daughter had the chance to go on a public school sponsored trip to Europe. She knew not to ask me - so she asked her permissive father (my DH at the time), who said yes and he paid for it. I was not happy. I was afraid something would happen to her. She ended up going and had a great time and came home safe and sound. I'm glad she had the experience - but I don't think she realizes how lucky she is to have gone to Europe. I still haven't been.
Cindy
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QueenoftheSloths
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Post by QueenoftheSloths on Feb 3, 2021 22:09:26 GMT
Not a parent, but I would not take a trip that I had to make payments on/go into debt for. I don't see it any different from saving for any other trip we would take? I would set aside xx amount of dollars a month for a trip in six months. I don't see that going in debt. Yes if you are saving for it in advance that would be different. In your post you mentioned making payments but that must mean something different. |
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julie5
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Post by julie5 on Feb 3, 2021 22:12:40 GMT
We aren’t committing to any trip that requires flying for at least another year. Vaccinated or not.
I also wouldn’t let an 8th grader go out of the country without a parent, even pre covid.
We’re keeping our travel to places we can drive to. We’re actually going to finally buy a camper to travel and sleep in our own “home” eheeever we go.
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julie5
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Post by julie5 on Feb 3, 2021 22:15:20 GMT
Not a parent, but I would not take a trip that I had to make payments on/go into debt for. Generally school trips are planned out like this to give parents a way to make payments spread over time instead of hitting them up all at once. There are usually fundraisers to help defray costs. My dd did a Disney trip with band and her bill was $800-but we paid for it over a years time so it didn’t quite hurt the bank account as much. She had over $300 in fundraiser money subtracted from her bill. |
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Post by workingclassdog on Feb 3, 2021 22:18:02 GMT
I don't see it any different from saving for any other trip we would take? I would set aside xx amount of dollars a month for a trip in six months. I don't see that going in debt. Yes if you are saving for it in advance that would be different. In your post you mentioned making payments but that must mean something different. Well yeah making payments... or saving up for it... if the trip is $3,000 (just a number) and the trip is in 2022... I would just set aside that money due each month, either to the school or my savings.. Whatever the plan is and pay it monthly. If I can't or couldn't afford that monthly amount due, then that is another story. I haven't heard what it is going to cost. Sometimes the school chips in from donations or fundraisers (my worst nightmares) |
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Post by MichyM on Feb 3, 2021 22:21:42 GMT
I missed that she’ll be an 8th grader on my first pass. That would be a hard no from me at that age. My son did a band trip to SoCa in middle school. That was plenty far enough at that age.
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pilcas
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Post by pilcas on Feb 3, 2021 22:22:37 GMT
I personally think 8th grade is too young to go alone, which is of course part of the fun. Going with an older sister would be fine. My daughter travelled with school but she was a junior in HS and she also travelled senior year. I was a HS teacher and one year I did chaperone a school trip. There were times when the kids were on their own in the cities, but usually no more than 2-3 hours. We checked that they were in their rooms at 11pm. Of course it was a hotel not a prison so they could have sneaked out if they wanted. This is all independent of COVID. Don’t get your hopes too high. Things will take a long time to settle worldwide.
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Post by gar on Feb 3, 2021 22:26:05 GMT
Both my girls did a couple of similar trips each at that sort of age to Italy, Croatia, Norway and France. It teaches them a lot and is great for them I believe. There will always be a few bad stories but I think the positive experiences far outweigh them and the vast majority of teachers take their responsibilities very seriously.
Covid is obviously a different matter and I would need to be very sure of the insurance/cancellation policies.
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Post by MichyM on Feb 3, 2021 23:04:45 GMT
Both my girls did a couple of similar trips each at that sort of age to Italy, Croatia, Norway and France. It teaches them a lot and is great for them I believe. There will always be a few bad stories but I think the positive experiences far outweigh them and the vast majority of teachers take their responsibilities very seriously. Covid is obviously a different matter and I would need to be very sure of the insurance/cancellation policies. I think the distance and accessibility for someone residing in the UK vs in the US is a contributing factor to those who say “no” or are reluctant. It was for me. Thus why my son traveled to SoCa (1200 miles away) in middle school, but waited to do 2 different UK trips (4500-ish miles away) until high school. |
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