16 year old traveling to London and Paris

Hi Lisa, it can be cool and even cold sometimes in the UK in June, I would suggest that he take at least one pair of long pants and a jacket with him. As for money, since he is traveling with a group his transportation into London from the airport is probably paid for...so he could wait and get some £'s out at the ATN when he gets there, they are a lot at the airport or I'm sure there would be one within a block of where they are staying. But, if you would feel more comfortable with him having some with him then I would only get £50.00.

Hi Lisa, My teens did a school trip to Europe a couple of years ago. We got them prepaid ATM/Visa cards from AAA. Put a set amount on the card and they could use them as a credit card or withdraw from an ATM. They are reloadable so in an emergency you can put more money on the card from your computer. Seemed to work well for them:) I hope your nephew has a fantastic time - both of my kids did!

Open a separate account with only X money in it. Get an ATM card and give it to him. Let him wear jeans and cargo shorts. If anybody fusses, the'll just think he's me, so I'll take the heat.

Hi Lisa. How long will your nephew be in Europe? With regard to money, I think an ATM card is the best option. Traveler's checks are becoming obsolete and the exchange rate for them is terrible anyway. Can your nephew's parents get an ATM card for him through their bank? It will be linked to their checking account and after the trip, they can cut it up. He should also take some pounds and euros with him from the States - it's good to have some local currency so he doesn't have to find a way to get cash as soon as he arrives.

At one time jeans would have been unacceptable but jeans are common place in Europe. Shorts in major cities are still not common but teens can get away with fashion wear that older adults cannot. See a lot of tennis shoe but pure white are not in vogue. When our teen traveled with high school groups on two occasions we simply gave him one of our debit cards. The ATM could careless who has card as long as the cards has the right codes. It was our backup debit card account. As a side note -- a 16 year should have a checking account, a debit card, and a credit card. It is time he starting learning how to manage money and accounts. We insisted which he thought was silly on the money belt but after he "lost" his billfold (with only a driver license in it) we had no problem with the money belt. In our trips the adults kept the passports and extra money for the kids.

If you want to know what the locals are wearing one of the best ways to find out is to access one of the many webcams that are available. You can use http://www.earthcam.com/network/ to find cams showing street views in cities all over the world. For example, your nephew would likely be interested in one at Abbey Road Crossing in London:
http://www.abbeyroad.com/visit/

I agree with the others about the use of a debit card. My girls have been using debit cards since they were 15. Sixteen is plenty old enough to learn responsibility, especially if he is old enough to go to Europe. Having a limited amount of money in the account limits the amount that could be lost/stolen. Also, with teenagers, I think it's best to let them wear whatever they like and feel comfortable wearing. When traveling with their peers, they want to look like the rest of the group they are with. Just because European men seem to prefer capri pants doesn't mean that your nephew can't wear his similarly cut cargo shorts. I'm a big believer in picking your battles. The use of a moneybelt is what I would spend my time arguing about. How kids behave is FAR more important than minor fashion isues. Also, when you are young, just like here in America, you can get by wearing about anything!

'If you want to know what the locals are wearing ....' How can you tell if the people on the webcam are locals?

I agree with Frank. Regarding dress, a 16 year old can get away with anything and I wouldn't worry about it. Jeans, tennis shoes and baseball caps are common among kids over here. The trip is an excellent opportunity to learn a little about being responsible with money too. Should be a great opportunity for him. Optional: Tell him that if he is able to demonstrate (fill in the blank) after his return, then you'll spring for a solo plane ticket and a eurail pass as a high school graduation present in a few years!

I agree with the others, open a checking about and get him an ATM card, in the beginning just put enough in for the first few days. You can add money as needed. One year when we went to the UK both of the girls took friends, our youngest was 16 and so was her friend. Her friend's parent opened an account for him so he could use an ATM card, it worked out great. As to what he should wear, I think he could wear his cargo pants, I just wouldn't have him wear t-shirts with logos on them (I'm sure some will disagree with me), jeans and tennis shoes, let him be comfortable.

Hi everyone, Thanks for the great ideas. He will be in London and Paris for 10 days. I will open an account for him and allow him to get an ATM for his use. He is a good, responsible kid so I know he will do ok with the ATM. He does have a weekend job so I know that he knows the value of money. As far as getting money before hand, should I ask my bank to get it for me? How much should he take with him? I guess the dress code will be ok for him. He loves the shorts and hardly ever wears long pants. Will it be cold in June? He is making several side trips to Stonehenge, Bath, Canterbury, Versailles. Will he be ok just taking shorts??? I told him, however, NO FLIP FLOPS!!!! The kids sure do love to wear those around town. We also had the money belt battle but I won on that one! I read enough stories on here about those. Any other special things that he should pack and take with him? Thanks,
Lisa

Hi James, He does have a savings account where he puts all of the money from his job. He just turned 16! We are doing the best we can.
Lisa

Glad you kind of apolgized, James. It's good to keep things friendly on this site. Lisa sounds like a loving, fantastic aunt just trying to help her nephew have the best possible experience. We should all have family like Lisa!

Lisa, remind # 1 Nephew that London and Paris are at the lattitude directly across from NORTHERN Canada! It can be cold/wet in June. You didn't say if he also lives in NOLA, but he will need to take long-sleeve t-shirts, long sleeves and long pants. (in addition to whatever else). (This is what I take and I alway go in June) Lucky boy!

Just because you have a bank account and a card doesn't make you instantly responsible. You could just end up learning what it's like to be overdrawn with fees and the like. Banking is a lot different these days. Some people have their credit history trashed before they're out of college. He needs to be careful.

My daughter spent 6 weeks in France last summer, at age of 17. She knew what she had to spend, so she withdrew that amount (I think about 60-70 euros) weekly. That meant she took a bigger hit percentage-wise with a $3 hit each withdrawal for Chase's foreign ATM fees. I would have taken out more, but I'm comfortable with several hundred dollars in my moneybelt. The extra fees were worth it for budgeting and safekeeping. Have him look at onebag.com Maybe he'll feel like a world traveler if he lightens up his baggage. If he feels he must take a checked bag, make it a small one. Try the old trick of having him pack what he thinks he needs, then have him walk around the block and up and down some stairs with it. He does need a variety of clothes. He may only need hot weather stuff, and he may only need cold weather stuff, but he won't know.

Thanks again for all of the helpful replies. How much should he go over to London with (pounds) in his pocket? Contacted the bank and they will order it for me but are going to charge extremely high fees to do so . How much can he get by on for the first day or so? Thank you Terry for the nice compliment. I am trying to help him have the adventure of his lifetime. I have never been there so I am not sure how to advise him. Thank you Joe for the great packing advice. I will definitely make sure that he packs long sleeve shirts and pants. Thanks,
Lisa

Surely the school organizers will have suggestions. I travel in jeans in Europe all the time (with nicer pants for evening restaurants). All the kids will be dressed similarly (some jeans, some shorts), they are obviously a bunch of kids- everyonne will understand. dont sweat it. (flip flops wont work tho). He will need a sweater (either occassionally or most of the time, depending on the year) and it WILL rain. Money, again what does the school suggest. i would have him take a fair amount of cash with him (say $200 worth) as he will have to keep with the group and cant stop and look for an ATM when he runs low

Whatever you do, just don't let him dress like Justin Bieber for crying out loud. Anything else is completely acceptable for a bunch of teenagers. If flip-flops are out, what about Vans? Jeans and an unlined hoody should do for cooler weather in London. Seriously, I see nothing wrong with allowing him to dress as he does here. Let's see, the standard 16 year old boy's ensemble might typically include Nike shoes, boot-cut jeans, camo or brown leather belt (all sagging with boxers out), FOX, Hurley, or Billabong tee, hoody, string/beaded necklace, and plenty of Ed Hardy cologne.

Cargo shorts/pants (the kind that zip from one to the other are really good)- 1 or 2 pair (fly in one of these or a pair of jeans). Jeans (no holes, not tooooo faded) 1 or 2 pair. 1 pair dockers-type pants in black or khaki or one pair dark black unfaded jeans for 'dressy'. 5-7 Ts- at least 2 should be long sleeved- (solid color is best- but 1 or 2 with a logo/ slogan is ok)or sub in a few polo type shirts. 1 or 2 "button up", long sleeve but not "dress" shirts to layer over Ts and to wear with dockers for "dressy" events (all the Ts/polos and these shirts should color co-ordinate). 7 pairs of socks, 7 pairs of underwear. This will do him for 1 to 4 weeks (he'll need to do small laundry (socks, underwear, a shirt or two, maybe a pair of pants) every 5 days or so in the sink. All can be packed in a carry on or small checked bag. Take a day bag (small school back pack) if he wants as his carryon- can hold jacket, hat, guide books, souviengers, etc each day. It can pack flat in the larger bag and not check any if you do it right. One wind/waterproof jacket with hood (gortex or similar material). Money belt. The baseball hat is fine. None of the pants should be too "baggy" and he should take a belt.
Buy him 3oz size shampoo, anti-perspirant, after shave/colonge, shaving stuff, etc. and put in a quart size ziploc bag. If you are members of AAA you can get $100 worth of pounds in a pre-prepared bag- will have some coins, and some small bills. Cheaper than the bank. Then go with the ATM card. I'd give his chaperones a "back up" card for another account in case of emergencies if you are really worried. But that is a bit of overkill.

Lisa: 50 pounds tucked in his money belt perhaps along with $50 which he could exchange at a bank in an emergency should be fine. I would add one suggestion. Double check that the ATM card has a PIN in numbers, not letters. Check to be sure that the PIN is 4 digit, not six. (I belong to a credit union which uses 4 digit PINs, so not an issue for me, but some US banks use 6 digit PINs, which won't work there). Have him try the card out at a local bank withdrawing $20 before he goes. Make sure the bank is aware he will be making withdrawals in Europe. This all sounds somewhat picky, but you don't want him arriving in Europe with a card that won't function.

Who said its going to be shorts weather in June in London? You gotta crystal ball or sommat? I wouldn't bet the farm on that one, nor that it will be dry. Paris, who knows - maybe. But London? Oooh I hope so, then I can see some warm sun again. .... webcams are a good idea, but I bet that most of the folk at Abbey Road are tourists.... it is a residential area but so many people have to "walk across the zebra crossing" from outside the Metrop.

Our teen-age sons suggest the following: 1. A really comfortable pair of shoes are a must. Tennis or running shoes are fine, though a dark color is better because they don't show dirt. 2. At least one cold-weather item of clothing. The weather during our July 2007 trip to London was windy and cold, not cool. It rained almost daily during our July 2009 trip. 3. Cargo shorts are okay, but at least two pairs of long pants are necessary (cargo pants are acceptable). 4. A baseball cap is okay, but probably not one showing an American professional sports team. 5. A digital camera. A case is not necessary because it can be carried in the side pocket of the cargo shorts or pants. 6. A debit card with a 4-digit PIN. Hope this helps.

Thanks again to everyone who was kind enough to answers my questions. You guys are great and it is always better to get information from people who "have been there and done that." My nephew is very appreciative (as I am) for the very valuable advice. Thanks again,
Lisa

Lisa, I'm sure it's already been mentioned but I can't find it - be sure that his bank knows when and where he'll be! Otherwise, the bank assumes the card has been stolen and freezes the account! If he has a problem with accessing his money at the ATM in Europe, be sure you're in a position to help get the situation straightened out here with his bank. Ahead of time, ask the bank what would be required of you (do you need to be on the account, too?). And I personally thank you for the No Flip-Flops; just a pet peeve of mine ;-) They just seem a bit too casual... If he hasn't seen or read something like this (and he's been given great advice here on packing already) then have him watch this: http://www.youtube.com/ricksteves#p/c/DA1849C66C2A6D62/1/ird4DF5fgHE That will get him off on the right foot, so to speak...What a fantastic opportunity for him!!!

I'm a mother of a 16 year old American boy who lives in Germany. First of all - by all means get him an ATM card immediately !!! He puts it in the machine and gets out currency in the country's money with English directions and a smaller fee than the exchanges. Secondly, he'll be with a school group and they'll all be wearing cargo shorts. He's fine. Make sure he has one pair of long pants to wear if he needs them.