Some more great tips from an '09 East Coast Trip parent: 1. Type out a checklist of things they are likely to forget when leaving a hotel and put it inside the zippered mesh section of their suitcase lid. (I used a really large font so that it jumped out at them when they opened the suitcase to pack). My kids knew to look at it when packing up their stuff to make sure that they didn't leave anything in the room. It said things like: "Phone Charger, Toiletries, Camera, iPod, Jacket, Shoes, etc. " When you have that many kids sharing a room, it's really easy for something to get left under the bed or hidden under the pulled back comforter. Also, I didn't want chargers left in the wall. 2. Per your suggestion we used lots of heavy duty ziploc bags to keep them organized. We had one small one just for all of the cords and batteries in their backpack. This way all of the electronics were together and it was easy to keep track of and more organized for security at the airport. 3. Tell the kids to have their friends take pictures of them. I went on a group tour when I was the same age and I was very shy. All of my photos were either of scenery only, or other people. I was never in any of the shots. I was too shy to ask anyone to take my picture. I now regret it. 4. Make sure the kids have a good jacket. The weather can be unpredictable and it can be quite cold. 5. Don't buy big souvenirs from every landmark, it's just too expensive and bulky. My kids bought token gifts to remember each place (eg. crushed pennies with logos on them) and then bought a few special items. Talk about budget with your child and expectations. Do they need to bring back gifts for others, etc.? Make sure they don't spend all their money at the beginning of the trip. 6. Bring lots of extra batteries and memory cards for cameras, etc. It's expensive to buy it there or in the airport. We also bought the kids something called "tune juice." It's a small external battery pack for an ipod so that when it loses it's charge they just plugged it in and got more time right away. It worked off AAA batteries. It was great for the long plane ride. They make similar items now that you charge ahead of time in an outlet, and work the same way without batteries. 7. Make your kids part of the packing process so they know what they are bringing. Less chance they'll leave it behind this way. 8. Get good walking shoes. Rethink bringing heels for the Broadway show....too much walking. 9. Have fun. Don't get caught up in any drama and follow the rules. This is an amazing trip and one they will always remember.
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