My 18 year old daughter and her best friend are traveling to Italy for 2 weeks in June. My daughter has traveled fairly extensively with us in Europe before; her friend has never been outside the United States. I have considered giving them each some sort of money belt; my husband and I always use them. However, several years ago I gave one to my step-daughter for her then first trip to Europe. I later learned she and her travel companion laughed hysterically about it after their departure. I do think money belts are likely to be considered too nerdy by the 18 year old crowd. We also use rolling luggage. Both our daughters prefer to lug athletic duffles rather than use anything so frumpy as luggage that rolls. I do think we might get her an REI gift certificate so she can select her own backpack. I will be astonished if she chooses one with wheels. I highly second the use of an ATM card and also agree to forgo any sort of translation device. I also question a first class train pass. We have traveled both first and second class. In first class we meet other usually well-off tourists. In second class we have found locals and students. I think your son might prefer second class.

When my 18-year-old daughter went to Europe with a couple of her friends, I got her a cell phone with a SIM card that was good for all of the countries she was visiting. She didn't use it often, but it did come in handy several times.

Marie C, Maybe I better rethink the money pouch I just ordered and keep it for myself and use it when we go in May.

You're all right about the backpacks--they won't use them on wheels--neither would I when I was travelling around the world in my early twenties (though now I wish I had as my back is paying for it!)

miguelgcuadra, while I'm sure you have very good intentions, and I appreciate your experience as a parent, and agree that it's important to let kids make their own mistakes, my daughter went to away to college at age 16, read all of Nietzsche by time she was 18, is on a full academic scholarship and on the Dean's List. Perhaps her "tendency to lose things" might be because she is doing a double major, taking a full class load while working 2 jobs (one tutoring low-income students in reading with the America Reads program.) She also has kept journals since she was 9 or 10 (the suggestion of a journal is a good one I think as well) and LOVES TO READ! Not all young people are only into "partying" (although she does her share of that as well).

Parker, which cell phone did you get? That's a really good idea.

A good camera (I recommend Sony P10 cyber shot) with 256 meg card and a spare battery.

I got the phone and SIM card from the website: www.planet3000.com. There are currently two multicountry SIM cards for sale on that website, but the United Mobile card looks like the most economical. Any unlocked GSM phone will do. The great thing is that you know the phone number of the phone ahead of time so you can call him as well (if you're so inclined). My daughter also used it to call ahead and confirm reservations as they traveled.

Lonely Planet, Let's Go, and Rough Guides are all good guidebook series for youthful and/or budget travelers.

As mentioned, be willing to exchange the backpack you chose (and don't let your feelings be hurt because your gift is a fantastic idea!). I would not recommend the convertable type because what is necessary for wheels makes it heavier and less comfortable. I would have suggested either a normal backpack or a small rolling suitcase or duffle.

Plenty of young travelers in the backpacking/hostel style are into keeping travel journals. I'm not saying to add this to the gift list, but only disagreeing with 'miguel'.