Teens + Travel Money= Problems?
 

I'd be interested in hearing from those with experience sending teens on extended school trips. What is the best way to send food and spending money-- some cash in multiple places, I suppose. What about travellers checks?

A prepaid Visa with a state issued photo ID and around $50 in cash depending upon the length of the trip. For a weekend trip, cash would suffice.

We got ours an AmEx card-goes on our bill- and travelers checks.

Not sure what you mean by extended. When my kids were exchange students we opened an account with an ATM card and I deposited money each month. When they ran out they were out. On a couple of "emergency" occasions I broke down and deposited a bit more.

When our son went to Italy for 10 days he had some cash (local), travelers checks, and another stash of travelers checks designated as &quot;for emergencies&quot;. Since trip paid for hotel, breakfast, dinner, most admissions, he only had to budget for lunch, snacks, elective purchases. We also felt in a real emergency, tour company and or teachers would help him out (like call home for wired money). We told him to wear a money belt, but I suspect he didn't. <BR><BR>Our daughter is doing a similar trip this June and I think we will get her a credit card in addition to above.

Our daughter is on her way home from 8 days in Mexico with a school group. Similar to what Gail said, hotels, 2 meals and most admissions were paid for in advance. We were told to send them with traveller checks and a phone card. I also gave her a little cash for anything she may need before cashing the travellers checks. The phone card is rechargable if need be. I think if it were a more extended trip, I would look into one of those MasterCard debit type cash cards where money can be added as she goes. I think it is important for the student to keep track of their spending and budget based on a reasonable daily allowance. From our experience, we were given very specific instructions about how much money and in what form.