Residential visits for schools offer students unforgettable opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. Whether it’s exploring volcanoes in Iceland or the archeological ruins in Rome, completing a WW2 history tour of Berlin, or following the waterfall trails of Costa Rica’s forests, these trips require thoughtful preparation—starting with the right packing list.
Kipling Tours are an experienced school trip organiser specialising in worldwide educational school trips, music, choir and sports tours for students, so we know that a well-packed bag can make the difference between a smooth, enjoyable adventure and unnecessary stress. So if you’re wondering what to pack for a 3 day school trip or preparing a more extensive school trip abroad packing list, we’ve got you covered.
The Ultimate School Trip Packing List for Residential School Trips
While every trip is different, here’s a tried-and-tested school trip packing list that works for most residential visits:
Clothing
- Weather-appropriate outfits – Check the forecast for your trip and pack layers. It could be warm in the day and cold in the evening so we always recommend a combination of short-sleeve and long-sleeve tops, thermals (for cold locations), both shorts and trousers, and warm jumpers.
- Comfortable walking shoes or trainers
- A smart-casual outfit (for concerts, dinners or ceremonies)
- Lightweight waterproof and windproof jacket
- Your sports kit (if you on a sports tour)
- Swimwear (for hotel pools or hot springs in places like Iceland or Costa Rica)
- Pyjamas and underwear
- Hat and gloves (especially for trips to colder climates like Iceland, the USA or Europe in winter)
- Sunglasses and sunhat (especially important for Summer trips or to hotter destinations)
- Towel – travel towels are great as they pack up very small and dry quickly
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hairbrush
- Shampoo and body wash
- Deodorant
- Sun cream (High SPF)
- SPF lip balm
- Refillable water bottle
- Any personal medication
- A bag for dirty laundry
- Insect repellant
Documents & Essentials
- Passport – for UK nationals travelling to EU countries, your passport must have at least 3 months left on it AND must have been issued in the last 10 years. Please don’t get caught out by this as it is possible to have a passport lasting 10.5 years so even though there are more than 3 months remaining, the passport could still be older than 10 years and therefore travel will be refused. Some countries require 6 months remaining on the passport (from your date of return) so we suggest allowing at least 6 months to be safe.
- Travel insurance documents
- EHIC (if it hasn’t yet expired) or GHIC card (for European destinations)
- ESTA or Visa for visits to the USA
- Copies of travel documents stored in a separate bag
- Emergency contact numbers
- Spending money (in appropriate currency)
- Small rucksack for daily outings
- A notebook and pen
Technology & Entertainment
- Mobile phone (with roaming enabled if abroad) and charger
- Headphones
- Portable power bank and cables
- Travel adapters (usually Type C for European destinations & Morocco,
- Type A or B plugs for the US for trips to the US, Costa Rica & the Caribbean)
- Book or travel game for downtime
Residential Visits for Schools: Packing for Music, Choir and Sports Tours
Depending on the type of trip, students may need to bring:
For Music/Choir Tours
- Sheet music (if applicable)
- Instrument (if portable) or accessories (reeds, rosin, strings)
- Concert attire for performances
For Sports Tours
- Full sports kit (as advised by your school)
- Equipment (e.g., shin pads, tennis racket, etc.)
- Rehydration tablets or sports drinks (if permitted)
- Extra snacks
What to Pack for a 3 Day School Trip
If you’re preparing for a shorter residential stay, the essentials don’t change much—just scale down the quantities. Here’s a quick 3-day school trip packing list:
- 3 outfits (plus one spare) – weather-appropriate as above
- 1 pair of comfortable, sturdy shoes (waterproof ideally)
- Lightweight jacket
- Travel-sized toiletries
- Snacks for travel days
- Any specific items required for trip activities such as swimming clothes or sports kit.
Final Packing Tips
- Label everything with your name (especially school uniform or sports kit)
- Avoid overpacking—students should be able to carry their own luggage
- Stick with your tried-and-tested: don’t be packing with a brand new wardrobe, it’s better to stick with the clothes you know are comfortable and practical.
- Keep valuables to a minimum
- Double-check medication and permissions with your trip organiser
- Double-check your passport expiry dates, ESTA and European Health requirements with plenty of time before the trip.
- Double-check the travel adaptors required for your destination.
Residential visits for schools are packed with learning, adventure and lifelong memories. With the right planning and packing, your students will be ready to make the most of every moment—whether they’re learning, exploring, or competing across the globe.
Need help planning your next trip? Kipling Tours are specialists in educational and performance-based travel, so we can help you organise a truly unique, stress-free experience for your students. Contact us today to start planning your next unforgettable school trip abroad.

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