Gift Ideas for a student traveling to France

cstreit · cstreit's Garage

Hey gang,

I have to find a nice gift for a student traveling for a work/study overseas, specifically France. They already have a laptop and global cell phone so that's out.

I'm struggling with ideas and could use some inspiration.

Thanks!

porsche4life · porsche4life's Garage

Have they got a GOOD camera? A really nice point and shoot camera is awesome on a trip.

Dueller · 12-03-2009, 10:29 AM

Age, sex, duration of trip, budget?

First thought is a decent compact digital camera with battery charger converter, and a few extra memory cards.

cstreit · cstreit's Garage

College age girl, 6 months trip. Budget? <$500?

She already has a camera....

David in VA · 12-03-2009, 10:45 AM

How about a Eurrail (sp?) pass? Unlimited travel on trains across Europe, don't know how much they cost though.

mike55 · 12-03-2009, 10:55 AM

Cash/Travellers Checks..... Wish I had more $$$ when I travelled as a student.

Joeaksa · 12-03-2009, 11:11 AM

A map to Germany?

gprsh924 · 12-03-2009, 11:14 AM

Drinking money

RedBaron · 12-03-2009, 12:47 PM

If she is going to the French Riveria, get her a handgun so she can do something when the obnoxious Italians start yelling "nique moi" like they did to my girlfriend...

I would get her a prepaid credit card that she can use at the ATM.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

White flag maybe?

gtc · gtc's Garage

"Wall building for dummies"

svandamme · svandamme's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by gprsh924

drinking money

+1

RPKESQ · 12-03-2009, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cstreit

College age girl, 6 months trip. Budget? <$500?

She already has a camera....

A Eurorail Pass would be nice. Info here:
Eurail, Eurorail, Euro Rail and Europass means unlimited train travel in Europe

How about a small language phrase book in French, Spanish, Italian, German, Dutch, Belgian, Austrian, etc. Try Amazon or Barnes and Noble, both can supply some very small (about 2x3) multiple language phrase books.

Rain gear, Northern Europe can be very damp!

A GSM phone with a SIM card by one of the European Carriers (Vodaphone, Orange, etc.) which will be usable all over Western Europe.

A proper traveling suitcase/backpack. Try Eagle Outfitters for a wonderful rolling/convertible /luggage/backpack that is superb for transitioning between train, metro/bus/day trips/backpacking.

A "come to jesus" talk about crime in Western Europe. Violent crime (murder, rape, serious physical assault) is very low. Pickpocket, luggage theft, credit card and passport theft can be very high in certain areas but non-existent in others. She will need to be very aware of her belongings at all times in crowds, airports, train stations, metros, etc. Trust nobody to watch your stuff!

Learn about visitor passes for most attractions in most countries, do the research on the web now. BTW, a small inexpensive net-book is most convenient to travel with.

If you can, arrange for emergency help (language, red tape facilitation, etc., no need for medical as they already have that covered) contacts. If you need reliable people let me know.

vash · vash's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by nostatic

White flag maybe?

naaaa...they hand those out at customs.

how about a nice travel backpack? they have come a long way. the shoulder straps tuck away for the airline portion, and once you land..ZIIIPPPPP! backpack, viola!

gprsh924 · 12-03-2009, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPKESQ

A "come to jesus" talk about crime in Western Europe. Violent crime (murder, rape, serious physical assault) is very low.

I don't know if I agree with this. I've seen the movie Taken

RPKESQ · 12-03-2009, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gprsh924

I don't know if I agree with this. I've seen the movie Taken

Really? (or did you mean to use green text?)

If, really, then.

What do you not understand about the word "fictional"?

gprsh924 · 12-03-2009, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPKESQ

Really? (or did you mean to use green text?)

If, really, then.

What do you not understand about the word "fictional"?

Yes my post could have been in green text, but I assumed it was outlandish enough that the sarcasm would shine through.

RPKESQ · 12-03-2009, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gprsh924

Yes my post could have been in green text, but I assumed it was outlandish enough that the sarcasm would shine through.

Well, it should have been clear. But if you review the complete BS that shows up here about Europe you would understand the response.

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

Phrase book, at least a few languages, what foreign language(s) has she studied? I would recommend she do some sort of refresher on it prior to departure. If you have one of the Romance languages, you can get by decent in the Fr/Sp/It.

Train pass is gonna be pretty vital I would think, dough is always good. Extra memory for the camera maybe.

Make her watch Taken and Turistas before she goes.

cstreit · cstreit's Garage

Thanks for all the great responses guys. A few more facts:

1. She speaks fluent French
2. She is on a school study program which means the majority of her time will be spent in France.

Not sure how much travel she'll be able to do, but I like cash because every student needs it, but I would also like to add something more tangible to the list. I'm almost thinking cash plus a backpack with some travel essentials might be a nice stocking stuffer...