What a fun trip!!!

The calendar is a neat idea, although it would also be neat to do once you had pictures of all of you actually there. I've gotten calendars from Shutterfly, and seen them from Snapfish and I think oFoto...they all do really nice work, and I dont think they're very expensive.

Depending on what kind of travel you're doing (are you part of a tour, or going on your own), you could get a travel book...you know one that has cool places to visit, dine, shop, etc.

As for little stocking stuffer type things, you could do a variety of mini toiletrie type items (small shampoos, lotions, hand sanitizers, etc.), disposable cameras for the kids (check and make sure they don't expire before your trip though, I think those cameras have expiration dates on them??)...hmmm, I can't think of anything else. I'll keep thinking.

Stephanie, Shutterfly is just like Photobucket, isn't it? I'll have to go see if they offer anything like that. I'm already a member, that and Picturetrail. I'm driving us in a rented car, so no tours. I got a packet from Germany's National Tourist office in the mail yesterday and Alex wasn't interested at all in looking at it, also downloaded a few videos that they've both seen of the areas we're planning to go to. The cameras are a good idea. Thanks.

You can print up your own calendars and then take it to Kinko's to have them punch it and put the comb in it.

I just checked all the websites, decided to sign up for Shutterfly, I like their calender and you get the extras at half price!

How about journals to write in nightly. When you get home, keep them safe and years from now they'll remember that great trip. Wish I could go!!

How brave and ambitious you are!!

How about one of those pocket size tape recorders and extra tapes
I'm sure you already have or are intending to get digital cameras with extra memory sticks.

Minnie, I have one memory stick but I guess I should get another one, huh? Just in case. I thought about getting a different camera but haven't decided yet.

Kath, just make sure, you pin point yourself a nice route. Me, personally, I never drove in Germany. Look for a good road map.

I wish, I had one, but all I got are cycling maps. LOL

Same with German English - English German dictionaries... Mine must still be packed someplace.

If I find them, I'll send you a nice small one. :)

what month will you go?

Moni

The first things that popped into my mind were: Get something like Calendar Creator and make your own calendars afterward. Great presents for others too! I thought about digital camera instead of film. And same thing with audio recorder, digital rather than tape. They're not affected by temperature extremes like tape is. Granted, decent digital recorders and cameras aren't cheap though.

The other things I guess I think of is since you're (probably) going to want to pack light but maybe something like money belts for safeguarding cash and passports or a small foldable bag to carry in the suitcases? Maybe for toiletries or whatever else. I enjoy watching Rick Steves travel shows on PBS. He has a lot of ideas on traveling light and where to go in various areas. Might be worth checking the library for his books or check his website in case he has some stuff on there. Could also give you ideas on what to take.

It also occurred to me that today, could it be better to buy toiletries at the destination or carry a minimal amount? I know they've lightened up a bit on what you can take with you but it might save some space.

BTW, Just because the kids have seen them doesn't mean you can't put the toothbrushes in the stockings! How often do people get a peek at their presents?! It should be good for a laugh if nothing else. You could tell them the toothbrush was the present and the trip was a joke! No, that would be wrong wouldn't it??? ;)

Start your checklists early! Hope you have a wonderful time!

How about items for the long plane trip? Puzzle books, travel games, books or magazines to read, candy?

Ohh..Great idea on the Rick Steve's videos. I love to watch his shows. Just makes me long to go to those places he visits. He has such a folksy way of touring the places he goes to. He really has some great suggestions about traveling also.

Check out his books and dvds!

I was going to suggest too, things to do on the trip on the plane to keep them busy. Small items and things when used up can get rid of so they aren't over burden with too much.

Yes, check the library for an up to date book of Germany and they can check out what there is to see.

Journals are excellent to have, light ones though and make sure you have pens extra in case of losing one pen. Or run out of ink.

Make sure you have a good camera for all of you to use and take pictures of.

Maybe a scrapbook for them to make up about their trip when they come home?

The library may even have language tapes to listen, can check on that too.

Check out travel sites for good ideas to bring and see with you all.

Rick Steves? has travelled with his kids and wife all over and so he should have good ideas.

I know the one thing he suggested on tv was with kids is that they carry their back bag and only what they can carry is all they can have in it so that way you aren't loaded down with huge suitcases which you do not want in those countries. You want to bring and be very light, so rehearse way ahead and everyone pack all they want to bring on their trips, see if they can carry their backpacks with it all in? What can be illiminated? What is really necessary.

Or bring stuff that can be dumped over there and left behind.

There is nothing worse then too much stuff and being a hinder and ruining a great trip.

Also make sure everyone has good comfortable walking shoes to walk lots. Check weather if you need to bring umbrellas or not or what? Less is better remember so check it all out ahead of time.

Last year on Shutterfly, I did a 12 month calendar for my mom. I thought it turned out nice and it was so much more personal than so many other gifts I've gotten her. It took some time but was easy to complete. Sounds like an interesting adventure your family is going on! You'll have to make a 2010 calander next year when you get back.

Moni, we're going in late June to mid July, depending on when I get my vacation weeks. The new manager at work hasn't posted the sign up sheets yet. I have a great road map from when I was stationed there nearly 20 years ago and was hoping to use it to map a trip out but I can't find it. None of the website I've found have a detailed enough map that shows all the little towns and roads. (I wanted an updated one) I'm going to have to just buy one and then when I get there stop at a gas station and buy a better one.

Cynic, I have Rick Steve's Europe Through the Back door and bought myself one of his backpacks. The kids thought they were funny looking and too square-lol. I also bought a neck pouch for our passports and money, was worried the money belt wouldn't be very comfortable.

Iowagirl, I've downloaded and we've watched his videos on the areas we're going to already. Good idea, though!

I wanted to do the calendar before the trip so they can see some of the sites I'll be taking them to. I tried the journel thing on our trip out West last year and they weren't interested, too much like homework. I might do one and make copies for them and give them to them when they get older and can appreciate them more.

I wonder if you could get a nice scrapbooking kit with the 40% off coupon at JoAnns or Michaels? Add Chapstick to the stockings!

Kathleen, don't forget a small coin purse for each. Remember, lots of public toilets cost!

Moni

Kathleen, just read your last post on this.

I go back often, and am surprised at the variance of temperatures. Last year, I needed summer clothes, as well as a nice warm jacket and long pants.

This reminds me, Germans don't wear shorts out that much. Woman still wear skirts and dresses more. There really weren't many woman seen in shorts where I was.

Oh, yeah, it was end of June in to middle of July that I was there.

And rain, rain jackets are a nice idea, but you may want to also look for a small foldable umbrella.

About maps, best idea I can give you: AAA. They cost, but way less than anyplace else.

More as I think of it.

:)

Moni

I don't know if this was already mentioned. How about getting a couple of history books for the places you are visiting. I know my trip to the Mayan temples in Mexico would probably have had more meaning if I had read about them before I went.

I'd tuck an Arthur Fromer book in each knapsack. Sounds like a wonderful trip!

Moni, good idea about the coin pouches. I could mark them "toilet change" lol...or what's the German word for toilet, toileten? Not to worry about me wearing shorts, don't wear them in public even here in the states. What airline do you fly? I'm curious because I've been looking and looking and before last night the cheapest I could find was around $1200-$1300. Then last night I found a few flights on American Airlines for just over $600! I can't book it now, though, still don't have a firm vacation time. We'd have to drive to Cincinatti but it's only a couple hours drive.

I'm also going to talk to a travel agent tomorrow to see if there is any better deals out there.

Thanks for all the ideas everyone!

Well, you are going in "high season". It's one of the most expensive times to fly to Europe.

I used to only go in October, or late September. The prices go lower sometime in the middle of September.

Yeah, I know, that sure doesn't help with school.

I used to fly Lufthansa, cause my sis worked for them and got family discounts. Now, I fly with what ever gives me the lowest fare.

Last year was one of my most expensive flights. My sisters got concert tickets, as we were planning a sister get together. The concert was in late June, high season. It was a very expensive concert for me.

Moni