For a 4-day DC trip, an 8th grader needs comfortable walking shoes, layers for the weather, one nicer outfit for a meeting with Congress, a small day bag that meets Capitol security rules, a refillable water bottle, a phone charger and any medications. Pack light: each student brings only a carry-on suitcase and a backpack, and most days involve 5 to 10 miles of walking. Leave aerosols, large bags and valuables at home.
Teachers: share this list with parents at your parent meeting or in your pre-trip packet.
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The 8th grade DC packing checklist
Clothes (for a 4-day, 3-night trip)
4 tops and 2–3 pants or shorts (plan to rewear bottoms)
A light jacket or hoodie, even in spring (museums are cold)
Pajamas and enough socks and underwear for every day, plus one extra
One nicer outfit if your group is meeting your member of Congress (see below)
Shoes
Broken-in sneakers. This matters more than anything else on the list.
A second pair in case the first gets wet
Day bag
A small backpack or drawstring bag, no bigger than 18 x 14 x 8.5 inches (the Capitol limit)
Empty refillable water bottle (no liquids are allowed through Capitol security, so fill it after)
Phone and a portable charger
A small amount of spending money
Toiletries and health
Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant (stick, not spray), shampoo if the hotel's isn't enough
Sunscreen in summer and early fall
Any prescription medications, in original bottles, handed to the chaperone or teacher as your school requires
Paperwork
Students under 16 don't need an ID. Adult chaperones need a current ID, and the name must match exactly how they registered with TripU.
A completed medical/behavior form, turned in to the trip leaders before the trip
What should students wear in DC by season?
Fall (September–November): Warm afternoons and cool mornings. Pack layers and a light jacket.
Winter (December–February): Cold, often near freezing. A warm coat, hat and gloves.
Spring (March–May): Changeable and often rainy. Layers plus a rain jacket or small umbrella.
Summer (June–August): Hot and humid. Light, breathable clothes, sunscreen and a hat.
Not sure when to go? See the best time for a Washington DC school trip.
What should students wear to meet their member of Congress?
Business casual is the safe choice: a collared shirt or blouse, slacks or a skirt, and clean shoes. Students don't need a suit or dress. Many groups pack the nice outfit for the day they visit Capitol Hill and change back into sneakers for the rest of the day's walking. Our guide on how to get a Capitol tour for your student group explains how to request a meeting.
What can't you bring into the Capitol?
The Capitol Visitor Center screens every visitor. Leave these on the bus or at the hotel on your Capitol Hill day:
Any liquids, including water, and any food
Aerosols and sprays
Pointed objects such as knives or letter openers (pens and pencils are fine)
Bags larger than 18 x 14 x 8.5 inches
Smithsonian museums also check bags at the door, so a small bag gets your group through faster everywhere.
How much spending money does an 8th grader need in DC?
On a TripU trip, everything students need is included in the trip price. Breakfast is included free at the hotel, and each student gets a lunch and dinner allowance. Students only need extra money for things they want, like snacks and souvenirs. How the allowance is handed out, by app or in cash, depends on the trip, and your group leader will share the details.
What should students leave at home?
Valuables and expensive jewelry
Aerosol sprays (body spray, hairspray)
Large suitcases. Each student brings only a carry-on (up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches) and a backpack.
Anything the school's trip rules don't allow
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What does TripU take care of?
On a TripU DC trip, every group gets transportation, hotel stays, breakfast at the hotel plus a lunch and dinner allowance every day, a licensed guide who leads a Capitol Hill walking tour, overnight security, medical and accident insurance for every traveler, free time in Old Town Alexandria, and free chaperone spots, typically 1 per 10–15 students. See a full 8th grade DC itinerary or the Washington DC trip page.
FAQ
How many outfits should an 8th grader pack for a 4-day DC trip?
Four tops, two or three bottoms, one nicer outfit for Capitol Hill, and a jacket or hoodie. Plan to rewear pants or shorts.
Can students bring a water bottle into the Capitol?
Only an empty one. No liquids are allowed through security, so fill the bottle after you're inside.
What size bag can students bring on a DC trip?
For the Capitol, day bags must be smaller than 18 x 14 x 8.5 inches. A small backpack or drawstring bag works everywhere.
Do 8th graders need ID for a DC trip?
On a TripU trip, students under 16 don't need an ID. Adults need a current ID, and the name on it must match exactly how they registered.
What size suitcase can students bring?
Each student brings one carry-on, up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches, plus a backpack.
What happens if a student gets sick or hurt on the trip?
Every TripU traveler has medical and accident insurance for the whole trip, and each traveler turns in a medical/behavior form to the trip leaders before leaving.
What shoes are best for a DC school trip?
Broken-in sneakers. Students walk 5 to 10 miles a day on the National Mall and through museums, so new shoes cause blisters.
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