DD Interrailing

Good travel insurance! Beyond that, its Europe, anything she needs/forgets will be readily available. The only worrying thing about your post is your 13yr olds reaction, have you been sharing your anxiety with your younger daughter?

I had severe anxiety as a younger teenager and missed out on so much (school trips, days out etc). I wish I hadn’t, and had done something like this! I applaud teenagers who go Interrailing or backpacking and you should be encouraging her and waving her off with a smile. I went on medication at 16 and by 18 had recovered enough to abroad for the very first time with a friend - we saved up everything we got from our part time jobs and went to New York! Her mum helped us book and arrange everything and bought us maps and guidebooks (this was in the 00s so no citymapper or smartphones) and our parents cheerfully waved us off.

Ironically it turned out to be me doing most of the organising and navigating while we were there - my friend who went on 2-3 family holidays a year was a bit overwhelmed by the size and pace of New York but I found a new confidence and loved it. I’m sure my mum was worried having had experience of me pulling out of overseas school trips because the thought of them reduced me to a quivering, hyperventilating heap on the ground but she never showed it, she was mainly just proud and pleased I’d got past that stage and was finally able to do something adventurous.

I really wouldn’t wish my anxiety back then on anyone - don’t pass it on to her. Wave her off and wish her a good time. There’s way more technology available now than there was when I went away - citymapper and other booking/navigation apps, Google maps etc. at 18 it’s very normal to rather be with friends than your parents too, she has to grow up and develop independence. My parents have many faults but im grateful that doing my own thing is always something they encouraged.

She will have a ball and learn so much. Let her go and don't smother her.

Your youngest will be picking up from you- don't let her ruin her relationship with her sister over this.

Ask her to post a photo every day so you can follow along on family WhatsApp group.

Please don't do this - if you (and DD2) are already so anxious (why??) Then you'll be be in bits if she doesn't post one day because she's out of battery/busy having fun. Just let her have the time.

She'll be your daughter for the rest of time.
What a fabulous idea, I wish I had gone. There will be loads of discounts for young people at incredible museums, galleries etc. They'll see so and experience so much and make great memories together before they go to uni.

They'll learn independence.

Has she asked for your help with packing?

Seconded.

She'll be fine.

DD2 is having panic attacks thinking something bad is going to happen (she is 13).

She picking up your vibes?

She will be fine. It’s a standard thing to do at her stage in life and it’s great that they have hostels etc booked. My own kids did the same at that stage. Ask her to post a photo every day so you can follow along on family WhatsApp group. Be pleased at the independent and joyful summer she is going to have!

Just check she's got very good health/travel insurance and an up to date European Health Care card.

Sounds fabulous, it’s just Europe she will be perfectly fine, if she forgets something as long as she has passport and funds available she can easily manage. Chill out.

YABU she's 18 and an adult. She'll figure it out if she's forgotten something. I did this at the same age but in the dark ages without mobile phones or easily accessible internet and had a brilliant time.

i understand you feeling sad that you haven't much time with her before university but try not to let your anxiety impact on her trip.

No prizes for guessing where your 13 year old gets her anxiety from!

She’s getting trains through modern Europe, not hitchhiking through Caracas. She will be fine, just check she has appropriate travel insurance.

I went interrailing when I was 17 and had the best time! She’s 18 and an adult - she will be absolutely fine. She’s not going alone and there’s safety in numbers. I’d recommend she takes a bum bag/money wallet to keep her valuables in, a portable charger, and a handwritten copy of important numbers. In the nicest way possible, you’re being way over the top about this. This is likely to be one of the best summers she has - let her live it.

My dd was supposed to be interrailing with a friend, they were at the needing to get organised stage and dds friend has pulled out.
Dd is gutted, we are looking for other options and trying to persuade her not to lose a friend over a change of plans, but it's a difficult time for her.

It will give your dd some independence and teach skills she might not get otherwise. Wish her well and support her, trying to stop her may spoil your relationship.