DS has quit his job to go travelling with a girl he just met

I think he said that as a joke????

It's not a stretch and I think that shows your naivety to this situation. I have travelled the world and have seen some incredible things. Best time of my life, but I was conned, blackmailed by police, taxi driver tried to assault me down a back alley, conned a number of times financially and twice put in dangerous situations with guns (oh and three crocodile stories)

Saying that of my daughter wanted to go, I'd support her whole heartedly it's the best time of my life. But I would ensure she knew the dangers that awaited her and the number one rule is you carry no one else bag!

Gosh that is really rude.

@changecandles @endofthelinefinally True & sensible.Some people live in a utopia where they think warning young people about the atrocities that do & always will happen while backpacking across the world is spoiling their fun & taking away from their 'magical' experience. They need to face reality & ensure young people with little life experience are aware the world isn't all milk & honey & it's important to be on their guard 24/7 while still enjoying the experience.

The day I take the attitude my families decisions are none of my business is the day if anything happened to them that I could have warned them about & prevented is the day I would have failed in my role as a mother.

That wouldn’t be your concern. That would also be none of your business.

Support him. Be excited for him.
This could be the life-changing boost he needs. Sounds like he’s had a rough few years - let him fly.

All the signs seem good ones 'bringing out the best in him' etc. As mum you have a right to be concerned/apprehensive but as mum you don't have a right to let him know that. Wish them luck and be positive, he knows that you will be there for him should he need you.

There is no better time in life to travel and spend quality time with someone you really like. He can't do this later, it won't be as good. What a fantastic way to spend your prime. If he was my son I'd let him know that I would bail him out if he needed me to, but I would be really happy for him

At that age? Go for it! It’s the age to experiment and make mistakes…

Are you sure?

I'm not specifically responding to the OP. I'm responding to people saying it's crazy to worry about this sort of thing. It's not.

I don’t even think the girl has asked him to carry anything, it was a throwaway comment he made. It’s a long term relationship rather than a one night stand, holiday romance, that sort of thing, indicated by the fact that they’re going travelling together.

The drama on here! 🤣🤣

She asks him to carry some stuff as 'it doesn't fit' in her suitcase.

@changecandles Except she hasn't though, unless I've missed something? HE has JOKED that he's going along to carry her luggage.

Sometimes you've just got to go for it and he is. Be there for him but let him follow his dream, we can only learn from our own mistakes if it goes wrong. Xx

@Clarabell77

I think this advice is more about randoms you’ve met on holiday, not long term partners ffs.
Hardly long term. They met in November. That's at the most 8 -10 weeks

Recruiters generally firm a quick relationship with mules. They gain their trust. Not saying that is what has happened here but you are naive if you think it's not possible. I've lived in SE Asia. It happens way more than we hear in the news.

Do not carry anything for anyone you don't know well and even then check it out thoroughly. A few weeks is not a long term relationship ffs

@ItFellOffAgain

Dear god, get a grip. He's going backpacking. He's 24. I'm sure he's seen enough programmes to know not to do this. He's not some daft sod who's been offered a 'free holiday' for carrying a suitcase....
Stop pissing on his chips, and stop worrying @ilosttheracoonjack . People have lives to lead!
Yes they have lives to lead. Not to languish in a Thai prison. I've lived there. This is NOT a joke. He hasn't known her long. She's travelling on her gap year. He loves her. She asks him to carry some stuff as 'it doesn't fit' in her suitcase.

It HAPPENS. A lot more than we see on the news. It is way more common than you realise. Don't be naive and come all Kumbaya live life when it comes to the customs authority.

Just tell him to physically check everything he may carry for her. EVERYTHING. Inside and out.

Especially going through SE Asia. Hotspot for drug smuggling.

He hasn't known her long. I'm sure she's fine but NEVER take chances even with your longest best friend when it comes to carrying items.

Tell him that's why they ask if you packed your own bags and know everything that's in there. It's not a joke. It's deadly serious.

Good for him!
If course you'll worry but it will be a fantastic experience for him

Thank you for starting this thread and thank you to all those who have posted encouraging experiences etc.
Our similarly aged DS has literally this evening told us he wants to give up his job and travel. He's is quite young in some ways (still lives at home), and inexperienced, so it will obviously be a worry, but you are all (on the whole) encouraging.

It’s completely understandable that you’re worried. That doesn’t mean that he’s making a mistake. If not now, then when? Life gets more complicated as we get older and we get more ties that bind.

Hardly much difference between 21 and 24 really... 3 years, 24 is still very young! And who needs to think it through carefully? OP or her son? It's nothing to do with OP he's an adult..yah ofc have a chat through with him but she doesn't have to 'think' anything through. Sounds like he's made his mind up and why not I say...Yolo!

24 is a great age to jump off the treadmill and go travelling. He has work experience behind him so will still be employable after travelling and will have an amazing experience. I did it when I was 30 with my boyfriend. I think we both got on each others nerves at times and we did split up after we got back but I have the most fantastic memories that will stay with me forever of the places we visited and the people we met. Just wish them a fantastic adventure.

How exciting for him to see some of the world!

He sounds responsible and mature! He already has a degree and has met someone he linear

Go him

Good for him. Living his best life while young

Well, it all sounds great! I expect it is a bit of a shock and you will miss him but I hope they are loved up and have loads of fun!