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Original poster

Post GCSEs abroad trip

29 replies

LaCerbiatta · 09/12/2025 14:03

Is this a thing? a trip abroad after finishing your GCSEs? DS keeps pushing for it saying that everyone does it. I really don't think it's a great idea - 4 or 5 16 years old boys with zero experience of being on their own in their own country let alone abroad. Current thinking is Barcelona, which is such a busy big city...

Hate to be the mean mum but not happy about this at all.....

OP posts:
amoosebouche · 09/12/2025 14:04

I wouldn't allow it, age 17 minimum (next Summer)

Anewgame · 09/12/2025 14:05

my ds hasn’t asked
and if he did… flat no.

I am planning to surprise him with tickets to a festival by the beach. In the uk. 2 hours from home. 3 nights camping. Him and his two besties. None of them know. I’m nervous but ok with this. No more though

MiddleAgedDread · 09/12/2025 14:06

too young IMO, I think post a-levels is a more appropriate time for this.

Anewgame · 09/12/2025 14:06

* 4 or 5 16 years old boys with zero experience of being on their own in their own country let alone abroad. Current thinking is Barcelona, which is such a busy big cit*

they will stick out like sore thumbs

at least you know they’ll be served alcohol…. No where including shops!!

ThatsCute · 09/12/2025 14:11

Yeah, my 16yo tried to convince me that this was a thing and waned to go to Paris with friends over the summer. I shut it down really quickly, and so did the other parents. 16yo kids running around a capital city abroad? Er, no.

MissAmbrosia · 09/12/2025 14:15

They will struggle with accommodation at that age. No-one wants a group of 16 yos without an adult.

boulevardofbrokendreamss · 09/12/2025 15:36

I doubt they’d get accommodation and no I wouldn’t even contemplate allowing it.

Original poster
LaCerbiatta · 09/12/2025 16:03

Thank you so much for validating my concerns! DH is inclined to let him go and all the other parents think it's a great idea 🤨

I think we haven't been firm enough on this and created alse hope. Will have to make a decision and stand firm!

OP posts:
Rawoats · 09/12/2025 16:18

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Original poster
LaCerbiatta · 09/12/2025 16:20

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That's a good point. Haven't heard directly from them but tbh not surprised they've agreed to it, at least 2 of them.

OP posts:
RainbowBagels · 09/12/2025 16:21

No especially not Barcelona. They'll have their stuff nicked in seconds. Doubt they will be able to book accommodation without an over 18 in each room.

Moveoverdarlin · 09/12/2025 16:21

Nope nope nope. 18 is the magic number. They can go abroad at 18. Anything before that they are a child.

FrenchandSaunders · 09/12/2025 16:23

The usual post GCSE trip around here is Reading or Leeds festival. Abroad is usually the following year or post A levels.

LittleGreenDuck · 09/12/2025 16:23

I wouldn't shut it straight down if I was my DS (currently Y12). Purely because I know him and his friends and they are all well travelled sensible kids. I think they'd struggle to find suitable accommodation and I'd be picky on the destination . Would definitely be more comfortable if they waited until post A Levels.

LittleGreenDuck · 09/12/2025 16:24

Anewgame · 09/12/2025 14:05

my ds hasn’t asked
and if he did… flat no.

I am planning to surprise him with tickets to a festival by the beach. In the uk. 2 hours from home. 3 nights camping. Him and his two besties. None of them know. I’m nervous but ok with this. No more though

Boardmasters?

Rawoats · 09/12/2025 16:24

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gogomomo2 · 09/12/2025 16:25

At that age camping or a youth hostel within 2 hours drive from you is far more sensible! Post gcse trip to the Reading Festival is a thing where we lived

ChristmasMantleStatue · 09/12/2025 16:29

God no.

But mine is quite a loner, thoroughly innocent and walks around in a bubble inside his own head and doesn't have any friends IRL so it would not come up.

We are planning a big family trip to Australia where his GPs and cousins live though.

FWIW- I have only known one single occasion where post-GCSE boys did a trip on their own. For kids who are much more wordly and independent and even then although they were doing a rail trip through a Europe, they had a parent trailing them about a day behind and leaving them alone unless it was neccessary. (Said parent had recently been made redundant so was deputised by the other parents).

Rawoats · 09/12/2025 16:34

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Sunshineandgrapefruit · 09/12/2025 16:34

I may have asked my dad, will not be allowing her to go with her mates!

Disasterclass · 09/12/2025 16:38

For those who go away it’s more normal for a local trip post GCSEs and abroad after A levels. Local trip usually a festival/ camping/ youth hostel type trip.

Original poster
LaCerbiatta · 09/12/2025 18:28

Thanks all, this is really helpful!

OP posts:
mrsjoyfulprizeforraffiawork · 09/12/2025 18:36

As others have suggested, I went with 3 schoolfriends youth hostelling on the Isle of Wight after my O-levels. I was 15 and it was quite adventurous for my first holiday without family. Good way to start.

HawaiiWake · 09/12/2025 18:40

Very few places to stay for a group of 16 years old. One option is parents go and leave them to plan the day and sort themselves out. Better option is not a big city but smaller places or towns.

Original poster
LaCerbiatta · 09/12/2025 21:50

HawaiiWake · 09/12/2025 18:40

Very few places to stay for a group of 16 years old. One option is parents go and leave them to plan the day and sort themselves out. Better option is not a big city but smaller places or towns.

Yes would happily do this and just be close by but out of their way. It's a resounding no though!

OP posts: