Teenagers going abroad without parents

[Welliwonder]

Dd is 17, 18 in the autumn. Her and another friend, same age, are wanting to go somewhere in Europe this summer on their own. They are not sure where yet but thinking of city break and then traveling to another city before flying home - Italy or France.

Both will likely be going to uni this year and will be nearly adults, but I still feel really anxious about it. They are both very sensible so I don't really think it's that - it's more the unknown. Will two teenage girls on their own be a target? Where would be safe to stay? Also throwing Covid into the mix. Any thoughts - anyone else's teen DC planning travel without adults?

I can't see any issue
Entirely up to them

7 years ago I went on a solo trip to Scandinavia with a friend age 17 and 1 week. We were fine. I love the freedom.

*loved

How much freedom did you have at 18 ?

Thanks Rno. I am not going to stop her - at nearly 18, how could I? But am still a worried mum - feel she is streetwise in some ways, but in other ways still quite young (pandemic has impacted on the independent experiences she might have had).

I went to Spain with my mates at 17 and again at 18. We had the time of our lives!! It was brilliant. She'll be fine.

My dd is the same age and I feel the same way. I went to Ibiza the summer after my GCSEs but of course these dc weren't even allowed to go to the big Tesco that summer. They have missed out on huge swathes of opportunities for growing up.

I put 16yo DS on a plane with his 17yo friend to Berlin. All worked out fine

DS went with some friends to Malta on their own all between 17 & 18 - I am not sure if this is what your DD is thinking of but it does have some historical bits and restaurants and seems a safe place.It was a sort of right of passage for them to go in a group between A Levels and University . However - some of their choices were probably dictated by cost. (No Covid restrictions at the time )

Friend of Ds went to Florence from where you can get to a fair few places on the train - I think you can get directly to Venice from there. The one place which springs to mind which I would not be happy for my teenager to go on their own would be Naples - but I would not be happy there on my own - went once on a trip and the trip organisers said don't walk around on your own at night - this was a group of much older adults. Quite a while ago - may be different now - but that would be the one I would instinctively worry about even though lovely & so handy for e.g. Pompeii , Sorrento.

Covid rules are obviously a separate thing - but in general I would be happy for 2 late teens to go to Europe on their own. I went twice at 16 and 17 with 2 others. Admittedly we lost our luggage on the ferry & my father had to speak to the man in the conning tower at Ostend to sort it out - but we survived.

I think having a booked hotel / hostel whatever is good idea rather than just turning up - & I know many do just set off.

But I think whilst you may worry, so many late teens do this. Having some idea of itinerary / where they are staying may allay your worry & just knowing they are going to be sensible with the important things.

All best

Thank you for the positive messages. It is a bit hypocritical of me, as I went to France with a group of friends age 17, and I was much less sensible than DD. But it was a package holiday whereas I suppose with independent travel there's no rep to sort things out for you.

I think you're right Basilisk, if they can book hotels or hostels in advance that would be better, and have a definite itinerary. Thanks also for suggesting Naples may be out. I think they are thinking of flying to Rome.

@Welliwonder The itinerary I just thinks makes sense because once arrived it makes so much more sense to know where you are going rather than lugging your suitcase around looking for somewhere to stay & missing out the time you could be doing better things. I do not think it is infantilising your daughter to suggest this So suggested for DD and friend not just you. If it were old fashioned interailing - well may be different - but I think planning ahead will pay dividends for them ( depending on how long they are going for. ) so e.g. if they can decide city no.2 they want to visit they can look at trains / hotels / hostels etc to facilitate that.

I think Rome would be lovely and if they can organise a train trip to another place ( I think Rome is well connected for rail ) they can get back to Rome & am sure return flights are cheaper if booked . But the point stands - they probably would rather do what they want rather than trailing around looking for a place to stay - much better if all of that booked and they can get on with enjoying themselves. Ds did also do a trip to Japan with a couple of friends - they researched everything forensically - down to booking train passes - they booked all nights' stay - where you can get money out ( not as easy as you would think ) - so many things including museums - which day they were open etc etc and they had a great time - apart from being very very cold on Mt Fuji.

Yes good point - much easier to enjoy a trip when you're not worrying about where to stay. I will worry, I know I will, but this has been a helpful thread.