Gap year travelling, advice needed on how not to be an over anxious mummy!

[HarlotOTara]

Title says it all really, my 18 year old dd going to the far east for 12 weeks next week. Although in theory I think it is great and am pleased that she has worked to save the money etc.. I am feeling very anxious and want to lock her in her room. Anyone got advice on how to cope and stop me texting her every day to see if she is still alive?

Going to uni after this will be a doddle esp. as she will be within driving distance .

When my dd1 went away we agreed the following:

1. she would have itinerary that she would sitck to

2. she would get to internet place at least every week, every 3 days if possible.

3. any changes to itinerary would be agreed between us (by email)

4. I would NOT text her (it would cost her a fortune to get them), I just sent email.

5. In an emergency I would text her.

In reality sometimes she wanted to speak to me more than I wanted to speak to her (4 am call from Australia to tell me she had seen a kangaroo!!). She had a fabulous time. I was immensely proud of her.

I agree with notsoclever's points apart from number 1. I went travelling with dh and I can remember his parents being very cross because we couldn't give them a day to day itinerary, it is impossible to be that precise.

I think number 2 on notsoclever's list is non-negotiable. I would also ask her to email you the names and mobile numbers (if possible) of people that she hooks up with whilst she is away, just so you have them in case of an emergency.

Thanks for the info. DD in Thailand, just as a state of emergency has been declared! However, thankfully she is not in Bangkok but was planning to be in a week's time before going south to the islands (which sounds dodgy too). Have emailed her foreign office info. so fingers crossed she takes note. It is hard not having so much control but I suppose we bring them up in the hope they can function by themselves.

Never thought I would find facebook so useful

If you're worried about security (especially in places of emergency), the Foreign Office now has a service called LOCATE where travellers can register with their itinerary:

www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/Locate/

I agree with all the points mentioned, including getting all the names and numbers (if possible) of people and places (accommodation booked etc.) she'll be visiting. It's good she has a mobile for emergency calls too.

Thanks for that Louise I will send the link on, thank goodness for the internet