Going on vacation without their parents is a significant milestone for numerous teens.
Although — needless to say — it could cause one or two weeks of worry for numerous parents, who are anxious regarding their children’s well-being.
Parents frequently worry about whether their children are mature enough to handle possible vacation hazards—issues like excessive drinking, drug use, accidents from balcony falls, and overexposure to sunlight being typical concerns.
Yet, at what age is someone considered mature enough to travel on vacation without their parents … and still remain safe?
It’s an issue often brought up in conversations
Mumsnet
, and the parent website’s creator and
CEO
Justine Roberts says: “For
Mumsnet
Users, determining if a teenager is prepared for a vacation away from their parents isn’t so much about their age but rather about their level of responsibility.
Typically, parents search for indicators such as preparing a proper meal, managing their own schedule, handling finances, and making sound choices—particularly concerning matters like alcohol.
Many parents believe that around ages 17 or 18 is appropriate for teenagers to go on their first trip with friends. A few argue that 16 could be acceptable under specific circumstances—particularly when the teenager demonstrates high maturity levels and travels with responsible older peers—but generally speaking, most prefer the earliest suitable age to be 17.
She also highlights that reaching the age of 18 reduces legal and practical hassles associated with traveling, making everything simpler.
Matt Buttery, the CEO at
Triple P UK & Ireland
The parenting program emphasizes that each family is unique and underscores, “There isn’t a universal solution regarding when parents ought to permit their teens to travel without them.”
Parents ought to take into account both their teenager’s age along with their level of maturity and capability to manage daily responsibilities.
Tanith Carey, who wrote “What’s My Teenager Thinking?” (published by Dorling Kindersley at £16.99), advises parents worried about their teenager leaving home alone for the first time to consider the advantages this experience may bring to their child.
“Rather than viewing your impending vacation as an agonizing stretch filled with constant worry for you, consider the self-discovery opportunities and cherished memories they will gain,” she suggests.
The reality is, their chances of encountering severe incidents overseas are likely similar to those at home, and their behavior will most likely not exceed what you’d typically see at an ordinary teenage gathering or during a night out in any UK city center.
Nevertheless, regardless of potential advantages, parents will likely continue to fret about whether allowing their teenager to embark on a solo trip is the correct choice. Yet, there are measures you can adopt to possibly alleviate some of this concern…
1. Agree communication methods
Buttery indicates that after a parent consents to letting their teenager travel without them, mothers and fathers might experience reduced anxiety if they can maintain dependable means of communication with their child throughout the break.
“If parents believe their teenager is prepared, the crucial factor is maintaining clear, open, and truthful dialogue,” he clarifies.
It’s crucial to talk about expectations, establish limits, and decide on communication strategies before they leave. The aim isn’t to micromanage each step, but rather to support their confidence and safety throughout their absence.
Carey cautions that interactions should remain minimal, perhaps limited to a family WhatsApp group. She advises against making them constantly update you, as this might imply you believe they cannot manage independently.
You’re probably going to hear more from them if you avoid grilling or bombarding them with numerous questions about their activities.
2. Assist them with planning their journey
Buttery suggests that parents might consider collaborating with their child to organize the trip, provided the child allows them to do so. “Doing this keeps you updated on their itinerary and provides an opportunity for some quality family bonding,” he notes. Additionally, it enables parents to clearly outline the local laws and travel recommendations at the destination to their kids.
3. Demonstrate your faith in them
Regardless of whether you’re part of organizing the trip or not, maintain a positive attitude as they make their arrangements. Carey suggests: “Gently express your curiosity in a manner that indicates you believe they are capable of handling things independently. This approach avoids suggesting that they cannot manage without you, potentially reducing anxiety or secrecy regarding their actual activities during the vacation.”
If you maintain a positive attitude, they might include you in their plans more often, and you’ll have greater peace of mind knowing they’re secure when they’re not around.
4. Share travel tips
Carey recommends that when your teenager seeks advice about traveling, you should pass along the insights gained from your personal experiences. This can include practical safety measures such as purchasing travel insurance, making copies of crucial papers, and keeping track of emergency contact information.
“Get them to do a bit of research or check out some
YouTube
Travel guides along with details about typical tourist scams in that country can be beneficial,” she suggests. “This might prevent any unpleasant surprises.
5. Use location-sharing apps
Roberts mentions that along with steering clear of locations notorious for pickpocketing or drink-spiking incidents, numerous parents utilize technology such as location-tracking applications. “This way, they can monitor their teenagers without incessantly bothering them,” she explains.
“Often, they establish group chats with other parents to exchange information and find comfort.”
6. Stay informed about security conversations
Instead of boldly stating ‘Do not do this, do not do that,’ Carey suggests that parents emphasize safety from a third-person perspective. For instance, they might say that avoiding activities like combining alcohol with elevated spaces, such as hotel balconies, is something everyone needs to adhere to, irrespective of their age.
“Your teenager might be seeking their independence, yet they probably don’t wish to find themselves in a foreign hospital,” she notes.
Inform them that accidents become far more probable when consuming alcohol or drugs, and Carey recommends: “Make sure they understand that appearing noticeably intoxicated can draw unwanted attention from criminals targeting visitors. They might not show it, but your teenager is still paying attention.”
7. Propose implementing a ‘ buddy system’
Roberts mentions that Mumsnet users frequently recommend that young travelers implement a ‘buddy system’ to make sure they’re always accompanied by at least one friend, highlighting that this can help prevent anyone from finding themselves in a dangerous situation alone.
8. Propose tactics to sidestep peer influence
When individuals reach about 17 years old, Carey suggests they are less prone to yield to peer influence compared to earlier years. However, she cautions that it can still occur.
They can still encourage one another to consume excessive amounts of alcohol and engage in dangerous activities,” she explains. “Guide them to think back on instances where they felt uneasy or hesitant about following a friend’s suggestion. Assure them that it’s perfectly fine to rely on their instincts.
She recommends discussing how they can politely decline if their friends pressure them to do something they’re uneasy about, such as saying: ‘I’m not up for it,’ ‘No way, that doesn’t appeal to me,’ or ‘Let’s avoid doing anything that might mess up the rest of our trip.’
Roberts further notes: “Above all, parents desire assurance that their teenager will adhere to established guidelines, maintain communication, and act (reasonably) wisely.”
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