travelling abroad

[pipparooney]

my son wants to travel abroad with his friend in july. They are both 17. Can he book without my consent. I am not too keen on the idean as he is very young for his age. Or am i just an old bore?

[raysparx]

you are bound to be worried,but it is so easy to keep in touch,you shouldn't be to alarmed, as they say, you have to let them go, to keep them close, hope it works for them

[waimarie]

Hi pipparooney, my mother died aged 94 and right to the last I was her baby, blue eyed boy so I shouldn't worry too much about your feelings !!

Without poking your nose in, what about giving a bit of support ?? . Discuss the places they are hoping to visit and show some interest in brochures and their reasons for these choices. I still cringe at some of the mistakes I made at his age but hey, I'm still here !!

By showing interest in their plans you are also expressing a show of confidence in your son which I'm sure will be appreciated.

Of course the trick in all this knowing when to keep your mouth shut and let nature take its course. And I still haven't mastered that one !!!

[pipparooney]

Thanks, I know I need to let him loose on the world and make his own way and mistakes. But even if I supported him in this little venture, is he allowed to book the holiday if I dont do it for him? Once abroad will the hotel except them? Will he be able to get travel insurance? Plus I am sure he will want to go to clubs and bars, what is the age limit for drinking. (He does have the occasional drink of wine and the odd pint but he's not a big drinker)

[spudqueen]

Is there anyway that you could go on holiday to the same place at the same time (possibly different hotel) so that he knows you're around if there's any problems but you're not getting in each others hair?
Sorry, I don't know if it's legal for him to book a holiday etc, you could try asking a travel agent.

[raysparx]

may have problems booking,because a lot of places don't like single lads,but you could suggest you go to the travel agents with him, they will be able to get into most clubs,and be served with drinks, apart from USA where you have to be 21 and they are strict. Travel insurance should not be a problem,but book that yourselves don't do it via travel agents they are very dear. And trust him,let him go with your blessing, just tell him to keep in touch via mobile & e- Mail.

Good luck

[mkt]

at 17 many tour operators will let him travel but in most cases they'll require permission in writing from the parent/legal guardian and also at least one of the party must be over 18 i order to act as guardian and to also sign the booking documents which are like a legally binding contract.

[dot.hawkes]

he is too young, don't allow it, there will be lot's of chances later, let them go somewhere in UK first. see how they cope

[pipparooney]

Thanks again for all your thoughts. Its given me a lot to think about. I have not said no to him but have said i am a bit unsure about it. I think if there was an person who was already 18 going with them i would feel a bit better about it. I think i will suggest a weekend in Filey! only joking, but i think i will suggest a weekend away in the uk first and see how they go on.

[pipparooney]

dot.hawkes, thanks for that it never even entered my head to suggest that to him. I hope he goes for it. He is a good lad and always respects my answers. I just hope he doesn't think i am restricting him too much.

[morg_monster]

Newquay would be a good place for them to go. It is full of young people, they can camp or maybe stay in a surfers hostel. Only problem (not for you!) with the UK is that unless he looks 18 he will have problems getting in to any bars or clubs. In Newquay he will probably have even more problems since they have so many underage kids there, they are quite strict - no fake ID gets past them! But still, they could have a good time, they could have some surfing lessons, meet some girls their own age on the beach. There are usually some under-18s nights too, especially at the 'tall trees' night club.

If your son was ok with it, Newquay might even be the kind of place you could go together - you can drop them off at the beach in the morning and then see them in the evening, while you go for a nice walk or to a quieter beach... there are plenty of family dining pubs you can take them to and buy them some beers and keep an eye on them without embarrassing them too much.

[lady_p_gold]

Oh don't worry .. blimey I left the UK on my own when I was 18 and went to work in New York for a year and I didn't know a single soul ..... looking back now I wonder if my mum was worried !!!!!!

[lady_p_gold]

Also .. .he could be legally married with a family by now .. better that he is 'seeing some of the world' ....

[pipparooney]

Lady_p_gold, if he was 18 i wouldn't worry so much because i would know he was legally allowed to be there. I would still worry a little but i would be happier about it.

True he could be married and have a child by now. God! lets not go there he can just about look after himself..

[chris_fraser]

Hey am 17 and going on holiday to bulgaria in June with my mate who is only 17, certain tour ops dont let u travel without someone 18 but club 18-30 , first choice def do aslong as u have a writen letter from each parent and one parent needs to sing consent form in travel agent for them goin...if u dont give him consent ther is noway he could go..mind u unless u wrote a letter sayin its from u but at least 1 parent from either ur sons family or his mates family need to sign letter in travel agency, but if his mate is 18 u couldnt stop him. btw let him go, am goin with club 18 - 30 to bulgaria lol