luv2go

topping for poster interested in taking teens to Europe

Digital_Traveler

Fortunately they didn't take me, but rather sent me along with 2 of my friends. We were just 17 and we went with a student tour. This was a seminal experience in my life and I can't thank them enough. They have been over 50 times so they understood the value of european travel and have past that on to all their children.

amp322

Wow, I was 15 when I went alone to Europe, also! Must be some magic age. Stayed in Italy for 5 weeks playing in a music festival.

Patty

My parents also sent me to London when I was 15. It was one of those school group tours. Stayed in the biggest dump and had the worst food but a fantastic time and great memories!

SuzieC

At 15 I was sent on a 4 week tour of classical art - Italy and Greece. It was an adult art class that we kids could go on IF we passed. I passed along with 20 others and about 40 chaperones...sheesh. That said, it was THE best thing about my teenage years.. I think now as I look so faaaaar back!

mabern2

That is funny.....I have also had this thought in regards to my 12 YO. The first time I was in France was 2 years ago at the age of 30, not exactly the age that you should begin your backpacking travels but that is exaclty what my husband and myself did. Him and I went to France for 3 weeks and stayed mostly in hostels and had the time of our life!!! Hostels, trains and several picincs in the park. We did this to be able to spend less and stay longer but to also not be kept away from the experience. We had such a great time and met so many kind people and that is all we talk about to this day. This summer we are going back and taking our 12 YO son this time. I had the same thoughts regarding him being able to experince this for himself as a teenager, but I think it will show him at a younger age, than I was able to see, that there is a huge world out there to experience and that it is not out of his reach. Also there is SO much to see there will be plenty left for him to find on his own!!! Hope you have a great trip!!!

dan_woodlief

Don't I wish my parents had taken me to Europe! My parents have never been to Europe to this day. My daughter is just four and has already been to NYC, Gettysburg, and Charleston, and she keeps telling me she wants to see the world. I fully intend that by the time my two kids go to college they will already have been to several European countries, Asia, Latin America, Canada, and maybe Australia and Africa.