Ellen... although it's been a real pleasure to share information with you, your group is starting to sound just a little paranoid... <BR> <BR>It is impossible to pin down just one reason why the kids SHOULD be allowed to go. Don't you think before they head off into the college years, they should be exposed to other cultures/customs/languages/craftsmanship/heritage/art/food/landscapes/architecture/music/etc etc etc etc??? <BR> <BR>Or would you rather they stay safe within their own small community, just because it's familiar and comfortable (and to your kids, possibly boring, predictable, uninteresting, been-there-done-that...)? <BR> <BR>The chaperones are presumably reliable people, who have every intention of making sure nothing happens to your kids. And your kids are probably more responsible and level-headed than you give them credit for. <BR> <BR>You gotta cut the apron strings SOMETIME - why not let the strings just stretch a little for now? After all, they're not MOVING overseas...they're just VISITING!!! <BR>

When my daughter was a sophomore in high school, she was asked to join a band trip through Europe. Till this day, she swears no other event has so positively affected her as much as her whirlwind tour thru Europe,,,it would have been criminal of me not to let her go!

Fodors <BR> <BR>I'm sorry I failed to reply on one point: "This is an eight day trip, including travel days. Too ambitious?" <BR> <BR>No. As Judy Rem says, a fast tour can make a great impression on a bright young person. And their stamina is far greater than that of their parenjts. It's true I'd give them a quiet day or two in the States on return -- if you can get them off the telephone ! <BR> <BR>It is not for a Londoner to judge the value or good judgement of such a journey, but you have excellent and well-thought-out replies from JM and from Judy Rem. I suppose that what I can say from this side of the ocean is that there is every sign that the USA will be as important to the world this century as last. We know, for example, what we owe to the many dead on Omaha Beach. It is of great value if the new American generation include many with some idea of cultures outside their own. If I may illustrate from British history, in 1938 Hitler occupied much of the Czech Republic. Our Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, said he would not go to war over "a distant land of which we know little." <BR> <BR>Ben Haines <BR>

Ellen first of all you must be one terrific mother, which is to say, you sound a whole lot like MY mother. When I was barely out of my teens my best girl pal and I, just by ourselves went off to back pack through Europe. During the late '80's. The whole time I knew my mother was on pins and needles with worry. Her and my father actually allowed me to use part of my college fund to take this trip and they fretted about that as well. Oddly enough, just this past weekend I had a sit down with my mother and we both were remarking on what a great thing that trip was for me. How it changed my life. If I had 400 more paragraphs I could not describe all the profound things that trip did for me. It opened my eyes to a different way of life, exposed me to different values, culture, history. It gave me confidence that I could survive. It instilled a love of travel and an appreciation of art and joy of living. Now, I can't lie and say that we spent every hour in museums. No, we partied like two young, blond girls-set free from their parents, know how to party! But that trip was so special, I get teary eyed just thinking about it. My best pal who went with me became a nurse and has kept up the travel, she is heading out on her second trek to Nepal and Mt. Everest! She plans to be a travelling nurse and help people all over the world. I believe , that trip we made all those years ago helped influence her decision. I am sorry this post is so long, but I feel so strongly that it is unfair to ask a young person to decide on their lifes course without letting them get out and see something of the greater world in which we live and experience the remarkable sense of global community. It teaches respect for oneself, the world and America.

Let 'em have it, Fodorites! Tell all those parents why the should let their little darlings go!

c'mon folks ---

DD just flew in the door announcing that her school is organizing a trip to Europe for next spring! What's up with these high schools?!! While the cost seems reasonable, don't they realize parents have college expenses looming ahead? What ever happened to going to Washington DC or Philadlphia? HELP!

Perhaps DD could get an after-school/weekend job (if she does not already have one), start babysitting, etc. and start saving her own money towards this trip and/or to help with her college expenses. I know I did this in high school and summers during college, as did most of my friends. Still managed to get good grades and have a social life. Wasn't thrilled about it at the time, but it did teach me that "money doesn't grow on trees" and gave me an appreciation for the financial support my parents gave me.

Getting a job is good advice, but do you people know how many extras there are in high school these days? And I'm talking public school. Especially for a senior? Not to mention sports fees, uniforms, music lessons, school supplies, clothes, dates out etc. etc. The cost is probably a BIT higher then when we were in school. And this is all before they even graduate!

See the next thread about a H.S. trip to France. Some excellent food for thought!

Hi Ellen, <BR> <BR>It doesn't sound to me as though the operator has chosen the 'least expensive" hotels. BestWestern and Thistle are definitely upmarket chains in the UK, and the Point is one of the most sought-after new hotels in Edinburgh, very avant-garde decor, and excellent food (I'm told). <BR> <BR>Tell your kids they MUST NOT MISS the Camera Obscura (in the Observation Tower, just below the Castle, on the "Royal Mile"). The Point is only a few hundred yards from the Castle, by the way, but it's a bit of a climb ! <BR> <BR>Regards, <BR> <BR>Chris

1)If you don't let them go you will be hearing about it for the rest of your life.("YOU RUINED MY LIFE" etc.) <BR> <BR>2)It's a good age to start getting some perspective.

Just a question....how many chaperones will be going with you? I just hate it when I see teens cavorting with no supervision....