<...but none in any notoriously seedy town or district>

Given the age of most European cities, all of them have some area known as a red light district. I wouldn't rule out places like Amsterdam because of their "sex and drug" reputation. If they aren't actively seeking out this past time, they will have no problem in these cities. In fact, Amsterdam's red light district in the day is safer than other areas of the city. If they avoid these cities because of their reputation they will be missing out on a good cultural and historical experience. And for the country, take France for example, they can base themselves in Tours and then train/bike to the villages in the Loire Valley and be perfectly safe.

If they keep their passport, $, train tickets, on their person (NOT backpack)and are aware of pickpockets they should be fine.

Now for the topic most parents don't want to discuss and the reason you probably wrote this post: Aruba on your mind?
I am sure some charming young men will ask them out dancing or for coffee sometime during the trip. If they feel the need to accept, they should meet them at a public place and stay on the main streets with lots of pedestrian traffic. Two young men with two young girls can easily turn into six or eight young men around the corner on a less populated street. The girls should be smart enough to not go off alone with strangers, no matter how nice they may apear. Never let a stranger walk them back to hotel/hostel and find out where they are staying. I have traveled solo in Europe more than once, just be smart about it. I will get bashed for this but girls who get into this type of trouble should never have gone off with a stranger to begin with.

I'm fascinated by the Victorian concept of Katteaux "allowing" or not allowing an adult to go where she damn well pleases.

And every responsible mother I know would be horrified ar the thought of their late teenage children, with time on their hands, staying in their home country.

Has this board strayed into a 19th century time warp? Or shold we put our watches back to the days of chastity belts next time we go to the US?

Flanner, whip a patent in sharpish!
As well as neck purses and bum-bags every American woman should also take the Flanneruk patent lightweight chastity belt.
You'll make a fortune

This question always brings out the cultural differences between the US and Europe.So far the European side has had the most votes, but wait until the US end wakes up and gets into its stride! O

Oh, please....the "Aruba thing.." that was a child whose Mother also insisted she was a "model" child and, of course, that the "model" would never do anything "wrong" or untoward..and a Mother determined to do anything to make certain that "image" isn't somehow shattered.

I don't necessarily agree that Europeans are necessarily any more "open minded" about the kids than anyone else. What I DO believe is that the more you keep some kids in a mold the more anxious they are to break out of it.

I'll take the european approach. I have no problem at all urging another person to let thier children go alone to Europe. However, with my own children, I reserve the option of doing the right thing.

How many of the "yes" voters have actually let thier own child do something like this?

I don't believe the responses here. For heaven's sake, at 17 and 18 aren't they going off to college? Off on their own? Do you really have to hold their hands at this stage? My 18-year-old is 3,000 miles away at college - I have no control over her at all. Just have to trust that the 17 years I spent with her gave her the means to live her own life responsibly. She's going to the Netherlands, France, and Italy this summer with friends. Whether she ends up in some "notoriously seedy town or district" is up to her, or up to fate. I'm sure she'll figure out what to do if she does.
The point is, they're NOT "your responsibility" anymore. You've done your job. Now let them go and do theirs.

I agree with StCirq. At that age they are old enough to make their own decisions. I don't have any children of my own, but as a 27 year old women I traveled to Europe many times, and never with my parents. I guess I'm just surprised by some of these comments, especially regarding the 20 year old daughter. I was engaged at 20 and married at 21, and there is no way my mom had that much authority over me at that age, rather she would have liked to or not. I think parents just have to trust that they brought their children up to be well-rounded and mature enough to travel around Eurpe by themselves, and understand that they are old enough to make their own decisions. Traveling through Europe is such a great learning experience, regardless of any mistakes they may make while over there.

Tracy

You know these kids, so only you can decide. There are 17/18 yr olds I wouldn't want going. Mine went, but I knew them and was comfortable with it. Mine went spring of their senior year for 3 wks with a few friends and had a blast. They've gone all over throughout college, summers, and love to travel.

It's the same anywhere - even in their U.S. travels - sketchy situations and sketchy people are everywhere. If they are responsible let them go. No one can promise you something won't happen, we can't promise each other something won't happen to our children while going about their daily business of living life anywhere, even in the U.S.

They are going to college, they better get savvy about lief and travel and sketchy guys and drinking and everything else - .....how things have changed, it wasn't that long ago people were married at 19, starting a marriage and having babies - let them go. I agree with whoever said your job in many ways is done - now it is up to them, with your advice, support, ideas - but it is up to them.

I would say yes. If they earn at least part of the money needed themselves, that is great and shows maturity. And of course you know your own daughter best. 8 weeks is a long time though (and would necessitate more funds). Better 4 weeks in some style than 8 weeks with little money per day.
Just wondering if anyone who objects to this, objects to 18-year olds serving in the Army abroad?

For those who say "no", would it be different if the girls wanted to take an 8 week road trip through the US? Is this a question of being in Europe, or simply being out by themselves?

I don't see any real difference between 8 weeks on the road in the US, and 8 weeks backpacking in Europe. In fact I might be more worried about the road trip!

When I was 17, I had a lot of growing-up to do. And I did it. At sea.

When I was 18, I was responsible for a squad.

At 25, I was responsible for thousands.

It all began when I was 17. Thanks to a solid home upbringing.

This is something my daughter and a friend are considering doing after graduating high school next year. I think they have the maturity and intelligence to handle it, so yeah, if they can plan it and pay for it, then I will probably let my daughter go (she will be 18 at that time, so I don't think I could stop her, could I?). However, I might have to convince my husband that it's OK.

Yeah, let them go. The worst that could happen is that they get beat up, sold into slavery, hooked on drugs or thrown in jail. Nothing to worry about at all.

Excuse me, but your children are always your responsibility, to one degree or another, no matter how old they are. Some say you can washing your hands of them, turn your back or let fate take over, but you know in your heart you can't do that.

You support and encourage them and let them make litle mistakes, but not huge ones that will mess up thier lives.

Only you can be sure that they are ready to travel across Europe.

Now, beong responsible for lazy, no good, city-slick relatives are another matter.

No, I wouldn't permit it. I studied in Europe and travelled around in my Junior year of college, but at that point I had the experience of living on my own and had more street smarts. There is a big difference between 17 and 20 when it comes to life experience. You could have the brightest child in the world, but the world is a pretty dangerous place, and you don't want to make a decision you would really regret later.

Given the descriptions you've given, these girls certainly seem sufficiently intelligent, mature, and well equiped to handle European travel. Thousands upon thousands of young people backpack through Europe every year without serious incident. If they go, they will have the time of their lives.

However, I can understand a parent's nervousness. Perhaps you could make arrangements for them to have a cell phone with them so you can reach them at any time.

"Author: rbnwdln
Date: 01/30/2006, 07:54 am
Not in a million years. Not for a month or two. I'm a mom whose kids have traveled all over the world but not at 17. Just my opinion and I have to say, I don't know anyone of my friends who would allow their kids to do this at that age....


Author: fuzzylogic
Date: 01/30/2006, 07:55 am
But being seriously old-fashioned, I would say "no" if you are paying for it.

I'm sure they would be fine but I do wonder how much they will appreciate it at that age. It's OK for Europeans - they can go at 16, or 18 or whatever, and can go again in their 20s or 30s or 70s. But for 2 young Americans? "

Blimey O'Reilly is this for real? How is this different for "2 young americans" than for European kids of the same age? There is no more cultural difference between Americans and French as there is between Croatians and English, or Germans and Spanish.

I went backpacking round Europe at 17, it has never occurred to me that my parents may have refused this right of passage.

Just to clarify....

When I said I was worried about the other guy, I wasn't talking about being led astray. As others have mentioned, I feel I raised my children well. I'm not worried about their judgement.

And as for having control over their decisions, as long as we continue to pay for their education, you damn well better believe we have some say in what they do!

Also, this has nothing to do with it being Europe. I would be far more concerned about a similar trip in the US, given crime statistics in this country.

17/18 is young, but it's not too young. They will be as safe in Europe as they will be in the US away at College where you will have NO IDEA what they are doing.

Have it be your treat and rent them a cell phone for the summer, that way you can be in touch with them whenever you need to be and they will feel safer when traveling.

Also, I would make them have an itinerary before they left, have hostels set up before they arrive at the city. When they're exhausted and want to be at their next destination, they'll be happy to know they have some place to stay, and you'll be relieved knowing they're not wandering around the seedy parts of the city looking for a bed.

I say yes. Thousands of kids that age do it every year. It will be an adventure they will never forget. Obviously I would do a lot of talking before they left. And hopefully they will listen.