Is this question for REAL? Thought this was a travel forum-not advice for mom's who can not make a decision.

Why the hostility Thomas? This post is completely appropriate as it relates to travel.

At the risk of irritating people like Thomas, I thought I'd check in to thank you all again for your help and to report on what we decided. We agreed to the road trip, after several heart to heart serious discussions that seemed to have impressed upon both young women the importance of not losing their heads, of keeping in check their naturally trustworthy, friendly natures, etc. etc. In fact, I showed them the postings on this site, which made for good discussion. The two are due back this evening, having just called from Detroit to give an estimated time of arrival. I worried through it all, but ultimately realized that in two weeks my daughter will be off on a college campus where she is going to have even fewer restrictions on her movement than she did during this trip. She has had a lot of fun, and just as importantly, she has gained self confidence and awareness of her surroundings that she didn't have a month ago.

Good to hear the update Carole. Hope they got all the way back home safe and sound. Sounds like you took a wise approach to the whole issue.

Carole, <BR> <BR>Thanks for the update -- I'm sure I'm not the only one who wondered how it all came out, and it seems to me it came out exactly right. Tell her we congratulate her and wish her well in college and in future travels. <BR> <BR>(I thought Thomas's post was uncalled-for, unnecessary, unhelpful, and also stupid. But that's just me.)

Hi Carole - I've been checking here every couple of days to see what your decision was concerning this. I'm glad the girls had a safe and enjoyable time. It was a maturing experience for them and I'm sure your daughter will always remember how you and your husband trusted her enough to let her go. Though you worried the whole time they were gone (which is completely understandable!), it probably has eased the transition a bit for you, for when she goes off to college. Great idea that you had her read all of these posts before going, that way she got advice/suggestions not just from mom! Other people's opinions sometimes have more of an impact that our parents' when we're young!