I'm a high school senior who plans on taking a solo trip abroad early this summer after graduation. I wanted to spend a couple of weeks in London, but my stepdad doesn't seem to be fond of the idea. I don't know if it's because he doesn't like the idea of me going to some foreign country alone or if it's the fact that I plan on spending the whole trip in one city.

Anyhow, he went to AAA and got some information on a company that does group trips for people 18 to 35 years old. The problem is that I was looking forward to doing a trip on my own, getting to know a city and doing things at my own pace -- see all the museums, the landmarks and architecture, and maybe see Equus, along with other plays (at matinee prices, mind you). The program, however, covers many different cities over two or three weeks. Also, some of the stops are dedicated to getting drinks at bars or visiting distilleries. I don't plan on drinking and I don't want to be around people who are.

So, I am in need some advice, O Wise Travelers. Do I spend two weeks getting to know a city like I know the back of my hand at the risk getting stir crazy? Or do I spend two to three weeks visiting dozens of European cities with strangers older than me? Keep in mind that I've never been out of the U.S. before except for a visit to Canada, and I am on a tight budget due to future college expenses (and possibly another trip before the end of summer? )

Thanks, all, for your time.

Perhaps I should mention that I wouldn't mind visiting these other European cities -- in fact, I'd be thrilled. I just worry if it's too many placed too quickly.

Talk to your stepdad and find out exactly what his resistance is first. Then offer up some ideas to counter them and show him that you understand his concerns. Also, let him know that you're afraid the group trips in the brochure seem a bit too hectic and you're afraid everything will be a blur. Likely, he'll understand that and will help find a happy medium.

Some of those group tours are EXTREMELY busy and hectic so I think you're wise to want to slow down.

The fact that your stepdad is OK with your going with a group, sounds like he's more concerned about your being alone in a foreign country. So, think about ways to reduce your "aloneness" for at least part of the time. Perhaps you can find a more relaxed tour to join? Or, maybe you can find some day tours out of London and make arrangements to take them throughout your stay? That may be enough "group togetherness" to make your stepdad happy and still allow you to do what you want.

First, you need to ask your Dad straight out what exactly is his hesitation. You can't really make a decision or even have a discussion until you understand what part of the trip he isn't so keen on.

I would travel on your own not with a tour group. You sound like you have common sense and certainly don't want to end up on a 'party bus' dashing about, when you'd rather be seeing London at your own pace in an intelligent way.

While London might be appealing because of being English-speaking, it is also one of the more expensive cities to visit. You'll need to really do some research to find a low-cost place to stay. Perhaps looking into student housing (like at colleges when they are not in session and rent dorm rooms) or hostels. Many museums and various things are free so that part would be OK.

I think spending 2 weeks in 1 city is an excellent idea.

Good luck, suze

p.s. I cannot imagine you will be "stir crazy" if you choose to spend 2-3 weeks in a city like Paris or London!!! Hardly time to scratch the surface.

I agree about talking to your Dad.

I have been traveling alone for many years. Sometimes I do tours and sometimes have gone alone. I am never lonely and usually have found people to join for part of the trip. Last time I did it completely alone was California just before the murders at Yosemite. I feel safer on tours. Not that it would prevent me from having something happen, but at least someone would miss me.

It does sound great to explore one city and get to know it. The types of tours he picked up seem to suggest he wants you to explore more. Maybe you could find a tour that just goes to a few places for a few nights apiece and London. A week in one place might be enough, but impress him with doing your homework and then approach him with all you want to do to fill up your time. I am surprised he came up with a tour that spends so much time exploring drinking. You could go to AAA with him and discuss with the agent what you are interested in and then make a better choice.

Good Luck