Teens Traveling Alone: Tips For A Successful Journey
It is quite common these days for teens to travel alone. Today's teens are more independent than their predecessors, and most are familiar with caring for themselves when parents are at work or away from home. Whether going to visit relatives or vacationing with a companion, traveling alone can be an exciting experience for a teen if he is well-prepared; however, without proper preparation, the journey could turn into a disaster. Below are some helpful tips that will ensure that your teen will have a successful journey.
Before planning your teen's trip, consider whether or not he is mature enough to handle traveling alone. Talk to your child, and ask him how he feels about setting out by himself. Ask if he has any concerns or fears, and if so, try to deal with them in a way that will make him comfortable and confident away from home.
When you book your teen's flight, shop around for an airline that has the best accommodations for teens. Age limits for traveling alone vary from airline to airline, so be sure to ask before booking a flight. If you want your child to have some supervision, you can pay an extra fee for him to travel as an "unaccompanied minor," and he will be supervised on the plane trip, and escorted on and off the plane. If there is a layover, he will be helped to the next flight.
Be sure that your teen knows how to find help if he gets lost, or has a mishap, such as losing his money. It is wise to send a cell phone along, so that he can call home if he needs to, and also to keep in touch during his trip. Give him enough pocket money for food, and other necessities that may arise. A prepaid Visa or Mastercard is a good alternative to cash. Instruct him not to pull money out in front of strangers, and what to do if someone confronts him for any reason. There are plenty of attendants and security personnel available at a moment's notice, and he should not be afraid to approach them.
If your teen will allow you to, help him pack for the trip. Be sure he has proper clothing for the expected weather, and any toiletries he will need. Teens tend to forget details, so your help may be welcomed! Also, provide him with entertainment for long flights, such as an iPod, portable game-player or iPad. If there are in-flight movies offered, they often must be paid for with a credit or debit card.
Instruct your teen ahead of time how to read the arrival and departure screens. He should also know how to find his gate. Again, an escort can be of help, or he may be independent enough to find things on his own. It is also important to make a plan with the person who will be picking him up from the airport. Things like where to meet, and where he should wait should he get lost will ease his mind.
Last, try to keep your own worries and fears to yourself, and tell your teen goodbye confidently and lovingly. It is hard to let go, but rest assured that you have done all you can to make his journey a wonderful experience.
It is hard to watch our children leave the safe, secure nest they have always known. But, if you have raised your teen to be an independent, confident individual, you can trust that he will take care of himself, have a great time and return home with many stories to tell!
