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Part 2: Traveling With 18-21 Year-Olds
1. Who Pays?
Traveling with the 18-21 year old group is tricky. Parents may be reluctant to leave them at home. Kids may not want to go...or, since you're paying, they might. If a child is working, it should be clear who is paying for what. If the parents invited the child, then it is probably expected they will pay for transportation, lodging, food and entry fees. Kids should kick in for their clothes, souvenirs and snacks. If a child is not working and the parent invited the child, then the parent pays for it all.
2. Ground Rules
Before the car rolls away from the house on the way to the airport or the turnpike, get the ground rules down:
* There have to be curfews at resorts or hotels
* Your child should not drive rental cars, period
* Kids have to respect the rules of the cruise ship night clubs (some are for 18 and over and some are for 21 and over)
* Drinking is prohibited on cruises for those 20 and younger
* But, in other countries, if it's legal, you should decide if your child will drink.
* Also, establish if the older sibling may have to watch over younger ones at least one night so that mom and dad can go out.
3. What to do?
The destination. Traveling with children is usually a family vacation. It is tricky, but a family vacation should incorporate something that all will enjoy at some point.
4. Guests?
Many times, the 18-21 age group child is more agreeable if a friend can come along. Unless there is another arrangement, this might be at the expense of the parents. And of course, significant others can be a sticky topic.
5. Bonding
Traveling with the 18-21 age group can be rewarding if you respect them for the young adults they are. This is a fragile time in your family as you set the stage for the adult relationship you will have as you both grow older. Since you raised them, you know they can be responsible young people. Trust them and allow them to see the friend side of you. Who knows? This may be the beginning of a beautiful adult traveling friendship with none other than your own kids!
MC is a certified teacher with courses in education and psychology.
Back to the NYC Traveler Blog
Kids, Travel & You:
Part 1: 5 Things to Remember
Part 2: Travel With 18-21 Year-Olds
Part 3: Kids and Europe
Part 4: 5 Tips for Road Trips
