Kids, Travel and You, Part 2: Traveling With Kids Ages 18-21
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
KIDS, TRAVEL AND YOU: PART 2
Traveling with Kids Ages 18-21
There are dozens of movies and television series that have traveling with families as either the main plot, or a sub-theme. And many times, there is always a storyline about the young adults in the family traveling with their parents. Some are comedies, with humorous situations that may have both parent and child nodding their heads in recognition while they laugh at the antics of the family trying to have a vacation together.
Then there are the college and teen movies showing kids at spring break literally going wild, traveling without their parents, since some of them have reached the age of majority and they are free to do whatever they want (theoretically). It's visions of this that probably sends scores of parents into panic attacks, but letting young adults travel on their own is part of the growing up process.
And, unspeakably, there are the news stories that may be tragic. It's this information that tempts parents to lock their young adults in attics from the time they are 18 until maybe their 30th birthday.
However, if you travel with your children from day 1, while they are very young, they will learn how to travel safely and responsibly on their own. They will learn how to organize a trip, how to negotiate websites, troubleshoot issues, and most importantly, behave appropriately. Parents can model desirable behavior such as driving legally, drinking responsibly, not using recreational drugs in front of children, behaving in a courteous, polite and professional manner when dealing with travel employees and staff, etc.
All of the above is well and good, if your adult children travel without you. Traveling with 18-21 year old adult children is a whole new dynamic, even if they have been traveling with you since they were toddlers. There is a new set of parameters to take into account and we have some tips and guidelines to help you plan, based on our research and experience.
Traveling with 18-20 year olds means they are adults but still are not permitted to indulge in some adult behaviors, like renting a car or checking into a hotel. In many locations, they will not be permitted to drink, smoke or purchase any of those items. Parameters will have to be established. But, if they break the law, they will certainly be treated as adults. It's an interesting time and young adults and parents alike will be navigating new territory as they forge ahead being friends, colleagues and companions. At this stage, parents are there to guide, not necessarily to discipline, scold or admonish, but there are still some rules and regulations that have to be put into place to ensure that everyone has a nice time traveling together, including younger siblings or relatives who may be along.
Traveling with Kids Ages 18-21
Tip 1. Who Pays? Traveling with the 18-21 years old group is tricky. Parents may be reluctant to leave them at home, if they still live at home. Adult kids may not want to go...or, since you're paying, they just 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 chip in for their clothes, souvenirs and snacks. If a child is not working and still receiving some sort of financial support from their mom and dad, and if the parent invited the child, then the parent pays for it all.
Tip 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; 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. Finally, as we stated in Part 1, remind your children that basically, you are still mostly responsible for them. But, realistically, also inform them that after a certain age, the law considers them adults for illegal activity and they will have to be held accountable for their actions.
Tip 3. What to do?: That depends on the destination. Since traveling with (almost) grown children is usually a family vacation, this can be tricky, but a family vacation should incorporate something that all will enjoy at some point. If you have traveled with your child all of their life, then you will already know how to plan the vacation. But if this is a get reacquainted venture, before you leave, go out to eat and talk about it. You might find out you have a lot in common or you may become adventurous and learn something new. Do day excursions first before getting on a plane or on a cruise ship. There’s nothing more unpleasant than not getting along thousands of miles away from home.
Tip 4. 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. Make an effort to treat them like adults and ask for their opinions such as where to eat or what to buy when you go shopping. Who knows? This may be the beginning of a beautiful adult traveling friendship with none other than your own kids. And if grandchildren come along, then the cycle will continue with each generation.
The NYC Traveler Presents Tips for Your Trips
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