Globetrotting Teens: Tips for traveling alone
In honor of senior trips, vacation season and summers at Grandma’s, here are five tips for letting teens spread their wings and fly solo.
1. Plan ahead
Leave no room for error; book a nonstop flight to the final destination to avoid the sometimes confusing task of switching planes and navigating an airport. The fare may be slightly higher, but it’ll be no match for your peace of mind. In the case of an unexpected layover or detour, print out maps of the appropriate departure and arrival airports to include in a carry-on bag (these usually can be found on the airport’s website).
2. Be ready for anything
Help your child stay organized by packing a small travel pouch or manila envelope with all the necessary travel documents. These can include proper identification, passport, plane tickets, reservation confirmations and emergency phone numbers. Arm him with an emergency credit card for unexpected hotel stays, meals or cash withdraws for transportation.
3. Protect their assets
Though it’s likely not to happen, prepare your teen for lost luggage by packing his carry-on bag with an extra set of clothes, small toiletries and necessary medications. Before checking baggage, remind your young traveler to never let bags out of sight and stick to the airline’s weight restrictions for baggage.
4. Know when to let go
Most airports will allow parents to venture beyond security gates with a minor traveling alone. You can access the departure gate or meet an arriving flight, simply ask the ticket agent for a pass and be prepared to be screened by security. Discreetly let the ticket agent and gate attendant know that your child is traveling alone.
5. Know their whereabouts
Even though your teen is traveling, keep tabs on his activities the same way you do at home. Keep a copy of travel, hotel and other itineraries so you know his day-to-day whereabouts and can locate him in an emergency. Have your teen call home when he reaches his final destination, and anywhere in between. To ensure there are no excuses for not calling home, nothing says “We’ll miss you!” like a pre-paid calling card.