eurotrip2k7

I'm graduating early from high school this year and a friend and I want to take an 18 day trip to Europe this Summer. I will be 17, and my friend will be 18. I was wondering if that will pose any major problems. Do most of the countries I.D. you (for drinking purposes )?

Any other tips would be great!
Thanks

glitterhairdye

I went and I only had problems buying liquor in grocery stores in Germany. But that was because it was near a school and they have problems sellling it to underage kids. But in bars and clubs I never did have a problem with it. Beer is legal for pretty much everyone, everywhere if you can see over the counter, liquor is usually 18, but if you're backpacking then they generally assume you're over 18 so it's not a big deal.

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I've been to 25 countries! Ask me where!
“Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” – Jack Kerouac
"I set out alone, finding no companion to cheer the way with friendly intercourse, and no party of travellers with whom to associate myself. Swayed by an overmastering impulse within me, and a long-cherished desire to visit those glorious sanctuaries, I resolved to quit all my friends and tear myself away from my home."
---Ibn Battuta, CE 1325

DC_Jessica

I found the "lack of restrictions" policies pretty similar to that of the states. For getting into clubs, for instance, they will most likely ID men and not women. (Not incl. gay clubs, but I dunno what their rules on exceptions are!) I went clubbing on a high school trip in Munich where we were pretty much all 16/17. OBVIOUSLY so. And the ladies got in, while some guys near the end got carded and refused entry. I never saw anyone ask for IDs in Italy. And when I went back later, after I was at least 18, NOBODY in Europe carded me. And I'm the type to look 12 no matter what I do.

Sounds like a great trip! I say go for it!!

__________________
"I set out alone, finding no companion to cheer the way with friendly intercourse, and no party of travellers with whom to associate myself. Swayed by an overmastering impulse within me, and a long-cherished desire to visit those glorious sanctuaries, I resolved to quit all my friends and tear myself away from my home."
---Ibn Battuta, CE 1325

Latest travel crushes - Arizona, Morocco, The Baltic States, Tunisia, Portugal, Mexico

kingcrazylegs

I went to Europe when I was 17 and it was no different then if I would have been 18. Go, and enjoy!

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all that is not given is lost

Tadpole

I went right as a I graduated high school two summers ago. I was 18 and my bro went with me, he was only 17. We went all over western europe and never had a problem with drinking or anything.

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"Sundace, I can't help you now."
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TheWills

Although your not gonna have an issue at all when your in Europe cause of your age I would still wait till your 18 simply for the fact that since your an american your gonna go over there and go buck wild! Cause you aint gonna be allowed to do it again at home for anothe 3 years, so I would say work the extra few months, save the extra couple of thousand dollars, make your trip a little longer and go harder!
Have fun in Europe its a serous party over there!
wills

Tadpole

^im gonna disagree that just becuase he's an american and young that he ais going to go buck wild. Yes the freedom to drink and party like that wont be legal for him in the states till he is 21. But I think if he has the passion, independence, and capability to travel at 17 then i say go for it.

That being said, TheWills is right. There isnt anything more annoying than a loud drunk, espeically if they are american.

PS (12)CLEMSON VS (13)GA TECH tonight!!! We are going to crush GA Tech!!!

__________________
"Sundace, I can't help you now."
~Butch Casady

blinkchick2134

I went to Europe for a month when I was 17...no problems at all!

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Amber

"If I had a kid I'd f**k it. Then kill it. Then f**k it again." Seattle 2006

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DC_Jessica

I was going to say that too - no reason to wait until you're 18! ESPECIALLY since as you get older, it gets way harder to go with someone. AND if you get a taste for it and get addicted, you can go on any school organized trips on spring breaks (awesome + cheaper if you go through the right club/group!). I don't think it will spoil you until you turn 21! Unless you go *too* far with the "well, during my time abroad we...."

And even still...!!!!

__________________
"I set out alone, finding no companion to cheer the way with friendly intercourse, and no party of travellers with whom to associate myself. Swayed by an overmastering impulse within me, and a long-cherished desire to visit those glorious sanctuaries, I resolved to quit all my friends and tear myself away from my home."
---Ibn Battuta, CE 1325

Latest travel crushes - Arizona, Morocco, The Baltic States, Tunisia, Portugal, Mexico

expatben

Yeah go for it. 17 is a fine age. Just be careful, safe and have fun

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I have been to: Canada, USA, Iceland, Britain, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Poland, Germany, Sardinia, Switzerland, China, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay and Morocco.

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[color=blue][i][font=Verdana][color=black]"I'm just another stranger lookin' for the promised land"

petalbear

I think you should go ahead and do it. Enjoy yourself and stay safe!

jaboba46

i'd as soon as the passport got to the house. i was in and out of canada for drinking when i was younger and found that once i got of age here in the states it wasn't as much fun because most bars don't carry what i like to drink. and those that do was an arm and a leg.... it gives you a reason to travel more then too. plus here in the states we don't have place that bring the beer to you.... gotta love beer express in canada.....

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come away, O human child!
to the waters and the wild
with a faery, hand in hand,
For the world's more full
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