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Traveling Alone or Family Travel Whether you want to travel alone, or travel with the kids, parents, or granny, this forum is for you!

Raileurope.com: See Europe by train
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Old 12-13-2005, 09:41 AM   #1
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My name is Jennika and I am a high school senior I will be graduating in late march...for my graduation present my dad is paying for me to go anywere in the world and back...pretty sweet right? Well I dont have anyone to go with me and I will not be 18 yet...what do i do...my dad says its a now or never kinda oprotunity...help?!
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Old 12-13-2005, 10:04 AM   #2
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I'm the biggest proponent of solo travel you'll ever find, so I say go for it!

As for not being 18 yet, don't worry about it. If you're not a hard partier, it's not an issue at all, and even if you are, being carded in Europe seems to be totally and completely optional.

I think we've had a handful of young travelers put up their experiences on this site - SimplyAngelic recently pulled off her European Tour 2005, I believe solo as well... So don't fret. If you've got the opportunity, take it! You're gonna love it and starting young with an experience like that is a chance a lot of people just don't get.
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Old 12-13-2005, 10:08 AM   #3
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so it dosnt matter if im 18 or not i could still stay at hostels and what not???
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Old 12-13-2005, 10:25 AM   #4
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Yeah, you'll be fine... I've seen plenty a young teenager staying at hostels. Generally they put more restrictions on older folks like me
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Old 12-13-2005, 10:37 AM   #5
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it's a true story!

PM Simply Angelic or Tadpole to get their first hand experiences of europe through the eyes of someone not yet legal!
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Old 12-13-2005, 01:02 PM   #6
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I saw alot of young travellers out there in Europe. I mean alot of the stuff you're going to want to see have no age restrictions. Like attractions, scenery, museums and all the lot!

Going by yourself is amazing and TOTALLY rewarding. You just gotta keep your wits about ya and remember to not stress out. What a cool present!!

Jenn
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Old 12-13-2005, 01:20 PM   #7
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Jennika,

While I am not dealing with the underage issue, I did debate on whether to go alone or not. Not sure if this is an issue for you but I was worried that I would end up lonely and isolated. However I've decided to go solo because I think the experience will be more rewarding, and I ususally don't argue with myself on which way to go (though sometimes it gets scary). Also, I'm avoiding hotels as much as possible (except for the occasional good nights sleep) so I'll be staying in hostels and I'm going to try and set up some couch surfing (couchsurfing.com) to get some real culture exposure.
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Old 12-14-2005, 07:51 AM   #8
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Quote:
I ususally don't argue with myself on which way to go (though sometimes it gets scary)
HA HA!!!

I never argued with myself either, not that I recall. Definitely good advice. :D

Jenn
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Old 12-14-2005, 09:31 AM   #9
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well thanks for your help and advice...i kinda slept on it last night and i think i could do it alone and the trip would be so much more of a benefiacial experice to me becoming an adult. Thnx <3
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Old 12-14-2005, 11:01 AM   #10
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[size=1][size=1][size=1]
Quote:
Originally posted by Jennika@Dec 14 2005, 09:31 AM
well thanks for your help and advice...i kinda slept on it last night and i think i could do it alone and the trip would be so much more of a benefiacial experice to me becoming an adult. Thnx <3
[snapback]92841[/snapback]
Something else. One of the guys I work with went solo several years ago. He ended up meeting people on trains and in hostels and would end up hanging with them for 2 or 3 days, going to places he hadn't planned on. For me this means I need to be "social" (vs. my normal Type B personality) and not to make my plans too concrete. I just might end up in a wonderful place I've never heard of!

Also, I've never done it, but a lot of these T-Punkers meet up while travelling. I'll buy a round if anyone's in Italy, Greece, France or England in April-May of 2006!
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Old 12-14-2005, 11:16 AM   #11
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Go for it, i hope the email helps!
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Old 12-14-2005, 05:25 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally posted by scotters@Dec 14 2005, 11:01 AM
Also, I've never done it, but a lot of these T-Punkers meet up while travelling. I'll buy a round if anyone's in Italy, Greece, France or England in April-May of 2006!
[snapback]92858[/snapback]
You should give me your itinerary, I'll be in and around Europe mid May!
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Old 12-14-2005, 05:34 PM   #13
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and i...france-germany-england-??? in mid may till end of june!
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Old 12-14-2005, 06:19 PM   #14
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I dont have an itenerary yet but i will most definatly keep in contact.
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Old 12-14-2005, 06:28 PM   #15
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I am all for traveling alone as well. You meet so many people along the way and make friends pretty easily.

And...if thats a picture of you in your avatar....you will have absolutely no troubles as far as getting id'd. You look older than 17! You little hot mama...
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Old 12-15-2005, 05:47 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally posted by Slacker@Dec 14 2005, 05:25 PM
You should give me your itinerary, I'll be in and around Europe mid May!
[snapback]92955[/snapback]

I have yet to define it exactly (I have to finish my finals first!) but it goes something like this:

Depart SFO April 3 to Athens:

7 or so days in Greece, then
10 - 14 days in Italy, then
7 or so days in France, then
10 - 14 days in England & Scotland, then
Fly home May 18 from Heathrow.

My plane ticket is bought. Im trying to stay flexible cause I don't know too much yet. I'm planning on beginning my Europe studies after the new year. I'm most excited to see Italy, Venice, Pompeii, Rome, etc, etc....

Woo Hoo!!!!
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It's a dangerous business going out your front door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet there's no knowing where you might be swept off to...

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Old 12-15-2005, 08:24 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally posted by benna2@Dec 14 2005, 06:28 PM
I am all for traveling alone as well. You meet so many people along the way and make friends pretty easily.

And...if thats a picture of you in your avatar....you will have absolutely no troubles as far as getting id'd. You look older than 17! You little hot mama...
[snapback]92973[/snapback]
thanx..ya that is me slightly altered but still me...
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Old 12-16-2005, 04:42 AM   #18
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You don't need any plan, trains and buses leave everyday for every destination and from what I've seen the trains are never full, buses are a different storey though.
The best thing about turning up at the station and just buying the ticket for the next available way out of town is that you won't miss the train and end up buying the ticket again. And if there is no train, what harm, back to the hostel, few pints, you'll be grand.
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Old 12-16-2005, 03:07 PM   #19
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im to much of a planner for that...eh
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Old 12-16-2005, 04:38 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally posted by MeTurk@Dec 16 2005, 07:42 AM
You don't need any plan, trains and buses leave everyday for every destination and from what I've seen the trains are never full, buses are a different storey though.
The best thing about turning up at the station and just buying the ticket for the next available way out of town is that you won't miss the train and end up buying the ticket again. And if there is no train, what harm, back to the hostel, few pints, you'll be grand.
[snapback]93323[/snapback]
really the only way to go. you'll find waking up one day you dont want to go and have no reason not to stay.
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