would you allow your 17 year old and friend to travel alone in Vietnam for 2 weeks?

[Anonymous]

They'll be 18 in early fall.
They can get visas as 17 year olds and hotels will allow them to check in (and we will make reservations in advance)
They have numerous contacts in Vietnam, international calling and data, cash in hand, etc.
Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Also, they are male.

[Anonymous]

Nope

[Anonymous]

No

[Anonymous]

No way

[Anonymous]

Not a chance

[Anonymous]

Is this their first international travel? Are they trustworthy and independent? Plenty of 18 year olds take trips abroad but Vietnam isn’t the easiest country. I think I’d hear them out about their travel plans, how they are going to keep their money & passports safe, etc.

[Anonymous]

NO!!!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is this their first international travel? Are they trustworthy and independent? Plenty of 18 year olds take trips abroad but Vietnam isn’t the easiest country. I think I’d hear them out about their travel plans, how they are going to keep their money & passports safe, etc.

They've both been overseas at least a dozen times, including to Asia (but with parents).
They are trustworthy and independent. Not risk takers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They'll be 18 in early fall.
They can get visas as 17 year olds and hotels will allow them to check in (and we will make reservations in advance)
They have numerous contacts in Vietnam, international calling and data, cash in hand, etc.
Thoughts?

If they aren’t mature and organized enough to make their own hotel reservations- then no. 17 is old enough to travel but they have to be totally independent if it’s to Asia. You won’t be able to help them or organize it for them from the US if say the hotel reservations fall through or they can’t figure out how to get there from the airport.

If they are really interested in Asia and you don’t think they are independent, then I’m sure there’s some kind of organized program they can go on.

If they want to become more independent solo travelers then have them plan a solo trip themselves some place easier - maybe US-based or Europe. But THEY have to plan it and manage it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is this their first international travel? Are they trustworthy and independent? Plenty of 18 year olds take trips abroad but Vietnam isn’t the easiest country. I think I’d hear them out about their travel plans, how they are going to keep their money & passports safe, etc.

They've both been overseas at least a dozen times, including to Asia (but with parents).
They are trustworthy and independent. Not risk takers.

So why would you book their hotel rooms for them? Other than making sure they have access to a credit card for emergencies, this is basically all or nothing. They need to be capable of handling all the details.

[Anonymous]

OP here.
"We" as in "the kids and parents." The collective we.

They have independently chosen their travel route and hotels. We (parents) have reviewed their proposal for feasibility. We have also reviewed their proposed flights to make sure they make sense.

[Anonymous]

absolutely not

[Anonymous]

For kids like yours who have travelled a lot overseas, I would allow it depending on what they wanted to do. For example, I would allow a couple days in HCMC with a few day trips planned with reputable companies plus a few days at the beach and a reasonable plan for getting to the beach. These kids will be adults in a matter of months.

[Anonymous]

Yes. I went backpacking round Eurpoe at 17. And backpacking round SEA at 18. Great experience.