Aruba trip for just graduated high schooler

[Anonymous]

I just wouldn't to Aruba -I was just there. It seems perfectly fine until you leave the resorts (which everyone does) and then you are in a foreign country. If your 18 year old wants an all inclusive and to go away with friends, they should pick a US spot so if there is an issue, you have US support. There are all inclusives in Florida. I would even say yes to a cruise since it is a contained environment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just wouldn't to Aruba -I was just there. It seems perfectly fine until you leave the resorts (which everyone does) and then you are in a foreign country. If your 18 year old wants an all inclusive and to go away with friends, they should pick a US spot so if there is an issue, you have US support. There are all inclusives in Florida. I would even say yes to a cruise since it is a contained environment.

I would be a lot more hesitant about Florida than Aruba!

[Anonymous]

I'm not hearing any compelling reasons why Aruba would be inadvisable. Yes, it's a 'foreign' country but so is Canada and all the countries in Europe. There isn't anywhere in the US that is without risk and bad things happen to good people everywhere. Overall, from what I've read, Aruba is pretty low crime.

[Anonymous]

No ones saying it’s not a safe country! It’s just that 95% of 18 year olds males aren’t mature enough to make the right decisions, especially in a group setting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Aruba is a safe country, safer than the United States. One blonde girl died years ago. I would rather send my kid to Aruba than a night out in DC or Paris or London.

You’re forgetting Maryland’s Robyn Gardner, too.

[Anonymous]

Many of these places are only safe in the resorts. Outside of the resorts the tourists are often victimized.

[Anonymous]

Yes, but only if he can pay his own way. Just talk to him about responsible drinking and traveling safety before he goes.

[Anonymous]

My DD went to Aruba for college graduation. The resort was so well-guarded. There were zones that each had their own dedicated security and guests had wristbands that were scanned when traveling between zones. I think the resort could locate any missing guest pretty quickly. She went with 7 other girls. No problems. It was much tamer than England and N. Ireland (her HS grad trip).

[Anonymous]

Assuming this fall he will be hanging out with same age peers, around alcohol without any supervision, I don't think the Aruba trip is going to be all that different.

I traveled to Asia at 18 on my own.

[Anonymous]

If he’s paying, I can’t let him or prevent him. I’m not paying for it. When I was that age I told my parents I was taking a trip to California with a friend. They told me to be safe, have fun and work to save money because they were not paying for it. I had a part time job and saved money my senior year for that trip. It was a good lesson that I have to work for vacations.

[Anonymous]

No way. Not when I'm paying for college and his living expenses.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:18 is an adult. If he can pay his way, then it's not my decision.

This. Weird question and responses. At what point do you all let go?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just wouldn't to Aruba -I was just there. It seems perfectly fine until you leave the resorts (which everyone does) and then you are in a foreign country. If your 18 year old wants an all inclusive and to go away with friends, they should pick a US spot so if there is an issue, you have US support. There are all inclusives in Florida. I would even say yes to a cruise since it is a contained environment.

I would be a lot more hesitant about Florida than Aruba!

Yes, I go all over Aruba with my family/kids, and feel more safe there than home in DC or in Miami.

[Anonymous]

I did this trip when I graduated from HS and before college. Paid for it out of my waitressing job. This was 20 years ago and it was fine. I agree with having the safe drinking talk but you say he's a good kid so I would support him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hope she’s not a pretty blonde girl.

Op has a son. I would say no. When he is an adult he can go. Give him a party or a dinner out.