On Pit Stops for Kids, we've written tips for parents whose kids are flying solo. But what about teens? Most airlines allow kids aged 5-14 to fly as unaccompanied minors (with kids 5-7 restricted only to direct flights), which leaves kids 15 and up in a completely different category. When kids 15-17 fly solo, they're still every bit as unaccompanied...and are still minors. But basically, they're … [Read more...]
Why travel is an excellent form of education
May 13, 2021 By
"Nothing develops the mind like travel," said Emile Zola. And you can find great numbers of similar sayings from famous and ordinary men all over the world. What force makes people leave their safe and comfortable places and condemn themselves into all those unpredictable inconveniences during their life far from home. There is no one answer- it's a curiosity for someone and a spirit of adventure … [Read more...]
Why study abroad: how to help your teen travel
March 28, 2018 By
As my children grow and become more experienced travelers, I've been thinking and writing more often about teen travel and study abroad experiences. Last year, our 15-year-old flew solo to Costa Rica to join an Adventures Cross Country trip, which proved to be an enriching, deeply impactful two-week adventure for him. The experience left us wanting more! I recently had the privilege of … [Read more...]
Teen travel checklist: Preparing your teen to travel abroad
March 27, 2017 By
Last week, our teen departed for three weeks in Italy, without his parents. He traveled with a small group of student ambassadors for a cultural exchange and school program, and while chaperones will be available, they won't be with him 24/7. Because our teen is still under age 18, there are some things he needed us to prepare for him before his trip. Teen travel checklist: Preparing your … [Read more...]
Educational Travel: Sending your child on a teen service trip
September 10, 2014 By
Remember that post from a few months back, where I discussed our preparation for our teen Nate's teen service trip with Adventures Cross Country? We're back with a full trip report! If you're considering sending your teen on a service trip next summer, read on! Spoiler alert: he loved it! Last July, Nate embarked on Adventures Cross Country's Costa Rica Classic trip, which comprised of 14 days … [Read more...]
