As a 17 year old backpacking in Europe, what specific barriers would stop me from having a good time? Could I still stay at hostels? Could I still buy train tickets? Is law enforcement more strict in europe or less compared to the US when it comes to their drinking ages?{i realize that in some countries the age is 18}
is there anything I couldnt do because of my age?
2006-08-03 17:05:25 · 4 answers · asked by makay224 2 in Travel ➔ Europe (Continental) ➔ Other - Europe
you will still be a minor so there would be a couple of places you can only go to with adult supervision. In most cases you will not be served alcohol or able to buy cigarettes. Some countries would require a parental permission to travel, to go with your passport, before allowing you to enter. You could stay at most hostels. Train tickets are no problem, you may even enjoy lower fares or able to buy special railway packages for young people. I wish you would've been more specific about the countries you plan to go to. I'd say, backpaging or not, it might be better if you're with a group including over-18-s, if possible.
2006-08-03 19:44:06 · answer #1 · answered by Cristian Mocanu 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The general age for smoking and drinking is 16, although you might have problems ordering hard liquor. Beer and wine is usually okay.
Some hostels will not take students under 18, but surely if you just call or email ahead you should have no problems. Try buying a Rick Steve's book- he lists all the contact information for hostels and hotels in various cities.
Train tickets you will have no problems with; just make sure you read the tickets carefully- if you forget to validate them (stamp them in a machine) or lose your ticket, they are not very forgiving and you could face a fine of around 40 Euros.
As long as you aren't loud, don't act like a crazy American (even adults do it and it makes us all look bad), and at least try to learn a few greetings in the local language, you will do fine.
2006-08-04 02:48:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
None of the things you mention above are restricted by your age. In most continental countries the drinking age is 16 (and 18 for spirits , and hash in The Netherlands)
As long as you look after yourself and don't get into any silly situations you should be fine.
2006-08-03 21:41:22 · answer #3 · answered by Kobie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
be an adult
2006-08-03 17:15:38 · answer #4 · answered by jrmy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋