Is 17 too young to backpack in europe?

Question

is there anything specific that my age would restrict me from? I plan on traveling over a two month period in France,Italy,Spain,Portugal,Netherlands, and possibly Switzerland.

Answer 1

No, you are allowed to fly by yourself, purchase tickets, etc. Might as well throw in a notarized letter from your parents that they know where you are and what you are doing. Double check with any airline - they won't take you if you can't legally stay (because they'd have to bring you back).

If you don't have a credit card in your own name, renting a car can be hard. Perhaps impossible at 17.

A USA ATM card or Visa/MC debit card works everywhere. Stick it in a ATM over there and Euros come out.

You can't legally get into bars to drink or some adult venues (porn shops, prostitutes in Amsterdam, etc). But drinking age throughout Europe is 18 and you're close, so maybe you could slip in.

Smoking age varies but is often 16 in Europe.

Youth hostels are specifically set up to facilitate travel by students. Cheap, a place to cook your meal and connect with other young travellers.

Look into the discount airlines: www.easyjet.com, www.germanwings.com, etc. They are an amazingly cheap way to get around Europe.

Is 17 too young? Everyone seems to want to answer a question you didn't ask. Some people at 17? No problem, great time to have a great experience.

If you can't talk to your parents about sex while traveling, STDs, why you should NEVER take drugs across a border, and street smarts issues about big cities, then talk to a college-aged relative or friend who has travelled. You're 17, the "three-Is" apply (you think you're invulnerable, infallible and infertile) and that's mostly fine - it's part of the job description. But someone who has been there and done that could give guidance on how to avoid some of the bigger mistakes.

All purpose travel advice: Bring half as much clothes and twice as much money as you think you'll need.

Answer 2

The key word in your question is plan. If you know what you are doing and where you are going then you should be good. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't be careful. There are places all over the world that would restrict you from doing certain things, but that doesn't mean you can't have a good time. I suggest using a europass. You meet interesting people and it is cheap. Always know where the nearest embassy is; should worst come to worst you can always find a friend there. As far as a place to sleep goes, be weary of hostels. There can be a lot of creeps in there. Trust me, I know. Some bad memories come to mind. You need to keep an eye on your stuff; thefts are common in hostels. Good luck and have a great time. (When in Rome, check out the trevy fountain, it is the most beautiful and awe inspiring piece of lawn furniture that I have ever seen.)

Answer 3

it really depends, its quite ok if u go to the city, and go direct to ur hotel, mybe with at least another companion... if ur a guy thats ok, with a girl, it would be a bit harder, just worry bout the ff: cah and backup money like credit card, or travelling checks, then a celphone or callcard, myb a pepper spray, and a map, look a bit normal while walking in europe, just like in the states there are bad people around the streets, who could beat u up, or take advantage, or clubs that can fool u with ur money, etc, but everythin would be fine, the best is see places, ride the bus or train, and travel most during the day, and clubbing at nite, and ull be fine... just be sure to have ur pasport, visa, airticket just incase u get in trouble, there's always an embassy everywhere in europe.

Answer 4

No, I don't think it would matter that your 17 and want
to backpack in europe. Just remember to keep your
passport in a safe place at all times. Do some
research on the areas you are going to see so that
you have the possible questions you'd ask when needed.
This way you'll feel more prepared and enjoy your trip.

Answer 5

Yeah,it is too young. There are alot of things that you have no clue
about yet at your age, however as far as traveling out of the country goes. Go to www.charkhoward.com. He is a consumer guy and
knows quite a bit about international travel and that is what you
need to know the most. The ins and outs in general. The rest
you will learn as you go.

Answer 6

Nahh, 17 isn't to youthful. At 17, you are able to have the capacity to take care of your self, like you stated you ought to. residing in huge apple is probable more effective risky ;) . And being waiting to talk the language is yet another bonus, it is going to defenitely help you alongside the way. 17 is a outstanding age to be backpacking at, your adventourous and in good structure. take advantage out of your existence! sturdy luck including your mom and father :)

Answer 7

Absolutely it's OK. It's the best time to go! Sure you'll probably have problems along the way - but solving them is half the fun of travelling. Just don't let things get you down - have an emergency plan if things go wrong (i.e. somewhere people can wire you money) and get out there and enjoy yourself - you'll have the time of you life.

Answer 8

I hope you are traveling in two's or more. So many things happen when young kids go over to other countries. Do take care of yourself.

Answer 9

Take a friend. You're asking for trouble if you go alone (and not the good kind of trouble).

Answer 10

17? that's young, but if you want to do something like that, go on! i wish to do something like that someday. have fun!