How do i convince my parents to let me go on this trip? Its REALLY expensive!?

Question

I really want to go on this trip with about or 6 of my best friends. It would be the trip of my life, we would be going to horseback ride and stay in this castle in france! Its BEAUTIFUL and amazing! They are all going, but my parents wont let me go because its so expensive (like $4,500 or so for one week! I know crazy!) Well i offered to pay for half of it and even more, but my parents still think its more a matter of principle, that i shouldnt take such an expensive trip at my age (16). I just feel sad that all my friends are going and i can't :(
Do you think its ridiculous to do this trip? i am trying to see both sides, i dont want to be a rich spoiled brat but i also really want to go, so im kinda still trying to decide whether or not i should push it and try to convince my parents to do this trip or if i should just drop the whole idea. What should i do?

Answer 1

If you get a job and see how hard it is to earn $4500 you may gain a different perspective.

Answer 2

Well first off you laid out your question so well and maturely that there is no way I would think you are a spoiled brat especailly given that you offered to pay for half. Lets put aside for a moment whether your parents are right or wrong on this. Lets think in terms of parenting in general. You could probably get a 100 set of parents on here and they would all have different takes on this. And thats the point I want to try and get across to you. Your parents have a reason for you not to go and in life you are going to find that everything isn't simply black and white...there is alot of gray area. So what am I saying? I am saying that although there are some right answers for some thing and some wrong answers for somethings, but there are also many things that have no clear cut right or wrong answer. And this is one of them. So when parents are confronted with such issues they have to make a judgement call based on their values, their rules, and by knowing what they think is best for you. They aren't always right and they may not be right here but it doesn't matter. They are making the best decision they can based on all the criteria I mentioned above. You sound like you are a great kid and I would, if you can, contine to make your arguement but if it ends in disappointment try not to be bitter...they made what may have been a very difficult decision. I have also found thru years of experience that things tend to even out so if you don't make this trip maybe something else will come along in your life that will more than make up for this. In short I am encouraging you that if the result is not in your favor, then for you to continue to display the same maturity that you have so far in the way you asked the question in the first place ....Good Luck!

Answer 3

Don't drop it. At your age, I was offered a chance to tour Europe for 20 days with a traveling band program and it was $3000...not bad for the amount of time, because it was a state funded thing. But my parents said no, and I dropped it. Now I'm kicking myself, because every time someone talks about the great places in Europe that they've been to that I could have seen on that trip, I get so jealous and sick.

If it's safety or the fact that you guys would be traveling alone that young, there may be no convincing your parents. If there are parents or chaperones attending, it's a different story. How long from now is the trip? If it's, say, 3 months from now, realistically you could get a minimum wage job and earn at least $1200 before then (I worked all through high school, so I know how it goes). If you're serious about the trip, you could tell you parents you'd give them that, PLUS continue working after the trip for another 3 months to give them $2400 (because you'll need spending money from them for the trip, too).

It will be rough working without much to show for it besides the future trip, but it could be worth it. My recommendation would be a waitressing job, if you can get one, because then you'd have the potential to earn more than the minimum wage per hour. Most waitresses get $2/hr wages but you can rack up over $50 a night in tips, depending where you work. If you have a Sonic nearby, I recommend that because you'd get minimum wage for your area (at least $5.15/hr) PLUS tips (at least $20 a night).

Good luck!

Answer 4

I would trust your parents on teaching your principles. What you are describing is something that a person should look forward to for years, save up for, dream of - this should be some kind of a pinnacle - not something for a 16 year old.

Truly, is this why the very rich in Europe often have sex with multiple strangers in clubs and anesthetize themselves with heavy drugs and ennui? Because they've nothing left to look forward to?

I think you are a very lucky girl to have parents who could apparently consider affording this (you're talking more than the monthly income of most Americans) and yet want you to have more depth and less easy pleasure.

Spend that time volunteering at a horseback riding school for kids with downsyndrome or volunteering at one of America's (i assume you're american) heritage homes, helping to restore it or teach little kids about it.

Wow, i am so impressed by you and your parents. Good luck and many happy dreams.

Answer 5

If they did actually have the resources (which most parents don't) then they still have very valid reasons for not letting you go anywhere for that long at your age. I have a 16 year old and we argue all the time about what she should get to do, when she should get to do it and for how long. Some things are worth pushing for, some are not. Pick a battle you can win. Don't make your parents feel guilty for doing their job and keeping you safe. Whether you realize it now or not, it just means they love you! Just tell your friends to take lots of pics for you, and find something to do with yourself while they are gone so you don't dwell on the fact you are not with them.

Answer 6

If you came up with the money, it'd be the trip of a lifetime. Maybe your parents are jealous because they have never taken a trip that expensive. It really is expensive when you consider the average adult vacation is $1500 per person. If you were Paris Hilton you would not even have to ask.

If your parents thought you had the kind of family that was about taking exorbitant trips like this and paying your way for things like this, they would. The more you push, the more they will push back. I don't think this is one you'll win.

Answer 7

Your parents are right. Have you ever BEEN to France? How do you know it's "beautiful and amazing"? To tell you the truth if it's ONLY $4,500.00 for a week it's NOT expensive enough...because in reality that is CHEAP for a week in France Which would make ME wonder just where the hell you would be staying (Not a decent hotel that's for sure, and no where near the American Embassy) Too easy to get into trouble. Who is chaperoning the trip? What accomodations have been made? What transportation is there for you when you get there? What happens if someone gets sick there? Who pays medical bills? It doesn't sound like you're looking and the entire thing...just the "It's in France and it's beautiful" part. Obviously you're not mature enough to take this kind of trip...wait and ask for a trip to France as a graduation present.

Answer 8

Well considering that you are only 16 I wouldn't agree with you traveling so far away, either. It is an expensive trip, however have you watched the news lately? I would hate for you to take this trip and something bad happen to you, I have 2 small children and I wouldn't even dream of letting them travel that far without my presence.

Answer 9

i think you should make a deal with your parents. Tell them you will take on extra chores in the house. If you dont do any at the moment start! Like making your bed, helping with dinner, cleaning up after dinner, maybe watering the gardening feeding the pets (if you have any).

anything like that and keep it up this way you can show them you are mature enough for something like this and you are willing to do your bit if they will let you go. Also explain to them why htis is so important to you.

Just remember they are your parents and its natural for them to say no at first they could be worried as well you are very young!

Well good luck! :)

Answer 10

show your fund elevating comprehend-how by ability of arising with the 1600 pounds. That shows which you're to blame sufficient for one in each of those trip and might by ability of way of demonstration tutor which you would be waiting to tutor them a thank you to strengthen money additionally. Asking them to fund it thoroughly shows certainly no initiative on your area.