Does anyone know any information about minors(17yrs) traveling without a guardian or parent over seas?

Question

I am taking a trip to Europe with two friends and won't be eighteen. I am just seeking any information about traveling abroad, parentless. Any information about youth hostels, or any tips on traveling through europe on a budget would be much appreciated.

Answer 1

It is not a problem, as long as you got letter of consent from your parents. The letter should be signed and include contact information. For hostels call ahead and confirm with them - make it clear one of you is under 18 and that this is not a problem.

Plan on bringing 50 EUR per day. You might be able to get by on less, but you'll see most sights only from the outside and go hungry more than once. Hostels are typically between 15-25 EUR per night and person, food can be had for 5 EUR per day and person if you buy it in supermarkets and be sensible about it. (Look for hostels with a kitchen so that you can cook in the evening. Drink tap water or cook tea at the hostel.) Typical entry fee to big sights is 10 EUR. Eastern Europe is a bit cheaper, you can get by on 40 EUR per day and person, so you might want to focus on this region. Avoid the UK (especially London), it is a budget traveller's death.

Also plan ahead on where you will be going. If you know this you can research the cheapest way to get from A to B online. Book flights within Europe as early as February if you travel in July/August. If you are careful in your research you can save up to 20 % compared to simply buying a railpass.

Best time to fly to Europe is in May/June, as the weather is nice and flight tickets are still cheap.

And if you know how to work Excel, it is a good idea to use it to keep track of all costs associated with your trip. Start by writing all steps of the trip (home, flight to, train to, hostel in,...) into one column then insert the cost into the second column and then add up the numbers.

Most important: Don't leave home without good medical insurance. And get a good guidebook. Without one you'll be lost.

Answer 2

My main concern would be would you be able to be medically treated if something happened to you? Also some places may require that you be eighteen to stay or rent a room.