The Ultimate Guide to Your First Parent-Free Adventure

When you went on family vacations, do you recall that your parents insisted on giving you a schedule that never seemed to include the enjoyable stuff? Perhaps you went through Denali National Park when all you wanted was the excitement of Disney World, or you stayed a week at a hotel without the pool that every child wants. However, growing older changed everything; time forces us to treasure the times we spend with our friends from our golden years. The knowledge that each time spent with each other is more valuable than any treasure in the world, of course.

Growing Up and Embracing Family Travels

I miss the times when hanging out with friends was a given. They covered the cost of the watchful drivers who used their cautious techniques to manage my brothers and my excitement. As the years went by, I started to value these travels as priceless experiences. I am thankful for the chance to create new memories with my parents, who are now in their 60s, but I am also acutely conscious of the little amount of time we have together.

Since I tossed my graduation cap, I’ve been able to travel the world with each of my parents. My dad and I have gone on adventures from pursuing the Loch Ness monster in Scotland to taking pictures of wildlife in Grand Teton National Park, to even sailing the notorious Drake Passage on our way to Antarctica. My mom and I have gone from staying in a hovel treehouse hotel in Mexico to dining at a vegetarian Michelin-starred restaurant in Vienna to, most recently, driving through three states.

Navigating the Challenges of Family Travel

But let’s face it, traveling as a family isn’t always smooth sailing. Alexis Sherry, a travel agent from New Jersey, understands the challenges that come with different physical abilities and interests. However, he notes multigenerational vacation requests that, despite planning difficulties, often result in stronger family ties.

Katie d’Autremont, a licensed professional counselor, sees these journeys as an opportunity to reconnect with our primal attachment and get to know each other as the people we have become. She emphasizes the importance of communication and setting clear expectations and boundaries before you travel. Questions such as the purpose of the vacation, who is responsible for planning and financial arrangements are crucial to ensure a smooth experience.

As for me, I learned to navigate the nuances of traveling with my parents. I arrange Uber rides because they are not fans of the app, and I like to treat them to gelato. I also introduced them to more travel-friendly clothing, which is a big reason why my dad was confused about brands like Lululemon.

Patience and courtesy certainly go a long way, especially as parents age. The mornings are longer because of my father’s diabetes; Mom isn’t as sharp as she used to be. But when you consider all this with the many sacrifices they have made for us, it really is nothing compared to the compassion and understanding we owe them.

Planning Your First Independent Trip

Let’s get down to brass tacks of planning your first trip without the parental units. Everybody traveling abroad needs a passport, whose requirements vary based on the ages of the individual. If under 16, then both parents or guardians must apply in person with Form DS-11, and a passport book costs $135. If you are 16 or 17 years, then you can apply in person or renew using Form DS-82, and it will cost you $165 for a valid ten-year passport book.

Walt Disney World is a great place to go if you’re planning your first trip without your parents. The resort is very safe with excellent security measures and there are plenty of fellow travelers. At least one customer entering the hotel must be at least 18 years old.

I went to Disney World for the first time without my parents with friends who respected me as a Disney resident. We all had the same ideas about Disney’s goals, so everyone was on the same page and able to enjoy the trip because of it.

Some tips for young travelers include renting Disney Vacation Club points for better accommodations, packing food to save on meals, and planning your travel times to spend as much of the day as possible in the parks. Remember the important things: ID, flight details and booking details.

The Joy of Independent Travel

Traveling alone allows you to construct your own travel memories and stories, making it a sort of coming-of-age experience. It might be difficult when traveling with family or enjoyable when traveling with friends, but the true keys to success are planning ahead, exchanging ideas, and keeping an air of adventure. Gather your belongings, obtain your passport, and allow the world to unfold before you at your own leisure.