My father would like to take my 14-year old daughter on a trip. He would like to do a river cruise on the Rhone from Avignon to Lyon, preferably the first week of August.
Any suggestions about companies to use?
If the cruise does not work out, any small group tour companies to recommend for the same areas?
Will they need documentation because she is a minor traveling without her parents?
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
2988 posts
betsy,
Yes, She will definitely need documentation from both parents. No question. And be sure her passport expiration date is far enough in to the future.
Posted by
Virginia
635 posts
What a nice thing to do! Yes, as noted, written permission from both parents to take your daughter abroad is necessary. It should include authorization to make medical care decisions for the minor in case of emergency. A web search provides templates for this. I haven’t been on a European river cruise but my impression is that they tend to cater to an older crowd and might not be the best fit for a teen. I would suggest taking a look at what Road Scholar offers, as they have a range of tours specifically intended for grandparent and grandchild, including France although perhaps not that specific region.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
24080 posts
Check carefully with the cruise line. Viking, boldly proclaims, "No Children Under 18." That is a good area to explore. We did it a couple of years about the same time and the grape harvest was underway.
Posted by
1720 posts
I think a grandparent/grandchild travel experience is so wonderful. I've had friends in their 50s and 60's say they were barely old enough for a river cruise. There are probably lots of other travel tours that would cater to the unique needs of teens or grandparents traveling with teens; and in August there would probably be other teens on the tours as well.
Do your due diligence on all the legalities, paperwork, etc allowing her to travel with a grandparent.
Posted by
the great P-NW
544 posts
AMA Waterways allows children on board, and we have friends who love that cruise line. River cruises, even more than ocean cruises probably, cater to the older generation. If the two of them like the idea of making conversation at dinner each night with max about 120 other senior citizens to choose from, then this should be fine. She and he will best know what suits them. It could be a lovely adventure.
Posted by
NorthCarolina
1254 posts
If you do a River Cruise, you'll have to check the ages or do Disney or Tauck Bridges as most river cruises are adult only.