Teenagers' freedom & safety in Italy/BCN

I did it.

I let my kids do it, in asia as well as europe.

The grandfather in me says, 'No way.'

Nothing really wrong with the tourist area in any of those cities; except Barcelona has some wierd spots where you don't expect them.

Maybe, just maybe, at high noon and not for more than an hour or so, within a predetermined area. And they'd have to stay together.

How much experience do they have? How far are they allowed to roam at home?

I might consider it if they stayed together and we were connected by cell phone. I would also insist on meeting for lunch and dinner just to make sure things were okay. I would have them wear money belts and make sure they were aware of the scams that can happen and also of the pick pocket problem. Other than that, the Italian cities you mention are safe and they shouldn't have any problems.

Donna

Laura,

You might let them start with smaller "excursions" until you can determine how well they handle the experience of being on their own in an unfamiliar city, where they don't speak the language.

In your position, I'd stress very clearly that they MUST stay together! Having a Cellphone would be a really good idea. It won't be expensive if you use text for the most part. If you're currently with AT&T or T-Mobile, you may already have phones that will work in Europe.

I'd also make sure they have a business card or something with the Hotel address clearly listed. Provide them with some "emergency funds" to use for Taxi fare. If they get lost, they can always hail a Cab and get back to the Hotel.

Good luck! I know this is a difficult decision.

The world needs more parents like you.

Thanks for your ideas! They have traveled in Tokyo, NYC and Seattle, but that was when they were younger and therefore under our supervision (while they practiced navigating the subways or whatever). The cell phone (will look into that) and extra taxi fare sound like good ideas -- as well as having maps & the hotel's address. And definitely having them stick together, and a specific meeting time. Thank you.

I would love to hear your experiences letting your teens roam a bit, too. It should be a good learning experience!

Unregard my opening comment. If those two can ride the Tokyo subway, drop them in Rome and tell them you'll pick them up in Barcelona.

Obviously, they need to stay together. What are they interested in doing while they roam - just walk around, or visit museums, or shop, or sit at cafes?

Are either of them good at reading maps? If so, go over the map with them, and make sure they understand the boundaries of the areas where you feel safe about them visiting. That would be one of my biggest concerns, is making sure they know where they are.

I know I'm being sexist, but as the mom of an older brother who's always been big for his age, and looks older, and a younger sister who's small for her age and very pretty, it's very important that they both understand what it means to be a youmg woman in a big city. As in, what to do if a stranger makes comments about her (i.e., ignore the comments) - not to say that anyone will, but I would talk to my kids about that kind of stuff.

Also, how to brush off street vendors. The usual city stuff like being aware of your surroundings and try to always act like you know what you're doing.

Misc.: Watch out for vespas and other motocycles. They can appear from nowhere, it sometimes seems.

You may find that they want to spend time with you. But pick times, let's say, from 5-7 pm, where you're hanging out in a cafe, and they can get out and about.

Drinking age in Italy is 16 (I don't know what it is in Spain), so I'll assume you've decided as a family how you'll handle that.

Enjoy!

Lexma, thank you for your great ideas! I will be sure we go over all those things as reminders. Honestly, I was concerned about a teenaged girl traveling in the bigger citites, too, so I'm glad her older brother will be with her at all times.
I'm sure it'll be a memorable experience for them.

Ed, that is funny! Yes, they had some Tokyo subway experience, but we were always guiding them along. Sounds as though you had some meaningful travel experiences yourself when you were young. How formative it must have been!