What It’s Like Sending Your Teen on Their First Solo Trip: A Parent’s Reflections

As a family of avid travellers, we’ve made a tradition of exploring new places together—from the rugged beaches of Vancouver Island to the laid-back Greek Islands, to the skyscrapers of Singapore, exploring a place’s history, culture, and food. But this May, our dynamic shifted. For the first time, my son boarded a plane without us—on his first solo trip to Europe with his school to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. Alongside friends, teachers, and a guide, he explored significant World War II sites and landmarks across the Netherlands, Belgium, and France.

It was a journey filled with historical significance, cultural immersion, and teenage independence. For us as parents, it was a lesson in letting go, supporting from afar, and watching our son grow in confidence, while looking forward to the very infrequent What’sapp messages and photos.

Preparing for His First Independent Trip

Even though he was travelling with his school, this trip marked a huge step in responsibility. There were several logistical pieces to figure out before his departure. This felt a little stressful as it coincided with his final semester of high school, right on the heels of a band trip and when his final grade 12 project was due.

What We Set Up Ahead of Time

Here’s what we did to set him up for success:

• Wise Travel Card: We set him up with a Wise visa debit card so he could easily access euros while avoiding international banking fees alongside a small enough amount of cash that he felt comfortable carrying.
• SIM Card with Data: We purchased a prepaid European SIM card in advance to ensure he had data to stay connected with his travel group and calling capabilities from the moment he landed (although we hadn’t planned on the 3 am wake-up call to say he had arrived).
• Carry-On Packing Only: With group travel, less is more. He was allowed a backpack and a carry-on, making transitions smoother. We went over his packing list and packed his bag a couple of times so he knew where everything was.
• His Own Passport: This was the first time he travelled solo with his own passport. It was a big responsibility, and he kept it secure throughout the trip.

We also discussed travel safety, staying with the group, and how to communicate with us. He checked in every couple of days with updates and photos via WhatsApp. While the updates during the trip were short and sweet, we got to hear all about the journey once he returned.

Itinerary: Europe VE Day 80th Anniversary Trip

Day 1: Travel to Europe

• Overnight flight to the Netherlands

Day 2: Hello Amsterdam

• Visit to the Anne Frank House
• Amsterdam canal guided cruise

Day 3: Arnhem Excursion

• Freedom Museum visit
• Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
• Kamp Vught
• John Frost Bridge photo stop

Day 4: Amsterdam ? Brabant Region

• Travel to the Brabant Region
• Liberation Day event in Bergen Op Zoom

Day 5: Liberation Celebration Day

• Event at the Overloon War Museum
• Afternoon at Efteling Theme Park

Day 6: Brabant Region ? Flanders

• Travel to Flanders
• In Flanders Fields Museum visit

Day 7: Flanders ? Paris

• Vimy Ridge guided tour, museum, trenches
• Paris city walk: Île St. Louis, Latin Quarter
• Notre-Dame Cathedral
• Eiffel Tower

May 8 – Day 8: Paris Landmarks

• Louvre Museum
• Guided bus tour: Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Les Invalides, Opéra House
• Seine River evening cruise

Day 9: Paris ? Normandy Excursion

• Full-day visit to Canadian WWII sites
• Juno Beach Centre
• Beny-sur-Mer Canadian Military Cemetery

Day 10: Travel Home

Walking in the Footsteps of Canadian Soldiers

This wasn’t just any trip—it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that retraced the footsteps of Canadian soldiers who fought in Europe during World War II. His group visited memorials, cemeteries, and historical sites in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France.

One of the most powerful moments for him was at the Overloon War Museum in the Netherlands. He described walking through a 4D exhibit filled with tanks, personal artifacts, and first-hand stories of soldiers his own age as they landed on the beach. It brought the history he’d learned about home into full focus.

He got to participate as an honoured guest in the VE Day commemorations alongside local families—and visit the grave of the fallen soldier, near his own age, whom he learned about before his trip.

The Eiffel Tower, Efteling & Free Time Fun: A Few Favourites

Of course, no travel story would be complete without some light-hearted moments too. His group had time for fun, and his favourite stops perfectly echoed what our family loves when we travel: food, culture, and unique experiences.

Efteling Theme Park

He raved about Efteling, a fantasy-themed amusement park in the Netherlands. With rides and immersive storytelling, it was a blend of thrill and story—and very different from the feel of theme parks back home.

Paris & The Eiffel Tower

Getting to the top of the Eiffel Tower was another highlight and something we weren’t able to do on our last visit to Paris. We got lots of pictures from this day and it was pretty amazing to watch him tick off a bucket list item, even from afar.

Food, Always Food

Food has always been a cornerstone of our travels, and hearing him talk about his meals showed how much he’s inherited that love. Not all food was created equal on this trip, with lots of food for large groups and an unimaginable number of peanut butter chicken dinners, who knew that was a thing.

Group Travel vs. Family Travel

After years of travelling as a family, this was his first taste of exploring the world with friends. And he quickly discovered that travelling with a large school group was very different. He loved the independence and the experience of navigating new cities with friends. But he also admitted he appreciated the planning that goes into family trips. Still, he came home saying: “I’d absolutely do it again.” That, to me, is the best kind of feedback.

What He Learned—and What I Did Too

When he walked through our front door (jet-lagged and carrying a bag full of laundry), he shared his appreciation for the mountains, clean air and water. These were all things he might have taken for granted before. That’s the power of travel. As a parent, I also learned a few things:

• Teens are more capable than we think.
• Letting go is hard, but necessary.
• Trusting your kid to figure things out is one of the best gifts you can give them.

Final Reflections

Watching my teen travel without us was emotional, but also incredibly rewarding. As much as I love travelling together as a family, there’s something fulfilling about seeing your child step into their own traveller identity. He came back with stories, memories, and friendships that will last a lifetime—and he also came back more appreciative of home, more confident in himself, and ready for the next adventure.

And me? I came out of it with renewed appreciation for how travel shapes not just who we are—but who our kids are becoming. Whether you’re considering your teen’s first solo trip, preparing for a school adventure, or just dreaming about future travels, know that it’s all worth it. The planning, the nerves, the quiet house while they’re gone—it all leads to growth, for them and for you. And yes, he’s already planning his next trip.