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This is a little late, as PHS Spring Break/Senior Trip is almost over. I hope everyone had a safe time and enjoyed their week off from school. I just read this article and wanted to post it, because many of our seniors may be going on vacation after they graduate so this is some very good information.
Courtesy of Marci @ www.aloveoftravel.com
Spring Break & Senior Trips
We’re getting numerous calls from people, students and or their parents, regarding senior or Spring break trips. Personally I am appalled at the number of parents who are willing to go to any length, including lying about their kid’s ages, to send them on a Spring break or senior trip.
As much as I would love to make money on your sons and daughters, I guarantee that they will be faced with issues concerning sexual and other behavior that they are unprepared to face. If you are making reservations for them, they may be more vulnerable if they are not mature enough to make their own arrangements, let alone make the life changing decisions that they will be faced with in Cancun, or on the cruise, etc.
A number of years ago, I told my son, I don’t want to spoil your fun, but I would never forgive myself if something happened to you as a result of this decision on my end.
By all means let them have their special trip. However, you need enough adults along to control things when they become out of control. You can be inobtrusive even staying at a different hotel, but you can check on them from time to time and make sure they are safe and sober.
Most cruise lines require a person 25 or over in each cabin now, and in some cases, charge a damage deposit up front which is returned if there is no damage. On the cruise ship, crew members, young adults from foreign countries are waiting for your son or daughter for sexual activity or drugs. Young people have disappeared for a night in some cases. There is an increased risk of VD or HIV over similar activity at home. Also there is an increase in injury or death due to heavy drinking.
For group travel for student groups, the cruise lines require that travel agents book them through special companies who take responsibility for the group on board ship and provide hosts who keep activity under control as much as possible.
On the beaches, drug pushers increase activity at this time, knowing that your child is a great target. Jamaica is particularly known for this kind of activity, but it occurs in Mexico and other parts of the Caribbean also.
Now that I am a grandmother and travel professional, I know that my perfect child lied to me at this age and was at risk. One hundred years ago, their age group was considered full fledged adults. Times and customs have changed, and, the inherent danger in once common practice (being out at night) has changed.
The safest place will probably be a cruise. The area of activity is more contained and controlled. Keep in mind that there must be one person 25 or over in a cabin with those under 21 or a parent or guardian on board.
If you can go along and remain inobtrusive, do so. Otherwise, saying no may be the best favor you ever gave your child.
Many Happy Returns,
Marci www.aloveoftravel.com
