Convincing Parents to allow a trip to Europe

[LHR02]

Nic is dead on here! I agree that beginning to plan now and working up something that your parents might be a little bit comfortable with is the way to go. Take this to them and ask for input and help. I would imagine it is the sense of distance, that you will be 'unreachable' and so far from home and their control/protection is an over riding factor in the lack of permission you are getting. If you can show them specifics, real specifics, and how you can be in contact with them and they with you I would guess your chances are going to be better. Let's face it, apparently they don't want you to go and if you make no effort towards changing their opinion on this...then you will never get it.

[Dejajeva]

I created a booklet for my mom filled with articles and facts I found on why it's completely safe for women to travel alone. That, along with having her help a bit with where to stay/go/see...made her feel much more at ease with me traveling alone.
It's fantastic.

[GoJoel]

I don't know if you and your friend would want to find places that only accomodate women, but there are some sights out there that have resources for women travellers. If nothing else, you could show your parents that it's possible and that people are trying to look out for your safety.

[Lissa]

I have the exact same problem with my parents. I'm a junior in high school and I'm planning a trip to Europe for a month next year after I graduate. My parents are super-protective but what they're really worried about is that I'm going alone. They know I'm serious about this though because I'm saving up to pay for it myself and I've been planning it for nearly three years. So I just told them that I'll be going to college the same year and then I'll be out on my own. They know I'm responsible and they know theres nothing they can do to stop me from going. I think my commitment to this is what convinced them to support me.