Travelling as a Minor

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I'm 15 and I've been reading a lot about backpacking Europe.  I've talked to my parents about the possibility of me travelling to Europe with a friend of mine when I am 17.  They are a bit wary about the prospect, mainly because they don't know about it.  I would appreciate it if anyone had advice for travelling as a minor and any legality issues associated with it.

[snorkelman]

I first visited Europe when I was 14, and went back again when I was 16, and pretty much every other year since then.  Anyway, being a minor really does not change anything because if you are just going on a vacation, then you will just spend a few days in each town and spend your vacation dollars there.  so, europe will be happy to have you (and your money).  Assuming that you are an American, and assuming that you go to Western Europe, you will probably just need to get a passport, eurail ticket and money and off you go.  You should not need any visas.  

Having studied law both in America and in Europe, I am unaware of anything that you should be aware of considering being a minor, as opposed to being over 18.  In general, you cannot drive in Europe until you are 18, although it may be possible with an international drivers license - but you will not be driving anyway.

As long as you do not break any laws in Europe, you should be ok.  Do not steal anything - including beer glasses - and you should be ok.

If you do run into trouble and are detained and/or arrested, just call the american embassy for that country and that will be all that you can do - but then again, that is all that anyone can do - regardless of age.

[Kim]

If you are serious about going in 2 years, my tip for you is start saving now.

Travelling Europe is very expensive and if you are fortunate to have two years to plan before you go, you can start putting away a small amount of money at a time and you won't notice it.

If, in two year, all of a sudden you have to come up with money for rail passes, plane tickets etc. it will be a lot harder.

Also, this will show your parents that you are serious about it and responsible enough to plan in advance.

Kim