Traveling alone

Safely and with a good feeling on the "children's vacation" adventure

Text last updated: 2024-06-11

A significant milestone in the development

When children travel alone for the first time, it is just as exciting for many parents as it is for their offspring. Alongside pride in their child's independence and courage, there is usually a certain amount of worry mixed in with the feelings. You may ask yourself: Is our child mature enough for this? What if the child gets homesick? How can we be sure that our child is in good hands? Find out what parents should look out for when planning their first solo trip in our questions and answers.

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Traveling alone for the first time

The daughter may already be declaring at the age of five: "I want to go to the seaside with Grandma and Grandpa, without you!" The 10-year-old son really wants to go to soccer camp in the summer vacations. Parents usually have mixed feelings about such wishes: Pride in the child's independence and courage alternates with uncertainty as to whether they are up to the challenge of going on vacation on their own.

Careful preparation makes it easier to let go

For fathers and mothers, their child's wish for a vacation without parents is another major milestone on their path to independence.

We have summarized frequently asked questions and answers for you here:

Where can we find help and advice?

The BundesForum Kinder- und Jugendreisen e. V. is an association of nationwide associations, providers and organizations active in the field of child and youth travel. The forum provides answers to the question "How do I find a good children's and youth trip" on the website #hashtag-Q.

Further information and tips for parents whose children are traveling alone by bus, train or plane can be found in the Family Handbook from the State Institute for Early Childhood Education and Media Competence.