Courtesy of NDABCREATIVITY (adobestock.com).

Exploring new places solo can be a valuable opportunity for young adults to build confidence, independence and decision-making skills. Independent travel can also give them a chance to navigate unfamiliar situations, meet new people and gain a greater sense of responsibility.

But giving a young adult more freedom to travel doesn’t mean leaving all the preparation up to them. From managing money and staying connected to knowing what to do if plans go sideways, there are plenty of ways parents and guardians can help set young travellers up for a safe and successful trip.

Create a plan

It’s natural for young adults to feel a little nervous before setting out on a solo adventure. To give them a sense of control and help calm those nerves, work together to choose a destination, activities and must-visit spots before they leave.

At the same time, young travellers don’t need to plan every minute of their trip. Encourage them to leave room for spontaneity to discover hidden cafés, local performances and other experiences they might not find online, or even plan for. The goal is to make sure they have a solid plan for the essentials including lodging and food, while allowing for flexibility along the way.

Before they leave, establish a clear daily communication routine, so you know they’re safe without requiring constant check-ins. Messaging through a secure chat platform like WhatsApp can give young adults an easy way to let you know about changes to their plans without broadcasting their whereabouts publicly.

It’s also worth helping them prepare for common situations they may encounter on their own. A translation app such as Google Translate can be useful for reading restaurant menus, asking for directions and communicating when there’s a language barrier.

Courtesy of DenPhoto (adobestock.com).

Do the paperwork before they leave

Before a young traveller heads out on their own, take some time to make sure they have the documents and information they’ll need for the journey. Here are a few things to check:

• Confirm their identification is up to date. Young adults will need identification to board a flight, check into accommodations, cross borders or get through security checkpoints. Public Safety Canada has an online list of documents needed for air travel.
• Check their passport well in advance. A valid passport is necessary for international travel, so check your child’s passport expiry date and allow plenty of time for renewal if needed. In Canada, you can submit an online renewal form if your passport has expired or will expire within the next six months. However, online renewal isn’t available if you’re travelling within the next 20 business days, in which case you'll need to make an in-person visit to your nearest Service Canada that offers passport services.
• Check the entry requirements for their destination. For longer visits abroad, remember that many countries require a passport to remain valid for at least six months after the traveller’s return date, while some also require an electronic visa, other entry authorization or proof of immunization. You can check the destination for entry requirements and travel advisories here.
• Get an International Driving Permit (IDP), if needed. If your young traveller plans to drive while abroad, check whether their destination requires an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP translates their Canadian driver’s licence into multiple languages and may be required to rent or drive a vehicle in some countries. IDPs are available through CAA. Travellers can apply in person at a CAA location with a completed application, two passport-sized photos and their valid Canadian driver’s licence.
• Create backup copies of important documents. Make sure you have copies of their passport, tickets, itineraries and other essential documents. Give them printed copies to carry and keep digital copies somewhere they can access in case they lose their wallet, can’t connect to Wi-Fi or experience a theft. You can also take photos or screenshots of their passport and boarding pass and store them in a dedicated, secure photo library.

In case of emergency

Before the departure date, talk through a few common travel problems so they know what to do if something doesn’t go according to plan. A cancelled flight or missed connection can be stressful, but having a plan in advance can make it easier for them to handle the situation independently.

Make sure they know where to get help

Gate agents and airline customer service staff can help passengers navigate alternate travel options. If your kid is bumped from their flight or delayed, make sure they know to go directly to the airline customer service or transfer desk, or use the airline app. Remind them to keep their booking code and passport accessible so they can make alternate arrangements.

Arrange appropriate travel insurance

Travel insurance is essential for travellers in the event of an unforeseen medical emergency. Requirements vary by type of trip and destination, so review your options before they leave. CAA offers a range of medical and travel insurance plans.

Make sure they know how to access health care

If your kid gets sick while travelling, Maple Health is a benefit available to CAA Members and their dependents. Through the Maple App, you and your dependents can consult with an online doctor by phone, secure message or video. No appointment is necessary, and virtual healthcare can provide access to services such as diagnoses, prescriptions, medical notes, specialist referrals and lab requisitions from anywhere in the world.

Financial security

Discuss smart money habits with your young traveller, including how to choose the right payment options and making sure they have a safe way to access money if needed.

Consider a prepaid travel card

Prepaid travel cards can give novice travellers a secure way to manage money abroad while reducing the risk associated with carrying large amounts of cash. The Canada Post Cash Passport, for example, lets your teen load a combination of currencies onto their card, which can then be used at ATMs and locations around the world and online wherever the Mastercard acceptance mark is displayed. Keep in mind that a valid credit card may still be required when checking into hotels, as prepaid travel cards are not always accepted for deposits or incidental charges.

Make sure they have some cash

It’s also a good idea for travellers (no matter their age) to carry a small amount of cash when travelling abroad, as some cafés, vending machines and public restrooms may still be cash-only. Suggest they split their cash between a wallet and a secure backup location, so they aren’t left without funds if their wallet is lost or stolen. While out and about, remind them to stay aware of their surroundings and keep their wallet and cash secure, particularly in crowded areas where pickpockets may operate.

Courtesy shiwork (envato.com).

Pack it up

Packing light can give young adults more flexibility while travelling. It will also make it easier for them to manage their belongings on their own. Help them plan what to bring with these tips:

• Keep short trips simple. Encourage packing clothes and toiletries into one carry-on or backpack whenever possible. Fewer bags means fewer items to keep track of while on the move.
• Use packing cubes for longer trips. Packing cubes can help keep belongings organized and make it easier to find what’s needed without unpacking an entire suitcase.
• Plan a versatile wardrobe. Search “capsule wardrobe” along with the destination and the season for minimalist clothing recommendations. If they’ll be travelling for more than a week, remind them to research local laundromats or laundry facilities at their accommodations so they can pack fewer clothes.
• Prepare for a dead phone. A smartphone can be an important travel tool, so make sure your teen packs a power bank and the appropriate charging cables. Before packing a power bank, check with the airline for its rules on carrying and using them. Depending on their destination, they may also need a universal adapter. You can find universal adapters along with other travel essentials, including packing cubes, anti-theft bags and more at shop.caamanitoba.com.

Independent travel can be a big step for a young adult, but thoughtful preparation can help make sure it’s a positive one. By working through the practical details together and ensuring your teen knows how to handle common travel situations, you can give them the tools and confidence to explore on their own while giving yourself greater peace of mind.

CAA Members and their dependents can access Maple Health for virtual care by phone, secure message or video, with no appointment necessary. Click here to learn more about Maple’s CAA Member benefits.