can 16 year olds book and go on a holiday?

[shannen-m-]

please help me and my friend are turnin 16 and want to go to tenerife or somewhere on holiday alone. Is this legal??

[diamondrocks]

not sure.. i went with friends when i was 17 and you had to go to certain travel agents and go with certain airlines and we could only stay in a certain few apartments and you also needed a letter off your parents sayin you were allowed (school or what?) i think you're best off ringing or going to travel agents direct
its usually in the small print

[Buenchico]

No travel agent or holiday company will accept a booking from anyone under 18 unless an adult acts as guarantor. That's because you have to be 18 to enter into a legal contract (which is exactly what a holiday booking is).

Some firms will accept bookings if an adult acts as guarantor but others might not.

The best way to make your travel arrangements is to book independent travel, rather than buying a package. To the best of my knowledge, all airlines permit unaccompanied 16-year-olds to book flights and to travel unaccompanied by an adult. Most online booking services for hotels will also accept the bookings but it would be wise to contact the hotel directly, before committing yourself to a booking, to check that you wouldn't be denied accommodation upon arrival.

A further consideration is the immigration rules of the countries which you might be considering travelling to. You'll have no problem with most countries (including Spain and the Canary Islands) but you should be aware that Portugal doesn't permit unaccompanied under-18s to enter unless there is an adult who will take responsibility for their stay.

Chris

[Beads]

I remember when I went with my cousin when we were something like 19 and 17 - as she was under 18 her parents had to write a letter of consent which we showed the travel agents.

[auntiebertie]

What parent would allow a couple of 16 yr olds to go on holiday by themselves in this day and age....?