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Best Backpacking Tips: 5 Things To Tell Your Parents Before You Go Travelling

5 Things To Tell Your Parents Before You Go Travelling
Sarah Gough
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This is it. The time is now. You’re off to Europe/Asia/South America/somewhere far more interesting than the university library.

You’re about to find yourself, misplace yourself, make mistakes, make memories. All of the above make your parents completely terrified, of course.

Not only are you flying from the nest, you’re flying from the country. It's like they've regressed to your pubescent state - they're nagging, they're whining, their hormones are out of control. The 'rents need reassurance so if you’re backpacking alone, or holidaying with friends, follow these five tips to avoid the parental angst until (and whilst) you’re far, far away.

Travel tips
“Mum, Dad, it’s all on the spreadsheet!”(01 of05)
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Excel is excellent at making everything seem legit. Input your entire travel itinerary on a database, complete with flight times, train times, hostel times. If you don’t know them, make them up and put them in some semblance of logical order. Even if you want to be completely spontaneous, feign meticulous planning. Their worries of you kipping on a Kraków park bench will dissipate immediately. (credit:CraigMoulding/Flickr)
"Mum, Dad, we can whatsapp!"(02 of05)
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As we all know, Wifi is inescapable, you can’t go two foot without connecting to O2, BT or some other technological abbreviation. A big worry for the elders is whether they’ll be able to stay in contact with you after your skydive in Split or your skinny-dip in Sicily. Let them know that you’ll update them daily on your movements. Avoid accidentally sending skinny dip pics though, obvs. (credit:Kaptain Kobold/Flickr)
“Mum, Dad, it’s not going to be a sex fest”(03 of05)
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Even if it is going to be a sex fest, tell them that it’s not going to be a sex fest. “Magaluf has cleaned up its image Mum!” “Prague is actually really prude Dad!” Despite the obvious actions that brought you into the world, your parents are petrified of you indulging in the same thing. Reassure them that impregnation is the last thing on your mind. If they don’t believe you, reveal the jumbo pack of condoms just before your flight. (credit:robertelyov/Flickr)
“Mum, Dad, if I crack my coccyx in Capetown, I’m covered”(04 of05)
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Serious point, make sure you’ve taken out travel insurance. As Ellie Goulding so adequately put it, ‘anything can happen’ and you might fall down a mountain or something. Let your parents know about the type of policy you’ve taken out, what the excess charge is and how you’re covered if the worst was to happen. Comparison websites are great for finding the best deal. Oh, and try not to crack your coccyx. (credit:Getty Images)
“Mum, Dad, I’m happy”(05 of05)
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Not to be ageist, but seeing the world when you’re young is one of the best possible things you can do. And you’re doing it. If nothing else, your parents are largely nagging through jealousy. Your happiness is probably at the top of their list, aside from, you know, paying the mortgage. Reassure them that you’ll have the time of your life and they're bound to leave you to it. Happy travels! (credit:Shutterstock / l i g h t p o e t)
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