Now if you know me at all, I know what you’re thinking – why in the world are you talking about kids? Considering that I’m sure there are readers out there who at one point will have kids or has kids who might at some point travel alone, I thought this post might be applicable.

When getting on the plane to fly back from the east coast earlier this week, I was less than delighted to find not one, but two children occupying the middle and window seat. After sitting down, it turned out that the kids were not only really well-behaved, but also friendly. We bonded over Spiderman and the fact that all three of our parents were divorced (which is why they were traveling, to visit their respective Dads).

The problem is that within the first 15 minutes I found out (with no prodding or prompting mind you) the boys first and last name, what street he lives on, what school he goes to, and what his favorite things are (obviously Spiderman). I guessed his age based on the fact that he told me what his school was the year before when he was in first grade. I found out where his Dad lives, where his Mom lives, and that they had just moved to the area recently.

You don’t need much more info. than that.

I’m not suggesting that parents tell their children to “not talk to strangers,” but brief them on not telling the random person next to them their last name, address, or school.

For the logistics of arranging solo travel for a child, Independent Traveler has a great article.

Photo Credit: woodleywonderworks on Flickr

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