Solo travel is an exciting and liberating experience, offering a chance to explore new places, meet new people, and discover yourself along the way. But if you're 17, you might be wondering if you can embark on a solo adventure and what restrictions or challenges you may face. Personally, when I was 17 years old, I also had the urge to travel. I ended up joining a Teen Tour Group where they literally arranged everything for me, even the flights. This was a great introduction to prepare me to travel on my own even though I technically wasn't "on my own".

While the answer is generally "yes," if you can solo travel at 17, there are a few important considerations and age restrictions you need to be aware of before planning your trip.

 

Can You Solo Travel At 17 Years Old?

Flying Alone at 17

One of the first hurdles to consider when solo traveling at 17 is air travel. Most airlines ALLOW 17-year-olds to fly alone, but there are some important rules to note:

Unaccompanied Minor Policies: Airlines typically have policies in place for unaccompanied minors (usually defined as aged 5 to 17 years old). Generally, airlines that classify travelers under 18 as minors require them to follow specific guidelines such as using their unaccompanied minor service. This includes additional fees and may involve extra paperwork and airport supervision. Some airlines consider 17-year-olds as adults, so you can book and board flights without any special arrangements.

International Flights: If you're planning to travel internationally, you may need a notarized letter of consent from your parents or guardians, especially if you're crossing borders alone. This letter should state that your parents or guardians give you permission to travel alone and should include their contact information.

ID Requirements: Make sure to carry a valid form of identification, such as a passport or a state-issued ID, as you may be required to show proof of age when checking in for your flight. TIP: Also bring your school ID as you'll get A LOT of discounts as you travel from transportation to museums etc.

TIP: Because of the extra paperwork or identification, I would suggest getting a travel document pouch to keep everything together. 

Hostels and Hotels at 17 Years Old

Finding a place to stay is another important aspect of solo travel, and age can be a factor here too:

Hostels: Hostels are popular among young travelers due to their affordability and social atmosphere. Many hostels have a minimum age requirement of 18, especially for dormitory rooms. However, some hostels may allow 17-year-olds to stay if they have written consent from a parent or guardian. It's always best to contact the hostel in advance to confirm their policies.

If you use the HostelWorld app, you can find any restrictions or policies on each individual hostel's "House Rules" page. I once stayed at a OneFam Hostel in Barcelona and they have age restrictions of 18-45 years old. Somebody over 45 booked it, and the hostel helped refund their money and book another hostel. I overheard the staff say to them that they could stay if they wanted to but probably wouldn't feel comfortable since it was more of a party hostel. The staff at hostels are always very helpful.

Hotels: Hotels tend to have stricter age policies. Many require guests to be at least 18 to check in, and some may even require guests to be 21. If you're 17, you might still be able to book a hotel room, but you will likely need to provide a consent form or a credit card authorization from a parent or guardian. Again, it's crucial to check the hotel's policy before booking.

Renting a Car at 17

If you're considering renting a car for your solo travel adventure, this is where age restrictions become a significant barrier:

Minimum Age Requirement: In most countries, the minimum age to rent a car is 21, and in some cases, it might even be 25. This is due to insurance policies that rental companies have in place. As a 17-year-old, renting a car on your own is not possible in most places.

Driver’s License: Even if you have a valid driver's license (*cough* Americans at age 16 *cough*), rental companies generally do not rent vehicles to anyone under 18. Some countries may allow younger drivers to rent a car, but it often comes with a hefty young driver surcharge, and those under 18 are usually excluded.

Alternatives to Car Rental: If you need to travel by car, consider alternative options such as using ride-sharing services, taxis, or public transportation. In some destinations, you might also find peer-to-peer car rental services where individual car owners rent out their vehicles, but these services also typically have age restrictions.

Other Considerations When Solo Travel at 17

Solo Travel Insurance: While not an age restriction, it's highly recommended that you get travel insurance before setting out on your solo adventure. Make sure your policy covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unexpected situations. Some policies may have age restrictions, so read the fine print carefully.

Local Laws and Curfews: Depending on where you're traveling, there might be local laws or curfews that apply to minors. Research the destinations you plan to visit to ensure you're aware of any such regulations.

Emergency Contacts: Always have a list of emergency contacts, including your parents or guardians, local authorities, and the nearest embassy or consulate if traveling internationally. Keep this list accessible at all times.

TIP:  I would print out a few copies of my emergency contact list and place them in any travel wallet, passport organizer, and travel document holder.

Traveling solo at 17 is possible, but it requires a little planning and awareness of the specific rules and regulations that apply to minors. By doing your research, understanding the policies of airlines, transportation companies, hostels, and hotels, and being prepared with the necessary documentation, you can enjoy a safe and memorable solo travel experience. Personally, I found it easier to do a Teen Tour at 17 years old where I knew everybody was my age. There is no rush to grow up. You can always wait a year, save money and then travel without the headaches once you turn 18.