Help! Advice for a Room-only for two 16 year olds

[Jo Wissett]

Hi everyone. Our eldest, Lewis who will be 16 next May (my god - how did THAT happen?!) has been badgering us to take one of his mates abroad with us next year. This was after a major sulk that we didnt allow him to accompany their family to Turkey this year, bearing in mind we had paid for his flight by then.

I feel that as we take the kids to Arillas, year after year and 'deprive' them of all the Costa's etc its the least I can do.  HOWEVER, there is no room for another body in ourt Marinki apt and I am not willing to compromise our favourite place for someone else coming.

SO, would two 16 year olds legally be allowed to stay in their own room (obviously not too far away) and how an earth do you take someone else on holiday with you and not end up severely out of pocket? I know it sounds stingy but it is expensive enough with 5 of us, believe me!

[Sandy x]

Yes, two 16 year olds can stay in a studio on their own....my daughter's mates did it at that age. I took "mates" with me for several years....it was the only way I could get my kids to come with me at that age.

I always spoke with the parents first, who obviously paid for their child's flight, accommodation and pocket money.They would also give me money for food etc but I have to say I usually ended up a bit out of pocket in that respect. I also had a few nightmares with drinking and staying out late....but over all, I coped despite being a single parent....

One year Jo I stayed at Nafsika in an apartment with four 16 year old lads. I drank plenty of voka and slept in the kitchen and managed to keep them all reasonably under control....not sure they would say the same about me though....lol

[justphil]

Hi Jo. My immediate thought was Brouklis, if Dimitris has a vacancy. As for the cost it is unrealistic for you to pay anything extra at all. Our Sandy said it well

obviously paid for their child's flight, accommodation and pocket money.They would also give me money for food etc

I went away with a mate when I was 16 (I met Jen when I was 17) and like Sandy described we were little tearaways. But we survived! Difference is that nobody was there to worry about us....

Amazed he still goes with you at all! Our two stopped family holidaying at 14. And even that year we went to Edinburgh for the festival, and only saw them at night.

It sounds great to me - you won't have a bored 16 year old on your case 24/7 but in Arillas you'll now they are all right.

Best wishes for a great holiday
Phil

[wetty]

Hi Jo,

Why don't you have a chat with Spiros at Portofino when you are over in Arillas this year. As i'm sure you already know he has rooms above his restaurant that he lets out. Lewis & his mate will be close enough for you to keep an eye on, but far enough away to feel independant. If you asure him you will be around to 'keep an eye on them' he may well be persuaded. See you in August.

Wetty (Mr Annie)

[dorothy]

I also thought Portofino would be suitable. Rooms are spotless, have a lovely view and are reasonable.  Also have a full size fridge - for the beer!!!!!

Dorothy

[Sandy x]

Don't frighten her Dorothy.....

[Val 57]

Hi Jo

About 10 years ago my son went on holiday with my brother and sister in law and nephew to Tenerife at roughly the same age as your son.  They (the 2 boys) shared a room in the same hotel but basically were independent of any adults apart from meal times and of course the odd bail out of money!  (last 2 days.)   At the same time, 2 other lads they were at School with also appeared in the same resort and hotel!

Well, they had a whale of a time!  They had the odd adventure or two but nothing too awful....... I must admit to being worried at the time - particularly as they had so much freedom, but looking back, they behaved themselves quite well (apparently) considering they were young lads!

Son is now grown up and always looks back at this holiday as a turning point in his life, probably due to the fact that they felt like they were independent.....
Val

[Jo Wissett]

Thanks all for your advice.  Ideally we would like them in our apt block but that would work out too expensive so a cheap room would be the only option.  The other worry I have is that we know everyone so well in Arillas and I would worry about them staying at Portofino or somewhere and breaking something or whatever! He is basically a sensible lad but thats cos he has us there usually to threaten him with death!

[Lindypops]

Hi Jo. Granted mine are older than your family, but my daughter rang one day, to say she`d been out to buy a sandwich. Ok fine, no worries! Then she remembered to tell me she`d also booked to fly to New York!! Kids eh? xx

[annie]

Hi Jo
I think Lewis will be fine in his own apartment.If he broke anything in any apartment whether it was marinaki or portofino he would sort it out( or ask you to ). He has been brought up properly with respect for other peoples belongings. Try not to worry he will be fine!
Love
Annie xx

[Mick and Jill]

Hi Jo, I think Portofino would be a good choice, there is nothing really to break in the rooms and Spiro is always around if they need anything, plus nearer enough for you to keep an eye.

Kerry our daughter stayed with Spiro for a full summer and the next year went over with her friends and they had no problems there, he's now her Greek Daddy ha ha

Jill