Kirstie Allsopp doubles down on letting her 15-year-old son interrail across Europe for three weeks over summer after receiving backlash

Kirstie Allsopp doubles down on letting her 15-year-old son interrail across Europe for three weeks over summer after receiving backlash

As a seasoned globetrotter with decades of travel under my belt, I wholeheartedly support Kirstie Allsopp‘s decision to allow her 15-year-old son to embark on an interrailing adventure across Europe. In my days, we didn’t have the luxury of 24/7 news coverage constantly painting a grim picture of the world; we had our imaginations and a thirst for exploration.


Kirstie Allsopp firmly stands by her decision to allow her 15-year-old son to travel independently throughout Europe for a span of three weeks during the summer season.

52-year-old host of the show “Location, Location, Location” faced a range of reactions online when she disclosed that her 15-year-old son went on an InterRail trip through Europe with a 16-year-old friend during the summer, sparking discussions about parental decisions and teenage travel.

In today’s conversation on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Kirstie raised doubts about whether parental anxiety over allowing their kids to venture out into the world could be attributed to constant news coverage and the perception that the world has grown increasingly dangerous.

As a die-hard admirer, I can’t help but share that Kirstie consented, finding him remarkably mature for his age. Yet, she confessed, her heart ached this past summer, yearning for his presence.

Looking back at the shift in views regarding granting youngsters autonomy, she remarked: ‘Previously, people took on responsibilities at a much younger age.’

Kirstie Allsopp doubles down on letting her 15-year-old son interrail across Europe for three weeks over summer after receiving backlash

Kirstie Allsopp doubles down on letting her 15-year-old son interrail across Europe for three weeks over summer after receiving backlash

There’s been a significant rise in mental health issues among the younger generation, which has sparked widespread conversation and numerous written pieces on the topic.

As a lifestyle guide, I invite you to ponder this question: To what extent does our anxiety and apprehension originate from within us, and to what extent does it stem from the relentless stream of news and the widespread perception that the world is becoming increasingly perilous?

She continued by mentioning that her relatives had embarked on significant endeavors during their teenage years. For instance, her father-in-law served in the Arctic convoys of World War II when he was just 16, her mother-in-law attended university in South Africa at the age of 15, and her own father enlisted in the army at 17.

The conversation ensued following an incident where Kirstie discovered herself facing criticism last night, as she permitted her 15-year-old son to travel by Interrail through Europe.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news: My youngest son, Oscar Hercules, who’s been on an incredible three-week journey traversing our magnificent continent, is making his way back home! Accompanying him is a 16-year-old friend, turning this trip into a wonderful adventure for both.

Some users asserted that the girl was not old enough to travel across the continent unaccompanied by an adult.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase that statement as follows: “To a mother of two, I suggested that in case of any mishap, she would own up to it wholeheartedly and carry the weight of self-forgiveness.”

Another person said, ‘While they’re not ready for every situation, it’s important to remember that the world can be risky at times, and a 15-year-old might not be fully prepared for all experiences.’

Kirstie argued that Oscar planned the nine-leg European tour on his own, along with his companion.

Kirstie Allsopp doubles down on letting her 15-year-old son interrail across Europe for three weeks over summer after receiving backlash
Kirstie Allsopp doubles down on letting her 15-year-old son interrail across Europe for three weeks over summer after receiving backlash
Kirstie Allsopp doubles down on letting her 15-year-old son interrail across Europe for three weeks over summer after receiving backlash

In a world where safety concerns are on the rise, I firmly believe it’s essential for us, as responsible parents and guardians, to seek out opportunities that foster self-reliance and trust in our young ones. Unfortunately, not everyone can embark on an interrail journey due to financial constraints, but there are other ways we can empower our children with the confidence they gain from taking calculated risks and learning to navigate their world independently.

Kirstie added that ‘if we’re afraid our children will also be afraid, if we let go, they will fly’.

Kirstie, along with her partner Ben Anderson and their 18-year-old son Bay Atlas, faced criticism from some people who questioned whether Kirstie would allow a 15-year-old daughter to join them on the same journey.

Kirstie mentioned that she had also traveled at her age. She further noted that sexual assault is statistically more likely to be perpetrated by someone known to the victim, as opposed to a stranger. Additionally, she pointed out that boys might experience a violent encounter more frequently with a stranger compared to girls.

‌Teenagers aren’t required to meet a specific age limit when embarking on Interrail journeys. However, the European network advises that minors need written permission from their parents or guardians to travel unaccompanied.

‌The Mail has approached Kirstie’s representatives for comment.

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2024-08-21 17:06

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