<p>One of my kids is 17yo and doing a homestay in Europe. He has break next month and wants to travel independently, preferably to Barcelona, but we are concerned that the hotels or planes won’t let him on. (He could carry a letter giving him permission.) Does anyone have any specific recommendations for places that would allow him to stay?</p>
<p>Don’t know about hotels but do warn him that Barcelona is notorious for pickpockets. The last time I was there twice someone attempted to relieve me of my belongings. Generally they opt for the two people one asking you directions, etc while the other grabs your belongings as you are distracted. I am not at all saying don’t go just saying be aware.</p>
<p>Don’t know about teens but we stayed at the hotel Peninsular and had a great room and it was inexpensive. I will agree strongly with ebeeee. Pickpockets are everywhere. We saw two stage a fight and the third crook went around picking the pockets. Tell him to be especially careful of his passport. We locked ours up in the hotel safe. But I love Barcelona!</p>
<p>My son toured Spain as part of an organized group in high school. They stayed in economy hotels. He had a good experience, but one thing still strikes me as odd. He said none of the hotels had laundry facilities. That presented a real problem on his trip, because he assumed he would be able to launder his clothing while he was traveling. I still don’t understand why they did not have washing machines.</p>
<p>We were forewarned about the pickpockets in Barcelona and some other places, and he was careful to watch out for the common ruses they employed.</p>
<p>D (who is 17) spent last fall on her own for extended time in Rome. Had NO age related issues/discrimination there or travelling to and from on her own. She stayed for the most part in guesthouses (kinda like B&Bs) associated with convents. She also had her own credit card (in her name). Planes did not ask for any special id either. We went through a monastery stay program that vetted the places in advance.</p>
<p>Go to couchsurfing.org and sign up. It is a wonderful site where people allow others to stay in their home for a brief period. there is a family welcome group there and you can search for families with kids his age to host him. it would be a great experience. my D and i have stayed with families throughout europe and have hosted several here.</p>