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Minor Issues: Lessons my teenager learnt from his first holiday with friends, sans parents
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The trip strengthened their friendships as they learnt more about one another, and each person’s likes and dislikes.
ST ILLUSTRATION: MANNY FRANCISCO
- The author's son's first unchaperoned trip was initially met with parental hesitation, but eventually accepted because it was potentially the last trip before national service.
- Her son and his friends planned a budget-friendly trip, minimising expenses by choosing a budget airline, forgoing check-in luggage, and splitting accommodation between basic and nicer hotels.
- The trip taught valuable life lessons, including problem-solving, time management and the importance of responsibility, while strengthening friendships and creating lasting memories.
AI generated
SINGAPORE – In 2024, my son, who was then 18, said he wanted to travel with his friends after his national examinations.
Although I was initially hesitant, I gradually came round to the idea. He had been working hard to prepare for his exams and it would be a well-deserved break for him and his buddies.


