Lots of us will have gone away this summer and I bet that most of us will have been focused on the follow equation. You + friends – parents = fun in the sun. It’s a perfect sum making perfect sense. At our age we want to be more independent and to have experiences that help us grow up and learn new things. Sometimes holidaying with our folks is the last thing we want to do to achieve this, especially if we have annoying siblings and arguments galore with the family. So how many of us are aware of the options to have loads of fun without our family in tow? I decided it was time we knew. Sit back, relax and enjoy the many options for the traveller in you… At the age of 11, I was introduced to lone travelling with the help of CISV - an organisation that promotes world peace and international friendships. I met young people from all over the world. We learnt about each other’s culture, enjoyed activities and made lots of friends.

The location? Drum roll please… Newcastle! Not the most exotic place I know, but it didn’t matter, because the people and experiences were great. Travelling without my mum at 11 was daunting and I had my fair share of homesickness, but it was often forgotten by the amount of fun I had. I enjoyed it so much I recently went on a 3 weeks camp to Portugal. Again, independently. It was the best time of my life and even though I love my mum dearly, there was no homesickness. These experiences have built up my confidence and made me more independent, aware and ready for the world. There are loads of organisations like www.cisv.org, if you want to look into them, here are just a few you might recognise…

Woodcraft folk Open to young people up to 21 years old, Woodcraft describe themselves as a “unique progressive educational movement for, designed to develop self-confidence and activity in society, with the aim of building a world based on equality, peace, social justice and co-operation”. Woodcraft has been going for 75 years and membership means, the chance of residential weekends away and camping trips in the summer. Plus trips and projects abroad too. Luckily for you, there are two centres in Sheffield.

Scouting for adventure? OK…OK, so the image of Scouting hasn’t been too great in the past, but they’re now far from the bob-a-job, boys in shorts image they used to be. The Scout Association provides adventurous activities and personal development opportunities for 400,000 young people aged 6-25, of BOTH genders! As for travelling, there are regular camps UK wide, aimed at promoting “physical, intellectual, social and spiritual well-being.” And it gets even better. Scouting goes on in 216 countries and has a global membership of over 28 million! The international office promotes international opportunities including camps and projects, with the aim of strengthening links between and the Scout movement. If you’re the outdoorsy type or want some great challenges, then Scouting is definitely for you.

Volunteer travel in the UK and abroad If you’re feeling like you want to save the world, consider volunteering aboard or in another city through organisations dedicated to just that. The internet is idled with opportunities and there are thousands of types of work. Remember you may have to be 16 or above and 18 for travelling aboard.

City sights Great for shopaholics or culture vultures. Check out cheap train deals online. Where: It’s a mere £12 return to Manchester and takes only 50 minutes via train. Manchester is the shopping Mecca of the north with everything from a giant Primark and multiple H&Ms to designer stores and free art galleries. For serious site-seers, how about London? Home of the tower of London, Big Ben and the London Eye. Our capital is great for those after a bit of British heritage or for exploring all these trendy areas with amazing markets like Covent Garden. London has something for everyone. Tips: Plan what you want to do before you get there as cities can suck time, especially London. Try to go in a group of people you feel comfortable with as your day trip should be argument free.

Fun and fresh air… There are no excuses for us who live so near to some of the best countryside in the UK. So grab your most comfortable and hard wearing shoes and walk around Mother Nature’s back garden. Where: Nearby favourites include Paddly Gorge, Chatsworth, Edale, Bakewell and Matlock. Most accessible by bus or train. Tips: If you’re planning a serious hike, check out local walking guides online or in the library.

Beach fun For some the ideal get away would have to be chilling on the beach with our mates, having a good gossip, eating ice cream and getting a good tan. Sheffield may not be near the sea, but we ain’t far off! Where: Scarborough, Skegness, Filey and beyond. Tip: Check the weather and pack all your sun essentials. Camping Camping offers a cheap way to travel and get chummy with the outdoors. Pitching a tent can be loads of fun and you can even include day trips in your itinerary. Where: There are hundreds of sites around the UK, so finding somewhere you’d like to go will be easy peasy. Tip: An essential item to bring for your campfire is…marshmallows. Enjoy a good ol’ sing-along while they toast! back to top