how do i tell my parents about going to china solo for the olympics and spending my money in bank?
I am graduating college and want to spend the money i have in the bank (a couple grand) on vacationing. i will staying home for a year or two anyway and working trying to save up money. i thought that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the olympics in china since i have always wanted to see china. This is just an added bonus that the olympics are here. Also, if i go to china for the olympics i have to book everything now, i saw that some things are available hostels, etc. and if i wait too long it may not happen. I know they will tell me that they do not want me to spend that money because it should be for down payment on home, future needs, etc. yeah i agree and that is something i will have to deal with, but i want to travel and explore before i get tied down with a job (firefighter) i want to have their support in my decision and would like to be excited and nervous with them about it. i could easily just book everything without talking to them first.
that would be bad and do not want to cause a controversy. i want to to be excited and do this so much. i just hope they do not put a guilt trip on me, i am 23 years old though and respect them a lot, this is why i am not just buying everything now and then telling them. I just want them to be supportive i guess…… and let me do what i want to do.
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I don’t think there’s any reason you need to spend ALL of your money on a trip to China. You can still keep some of that saved up in your bank account. Your parents definitely have a point on that. Other than that, the best thing you can do is say exactly what you just said on here to your parents.
Like you say this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the Olympics in china. You are big enough to make your own decision and you also need to respect your parents. You need to talk with your parent. Also you can make your plan wisely, do some research, like how much is the air ticket, hotel and other things. My suggestion, check the air ticket online since now, some airlines have special or promotion, check online frequently to find a good deal; Don’t need to book hotel, it is expensive and I believe most of the hotels are already booked out for the Olympic. Lots of local residents will rent out their house for the visitor during the Olympic. It is nice, affortable and close to the game site. You can consider this option. Other things, like food is cheap in Beijing and also public transportation is available.
Talk to them as you had posted here on why you want to go. They will be understanding enough.
Don’t focus on going for the Olympics. I’m not making any political statements here, I just personally do not care about these international events. Besides, there is so much else to see and do. If I were you at your age, I would be a couchsurfer. That’s how I usually travel. Couchsurfing is much better than the Olympics to create one world. You will meet so many interesting people that way. Check it out.
As for the issue between your parents and you regarding this trip, you are the only one who can decide. You know your parents, but we don’t, so it would be difficult to give you any advice. The best advice is to tell them about your own dreams and explain that you respect the fact that they care about your future, but that you want to realize this dream before settling in in your ‘adult’ life when you return. Even though I respected my parents’ advice I decided at 18 to leave my country, parents, family and friends to explore the world and never looked back. My relations with my parents are great, but not very typical.
Just tell them how you feel. Just make sure you think, research, and plan this thoroughly.
Hi Joe M
I think I spoke with you before on a similar question, so I won’t repeat that here. But I wouldn’t recommend the option of renting from locals (as suggested by one of the previous persons). Instead, you would be much better off with the web links I gave you earlier for short term accommodation.
Here they are again:
http://www.beijing-olympic-apartments.com/apartments.asp
(Also check out their front page for general info: http://www.beijing-olympic-apartments.com/ )