12 Teen Travel Tips for a Stress-Free & Fun Vacation

As a mom who has traveled to destinations around the world with a teen and tween, I’ve gathered some useful info along the way that has made our vacations much more enjoyable for the whole family. If your kid weren’t strung out on hormones and freaked about leaving their friends for a getaway with the family, then they might give you the following advice. Follow these teen travel tips to improve your family’s next vacation.

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1. Ask teens and tweens for input.

Teens want to look at the guidebook and the web and tell you at least one or two places they want to go. This gives them a feeling of ownership of the vacation. They will be happier and more pleasant if you let them share their vacation wishes…and you listen to them!

2. Don’t plan to sightsee the day of arrival.

Teens just want to get settled into the place when you arrive at your vacation destination. Keep in mind that the further the distance you’ve traveled and the bigger the difference in time zones, the longer it will take to get over jet lag. Plan a mellow activity for your first full day of vacation. Get something to eat, walk around a bit, and maybe take a dip in the hotel swimming pool. The same goes for transition vacation days when moving from one location to another.

3. Let big kids sleep in.

Keep in mind that teens need more sleep than their parents. This is due to growth and natural sleep cycles. Rather than starting your vacation days bright and early, consider getting up later and enjoying late night activities instead like a beach bonfire, fireworks at a theme park or family game night at your hotel.

4. Encourage kids to document their travels.

Most kids have smartphones with cameras nowadays. Teens and tweens may want to take photos or create videos to share with their friends via social media. Encourage them by agreeing to pause so they can get the best shot and praising their pics. But don’t push too much or your teen could see this as pressure and give up documenting the trip altogether. An elegant travel journal might inspire kids to write about their travels, too.

5. Give teens time to connect with friends.

Friendships are super important to teenagers. Give teens a set amount of time each day to let them text, call, email or share their travel adventures via social media. Encourage kids to send a post card home to a different friend from each destination, too. This will help them remember the vacation and feel less homesick.

6. Plan exciting vacation activities.

Teens need action! Walking around a city to the next museum or church doesn’t count, either. Plan a surfing lesson, zip-lining adventure, or ATV tour instead to keep teens engaged.

7. Allow big kids to explore on their own.

Teens like independence. Give them some freedom to explore on their own. How far and how long you let them out of sight will depend on the safety of your destination and age of your children, of course. Set up a meeting time and lay out safety rules in advance.

8. Listening to guides in a big group is b-o-r-i-n-g.

Typically, teens don’t like big tours geared toward grown-ups. Instead, choose tours that are designed for kids their ages. Teens often prefer active tours on bicycles or Segways instead. Guides-on-tape and scavenger hunts are also a good idea for independent-minded tweens and teens.

9. Set a budget for souvenirs.

Meaningful souvenirs make travel more interesting. Give kids a set amount of money to spend on souvenirs during the vacation. This will give them autonomy and teach the importance of budgeting, too.

10. Let teens wander into offbeat stores or museums.

Big kids may have interest in wacky shops and attractions that aren’t appealing to parents. That’s okay. You can choose to accompany them or sit outside and rest your feet while they wander. Say yes at least once every day when your teen asks if your family can explore a unique-looking street, park, or whatever.

11. Encourage teens to try the local cuisine.

Tasting local cuisine is an amazing way to experience a destination. Encourage your tween or teen to take a bite of new dishes. Don’t get on their case, though, if they want to eat the same, safe dish three days in a row. It’s really not worth the argument. When teens eat, they’re less grumpy.

12. Allow some time on technology.

Of course, you want your kids to live in the present moment and appreciate their vacation destination. But allowing teens a set, limited amount of time to play video games or watch their favorite YouTube stars helps them to relax after a long day of touring. Technology can be a great distraction during long flights or drives, too.

Learn more teen travel tips!

Keep teens content during the journey with these travel toys for all ages and these travel games for children and teens.

Big kids love Disney just as much as little kids. Read our Disney World with teens tips and our Disneyland with teens tips.

For a tropical paradise vacation, consider a trip to Fiji with teens and tweens. Or, take a look at our tips for visiting Atlantis Bahamas Resort with kids and teens.

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Do you have teen travel tips or questions to share? Let us know in the comments below!

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