Road Trip with Teens – Tips for a Smooth Journey

Want to be cooped up with angst-ridden, hormonal teenagers in a small space for hours and hours while speeding down the highway? This may not sound like paradise. But road trips with teens and tweens can be doable and (dare I say it?!) downright fun. That is, if you plan ahead. Buckle up for adventure with these 13 tips for planning a road trip with teens!

1. Consider renting a bigger car.

If you own a compact car, then you might want to consider renting something bigger for your road trip with teens, like a minivan or SUV. This is especially true if you'll be traveling a long distance or you're road tripping with two or more kids. Teenagers aren't as little as they once were and need more space for those growing limbs. Plus, a bigger vehicle provides more space to pack more stuff, like shoes for those big teenager feet! Take a look at prices from various car rental companies all in one place with Expedia.

2. Prepare teens for the journey.

Teenagers don't like feeling out of control. (Who does?!) That's why it's important to tell your kids in advance all about the road trip so they know what to expect.

First, tell them when the trip will take place. If your kids are like my teen and tween, then you'll probably have to remind them a few times as you count down the days until take off. Add the road trip dates to your family calendar, too, if you have one.

Then, tell teens how long you expect the road trip to take. This includes how many days you'll be driving, how many hours per day you'll be on the road, and how often you plan to stop. It's best to show the road trip route on a map. Some teens may even be interested in researching some pit stops along the way.

3. Play travel games.

Entertainment is always a concern when planning a road trip with your offspring in tow. Old fashioned games like I Spy and 20 Questions are fun even for teens and tweens, if done in moderation. For even more play, buy some compact games like travel backgammon and Loaded Questions On the Go. Get more ideas from this list of travel games.

4. Listen to audiobooks.

Audiobooks provide great distraction for the whole family. This is especially true when you choose stories that appeal to all ages like the Harry Potter series. Take a look at additional audiobooks for family road trips.

5. Teens like travel toys, too.

You might think your teen or tween is too old for toys. But there are diversions that big kids will still enjoy during a road trip. Mad Libs, a Rubik's Cube, and adult coloring books will help make the miles zoom by. Explore more travel toys for all ages before your getaway.

6. Keep teens well-fed.

There's nothing crankier than a hungry teen. Adolescents are growing fast and need lots of food to keep them fueled. Be sure to pack lots of snacks for the journey. Bring a cooler filled with healthy options like fresh fruits, sandwiches, individually wrapped cheeses, and trail mix. Allow some special goodies, too, like snack-sized candy bars or chips. In my family, we like to pack the good-for-you snacks and stop at a convenience store along the route to grab a “naughty” treat or two. Dig into these delicious travel snack ideas.

7. Let teens and tweens choose their own music.

Chances are, your kids have different taste in music than you do. Encourage teens and tweens to bring along headphones so they can listen to their own soundtracks on their smart devices. This will significantly decrease arguments over what songs to play.

8. Watch movies on the road.

There are plenty of unplugged car trip activities to keep your family content, but a bit of technology can go a long way on the road. If ever there was a time to allow kids to let kids zone out on videos, then it's during a long car trip.

Rejoice if your car (or rental vehicle) comes equipped with a backseat entertainment system. I have even been known to climb into the backseat while my husband drives so I can watch movies with my kids during road trips.

Kids can also watch films and TV shows on their smart phones or tablets. Be sure to download movies or bring along DVDs for the journey. For travel-themed options, pick from this list of travel movies for kids.

9. Limit video game play.

Some teens will want to bring along handheld gamers or play video games on their smart phones. Keep in mind that playing video games in a moving car often makes passengers feel sick. Therefore, you'll want to limit this activity on the road. Better yet, make teens and tweens wait until your family reaches your destination before they power up.

10. Be prepared for motion sickness.

Hormones often play a role in causing motion sickness. Since teenagers' bodies are filled with an abundance of estrogen and testosterone, even if your children haven't experienced car sickness in the past, they might during adolescence. Reading or watching screens in cars can increase motion sickness, so set technology limits before leaving home. Come prepared with motion sickness medication like Dramamine, just in case. To avoid or handle the nausea caused by movement, read our motion sickness tips.

11. Reward good behavior.

To keep sibling fights and sassy backtalk to a minimum, offer rewards for good behavior. Yes, I am suggesting you bribe your teen travelers. Kids who go an hour or two without arguing or complaining can earn a Starbucks stop or convenience store treat. For teens with a valid driver's license, offer the opportunity to drive for a portion of the trip.

12. Stop to stretch those growing legs.

Sitting still is not easy for young minds and bodies. When planning your road trip itinerary, be sure to make room for pit stops along the way. Scope out parks and interesting roadside attractions before leaving home. You might want to bring along a Frisbee or soccer ball for play at rest areas, too.

13. Go with the flow.

You may have misty water-colored images in your mind's eye of the ideal road trip with your teens. You picture the whole family singing along to the radio and happily play the License Plate Game without complaint. As with any journey, however, a road trip with teens and tweens comes with its ups and downs. Spending hours crammed together can make anyone start to feel crabby. When parenting on the road, the best path is often the easiest one, so pick your battles and enjoy the journey!

Explore the world with your teens!

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

Road tripping along the West Coast? Take a look at these Highway 5 pit stops for families.

Explore Arizona, Utah, and Nevada with this incredible Southwest road trip itinerary.

Ready for a long-haul road trip with your teens? Check out these tips for planning a cross-country U.S. road trip from our friends at Crazy Family Adventure.

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Do you have any questions or tips for planning a road trip with teens? Let us know in the comments below!