Let’s face it – travelling with teens is a whole different ball game. If you think tantrums are just a toddler thing, think again. Travelling with teens is like being on a rollercoaster – unexpected twists, sharp turns and a few eye rolls thrown in for good measure. One minute, they’re all silent (because headphones) and the next minute, they’re arguing about who gets the window seat. But don’t worry – armed with a bit of planning and a lot of patience, you can turn those teen travel moments into unforgettable adventures.
We’ve been travelling with our kids since they were babes-in-arms. And those trips had their own charm (and challenges). But travelling with teens? Totally different beast. If you’ve got little ones, I’ve got a separate post on tips for travelling with young children. But if you’re here for the teenage travel phase, buckle up – it’s going to be a fun ride!
Packing Tips: What to Bring for Your Teen
Let Them Pack (but with a plan!)
Here’s the thing – teens want control, and that includes what they pack. Give them some freedom, but with guidelines. Lay out the essentials; clothes, toiletries, chargers and sunscreen. Then let them pick the rest. You’ll avoid the ‘Mum, I’ve got nothing to wear!’ drama and also teach them a bit about responsibility. It’s a win-win – at least until they forget their toothbrush.
Keep It Casual and Cool
Style is non-negotiable for teens, but comfort should be high on the list too. Think comfy but trendy; jeans, leggings, a few tops they love, and of course, their favourite hoodie. Oh, and shoes – don’t forget the comfy shoes. Because nothing, and I mean nothing, derails a trip faster than sore feet. Trust me, you’ll hear about it non-stop.
Tech is Non-Negotiable
This one’s obvious – no devices, no peace. Make sure they’ve packed their phone, tablet or laptop, plus chargers and a portable battery pack. The last thing you want is to be halfway through a long journey when your teen declares, ‘My phone’s dead!’ Crisis averted with a little foresight (and a lot of chargers).
Snacks, but Make It Cool
Teens and hunger are a dangerous combo. You’ll want to pack snacks they actually like – think cereal bars, popcorn or even some trendy health snacks they’ll be happy to show off. Because let’s face it, no one wants to be stuck in a car with a hangry teen who’s not into your choice of snacks. Bring what they love, and you’ll avoid the grumbles.
Choosing Teen-Friendly Destinations
Get Them Involved
Teens like to feel in control, so involve them in choosing the destination. Let them research cool places they want to visit, whether that’s a city with buzzing nightlife or a chill beach spot. The more input they have, the less likely you’ll hear moaning about being dragged somewhere ‘boring.’ Plus, it gives them something to look forward to.
Instagram-Worthy Experiences
Tourist traps? No thanks. What teens want is something unique and Instagram-worthy. Think zip-lining through a rainforest, epic street art tours or cultural workshops where they can learn something cool (and show it off on TikTok). The more interesting the experience, the more they’ll be into it – and the more likely they are to be snapping away for their followers.
All-Inclusive: One Easy Option
If you’re looking for a bit of ease (and less planning), all-inclusive resorts can be a great choice. You’ve got everything in one place – meals, activities and plenty of relaxation. And even if you’re an adventure-loving family, all-inclusive doesn’t have to mean boring. While the kids are lounging by the pool, you and your partner can sneak off for some adventure or sightseeing nearby. It’s a nice balance – everyone gets what they want without the hassle. If the kids just want a relaxing day by the pool, you get some time to yourselves.
Want More Adventure?
If you’re after a bit more excitement, look for destinations that offer plenty of activities outside the hotel. Take our New York trip, for example. The teens loved exploring the city during the day, but by the time dinner was over, they were all about chilling in the hotel room. So Sukh and I would head out to a rooftop bar or just wander around the city. It worked out perfectly – everyone got to enjoy the day in their own way.
And when we went to Thailand, as long as there were snacks, meals paid for and a pool to dip into, the kids were happy to have a chill day at the hotel. One day, Sukh and I went off to explore the Krabi Hot Springs because the kids weren’t feeling it. We had an amazing time, and they got their lazy day -everyone was happy!
So whether you’re going all-inclusive or diving into a more adventurous trip, there are ways to keep everyone entertained while still enjoying some couple time. Win-win!
Activities That Keep Teens Engaged
Mix It Up
Teens can get bored quickly, so variety is key. Plan a mix of activities – one day full of adventure like hiking or visiting a theme park, and another more chilled day of exploring local spots or just hanging by the beach. Too much of one thing, and they’ll lose interest. A good balance keeps everyone happy (and you’ll thank yourself later).
Give Them Some Freedom
As tempting as it is to keep your teens in sight at all times, giving them some independence can make the trip more enjoyable for both of you. Whether it’s letting them explore a shopping district on their own or giving them the freedom to chill by the pool, a little trust goes a long way. Plus, it gives you a chance for a bit of ‘me time’ while they’re off doing their thing.
Adventure Journal? Why Not!
Here’s a cool idea. Encourage your teen to document their trip. Whether it’s through a travel journal, blog or even a scrapbook, it’s a fun way for them to engage with the trip and express themselves. Bonus – they’ll have something to look back on that’s more than just Instagram snaps.
Travel Safety: Keeping Your Teen Secure
Set Safety Rules Early
Before you even set foot out the door, have a conversation about safety. Make sure your teen knows the ground rules – how to check in, when to stay close and what to do in case of an emergency. Establish check-in times and communication methods, whether it’s a quick text or a call. Trust me, it’s much easier to enjoy your trip when everyone knows the plan.
ID and Emergency Contacts
Make sure your teen has some form of ID on them at all times, especially if you’re travelling abroad. It’s also a good idea to provide them with a list of emergency contacts – yours, the hotel’s and any local numbers they might need. Better safe than sorry, right?
Use Tech to Stay in Touch
Want to keep tabs on your teen without being a helicopter parent? There are tons of apps that let you stay connected without constantly texting. Location-sharing apps like Find My Friends or family messaging apps can help you keep track of each other without being overbearing.
Phone Data
Staying connected is a must. Enter Airalo eSIM – the ultimate game-changer! This nifty little tool lets your teen roam freely without the hassle of switching out SIM cards. With an Airalo eSIM, they can tap into data in multiple countries without breaking the bank. That means they can stream their favourite shows, snap pics for social media and stay in touch with friends back home – all while you’re busy exploring. Trust me, having a connected teen makes for a much smoother trip
Making the Journey Fun
Road Trip Playlist, Anyone?
If you’re hitting the road, make a playlist together. Let each family member pick a few songs, and throw in some fun, cheesy tracks for a laugh. Nothing breaks the boredom of a long drive like a sing-along to some guilty pleasure hits. Bonus points if you manage to get them singing along to your old-school classics.
Let Them Plan the Itinerary
Teens love having a say in things, so let them help plan the trip’s itinerary. Whether it’s choosing a few key attractions or deciding where to eat dinner, giving them ownership over part of the plan will keep them more engaged – and it’ll make them feel like their opinion matters (because it does!).
Capture the Moments
Teens love taking photos, so encourage them to document the trip. And not just for social media! Get some proper family photos too – it might be like pulling teeth at the time, but they’ll appreciate those memories down the line. Just make sure to have some fun with it, and you’ll end up with pics to treasure.
Wrapping It All Up
Travelling with teens doesn’t have to be a stress-filled experience. With a little planning and a good mix of activities (plus some independence for them), you’ll create memories that everyone will look back on fondly – yes, even your teens. And hey, who knows? You might even get a genuine smile or two along the way.
If you’re still in the trenches with little ones, don’t forget to check out my other post with tips for travelling with younger kids. For now, it’s time to embrace the teen travel years. You’ve got this!
Ready To Book Your Next Family Holiday? These Are My Favourite Travel Tools…
FLIGHTS: Skyscanner
ACCOMMODATION: Booking.Com
CAR RENTAL: Discover Cars
ACTIVITIES: Get Your Guide
eSIM: Airalo
TRAVEL INSURANCE: TravelSupermarket
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