Written by Maak

Travelling with teens can be difficult, to say the least. Teens are often enthusiastic travellers, but their schedule and interests aren’t always aligned with their parents or younger siblings. Visiting your 4th cathedral or getting up early to be first in line at some archaeological site may work for you, it probably won’t for them – they’d probably rather lie in or shop.

Travelling with teenagers is a tricky, but far from impossible, challenge. Getting it right can make a good holiday into a great holiday – something the family will be able to look back on with the passing of time.

During our numerous travels, our teenage son has travelled with us on car trips to France and Italy, and father afield to Canada, the US (on several occasions) and China. In our experience, the foundation for a successful holiday lies well in advance of departure – in setting expectations and planning. We apply the following seven rules when we travelling with teens, that we believe give the basis for a fun holiday for everybody.

1. Let your teen decide whether they want to go or not

Of course this isn’t always possible for younger teens, but our experience is that if they get a choice of whether to travel or nor, and decide to travel, they are a lot more likely to make an effort whilst on holiday. Most teens enjoy travelling and new experiences, so when given the option of staying with family or home alone, most jump at the chance to travel.

2. Get input from your teen and plan accordingly

Photo by: Kevin H.

A couple of years back my husband and I had planned a trip to California. and we were lucky to get tickets to a U2 concert. We had planned to travel with our two youngest children, but they were too young to see U2. Our teenage son agreed to travel (and babysit) and we built in a number of his wishes for the trip – amongst others a Lakers game, a day at sea world and a day shopping at a specific outlet with tons of sports outlets.

When travelling with teens make sure that you get them to list what their expectations are and help plan the itinerary. Agree on what you are going to see and what to miss; and make sure there is something for everybody.

3. Let your teen pack

photo by: Heliotrop3

You know it’s going to be 30C on that Greek island you’ll be visiting, but as long as you have told your teen that that is the case, let them pack what they want and feel most comfortable with. Talk to them, advice them, but the final decision must be their own.

Also, make sure they have their own suitcase/roller and make sure they are aware that they will be lugging it around. Help them pack lightly, but again if they want that extra pair of jeans with them (or in my sons case, that extra pair of basketball shoes) then let them take them - they'll be carrying them around.

Finally, if they are travelling somewhere where you know they’ll shop, make sure they have enough room for whatever they buy, and advise them to pack accordingly.

4. Set a budget

Especially with older teens, make sure that they take responsibility for how much they spend (of your money) and what they spend it on! We make sure that our son draws up a list of what things he would like to buy, before leaving on the trip. It helps him prioritise and stops him from blowing all the money on the first  day.

5. Give your teen space

Whilst on holiday be flexible and give your teens room to be themselves. If possible, book adjacent rooms for them, but even if they are sharing your room, let them sleep. If you are travelling around there will be days they have to get up, so on other days tell your teen what you plan for the next day, and if they want to sleep in, let them.

Give them freedom to do there own things – it may be an afternoon at the mall or an evening watching one of the final four basketball games (as it was for our son).

6. Remember, this is a holiday

Photo: Steven Bloom

Don’t forget that you are ALL on holiday. This may mean that to keep the peace you may need to give up on some things that you’d normally enforce at home – but if it keeps everybody happy, it’s OK, everybody knows that normal rules apply once you are back home.

Remember that you are on holiday as well, make sure you get time to relax by the pool, see that museum you always wanted and eat a romantic dinner with your better half whilst the teens (and younger siblings) are at McDonalds.

If meltdowns happen – and they probably will - don’t dwell, move on as quickly as possible. Finally make sure you enlist your teenager to play with younger siblings – it’s amazing how our 24 year old and two pre-teenage children can spend hours together in a pool.

7. Make sure your teens can stay in touch with friends

Photo by: escapedtowisconsin

Make sure there is time for your teens to stay in touch with their friends – bring along a laptop or make time for them to visit the local internet café. No matter how bored they were visiting the Louvre in Paris, I guarantee you, they’ll be bragging about it to their friends at the first opportunity.

You could also consider taking one of your teenager's friends with you.

Do you have experience travelling with teenagers, share your tips with us.