How To Travel With Teens: 9 Essential Tips For A Memorable Family Adventure
Travelling with teenagers is entirely different than travelling with younger kids or adults. They’re old enough to appreciate new experiences and make memories, yet often independent, opinionated, and quick to spot anything they might consider “uncool.” That balance of freedom and structure can be challenging, but when you get it right, travelling with teens can be incredibly rewarding. Here’s our guide to keeping your adventures with teens stress-free, argument-free, and, most importantly, fun!
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1. Involve Them in Planning
Involving teens in planning the trip gives them a sense of ownership and helps avoid the dreaded “I don’t want to do that” complaints. Here’s a few ideas that we’ve found helpful:
- Destination Research: Let your teen help choose the destination or pick specific attractions they’re interested in. Ask them to look up a few “must-sees” to help create a plan they’re excited about.
- Choose Activities Together: Have each family member select an activity for one day. For example, if your teen picks the local theme park, maybe you pick the next day’s museum visit. With everyone getting to choose something special to them, there is less arguing all around.
- Budget Responsibility: Set a budget and give them a set amount for souvenirs or extra activities, helping them learn to make choices on what’s important to them.
2. Allow for Independence
Teens are at a stage where independence feels like a right, not a privilege. Giving them space to explore on their own can make the trip feel more enjoyable for everyone.
- Explore Solo (With Boundaries): In safe settings, allow them to explore a nearby area solo, like a market or a park. This independence builds confidence and lets them see the world on their own terms. Our teens liked heading out together in the morning to the local bakery in Whistler to pick up something for breakfast or occasionally staying back in our vacation rental in Greece while the adults went out to explore something they weren’t interested in seeing.
- Scheduled “Free Time”: While they certainly have more stamina to explore than when they were younger, everyone, including teens, can benefit from an hour or two to relax, read, catch up on their social media, or just decompress. Having this downtime reduces the chances of burnout or boredom.
- Navigation Skills: Encourage your teen to take charge of navigation for a day. Whether it’s managing Google Maps, reading subway signs, or picking routes for a city walk, it’s a fantastic way to sharpen their real-world skills. It is also great to see how they respond when things don’t go according to plan or you get lost (I’m pretty sure that was me that got us lost on the way to Disneyland Paris, not the teens).
3. Balance Action-Packed Days with Downtime
Teenagers are a unique blend of energy and relaxation—one minute, they’re ready for adventure, and the next, they need some rest.
- Active Mornings and Relaxing Afternoons: Start with something active like hiking, sightseeing, or biking, then follow it up with a relaxing afternoon at the beach or pool. Conversely, if your teens are like mine and never want to get out of bed, set clear expectations on the days they will need to rise early to get to a specific activity or attraction (as they are usually the quietest first thing in the morning). Mix this up with a lazy morning where everyone gets to sleep in and relax.
- Consider Lodging with Amenities: If your teens love a pool, gym, or games room, book accommodations that offer these perks. A quick swim or game of pool can be the perfect reset after a day of sightseeing.
- Limit Overscheduling: Allow for flexible days with just one or two activities planned. This leaves room for spontaneous adventures or downtime as needed.
4. Make Room for Their Interests
Teens are naturally curious about the world around them, so playing to their interests can turn the trip into a learning experience without them even realizing it.
- Photography Stops: If your teen is into photography, schedule stops at scenic viewpoints or unique locations where they can snap photos. Let them curate an album for the trip!
- Local Music, Art, or Sports: Encourage them to find out if there are local concerts, street art, or sports events during your trip. These can give them a local experience and create shared memories.
- Let Them Lead: Maybe your teen wants to find the best shave ice in town or track down a book store. Let them research and lead you there—it builds confidence and helps them connect with the destination. These stops often lead to some of the best memories and stories. We’ve walked around Paris in search of a cat cafe, that ended up being farther away than anyone realized. We visited the Catacombs because our daughter was reading a book about them. We’ve been to some amazing Lego Stores and scoured the grocery stores for Tony’s Chocolonely (that one might have been because of me, but the teens love it too).
5. Make it a Game with Friendly Competition
Most teens are quick to jump at a challenge, so turning certain parts of the trip into friendly competitions can keep them engaged.
- Scavenger Hunts: Create a scavenger hunt for local landmarks, foods, or cultural experiences. The whole family can join in to see who finds the most items or spots the quirkiest details.
- Photo Challenges: Give them a list of types of photos to take (like a funny sign, a local animal, or a cool architectural feature). It’s a great way for them to look for details while exploring and provides a unique way to capture memories.
- Food Challenges: If your teen loves trying new foods, challenge them to try one new food per day or rate their favourite local snacks.
6. Encourage Them to Document the Journey
Teens love sharing their experiences with friends. Capture their creativity and help them find new ways to document the trip.
- Travel Journals: Suggest a travel journal for them to jot down highlights, draw sketches, or keep ticket stubs. This personal record might inspire them to embrace travel even more.
- Photos: Suggest that they capture a photo a day that reflects what they found most interesting from a new place.
- Gratitude: Share a daily gratitude from your trip around the dinner table each day, you might be surprised by what they come up with and what they most appreciate about their travels.
7. Give Them Space for Connection with Friends
Teens live in a connected world, and allowing some time to stay in touch with friends can ease any anxiety about being away.
- Phone Time: Give them time regularly to connect with friends and family online, share photos, or update their social media. This way, they don’t feel isolated and can share the experience.
- Offline Connection: Pack a few small games, cards, or a travel-sized board game that they can enjoy with siblings or family. Bonding over a game of cards or trivia on the go can bring some much-needed family laughs.
8. Set Clear Expectations for Technology Use
Traveling with teens often involves managing technology and setting boundaries. Find a tech balance that works for both you and your teen.
- Decide on “Phone-Free” Moments: Set aside certain times (like meals or special experiences) when everyone is tech-free.
- Share the Wi-Fi Load: Make sure to discuss how to use your phones while you are away in another country so you don’t end up with a giant phone bill once you get home.
- For your next road trip, try a family audiobook or audio guide to keep everyone off their phones and entertained.
9. Celebrate Teen Milestones and Family Traditions
Every family has their own travel traditions and habits. Including your teens in these—and creating new ones as they get older—makes the trip more memorable.
- Annual Traditions: Whether it’s a sunset photo on every trip, a family souvenir purchase, or visiting the same local shop, these routines create a sense of continuity and connection. Whenever we return to a place we have already visited we always make it a point to find something new to explore and try and get the whole family in on this.
- Milestone Moments: If your teen has achieved something special recently, celebrate it on the trip. Marking accomplishments in new places can make the experience extra meaningful.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Ride
Travelling with teens is all about balance—giving them independence while also building connections through shared experiences. By giving your teen a sense of agency and staying open to their interests, you’ll create a travel experience they’ll remember forever.
With a little flexibility and planning, you’ll find that travel with teens isn’t just possible—it’s an adventure waiting to unfold. So pack up, embrace the unexpected, and make memories together that will last a lifetime!
