Summer Escape: tips for taking a teen on your family holiday

Rachael Matthews - 8 May 18

There’s a big difference between travelling with a younger child and doing so with a teen.
At the age of eight, everything is magical. At 13, things that once interested them now elicit barely more than a shrug of the shoulders. This makes travelling with a teenager tricky – but it’s not impossible.

To help, we’ve compiled some important tips for taking your teen on a family holiday with you, so that you can all enjoy the perfect trip in blissful relaxation with no dramas.

Involve your teen in your holiday planning

This is the best way to know that your teenager is going to enjoy themselves on holiday. Although your likely response will be ‘whatever’, it’s important you include them. The more they’re involved in the early stages, the more they’re going to be engaged during the holiday. The moment they hear something that’s remotely interesting to them, they’ll soon pipe up.

Pick a resort suited for teenagers

If you’d like your teenager to make friends and have their own independence on their holiday, pick a resort where there is a teen club or something for teenagers to do. Group activities will help all teenagers come out of their shells – even the ones who are the quietest. This allows them to make friends and do their own things on the holiday.

Tailor holiday interests

How are going to keep your teenager happy on holiday? By doing things that they want to do and will enjoy. All family holidays are a series of compromises and by doing so you’ll have a much better time. Sit down before you leave and discuss who wants to do what. If your teen loves waterparks, make sure you put that on the agenda or if they’re into fashion, check out the local shopping centre or markets. At the same time, book some family fun things that you can do all do together, such as a boat trip, museum visit (choose one that has interactive features or that you know will inspire teens) or bike rides – these will be great bonding activities.

Try new things and step out of your comfort zones

Taking part in an activity that both you and the kids haven’t done before will make for a memorable trip. Doing something new together makes it special. These might not be things you’d necessarily choose to do but doing them for the kids will mean a lot to them even if they don’t say it.

Wi-Fi

Most teenagers these days are glued to their phones or iPad, so it’s a good idea to book a hotel with unlimited Wi-Fi. This will enable you and your child to enjoy the holiday as you relax by the pool or at the hotel bar, where they might be able to use the Wi-Fi. It will avoid plenty of arguments and lots of teenage grunting or moaning.

Pack enough adapters/charges

You know this point makes sense. What’s the point in having hotel Wi-Fi if they don’t have a device to use it on? Make sure you pack enough adapters or chargers for everyone to use.

Minimise the rules – but also stick to them

A holiday is no time to be imposing unrealistic rules, it’s time for everyone to let their hair down and have a little fun. Discuss some non negotiables with them and make clear what would happen if they don’t stick to them. But minimise the rules just a little and your teen will be a lot happier and will feel a sense of adulthood.

Give them a budget

Give your teen their own budget for the holiday and let them spend it on whatever they want, whether it’s a keepsake or gifts for their friends back home. This way, they’re in control and may even learn to save their own money. But remember to tell them – when it’s gone, it’s gone.

Take advantage of learning opportunities

Seek out those teachable moments when out and about. Figuring out where to go using a map or determining how to get to get from the gate to the terminal in the airport. These can be beneficial learning experiences. Remember, your teen will be travelling on their own before you know it, so it is helpful for them to learn how to do it  

Remember it doesn’t have to be perfect

Last but not least, a family holiday is never going to be perfect and things will go wrong. These mishaps are often what make for good stories and a laugh later on.

Rachael Matthews

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