Travel Tips for Families with Kids Aged 10 – 18 Years Old

• Domestic
  • California – San Francisco & San Diego
  • New York – New York City
  • Hawaii – Big Island & Maui
  • Arizona – Grand Canyon
  • Wyoming -Yellowstone National Park & Jackson Hole
  • Tennessee – Nashville
  • Washington D. C.
  • Texas – Austin
  • Florida – Orlando & Miami
  • South Carolina – Charleston

• International
  • Caribbean
  • Dominican Republic
  • Mexico
  • South Africa
  • Greece
  • Switzerland
  • Tanzania & Kenya
  • Japan
  • Scotland
  • Portugal & Spain
  • Australia
  • Costa Rica
  • The Galapagos Islands

• Theme parks
• Road Trips
• Dude Ranches
• National Parks
• Ski/ snowboard or mountain biking lessons
• Horseback Riding
• Snorkeling & intro to diving
• Ziplining and ropes courses
• White water rafting
• Wildlife safaris
• History tours
• Hiking & Trekking
• Water sports

These activities offer a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exposure, ensuring your teens have a fun, engaging, and memorable travel experience!

Traveling with 10 to 18-year-olds can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it requires a bit of planning to ensure everyone enjoys the trip. Here are some helpful travel tips to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your teens:

• Let them help choose the destination: Teenagers often enjoy having a say in the travel plans. Give them a few options and let them help choose where to go, whether it’s a beach getaway, a cultural city trip, or an outdoor adventure.
• Pick activities that appeal to their interests: Research things they’re interested in—whether it’s adventure sports, theme parks, or cultural experiences—and include some of those activities in the itinerary.

• Allow for personal space: Teens need time to recharge, so balance family activities with moments where they can enjoy their own space, like a few hours by the pool or time to explore a city solo or with friends.
• Encourage independence: If the destination allows, let them take the lead in small decisions like choosing a restaurant, planning a group outing, or navigating local transportation.

• Mix in cultural experiences: Include visits to museums, historical landmarks, or local cultural experiences that are engaging for teens. Many museums and attractions offer interactive exhibits or activities tailored to younger visitors.
• Learning moments: Whether it’s exploring a new country or discovering nature, there are always learning opportunities. Encourage them to take photos, journal, or ask questions about what they’re seeing.

• Family bonding moments: Have activities that bring the family together—like a beach day, a hike, or a fun family dinner—where everyone can relax and enjoy each other’s company.
• Let them connect with friends: If possible, give them time to call or text friends, especially on longer trips, so they feel connected and not isolated from their social circles.

• Allow for spontaneity: While it’s important to have a plan, be flexible. Let teens decide on activities when you arrive, and leave room for unexpected adventures or downtime.
• Don’t over-schedule: Make sure there’s time to relax and enjoy the destination rather than trying to do everything. Teenagers can get exhausted or frustrated with a packed schedule.

Traveling with teens can be an incredibly rewarding experience, filled with opportunities for adventure, personal growth, and family bonding. With a little planning and flexibility, you can create an experience that keeps everyone engaged and excited. Based on my experiences and insights from other families, here are some tips to help make trips with older kids more enjoyable and stress-free.

When traveling with teens, choosing the right accommodation is key. Opt for larger suites or interconnected rooms that allow for some privacy and comfort, while still keeping the family close. Many hotels and resorts cater to this age group with modern amenities like Wi-Fi, spacious common areas, and even special teen lounges or activity centers. Having a space where everyone can unwind or socialize is essential. Look for places that offer both relaxation and entertainment, such as game rooms, cinemas, or even on-site sports facilities, to ensure there’s something for every teen’s interest.

Teens are increasingly independent, so accommodations with nearby attractions or activities are ideal. Resorts or destinations near outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, or water sports give teens the chance to explore on their own or with family, without feeling tied down. If you're visiting a city, look for places close to museums, shopping districts, or cultural sites, so your teen can explore while you enjoy the sights. The key is offering enough variety to allow your teen to experience a mix of freedom and family time.

To keep teens entertained, seek destinations that offer a range of activities they’ll genuinely enjoy. Whether it’s surfing lessons, ziplining, or a visit to an amusement park, teens are ready to try new things. Many resorts now have specialized teen programs that include adventure camps, cooking classes, or social activities designed for their age group. These programs give teens the opportunity to connect with others while also engaging in activities that cater to their interests. It’s also a great way to give them some independence, knowing they’re in good hands while you get some time to relax.

For families with teens, it’s important to find a balance between group activities and individual downtime. A family-friendly vacation doesn't mean everyone has to be together all the time. Offering teens the chance to spend a few hours on their own—whether it’s shopping, hanging out at a local cafe, or exploring the destination independently—gives them the freedom they crave. It’s all about creating a trip that meets everyone’s needs while still encouraging family bonding through shared experiences.

One of the best ways to plan a trip with teens is by getting recommendations from other families who have traveled with kids in the same age range. Hearing about the activities that kept their teens entertained or the destinations they loved can be incredibly helpful. We love hearing from other families about what worked and what didn’t, which makes it easier for us to recommend the perfect experiences for your family.

With years of experience booking family vacations for all ages, we only recommend destinations and accommodations we trust. Don’t worry—the trip won’t just be all about the kids. We make sure to plan some fun for parents too, with relaxation and adventure that everyone can enjoy!

We look forward to helping you create an unforgettable family adventure that your teens will talk about for years to come!