Traveling with Teens

Traveling with teens, like traveling with kids of any age, comes with unique challenges. We started traveling with our kids when they were young, and over the years, some aspects of family travel have become easier while others have only grown more complicated. Instead of juggling nap schedules and baby gear, we’re navigating scheduling conflicts, higher costs (we’re practically paying for four adults now), and the most challenging hurdle: teens who don’t even want to travel. Yes, it happens—I have one teen who isn’t a fan of traveling, especially with his parents.

So, how do I make it work? How do I plan a trip that’s memorable and enjoyable for everyone? As I plan this summer’s family trip to Japan, these questions run through my mind. We’ve taken long trips in recent summers, lasting three to five weeks. A few of our adventures have included road trips across the U.S., island hopping in Greece, and multi-country European escapades. Each trip has brought challenges, and we’ve had many candid discussions about what worked, what didn’t, and what we loved (or didn’t love). Along the way, I’ve been taking notes to make future travels even better. Here are some key lessons we’ve learned about traveling with teens to help make your next family trip the best it can be.

Try involving your teens as early as possible—even when deciding where to go. Everyone has different interests and travel styles.  Finding a balance is essential to keeping everyone happy and avoiding unnecessary grumpiness. When planning, I try to take everyone’s preferences into account. Our best trips have included a good mix of sightseeing and relaxation.

Let’s face it: your teens probably don’t want to hang out with you 24/7, even on vacation. Expecting constant togetherness isn’t realistic. Everyone needs downtime to relax and recharge. On every trip, I schedule “down days” where everyone can do their own thing, whether relaxing, exploring, or just taking a break from the itinerary.

Your teens won’t suddenly become different people just because you’re on vacation. If they like to sleep late at home, they’ll likely want to sleep late on vacation, too. Be realistic about their habits and preferences to avoid disappointment. I’ve learned not to expect my kids to always be excited about the same things that excite me—and while that can feel discouraging, it’s important to keep trying. Every once in a while, they’ll surprise you!

When planning our trips, I spend the most time researching accommodations. I prioritize places that give us a little extra space, such as Airbnbs or hotels with family-style rooms. And if I can find a place with a second bathroom, that would be better! I also look for accommodations in safe, walkable neighborhoods or central areas that allow us the freedom to explore independently. For example, when we visited Cinque Terre, I made sure to book an apartment in the heart of Vernazza. This gave everyone the flexibility to come and go as they pleased, whether grabbing gelato or enjoying a quiet moment with a glass of wine at a local café.

When traveling with teens—or kids of any age—don’t skip meals. A full belly equals happier travelers. I’ve also learned not to be disappointed if my kids occasionally crave the comforts of home. For example, we ended up at the local Burger King more than once during our trip to Venice. While my husband and I enjoyed Italian cuisine, the kids sometimes found comfort in familiar food, which kept everyone happy.

While I love sightseeing, my teens can quickly get “sighted out.” They tell me you can only look at so much rubble. I’ve learned to balance our trips by including hands-on activities that engage them. Some of our most memorable experiences have been activity-based, like a boat trip along the Amalfi Coast, a cooking class in Naxos, and a falconry lesson in Ireland.

This is just the nature of parenting teens. My teens like to complain and push back on many things, so I’ve learned to expect it, even on vacation. This goes hand in hand with adjusting your expectations—don’t expect your teen to become a different person just because they’re standing in the middle of the Tuscan countryside.

If your teen is glued to their phone at home, they’ll likely want it on vacation too. Set clear boundaries about screen time before you travel to ensure they don’t miss out on important experiences. At the same time, embrace the convenience of technology—it’s a lifesaver for long plane rides, train trips, and downtime. Don’t forget to pack extra chargers or portable power banks to keep everyone connected!

Planning a trip with teens isn’t always easy, but it can be gratifying. By involving them in the process, allowing space for individuality, and meeting them where they are, you can create a travel experience that everyone—even your teens, will cherish.