Travel Ideas for Families with Teens

Finding a travel destination that will keep your teen interested is not always an easy task. Teenagers are enjoying their independence while parents are desperately trying to spend quality time together before their children enter adulthood. Traveling with teens can be stressful if you have to constantly badger them to participate in family events, but providing them with fun activities usually helps.

Listen Before Booking
Listen to your teen before planning on another family vacation. Find out what days your child is free before making any reservations. This way they don't miss out on any school functions, birthday parties or important test and study dates.

Separate Hotel Rooms
If your budget allows it, consider booking a separate hotel room for your teen. An adjoining room is suitable and still offers them some space and breathing room. Just don't try to force them to bunk with younger children or another relative. That could make them feel like they are just there to babysit and it takes away from their vacation.

Ski Resort
Try something new and thrilling to keep your teen interested. Stay at a ski resort and offer to attend a ski lesson with them. You'll both get to bond and learn something new before testing your skills out on the slope. An alternative would be snowboarding lessons or snowmobile rides. While some resorts have video games available in their rooms, encourage your teen to get out and explore so they don't lock themselves in the room all day.

Family Cruise
The cruise industry has created lounges that appeal to teens. Cruise lines used to have events for children and adults, but teens never felt like they were allowed to participate or just didn't want to. Now cruise lines like Carnival are equipped with flat screen TVs, iPod docking stations, lounges, dance floors and outdoor trips catered to their age group.

Theme Parks
Theme parks have a variety of activities to choose from. Most theme arks usually put on shows that the whole family can enjoy. One great thing about theme parks is that you don't have to spend the entire day together. Teens love being able to roam freely around the park and choosing what attraction to visit next. You can get some shopping done while the kids check out the arcade or ride the latest rollercoaster. Plan to meet up for lunch or dinner if you decide to split up.

Sources
http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=159
http://kidshealth.org/teen/safety/safebasics/travel_tips.html