Planning a vacation that everyone will love can be especially challenging when traveling with teens. They are a unique bunch. I know because I have three of them. The most important thing is to get their buy-in. You want them to WANT to go on vacation and be excited about it. A good place to start is to ask them where they want to go or where their friends have gone. Maybe make a family bucket list of locations they want to go to before they graduate high school and use that as inspiration for vacation plans.
In this episode, we’re talking about teenagers, and since teens love independence, eating, and what’s trending, we’ll give you some great tips to help you enjoy a vacation that your teens will love, and so will you.
Teens Love Independence
Pick a vacation destination that allows them to have some independence. They want to feel like adults and have the choices to go and do what they want some of the time. Does the destination have teen hangout options where they can meet others or do they have things that they can go do by themselves?
Example: On a cruise, you may give your teens the run of the ship to head to the sports deck, teen hangouts, or get something to eat on their own.
Teens Love Eating
I don’t know about your teens, but my teens (especially my boys) are growing and eating. They eat a lot, they eat frequently, and they love to try new things. They love a vacation where they can get ALL the things. When the food and drinks are included, it makes it easier for me too. I can let them get whatever they want and I don’t have to worry about the cost.
Example: An all-inclusive resort has been a favorite. From room service to the pool bars (for Shirley Temples and virgin frozen drinks), they can’t get enough.
Teens Love Trending
Teens can be driven by FOMO. They want to go where their friends have gone and show off the experiences they have. They are excited to share their experiences with friends and would rather be creating FOMO than experiencing it. Many share things on social media and they want to have those Instagram or TikTok experiences. From food to photos to rides to experiences, they want to have an experience worth sharing.
Example: Universal Studios and Disney World are full of those photo ops and experiences. They will want to ride the new Velocicoaster at Universal, be the first to ride Cosmic Rewind at Disney, take a picture at the purple wall, and participate in the latest trends. They’ll be excited to share a milkshake photo from Toothsome’s Chocolate Emporium.
As you are talking about your vacation ideas and sharing your plans, be sure to let your teens know what they can do on their own, what the food options are, and what the trending images and experiences are. Get their buy-in by keeping them involved in the process and making them a part of the planning. Make sure they have the app for the resort and find out what activities they are most excited about. Enjoy your time traveling with your teens. Before you know it, they will be all grown up.
