Traveling with Tweens & Teens

How to Have the Best Time in the World when Traveling with your Teens

Many of us parents out there have limited or delayed our travel destination choices in order to cater to the needs and interests of our children.

Makes perfect sense. Travel is expensive and if your kids aren’t old enough to benefit from it or if you are going to be completely miserable trying to keep them in line and entertained, it is often best to postpone elaborate plans and international itineraries.

*This post contains affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on my site at no additional cost to you.

I am a huge fan of exposing kids to other countries, cultures, cuisines, currencies, and activities. Even if they won’t remember every detail, just like education, it becomes a part of who they are and how they think and understand the world.

You know better than anyone when your family is ready and the timing is right to broaden their horizons. For me, I knew my boys were ready when they were both able to haul their own luggage. And, I don’t mean the mini dinosaur suitcase that they’ve packed their teddy bear in.

Which brings me to the first of my Top 12 Tips for Traveling with Tweens & Teens:

1. Make them haul their own luggage

For travel to be possible for me (as a single mom at the time), the boys needed to be able to manage a full-on rolling duffle that contained ALL of their gear. They needed to be able to get it up and down stairs, through airports and hotels, loaded in trunks and on trains, etc. without my assistance — because I had my own to handle!

This magical moment happened when my youngest was around 10 years old. Of course, we traveled domestically prior to that. So, they were familiar with the drill of airports, rental cars, and hotels. We just hadn’t done it Internationally.

That year, Santa brought the boys each their own Eagle Creek Rolling Duffel,which they still use to this day (as young men). I really like the versatility of the rolling duffels. They have a slimmer profile that is easier to drag behind you. Some styles have backpack-like straps, which can be nice when stairs and uneven pavement are encountered (e.g., the cobblestone streets of Europe).

The duffel bags that I purchased for my tweens (at the time) have lasted about 10 years so far and have been on countless ski trips, international adventures, and to college & back.

Here are a couple of my recommended luggage ideas for teens:
Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 110L / OGIO Terminal Travel Bag / Travelpro Bold Duffel

2. Getting there is half the fun

The first time you fly with your kids, the airplane ride is an adventure in and of itself. I have found this to be true with all modes of transport even as they have gotten older. Even the rental cars are an opportunity to learn how to navigate from point A to point B (while pushing every button and opening every compartment in a new vehicle).

The boys especially love train travel. They have learned how to read the schedules at the station, find and switch platforms, and the etiquette of mass transit. It has been a major life skill acquisition that they have been able to apply to subways and rail systems all over the world.

There were days when we would spend the entire day traveling and I would think to myself, “We didn’t do anything.” However, the boys would later tell me that the travel days were one of the highlights of our trip. Interesting, huh?

Above photo: At St. Pancras Station in London, England

3. Have kids, will Segway

The one tour that I have learned to embrace and schedule at the beginning of every new city itinerary, is a Segway Tour. Hear me out. You probably want to walk all over and see everything. Your kids do not want to walk all over and see everything.

I have found that walking is okay if the distance is reasonable and they are interested. But, a lot of the great sights can be on the outskirts of the city. Segway Tours are perfect for this. They generally will take you around the old town and avoid areas with a lot of people. Some areas even have laws and restrictions about where you can ride Segways. So, see the outskirt sites on the Segway and the inner city sites on foot.

Segway tours also allow you to get the “lay of the land” and your sense of direction, which makes exploring on foot a little easier later on. The Hop-on Hop-off Tour Buses are also great for this. But, we’ve just grown fond of the Segway.

Tweens and teens love riding these things. Even if they are bored with the architecture, they will probably still be into steering and operating their Segway. Bikes and e-bike tours are also great options and can often be scheduled through the same tour operator.

Whatever you decide to do, a fun tour is a great way to kick off your stay in a new city. It sets the tone for the days ahead and everyone has a good time:)

Above photo: Our rainy Segway Tour in Paris, France

4. Limit the museums

Seriously tho. Even if your kids like art (mine do!), there are limits. You are always just one exhibit away from someone getting crabby. Do your research ahead and think carefully about what you really want to see. It’s your vacation, too, so by all means go see what is important to you.

If you are visiting a mega museum, like the Smithsonian or the Louvre, my advice would be to see your priorities first and then head over to whatever floor or wing your kids wouldn’t mind spending some time browsing.

Find out if any museums have special exhibits, visiting collections, or a specialized focus that align with your tweens’ interest. Is there an aviation museum, a natural history museum, science, or anime art?

The same can be said of churches and other “old stuff.” The one exception I have found is castles. My older one especially can never get enough of anything having to do with knights, swords, wizards, etc. The moral of the story, know your audience.

Above photo: Edinburgh Castle

5. Make food the hero

If you take nothing else away from this post, at least consider this. Tweens and teens are always hungry and the better you are about hitting up the food trucks and snack stalls, you will have happier kids in equal proportion.

One of our favorite things about travel is experiencing the regional cuisine. We literally try everything! Leave the granola bars in your hotel room, and snack it up with all the weird stuff you don’t have at home.

We pop into convenience stores, grocery stores, farmers markets, gelato stands, etc. It is especially great, great fun to eat your way through a food hall, sampling a little something from each of the stalls.

This has become such a fun aspect of travel with my kids, that when I travel without them, I still load up on snacks to bring home so we can have an international smorgasbord when I return.

Above photo: Food stalls at La Boqueria in Barcelona, Spain

6. Be spontaneous

If you’ve read any of my other blog posts, you’ve probably figured out I’m a big planner. My travel itineraries are well-researched down to travel durations, restaurant reservations, tour tickets – you get the idea.

However, I always try to leave some flexibility in our plans. Sometimes, the plan goes haywire. Sometimes, you just want to linger somewhere longer. Sometimes, you’ve seen enough churches and feel like riding the ferris wheel instead.

One of my favorite moments of spontaneity was coming into Interlaken, Switzerland and seeing the paragliders drifting in the sky. It took the boys and I about 30 seconds to decide we needed to sign up to do that. It was the highlight of our trip — maybe even the highlight of all of our travels ever. Dang, that was fun!

A lot of international trips are once-in-a-lifetime visits. So don’t pass up an opportunity to do something amazing and make unforgettable memories.

Above photos: Paragliding in Interlaken, Switzerland

7. Go shopping for something they need anyway

My youngest is a notorious hoarder of all categories of junk. Webkinz, Silly Bands, Pokemon Cards, marbles, stickers, etc. You have never seen a kid squirrel away so much junk in every niche and crevice. I’m over it and refuse to buy it.

When we travel, I will not (repeat: will not) buy the magnets and keychains. If that’s your thing or your collect, more power to ya. I can’t fathom another piece of junk sitting in a drawer.

I don’t know how this came about, but we started shopping for the boys “Back to School” tennis shoes every year during our summer travel abroad. Some years they would find a style or brand not available in the US. Other years, I’m sure we could have found the same thing at the mall. It didn’t matter. They would still walk into school on the first day and tell their friends, “Got these in Paris.” (Or Barcelona. Or Copenhagen.)

My point is, get them something they need anyway. It is better than any cheesy souvenir. And, they will have the memory of shopping for it every time they wear it or use it. You’ll end up spending the money either way – and you won’t have another useless knickknack sitting around.

Above photo: Shopping for tennis shoes at Galeries Lafayette in Paris, France

8. Give them their own cameras or phones

When my oldest was about 4 years old, I gave him his own disposable camera to keep him busy during my brother’s wedding reception. When I got the photos developed, they were hilarious! All the shots were at his eye level and of the things HE thought were interesting (e.g., the cookie table). It was so revealing!

Now when we travel, the boys each have their own cameras and smart phones. I always ask them to send me their photos at the end of the trip so I can add them to my own to create our photos books. It is so interesting to see what they found interesting and the things they wanted to remember.

I just think it is a great idea to let your kids contribute to whatever memories you archive from your travels. I have also given the boys travel journals and asked them to write in their journal each night when we got back to the hotel. We did that for a couple trips and then they were done with that idea. Maybe girls would be better about it.

Above photo: Selfies in Copenhagen, Denmark (P.S. He’s a commercial photographer now.)

9. Have a tradition

Our travel traditions have evolved completely unplanned. We do something once and just make a habit out it – like Southern Baptists.

Our traditions also vary depending on the vacation. For example, our ski trip traditions are different from our international adventures. I get a kick out of the way the expectation is always there now. They know there will be an airplane selfie at the beginning of each trip.

One of my personal favorites is coffee and croissants every morning as our first stop before we begin whatever plans we have. Usually we’ll find a bakery close to our hotel, but we’ve also been known to try a different one each morning. I suppose this tradition has stuck because, going back to my previous point, they’re always hungry. The fact that I can’t function without my morning caffeine fix also pretty much guarantees we never miss.

Some other ideas for traditions might be:

apres ski card games
eating at a fast food chain in each city to check out the menu differences
wearing matching t-shirts (not my thing, but people do it)
first night pool plunge
last night room service
sending yourself a postcard
adding a decal to your luggage
giving away your pocket change to a stranger before you leave

Above photo: Our coffee & pastries tradition every morning in Copenhagen, Denmark

10. Do something BIG

While this is not always possible, I try to find something a little “over the top” each time we travel. It does not necessarily mean that it is expensive. Just find something that is way different, memorable, and sure to become a highlight of your trip. Who knows, maybe your kids will even think you are cool for a hot minute.

This will really vary depending on your past experiences and/or how adventurous you are in the first place. Travel is a great opportunity to rack up the “first time” experiences.

At a loss for ideas? Check out local tours and blogs – or just be spontaneous when you get there. I like to look for something that will get their adrenaline pumping, but certainly don’t limit our choices to just those. Here are some ideas:

Get tickets to see a musical, concert, or sporting event.
Book an adventure activity such as via ferrata, white water rafting, cigarette boat ride, canyoning, bungee jumping, sky diving, zip lining, or a helicopter ride.
Take a class such as pizza making, surf board lessons, or a photography workshop.
Schedule a themed food tour such a pastry, tapas, or cheesemonger hop.

Literally anything that requires signing a safety waiver or personal liability release is going to be a huge hit. But, a thermal spa experience or an opportunity to come face-to-face with animals, celebrities, or “world’s best” anything will likely leave a lasting impact.

Above photo: Cigarette Boat in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

11. Let them bring a friend

Although inviting your kid’s BFF will add to the cost of your adventure, it is a great way to exponentially add to their enjoyment. I think this is especially true of any vacation that involves a theme park, the beach, or skiing. It’s nice for them to be able to pair up with someone other than mom or their sister.

If you’ve ever pulled into a Sonic with your kid and his or her friends in the car, you know how much more they talk and how much information you can learn in those 20 minutes. I’ve never considered having friends in tow an inhibition to getting closer to my double-digit-aged child. It’s different for everyone, I’m sure. But, in my experience, including friends is the way to my kids’ hearts. Just an idea.

12. Be a good listener

Last but not least, make sure you are attentive to your kids’ feedback and body language. When they are bored out of their minds, tired, hungry, uncomfortable, etc. make adjustments to your plans. Honestly, the same can be said of my husband. Lol.

I’m sure no one is looking for unsolicited parenting advice. I’m just speaking from a handful of experiences.

I have let my older teen hang back at the hotel to play his Nintendo while my youngest and I have ventured out to do something. I have skipped over stuff on our itinerary so the gang can sleep in after a long day of walking. I have gotten out of line to find the bathrooms. I’ve paid $5 for a bottled water because someone was dying of thirst. And who hasn’t pulled into a CVS to buy Advil or some other hygiene product?

Above photos: Solid R&R is good for everyone:)

My point is, this whole thing hinges on everyone feeling good and taking it at their own pace. I don’t always accommodate my kids’ every whim at home, but when traveling I try to be a little more conscientious of making the experience something they actually want to do. The day will come (and it has) when they will have their own lives, jobs, girlfriends, etc. and the moment will have passed.

I hope this helps you make the best of it:)

Thank you for reading my post! Please feel free to add friendly comments or questions below!