There are a lot of things to love about going on holiday; it’s a relaxing escape from day to day life, and it’s the chance to explore somewhere new. However, this isn’t always the case if you are travelling with teenagers. Travelling with teenagers can be a challenging experience, but it can also be a rewarding one. Teens are at an age where they are seeking independence and autonomy, but they still need guidance and support. They’re too old to go to a kids’ club, nor are they happy to traipse around attraction after attraction. They have opinions of what they would like to be doing on holiday, but they’re not necessarily old enough to be let loose in a foreign country. Luckily, there are things that you can do to make travelling with teens a lot easier.
Top Tips for Travelling with Teenagers
As a parent or guardian, you can make the most of your travels with your teens by following these tips.
- Involve Your Teen in the Planning Process – Teens are more likely to enjoy a trip if they feel involved in the planning process. Ask your teen for their input on the destination, activities and itinerary. This will help them feel like they have a say in the trip and will make them more invested in the experience.
- Set Clear Expectations – Before you embark on your trip, it’s important to set clear expectations with your teen. Discuss rules and boundaries, such as curfews and appropriate behaviour. This will help avoid any misunderstandings or conflicts during your travels, which is what everyone wants.
- Allow for Some Independence – Teens crave independence, so it’s important to give them some space to explore on their own. Depending on their age and maturity level, you may want to allow them to explore the destination on their own or with their peers for a few hours each day. Just be sure to set clear guidelines and have a plan for staying in touch.
- Be Flexible – Travelling with teens can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be flexible. Be open to changing plans or adjusting the itinerary if needed. This will help you avoid any conflicts or disappointments and make the trip more enjoyable for everyone.
- Embrace Technology – Teens are often attached to their phones and other devices, so it’s important to embrace technology during your travels. Consider using apps or websites to help plan your trip or find activities in the area. Encourage your teen to use their phone to take photos or to keep a travel journal; it’s a fantastic way to keep them engaged and interested in what you are doing. Just be sure to set limits on screen time to ensure that everyone is engaging with the experience.
- Find Activities That Everyone Will Enjoy – Travelling with teens can be challenging because they often have different interests than adults, and they’re too old to do what little children want to do. Try to find activities that everyone will enjoy such as hiking, visiting museums, or trying new foods. This will help ensure that everyone has a good time and that the trip is a memorable one. Things such as water sports, water parks and days at the beach tend to appeal to teens.
- Allow for Downtime – Travelling can be exhausting, so it’s important to allow for some downtime. This is especially true when travelling with teens, who may need time to recharge or decompress after a day of hanging out with the family. Consider scheduling some downtime each day to relax, read a book or just hang out. Relaxing is just as important on holiday as seeing the sights and embracing a new culture.
- Encourage Cultural Experiences – Travelling is a great opportunity to experience different cultures, so it’s important to encourage your teen to embrace these experiences. This can include trying new foods, attending local events, or learning about the history and traditions of the destination. Encourage your teen to ask questions and engage with the local culture. Who knows, they might develop a new interest.
- Be Prepared for Mood Swings – Teens are known for their mood swings, so it’s important to be prepared for this during your travels. Be patient and understanding if your teen is feeling moody or irritable. Try to create a supportive and positive environment, and don’t take any outbursts personally.
- Create Lasting Memories – Travelling with teens can be a great opportunity to create lasting memories as a family. Take plenty of photos, keep a travel journal, or create a scrapbook to commemorate your trip. These memories will last a lifetime and can help bring your family closer together. Though your team might not seem interested now, they are sure to be further down the line.
As you can see, there are a lot of things you can do to improve your holiday with teenagers. Whether you have one teen or many, travelling can be a tiring and stressful experience, especially if it feels as though they are working against you. However, by making an effort to include them in the planning and planning activities that they would enjoy, your teens are more likely to enjoy their trip.
There are a lot of holiday destinations that appeal to teenagers, and Portugal is one of them. Portugal has something for everyone, and it appeals to people of all ages, so teens are sure to find things that work for them. There are attractions and activities, and a lot of space to explore. There’s delicious food and beautiful beaches, and who doesn’t like those?