Plated armour? Check. Sword and duelling pistols? On it. Those who have done a trip or two with teens know the drill.
With togetherness that was once welcomed by shiny happy eight-year-olds now shunned, eye rolls replacing warm hugs and Bluetooth buds wedged firmly in the ear canal, travelling with teens can be like a piranha pit roadshow.
But good news, dear readers – after many, many trips with teens, some that ended in fist pumps, others in tears, we’re confident that we’ve cracked the code and are keen to share the intel. Here’s what we’ve learnt about successfully travelling with teens.
- Wherever possible, take your teens on one-on-one adventures.
This one is key. Teen and sibling combat go hand-in-hand. Remove the siblings (aka the competition) and you’ll instantly have a far more engaged (and less grumpy) teen.
2. Plan together, around your teen’s interests.
With just the two of you, it’s easier to design a trip around your teen’s interests. Try to align these interests with things you enjoy doing, too. Your teen will be able to sniff out your disinterest like a bloodhound so it’s important you do things that will also put a smile on your dial. That said, don’t be afraid to step out your comfort zone and into your teen’s world (Mario-Kart racing is bloody fun if you start your engine with the right spirit).
3. Be ready to compromise.
Newsflash: your teen is still going to be on their phone (a lot!) and you’re going to have to put a sock in it. Their whole lives are entwined with that device – their friends, their music, their social lives – and using it often helps regulate their fast-moving minds. We recommend agreeing, in partnership, on limits that are acceptable to you both at the beginning of the trip.
4. Be mindful that teens need a lot of downtime.
Teenagers often need more sleep than adults, so forget early morning plans and factor in time for AM snoozing. And whether you’re in small towns or big cities, if your teens are capable and in a safe environment, don’t be afraid to let them go exploring on their own. Obviously they must be mature enough to find their way back to your accommodation and handle whatever arises, but believe us – half a day away from one another is the perfect reset when travelling with a teen.
5. They also need a LOT of food…
Never skip meals when you’re travelling with your teen. Sure, you may be able to skip lunch just fine, but you’re not mid-growth spurt. Plan for regular meals and snacks throughout the day, balancing new cuisine with their trusty favourites to avoid a hangry teen.
6. And WiFi!
Check ahead for reliable internet access in your accommodation and pre-purchase international SIM cards where you need too. Ensure everyone has their own chargers and consider bringing portable chargers for backup. Remember, your teen will need to stay in touch with friends or will likely feel anxious and isolated (an unplug may sound like heaven to you, but will feel more like a death sentence to them).
7. Mind your expectations.
Expect pushback. Your teen won’t love everything you suggest and that’s OK. Leave your ego at the door and prepare to be flexible. It’s also important to understand your teen may not be in a great mood every day (hormones, ammirite?) so limit pre-paid activities. This way, you’re always free to pivot.
8. Allow for vetoes.
Let teens have a say in all activities and give them a veto option if they strongly oppose anything. Not only is it empowering, it will also reduce potential conflicts.
9. Don’t get too snap-happy.
Be mindful of photos. You may want to capture and share every meaningful family moment, but your teen is at a self-conscious age. Respect your teen’s desire for privacy or avoidance of the lens, or risk facing World War 3.
10. Prepare for your teen to shut the door on you when you get home.
You may be buzzing from your successful bonding time, but your teen may need a bit of time to decompress after the trip. Give them space and leave them be for as long as they need (and for the love of God, don’t call them ungrateful!).
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