Traveling with Teens
 

What is your favorite tip for folks traveling with teens?

My teen liked his own space and time alone as much as possible which is harder to achieve on vacation so little things helped like sitting separately on the plane.

Number one tip... stay in an apartment for the extra space.

While the rest of the family went out for breakfast our son often preferred to lie in and wake up to an empty room/apartment.

Number 2 tip... free wifi. Teens like to stay connected

Let them help with the planning. My nephew likes to pick a couple of sites to see that interest him.

Apartments or 2 room suites when traveling for longer is a good idea. It gives everyone a separate space to retreat to in the evenings after all of that family togetherness!

Hi, travelwteens. I have travelled with a lot of teens and as others have said they need their space, but don't we all? I haven't experienced teens wanting to sit away from me on the flights however.

I always had them investigate what they wanted to do at a location and I have always allowed them time to enjoy their interest even though it wasn't always my interest. And I have always tried to figure out other places to check out, ones they wouldn't have thought of and that has usually gone very well. And if a teen is mature enough you can let them pursue some of their interest while you enjoy a cafe or museum or shopping etc. With cell phones one can keep in touch and and meet up at a certain time and place. And keep them well fed, lol, hungry teens are usually grumpy teens!

I have often had a teen share the hotel room and I have found that in doing so we have had conversations that one doesn't usually have on a day to day basis. Rather like being in a car together, no distractions (well except for cellphone texting) and consequently often fun, interesting and informative conversations have taken place.

Best wishes, and enjoy every precious moment!

Thanks for the ideas.

Separate rooms may be good but pricey! I find it is the one time we can share a room and it is okay with them. Well, usually!

Do you worry about security while they are in separate rooms?

It does depend on the age of the teen and their maturity and street smarts, travelwteens. When a teen has been in a seperate room the room has been next to mine/our room and although I prefer a connecting door that always hasn't been the case. So yes, a bit of worry but there is always a bit of worry about teens no matter what isn't there? I wouldn't have a younger teen in a seperate room by themselves unless there was a connecting door to your room. How old is the teen(s) are you talking about and how mature is the teen or teens and are they use to staying in hotels?

We have 2 teens and always take them with us. We usually get one room, but lately have been opting for 2. Makes getting ready in the morning much easier. We don't worry about them, but that is mostly because we trust their judgement on various things that could happen. I think LoveItaly mentioned the most important things, that it all depends on the individual. Some kids would be fine staying in a separate room at much younger ages, and others at 18 would not be a smart move.

We've had good luck with 2 rooms, especially for the bathrooms in the morning. Usually, we end up being togethor much of the time anyway, late dinner, watching TV in one room, etc. Apartments work great if you are uneasy with 2 rooms or adjoining rooms.
With our teens, its the electronic equipment that's helpful. IPODs, portable dvd players, used to be gameboys. They don't have laptops yet but are asking for them for our next trip!

Giving the teens some cash often helps too ...of course!
Just another aspect of being independent. I usually settle this before we leave and give the cash in local currency if possible. Not huge amounts just enough to cover snacks, icecreams and a souvenir or two. Not necessary if the teen has a part time job but they still appreciate it.

Oh I wanted to add that my teen liked his own space on the flight away from his younger sibling (not his parents so much). After an early start they did not want to be cramped on a plane together.