Planning a vacation with teenagers is completely different from travelling with little ones. With older kids, the list of travel destinations worth exploring broadens significantly. You no longer need to put as much thought and effort into keeping them entertained or planning activities to avoid tantrums due to boredom. Teenagers are more independent and self-sufficient, making it easier to let them take the reins a bit and enjoy the experience. Moreover, they are at an age where they can better appreciate the trip and create long-lasting memories.
When it comes to travelling with teenagers, it’s important to find a destination that caters to their interests and keeps them engaged throughout the trip. While choosing the perfect destination, it’s also essential to make sure that the location is safe, fun, and exciting for the whole family. From beach vacations to adventure-filled travel destinations, there are plenty of options that offer a little something for everyone. With that in mind, here are some of the best vacation spots that will guarantee an unforgettable trip for both you and your teens.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
If you’re looking for family travel destinations that offer a diverse range of outdoor activities, stunning scenery, and a safe environment, Tahoe is the perfect spot. With its crystal-clear lake, you and your teenagers can enjoy thrilling water sports like kayaking, jet skiing, and parasailing. For adventurous teens, there are plenty of hiking trails, bike paths, and rock climbing locations that will satisfy their love for the outdoors.
Lake Tahoe is home to various family-friendly restaurants and breweries that are situated close to major hotels, making it easy for teens to head back if they need some downtime. And if the parents are looking for some fun of their own, they can head to the lively casinos and theatres, while their teens can relax in the hotel. With its stunning natural beauty and a plethora of activities, Lake Tahoe offers the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation for the whole family.
Mallorca, Spain
While Spain’s major travel destinations like Barcelona and Madrid are worth visiting, they can be crowded and overwhelming during peak tourist season. If you’re looking for a more laid-back and scenic location for your family vacation, the island of Mallorca is a perfect option. The breathtakingly beautiful island offers a diverse range of activities for teens, including hiking, visiting museums, enjoying the beaches, and exploring ancient ruins, ensuring that there’s always something exciting to do.
Mallorca offers a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural immersion, making it an ideal vacation spot for those seeking a more laid-back beach experience. With its abundance of historical sites and natural beauty, there’s always something to see and explore. It is a small island with a relaxed atmosphere that’s not too crowded, making it a safe and ideal destination for families with teens. Your teens can explore the delicious restaurants and charming markets on their own while you immerse yourself in the island’s rich cultural heritage. If you and your teens prefer a laid-back vacation, Mallorca is the perfect spot.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
If you’re an East Coast family searching for a road trip-friendly destination, Myrtle Beach is a perfect choice. This coastal city is packed with activities that are ideal for families with teens, such as mini golf, amusement parks, beaches offering a variety of water sports, and even a wax figure museum and a safari park.
Myrtle Beach’s boardwalk is a hub for teens to experience everything from souvenir shopping to delicious meals and live entertainment. It is a popular travel destination for families with kids of all ages due to its warm weather and lively atmosphere.
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Whistler, located just a couple of hours north of Seattle, is an excellent travel destination for families with teenagers. Its natural beauty and vast selection of outdoor activities ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy. Winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding on world-class slopes, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing in the mountains are thrilling options for teens. However, Whistler has something to offer throughout the year, making it a great destination for a family vacation.
During the summer, Whistler is transformed into a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Teens can go hiking, mountain biking, or kayaking while taking in the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, forests, and lakes. And after a day full of activities, the town of Whistler has plenty of options to keep teens entertained with a lively après-ski scene, including various restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Whistler is a town that packs a punch in terms of offering a wide range of activities and relaxation options for families with teens. It won’t disappoint and is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Oahu, Hawaii
Hawaii is a popular travel destination for many, and Oahu, in particular, is an ideal place to go for a family vacation with teens. It is the only Hawaiian island with an international airport and offers a range of affordable hotels and activities. Oahu is a blend of stunning natural landscapes and dynamic urban culture, making it a perfect choice for travellers of all ages.
Oahu offers an array of exciting activities for teenagers to enjoy, from surfing on some of the world’s best waves to hiking through stunning waterfalls and valleys. The island also boasts a lively urban culture with plenty of trendy shops and restaurants to explore. At the famous Waikiki Beach, they can try their hand at various water sports like snorkelling, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding. In addition to the beach, the area also has plenty of captivating museums and historical landmarks to take a break from the sand. Oahu offers a wide range of attractions and activities, making it an unforgettable travel destination for families.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
If your family loves the great outdoors, then Jackson Hole, Wyoming is the perfect destination. With its beautiful mountain ranges and vast fields, there is no shortage of activities for teens to enjoy. They can take in the stunning scenery of Grand Teton National Park, go on a thrilling white water rafting adventure down the Snake River, or hit the slopes in winter for some world-class skiing and snowboarding.
During the warmer months, hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking are popular choices, while in winter, skiing and snowboarding on the slopes offer breathtaking views. Jackson Hole’s vibrant cultural scene is worth exploring, with art galleries, museums, live music venues, and delicious BBQ spots. Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, Jackson Hole is a vacation destination that teens and their families will undoubtedly enjoy.
London, England
London is not amongst great travel destinations for a European adventure but also an exciting place for teenagers to explore. As a bustling metropolis, it is best suited for older kids who can handle long days of sightseeing and cultural immersion. London boasts an array of cultural, historical, and pop culture experiences such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Tower of London, and Platform 9 ¾, to name a few, which will keep you occupied throughout the trip.
Besides, you can indulge in London’s renowned shopping, dining, music, and arts scenes or enjoy world-class theatrical performances in the West End. With so much to offer, from history to entertainment, London is a vibrant city that has something to offer everyone.
Santa Barbara, California
Looking for a relaxed yet fun-filled beach vacation with your teenagers? Santa Barbara is amongst the perfect travel destinations! This laid-back California town offers a balanced blend of stunning natural beauty and exciting activities that cater to everyone’s interests.
You can go for a scenic hike, hit the beach for surfing or sunbathing, or take a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. Santa Barbara’s downtown area is also home to tons of fun restaurants, bars, and shops, making it an excellent spot for young ones who want to explore a bit on their own. The area is known for being incredibly safe, which adds to its appeal to families.
Plus, the town is just a couple of hours north of Los Angeles, making it a great day trip option for those looking to explore more of Southern California. With its relaxed vibe and endless activities, Santa Barbara is sure to be a vacation spot that the whole family will enjoy.
Interlaken, Switzerland
Interlaken, located in the Swiss Alps, is a paradise for thrill-seekers with its extensive range of outdoor activities. Hiking trails that offer panoramic views of the mountains and bright blue lakes, as well as rafting, paragliding and hang gliding, are just some of the thrilling activities on offer.
Apart from its stunning natural beauty, Interlaken also has a vibrant downtown scene. The town has a variety of restaurants, shops and entertainment options, and is a great place to explore after a day of adventure.
Interlaken’s location makes it a great starting point for day trips. The stunning Swiss capital of Geneva is just two hours away, while the town borders Italy, France, and Germany, allowing for extended travel. Interlaken offers a unique vacation experience that combines unforgettable adventures with breathtaking scenery.
