Family vacations can be awesome, but as kids grow into teens, they can often become more challenging. Carving out time for quality time with teenagers is often more difficult, and finding things to do to keep them engaged, excited, and fulfilled while on vacation is much harder. Gone are the days when a day at a theme park or building sandcastles on the beach was enough to please everyone!
Successful family vacations with teens need to be rather more thrilling. But this shouldn’t be a negative. In fact, it is an opportunity to do more exciting things and tick a few things off your travel bucket list! Whether it’s a frosty adventure cruising to Alaska glaciers or a road trip down the Florida Keys, ditching the ordinary for an epic adventure with your teen is a wonderful chance to bond and make unforgettable memories. Here are a few vacation ideas that are guaranteed to excite the most laconic of teens and establish your credentials as the coolest of parents.
Surfing the Waves in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the world’s most exciting surf destinations and is a pretty amazing country to explore all around. Start off in Tamarindo or Playa Hermosa with a few days at a surf school, riding the waves and enjoying the beautiful beaches, then head off into the jungle to discover amazing wildlife, zip-line through the treetops, and walk above the rainforest canopy in the famous cloud forests.
Road Tripping Through the American Southwest
Rugged adventure doesn’t come much more exciting than with a classic American road trip through the Southwest. The remarkable landscapes of Arizona, Utah, and Nevada will leave you gaping in awe and offer up the opportunity for multiple once-in-a-lifetime experiences, from hiking the Grand Canyon to exploring the surreal rock formations of Monument Valley.
Finish off your trip with a few days surrounded by the bright lights and glamor of Las Vegas. Don’t forget, a road trip is a genuinely special experience not just because of where you go, but because of the journey itself!
Hiking and Stargazing in Patagonia
Patagonia is a fascinating region of South America, straddling both Argentina and Chile, and is one of the best destinations on the planet for families who love adventure. Boasting some of the most breathtaking and majestic landscapes in the world, an adventure exploring Patagonia’s towering mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes, dramatic glaciers, and gorgeous natural beauty is a dream come true. Due to its extreme remoteness, it is also a great chance to gaze up at the night sky and see the wonders of the universe.
Sailing the Greek Islands
A sailing trip through the Greek islands is one of the best ways to combine relaxation, excitement, and sophisticated luxury. If you have the right permits and licenses then chartering a sailboat as a family can be a wonderful experience, giving you the chance to share a genuine adventure with your teens, exploring hidden coves, picturesque islets, and the gorgeous villages of the Cyclades or Ionian islands. If not, then there are plenty of guided tours available that will take you on a similar, and let’s be honest, more relaxing, journey.
Taking the plunge and doing something out of the ordinary with your teen the next time you go on vacation is a great way to ensure they have a great time, and a wonderful opportunity to bond and make special memories together. From surf adventures in Central America to sailing in the Mediterranean, these more adventurous experiences will bring you closer together. So pack your bags, escape the norm, and get ready for a vacation you’ll never forget!