I’ve always loved travelling with my kids. And if you’ve known me for a while, you know this is something I’m genuinely passionate about.

Travelling with your kids creates core memories. After all, you usually only get about 18 summers with them at home before they head off.

But here’s something I didn’t expect. It was actually easier to travel with my kids when they were toddlers. Yes, you read that right.

When Travelling With Toddlers Was Easier

When they were little, we (a.k.a. Mark and I) decided everything. When we woke up. Where we went. What we wore. What we ate. I put them in a stroller, handed over a lollipop and off we went.

Ninety percent of the time, they were just happy to be there. No opinions. No complaints. No questions. Looking back, it almost feels too easy.

When the kids were little, we could also travel at the last minute. Pull them out of daycare. Say yes on a whim. Book a trip without much notice. That flexibility doesn’t really exist anymore.

Now both of my kids are teenagers. Which means they have opinions. About everything. Including where we go. No more “we’re going here because Mark and I said so.”

Travelling With Teenagers (And All the Opinions)

Teenagers also travel very differently than toddlers. They wake up when they want to wake up. Usually, later than you would like. They have strong opinions about what sounds fun and what definitely does not. They get bored quickly. And they are very comfortable telling you when they don’t want to do something.

At least mine are. Anyone else?

Why Family Travel Is Still Fun With Teens

When you’re travelling with teenagers who each have their own idea of a great vacation, it can feel like a lot to balance.

But here’s the part that often gets missed. It can also be really fun.

Travelling with teenagers is different. But it also opens the door to experiences we couldn’t do when they were little. More adventurous excursions. Activities that actually interest them. Experiences that lead to real conversations, not just snack breaks and nap schedules. You get to see the world through their eyes.

And sometimes, they surprise you.

Tips for Planning a Family Vacation With Teenagers

If you’re in the travelling-with-teenagers stage like me, here are a few things to consider as you think about your next family vacation.

    1. Let them be part of the decision. Not every detail. But where you go. Or what kind of experiences to include. When teenagers feel heard, buy-in changes everything.
    2. Choose experiences that match their age.
    3. This is the season for excursions that challenge them, excite them, and give them stories to tell. It’s a different kind of magic than when they were little, but it’s still magic.
    4. Leave space in the itinerary. Teenagers need downtime. And honestly, so do parents. Not every moment has to be scheduled for the trip to be memorable.

And if you’re trying to plan a vacation that actually works for this stage of life, we would love to help. Let Power Travel plan the perfect family vacation with your teenagers. All you need to do is fill out our travel request form.

Happy travels,

Clara