The 15 Best Vacation Ideas & Spots For Families With Teenagers

As far as family vacations go, to say teenagers can be harder to impress than younger children, is an understatement. For this and other reasons, it can be difficult to come up with family vacation ideas and spots for families with teenagers. That, however, doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

The secret to a successful family trip with teenagers is to plan activities that will keep everyone entertained. Since the family vacation planning begins, you may realise that your teen is the most eager, as they frequently crave new experiences, such as traveling abroad.

Go with this momentum and get them involved in the planning process. This will allow them to give input on the dates, destination, and activities you all can get up to while on vacation. Be sure to ask lots of questions which revolve around how best to plan your family getaway and where to go, so the intention and objective of the trip is clear from the very start.

Picture: Enjoy your family vacation and enjoy endless fun activities together in Beaches Turks & Caicos.

Consider all things – from beach vacations, to train vacations and all-inclusive trips to a tropical paradise. Weigh the pros and cons of each, and keep in mind that vacation for teens often equates to freedom – however this translates to them. You likely don’t want to spend your vacation trying to reel in a teen who has different ideas than you do on what they should or should not be allowed to do on foreign territory. Try to get on the same page with this early on.

All in all, the best family vacation spots to go to with teenagers will have a little something for everyone, and this is what you should be looking for as you plan your vacation. Below, find some of our useful ideas for your next family vacation with teenagers!

Vacation idea #1: All-inclusive beach resorts in paradise

Picture: Dive into a one-of-a-kind, unbelievably exciting Beaches all-inclusive Turks & Caicos vacation for the whole family.

All-inclusive vacations can help ensure everyone is kept occupied doing things they enjoy during your family trip. This is especially so for resorts like Beaches Resorts in the Caribbean, which cater to children of all ages, including teens. At Beaches there’s also the benefit of being able to give your teens a little more freedom, while still being able to keep a close eye on them, as most activities can be found right on property.

There’s a wide range of things to do at the resort for teenagers including watersports, teen-only boat trips, beach volleyball and soccer, a games room and even a teen-only nightclub. Beaches also offer spectacular waterparks which appeal to kids of all ages.

Vacation idea #2: Waterpark vacations

Picture: Come show off your surfing skills at our SurfStream® Surf Simulator in Beaches Turks & Caicos.

The Caribbean is one of the best places in the world to go for waterpark family vacations. In Turks & Caicos you’ll find the Pirates Island Waterpark. This experience revolves around enormous water slides, multiple pools, water cannons, whirlpools and swim-up soda bars. You and the kids can also meander down the lazy river, or you can watch as they try the Caribbean’s original surf simulator. It’s the ideal family getaway and the perfect vacation spot for teenagers to have fun!

Vacation idea #3: Beach vacations

Picture: Every water sport imaginable is included along with top-of-the-line equipment and professional instruction.

Beach vacations are often at the top of the list where family vacations are concerned. This option is highly ranked because chances of enjoyment are high, and this is a great way to bring all your kids together, no matter their age. The Caribbean is synonymous with beach vacations, and in this destination, you’ll find some of the best beaches in the world. Here, your teen can live the laid-back beach life and return home bronzed and refreshed. Islands like Jamaica and Turks and Caicos promise beach vacations that are well worth the investment.

Expert tip: There’s no beach like Grace Bay Beach in Turks & Caicos. Powdery white sand meets turquoise waters. No wonder Grace Bay Beach has been voted the most beautiful beach in the world. Go on a snorkel adventure right from the beach!

Vacation idea #4: International adventures

Picture: You can book tons of family-friendly tours at any of our Beaches Resort and have an exciting adventure along with your paradise experience.

Take your teens on an overseas excursion for some unforgettable holiday adventures. The possibilities are endless and the goal is to expose your kid to cultures and lifestyles that are extremely different from their own. You and your teen can explore the forest, go hiking, visit active volcanoes, try water skiing, go snowmobiling, ziplining, camel riding, and pretty much anything else under the sun, depending on where you go. Work within your budget to locate the appropriate experience for you, and don't forget to snap plenty of photographs!

Vacation idea #5: Voluntourism trip

Volunteering is a great way to get your teen interested in giving back. With that said, you can plan a voluntourism trip, which some parents opt to do to give their teens a dose of the real world just as they’re getting set to graduate from high school.

A bit of research will help you find the best destinations for a trip of this nature, which typically involves helping the less fortunate, taking care of animals, helping to preserve the environment, and overall making a lasting impact on the lives of local constituents.

There are many ways your teen can get involved in volunteering opportunities while on vacation whether this is done with a church or school group, a non-profit, or as a personal effort. The best part of this experience is that once they’ve done their part, there’ll be enough time for some well-deserved fun!

Vacation idea #6: Food tours, cooking classes & farmers’ markets

Who wouldn’t love a vacation that’s all about food? Go on a trip that allows you to be immersed in culinary adventure in a phenomenal place. Try food tours, get involved in cooking classes, or visit farmers’ markets to keep the trip centered around food and expose your teen to a new culture. Visit some of the best restaurants – from the more high-end to simple street vendors and encourage your teens to share their thoughts on each experience. Do some research on travel destinations which offer the best family-friendly food tours and culinary experiences which should help you figure out the best place to go.

Vacation idea #7: Cultural trips

Cultural immersion is always a win, as it helps shape character and can allow your teen to get a better appreciation of the world around them. Expand their horizons with a trip centered around experiencing various cultures in non-Westernized countries. This is one vacation that will challenge their perspectives, stretch their communication capabilities, and expose them to new ways of living. Try places like Jamaica, where you find unique dishes, reggae music and the Rastafarian lifestyle. This kind of trip is a sure way to forge a better bond with you, your teen, and the rest of your family as you’ll all likely be totally out of your element.

Vacation idea #8: College tours

This might not seem like a conventional vacation idea, but a college tour is one of those things your teen may get excited about. They’re at that age where they may soon be heading off to college, and you taking them on this tour means that you trust them to be out on their own and want to help them make the best decision.

This is an excellent opportunity to spend one-on-one time with your college-bound teen. You may squeeze numerous destinations into one journey, but don't try to kill too many birds with one stone, since this will lend a frantic feel to the entire getaway. Choose the schools that your teen is most interested in so that you can pick which ones to visit. Stay near the college if possible so you may acquire information from students or other residents who live nearby. Allow them to get an experience of the college lifestyle!

Vacation idea #9: Adventure vacations

Picture: Only Beaches all-inclusive Caribbean resorts offer the most comprehensive resort diving program, and best of all, it's all included.

Is your teen keen on adventure? Do they love things like skiing, surfing, hiking, or snowboarding? How about snorkeling and scuba diving? If you answered yes to any of these then an adventurous vacation may be ideal for you and your family. Plan a vacation along the lines of the things your teen likes doing and ensure there are also things to do in that destination that appeal to parents and younger siblings. Vacations centered around adventure are a great choice because most activities can be enjoyed by the entire family. Teens can also get a chance through this experience to try things they haven’t before. Consider going on a cycling tour, or even rock climbing. Get out of your comfort zone for an unforgettable vacation!

Vacation idea #10: Train vacations

Going anywhere by train tends to add a whole different feel to any trip. Train vacations make it possible to see places you haven’t before, long before getting to your actual destination. Even your ‘hard to impress’ teen will be impressed by some of the cultural heritage sites and other points of interest they may spot along the way.

On some long-distance trains, you’ll find volunteer guides who can answer questions, and share information on the things and places you’ll see along the way. Students aged 13-15 save 15 percent on Amtrak fees, while kids 2-12 get 50 percent discounts if you book three days ahead of the trip. Another benefit of train travel is that you don’t have to pay baggage fees, and you get to avoid traffic jams that you might experience via a road trip.

Vacation idea #11: Theme/amusement park vacations

If kids could make rules, theme park visits would be a critical component of every childhood. If your teenager has yet to visit a theme park, or just wants to experience it once more, consider going on a vacation centered around an amusement park.

You can choose from mega theme parks, movie inspired locations and everything else in between, all of which will keep them engrossed and entertained. Though this can be costly if you don’t plan right, theme park memories are something your teen will hold close for years to come.

Other options are vacation experiences that include horseback riding, photography, scuba diving, cave explorations, and more. If you can’t find a package tour around the theme you think your teen will get into, simply create your own!

Vacation idea #12: Backpacking in the mountains

Take your teen on an adventure they won’t stop talking about anytime soon by signing up for a backpacking adventure. This is a great way to get your teen to disconnect and live in the moment. They’ll get to experience new landscapes, learn about different types of plants and see a range of wildlife.

Vacation idea #13: Big-ticket trips

Take your teen to that destination they’ve always wanted to go or have always seen in the movies for your family vacation this year. The teenage years are a great time to do this as you can get your teen involved in the planning process, perhaps even offering some insight into the costs associated with a trip of that nature. This can only inspire them to work harder to be able to afford it once they’re out on their own and making their own money. Encourage your teen to document the trip by way of photography or journaling. They’ll appreciate being able to reflect later.

Vacation idea #14: Introduce them to more grown up activities

In the mind of your teenager they’re all grown up already, but in actuality this may be far from the case. Though it can break your heart to see how fast they’re growing up, you can step in in a positive way, by introducing your teen to grown up things, like Broadway shows, sophisticated dining, trips to the museum or art galleries, and more. The intention of all of this would be to expand their horizons, and to show them that you do respect and appreciate that they are getting older. During a vacation, the best way to do this is with doses of teen-friendly endeavors sprinkled in as well, for the sake of their sanity.

Vacation idea #15: Wildlife adventures

It will be hard for any child, teenagers included, not to be impressed by wildlife. Witnessing exotic wildlife is something out of the norm, and even your teenagers likely won’t be able to wipe the smiles of wonder off their faces during this experience. Options include going to a nature reserve, or on a safari. There are many places you can go to that will provide opportunities to see animals like penguins, lions, green monkeys, and even alligators in their natural habitat. Wildlife adventures are ideal for family vacations, or graduation gifts for teens.

There you have it… family vacation ideas with teenagers made easy!

Picture: Beaches all-inclusive resorts for families with teenagers are the only places where there are no rules ever. So do whatever you want... or not.

There are a lot of things to consider when vacationing with teenagers, but one of the most important things to keep in mind when travelling with teens is that you’ll need to be prepared to navigate around their schedules, which often include sleeping in late, and generally doing things at their own pace. Perhaps this is something you can take their lead on; relax and sink into the true meaning of being on holiday. Plan things to do, but also make some time to do nothing at all, and just appreciate the time away with the ones you love.