trips for 18

• Massachusetts
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• South Dakota

Washington DC

• Playa del Carmeen
• Paris, France
• Rome, Italy
• Venice, Italy
• Florence, Italy
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Barcelona, Spain
• Seville. Spain
• London, U.K
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Cayman Islands
• Saint Lucia
• Turk and Caicos
• United Arab Emirates
• Cartagena, Colombia

• All Inclusive
• National and State Parks
• RV Vacations
• Skiing/Winter Activities
• Summer Vacation
• Winter Travel
• Spring Break
• Animal Encounters
• City and Culture
• Virtual Vacations
• Weekend Getaways

• Packing Tips
• Road Trip Tips

Family Travel Tips

• Travelling With Babies
• Travelling With Toddlers
• Gifts and Gear -Travel Gift Ideas
• Submission Guidlines

21 Vacations With Teens And Tweens In The United States That Are Sure To Impress

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Have you ever worried about finding a travel destination that will actually impress your tweens or teens? There are so many wonderful places to visit in the United States, and it can be tough to narrow down the options when traveling, especially with tweens or teens in tow. Have no fear! You’ve finally found a guide for US vacation destinations that will impress even the pickiest or the coolest of teens. With the help of our family travel community ( 56K+ strong on Facebook ), we’ve curated this list just for you. From stunning national parks oozing with adventure to vibrant cities filled with culture, there’s something for everyone on this list. So start planning your next family vacation – your tweens and teens will thank you for it (just maybe not out loud!). Keep reading to discover 21 Vacations With Teens and Tweens In The United States That Are Sure To Impress .

Best Vacations for Teens and Tweens on the East Coast

If you’re looking for ideas for East Coast vacations with teens and tweens, you have no shortage of options. Families will love traveling to these East Coast cities, from trendy New York City to historical Washington DC. Keep reading to discover some of the best vacations with teens and tweens on the East Coast!

Discover 11 Unique NYC Restaurants and Dessert Spots that teens will love!

New York, New York

There is no shortage of things to do in New York City with tweens and teens. No matter what your teens are into, they’re sure to find something to their liking here. From art, culture, and museums to shopping and age-appropriate nightlife, NYC has it all!

If your teen is into fashion, they’ll be in heaven shopping on Fifth Avenue . Here, they can discover new trends at stores like Louis Vuitton, Zara, and Sephora. Then, for art lovers, a visit to The Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA is a must. If you have history buffs in tow, Museum Mile is sure to please. Spend your days exploring museums like El Museo del Barrio . And if your teen is looking for a little bit of everything, a tour of Central Park is the perfect way to see some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Finally, don’t miss out on destinations like Times Square , the Empire State Building , and the Statue of Liberty . These iconic, Instagram-able destinations are sure to excite your teen travelers. Indeed, no matter what your teen or tween is interested in, they’ll have a blast in New York City!

Looking for more NYC inspiration? Read this Exciting 7-Day NYC Itinerary With Kids of All Ages .

Where to Stay in New York City with Teens and Tweens

Families looking for somewhere to stay in New York with teens and tweens have their fair share of options! In Lower Manhattan, we recommend the Millennium Downtown New York Hotel in the Financial District or the trendy Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca. In Midtown Manhattan, try the Loews Regency New York or Omni Berkshire Place . Or, for a true luxury experience, visit the nearby St. Regis New York . Remember to check out other NYC hotels with pools and spacious suites . NYC also has many affordable Airbnb and Vrbo options in and around the outer boroughs. With so many options for accommodations, NYC is undoubtedly one of the top destinations for teens and tweens in the US!

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is a great place to travel with your teens and tweens. From art to culture, there is so much to see and do in this historic Massachusetts city. Indeed, Boston is a haven for everyone, from foodies to sports fans. Here are the teen hot spots in Boston!

To start, museum-loving teens and tweens will love exploring the Freedom Trail . This 2.5-mile trail takes you to 16 different historical sites, including Boston Common and the USS Constitution Museum . Then, be sure to add visiting the Museum of Fine Arts and Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum to your itinerary too. Alternatively, get a fright aboard the Boston Ghosts & Gravestones Night-Time Trolley Tour . Sporty teens can catch a baseball game at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. Or, see the New England Patriots play at Gillette Stadium . Families with a foodie in tow can meander through “ Little Italy ,” where authentic Italian bakeries line the streets. Plus, Boston is filled with a scrumptious array of fresh seafood (including lobster!). Finally, there are plenty of trendy places to shop for your family’s fashionistas, from high-end Newbury Street stores to unique finds in the South End .

Don’t miss adding these 25 Amazing Things to Do in Boston with Kids to your itinerary!

Where to Stay in Boston with Teens and Tweens

As one of the best vacations for teens and tweens in the United States, Boston has plenty of family-friendly hotels! For the most convenient locations, stay at the Fairmont Copley Plaza , Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel , or the Boston Marriott Long Wharf. All boast kid-friendly amenities such as pools and are located near the city’s best attractions. For more suggestions on where to stay at one of the top vacation ideas with teens, consult our list of the best hotels in Boston for families !

Tweens and teens love Washington, DC ! Here, teens can witness history come to life before their very eyes. Certainly, tweens and teens will love exploring all the different monuments, landmarks, and museums in DC – especially on wheels! No wonder this is one of the best vacations for teens and tweens in the United States.

It is well-known that Washington, DC is a great place to learn about history. Tweens and teens will appreciate seeing information from their textbooks become more real with context, experience, and connection. Firstly, check out some of the Smithsonian museums to learn about different topics like science, art, and culture. Whatever your teen is interested in, the Smithsonian has you covered with its many museums and galleries. Afterward, families can also tour the White House or the Capitol Building to see where the President of the United States and other politicians work and make history in real-time. Families can book a bike or segway tour to explore Washington DC on wheels to add a little whimsy to their learning. Finally, don’t miss wandering around Georgetown. Here, teens can shop til they drop and munch on trendy eats .

Looking for more teenager vacation ideas in DC? Use this Exciting Washington, DC, Field Trip Itinerary For Families With Tweens and Teens .

Where to Stay in DC with Teens and Tween s

Washington, DC, is home to an array of family-friendly hotels that are perfect for trips with teens and tweens! For an indoor pool, consider The Watergate Hotel . Meanwhile, The Ritz-Carlton Washington DC includes fun activities like a scavenger hunt around the city. Families can also stay near famous attractions like The White House or the US Capitol Building by booking a stay at the Hyatt Place Washington DC. Or, venture to DuPont Circle and stay at The Darcy . For more hotel suggestions, check out our list of family-friendly hotels in DC. Or, if you want a home and apartment rental, check out our Airbnb, Vrbo , and our recommendations for the best neighborhoods to stay in while visiting DC.

REALTED: Best Museums In NYC By Age For Families

Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor offers one of the most adventurous destinations for teens and tweens. This low-key but charming town is located on the coast of Maine and is home to Acadia National Park . Here, families will discover plenty of things to do, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and more.

Start your adventure in Acadia National Park. Teens can embark on exciting hikes like Beehive Loop and Cadillac Summit Loop . Exploring tide pools, kayaking, and wildlife tours are also available. Coastal Kayaking Tours is one option to get teens on the water and having fun! Then, Bar Harbor is also a great place for teens and tweens to learn about history. In fact, the town was once one of the busiest ports in the US and was a major shipbuilding center during the Civil War. Several museums in Bar Harbor tell the story of the town’s past, including La Rochelle Mansion and Museum . Finally, if your teen or tween is looking for a place to relax, Bar Harbor is the perfect spot. There are several beaches where they can sunbathe or swim. When they get hungry, plenty of restaurants also serve fresh seafood.

Don’t miss these Amazing Things to Do in Bar Harbor with Kids !

Best Vacations for Teens and Tweens in the South

While the South may not be the first trendy vacation idea with teens that comes to mind, don’t overlook it! From New Orleans to Sedona, there are a few places in the South that are sure to WOW your tweens and teens! Here are the top three Southern vacations for teens and tweens in the United States.

Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are two great Tennesse cities for trips for teens and tweens. Located in the Great Smoky Mountains , they both offer plenty of activities to keep teens from uttering the dreadful “I’m bored” line.

Start your Tennesse adventure in the Great Smokey Mountains . Outdoorsy teens will love hiking to view Grotto Falls and Laurel Falls . White water rafting is another popular itinerary item near Gatlinburg with teens. Then, teens who aren’t afraid of heights can get a bird’s-eye view at Anakeesta Theme Park . Have a country music fan in your family? You can’t miss a trip to Dollywood , where families can enjoy amusement park rides and unique musical acts. Alternatively, Mysterious Mansion offers teens a thrilling scare as Gatlinburg’s year-round haunted house. Another excellent opportunity for teens and tweens in this area is exploring the Titanic Museum to learn about the ill-fated ship and its passengers. Finally, parents will also love that these cities offer very affordable destinations! In fact, you can usually find several deals on hotels and attractions if you plan your trip in advance.

Looking for more teenager vacation ideas to fill your days in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg? Check out this Exciting Family Itinerary For Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge .

New Orleans, Louisiana

Teens can often be fickle travel companions, preferring screens to scenes. However, New Orleans is sure to get them off their phones and enjoy a family vacation with you. Whether your tweens or teens are into foodie culture, haunted sights, or natural wonders, New Orleans has what you need for your next adventure together.

Start your family trip to New Orleans in the French Quarter , where foodie teens can munch on Cajun and Creole foods. Don’t miss the beignets at the iconic Cafe du Monde . After hours, meander the city at night on a haunted tour . Get your teen’s adrenaline pumping with spooky tales of vampires, pirates, and ghosts. Then, music lovers will adore hearing a show at Preservation Hall , which has been playing traditional New Orleans jazz since the 1960s. Looking for a change of pace? Airboat tours offer a thrilling day out for families. Alternatively, wildlife enthusiasts can embark on a bayou tour to see gators, birds, and more with Happiness Bayou Tours or Cajun Encounters .

Finally, there’s nothing New Orleans loves more than a great festival or party. Check their events calendar to see what unique upcoming events will pique your teen’s interest. Indeed, New Orleans ranks among the top vacation ideas with teens!

Add these 19 Exciting Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids to your itinerary!

Where to Stay in New Orleans with Teens and Tweens

Planning a trip to New Orleans with teens and tweens? Families love Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, for its central location in the French Quarter and luxury hotel amenities. Then, Loews New Orleans Hotel is another option near the French Quarter. Or, stay within walking distance of Jackson Square in a historic building at Grenoble House .

If you’re looking for pool vacation ideas with teens in New Orleans, try Omni Royal Orleans . We also love Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans , Bourbon Orleans Hotel , and The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel . For more information, please read our article about family-friendly hotels in New Orleans. Families seeking additional room to spread out (with kitchen or outdoor space possibilities) can try Vrbo and Airbnb too.

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is a great place for trips for teens and tweens. The area is filled with natural beauty, including its iconic red rocks and canyon views. Plus, there are plenty of activities to keep your teens and tweens entertained, from hiking and biking to exploring the local shops and restaurants.

Science-minded teens will have a blast in Sedona. Not only can they learn about the area’s unrivaled geology, but they can immerse themselves in pristine, natural beauty. Explore the area by hiking trails like Bell Rock Pathway , a 7-mile round-trip hike with up-close views of Sedona’s iconic rock formations. Don’t miss Palatiki National Heritage Site , the largest (and perhaps most famous) cliff dwelling in the area. Or, see Sedona with speed on a Pink Jeep tour. One of the most popular tours is the Scenic Rim Tour , a 2.5-hour adventure that teens will adore. Teens interested in astronomy will appreciate taking an out-of-this-world tour with Evening Sky Tours , a Sedona Stargazing Tour , or visiting Lowell Observatory . Plus, if you’re looking to broaden your adventures, you can take a day trip to the Grand Canyon. Finally, if your teens are into spiritual healing, Sedona is known for its many energy vortexes.

Use this Exciting 5-Day Sedona Itinerary For Families to plan your Sedona adventures!

Where to Stay in Sedona with Tweens and Teens

For somewhere to stay in Sedona with teens, check out the Enchantment Resort , a luxury hotel located in the heart of Boynton Canyon. In addition to an outside pool, a kids’ camp, and organized weekly activities for families, it provides an incredible view of Sedona’s stunning red rocks. Tucked in the red rock canyons, L’Auberge de Sedona offers a choice of rooms at its lodge or even more spacious cottages. We also recommend Adobe Grand Villas , Amara Resort and Spa , and Junipine Resort , among other hotels in Sedona, for fun vacations with teens.

The Florida Keys

For parents who really want to impress hard-to-please tweens and teens, a trip to the Florida Keys is an incredible option! From turquoise waters to friendly locals, there is a lot to love about this Floridian paradise. Here, active teens can swim, snorkel, go parasailing, and more!

The Florida Keys are a chain of islands off the southern coast of Florida. Key West is the most popular destination, but there are also many other smaller islands to explore. Teens interested in history can tour several historic lighthouse sites across the east coast of the Keys, including the Key West Lighthouse & Keepers Quarters . The Key West Shipwreck Museum is another great option for learning about local history. Then, adventurous tweens and teens can explore the area by water aboard kayaks , sailboats , jet skis , and more.

Don’t miss the chance to get in the water! Whether your teens love to wade in the ocean along pristine beaches , or snorkel with the fish amongst serene scenes of beautiful coral, you have many options here. Want to hear a few fishy ghost tales about pirates and treasure? Embark on a ghost tour with Ghosts & Gravestones Tour Key West . No wonder this is one of the best vacations for teens and tweens in the United States!

Where to Stay in the Florida Keys with Teens and Tweens

Enjoy fun in the sun during your stay in the Florida Keys! For family-friendly accommodations in Key West, consider Key West Marriott Beachside . With everything from simple guest rooms to three-room residences, it offers a bunch of activities like water sports. In Key West, families also love Parrot Key Hotel and Villas , the Casa Marina Key West, A Waldorf Astoria Resort , and ​​the Hyatt Centric Resort and Spa . On Key Largo, families can stay at Baker’s Cay Resort, Key Largo ,  or at Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key. As one of the top destinations for teens and tweens in the US, there are many more options to consider. You can find them on this list of the best hotels in Key West and the Florida Keys .

Best Vacations for Teens and Tweens in the Mountain States

The mountains are calling, and you must pack your bags for more of the best vacations for teens and tweens in the United States! There is nothing outdoorsy teens love more than mountain views. Take your adventurous teens on a vacation to remember to one of these mountain state destinations.

Sun Valley, Idaho

Perhaps one of the most underrated destinations for teens on this list, Sun Valley , Idaho, is also one of the best outdoor destinations for tweens or teens. In fact, there are plenty of activities to keep them busy, including hiking, biking, and skiing in the winter. Sun Valley also has a great selection of shops and restaurants. Best of all? It’s located in an absolutely stunning setting that will please everyone in your family.

Start your summer trip with a bit of hiking. Teens will love the four-mile loop trail at Taylor Canyon , which is filled with wildflowers and mountain views. Okay with a bit of climbing while you hike? The Bald Mountain Trail is a great option! Afterward, snag a free ride down the mountain by gondola. Bikers can traverse the paved Wood River Trail , where you can bike four miles to the Sawtooth Botanical Garden . Families who love to ice skate will appreciate the outdoor skating rink (it’s open year-round!). Indeed, teens will adore moving across the ice under the warm summer sun. Alternatively, families can enjoy the Dollar Mountain ski area in the winter. Here families will find gentle slopes, as well as challenging terrain parks. More adventurous skiers can head to Bald Mountain . Other winter activities like ice skating, sledding, sleigh rides, and more. 

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Mountain views and thrilling activities make Colorado Springs one of the top destinations for teens and tweens. This Colorado town is well known for its proximity to Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, as well as its wide array of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and more.

First, explore the many trails or outdoor ​​rock climbing opportunities of Garden of the Gods. Would you prefer to explore on wheels? Adventures Out West offers an exciting segway tour within the park. On the 2-hour tour, guides will take families to several stops to soak in views of the ancient rock formations, as well as share information about area flora and fauna. Jeep tours and ATV tours are also available in the area. Want to explore Colorado Springs by air? Take a Royal Gorge Zip Line Tour . Alternatively, explore by water aboard a white water rafting experience.

Then, just an hour away from the city, Pikes Peak is a must for teens and tweens. When you require an indoor activity, there are also several museums in the city, such as the National Museum of World War II Aviation and the Money Museum. No wonder Colorado Springs is one of the best trips for teens!

Want to see more of Colorado with teens and tweens? Take a Colorado road trip with teens using this One-Week Colorado Itinerary For Families: Excellent for This Summer!

Where to Stay in Colorado Springs with Tweens and Teens

Colorado Springs is brimming with family-friendly hotels! To stay on the beautiful shores of Cheyenne Lake, book the iconic Broadmoor , which has summer activities for all ages. For a cozier feel, try the Cheyenne Mountain Colorado Springs, A Dolce Resort , located on a private lake. The Gardens of the Gods Resort and Club offers guests a chance to stay inside a private country club near the best sights in town. Of course, tweens will love the indoor water park at the Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs ! For more suggestions on where to stay, read our list of hotels in Colorado Springs that families will Love .

Looking for more adventure-filled vacations with teens and tweens in the United States? Moab is sure to please even your most persnickety of travelers! This small town is located in the heart of Utah’s red rock country and is a haven for outdoor activities.

While you’re here, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore, as well as canyoneering and rock climbing. And if you’re really feeling adventurous, you can even go river rafting on the Colorado River . Moab is also home to Arches National Park , where you can see some of the world’s most impressive natural rock formations. There are over 2,000 natural sandstone arches in the park, as well as hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. Moab is also perfect for taking an off-roading adventure , which you can do in Canyonlands or Arches National Parks and other locations. Have an aspiring paleontologist in your family, don’t miss the Paleosafari Moab Giants or Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trails (where you can see fossilized tracks!). Finally, there are plenty of places to stay in Moab with tweens and teens, everything from hotels to RV parks and camping sites. 

Don’t miss these Adventurous Things to Do in Moab That Kids Will Love !

Where to Stay in Moab with Teens and Tween

If you need somewhere to stay in Moab with teens and tweens, you’re in the right place. For a typical hotel experience, try the Hyatt Place Moab , which has an outdoor pool and hot tub. Parents who want to stay close to Arches National Park will appreciate the convenience of the Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection By Hilton . For a more rugged experience in the wilderness, check out Base Camp Adventure Lodge , Under Canvas Glamping Tents Moab , and the Red Cliffs Lodge. Regardless of which spot you choose, you’re sure to have a fun vacation with teens!

Telluride, Colorado

There are plenty of reasons to visit Telluride , Colorado, with your teen or tween. The charming town is nestled in a beautiful mountain valley and is surrounded by picturesque scenery. Not to mention, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in the area, too, including hiking, biking, and skiing in the winter. 

The Telluride & Mountain Village Gondola is a gorgeous way to start your time here. This bird’s eye view of the area is sure to impress. Then, embark on a 5-mile hike in Bear Creek Preserve to see the 70-foot cascading waterfall, Bear Creek Falls . And, if your teen or tween is into adventure activities, they can even go zip-lining or try their hand at river rafting . Alternatively, winter visitors can hit the slopes at Telluride Ski Resort . Telluride is also home to several great museums and historical sites too. In fact, the Telluride Historical Museum is housed in a beautiful Victorian building and tells the story of the town’s mining past.

Have a foodie teen? Be sure to check out Brown Dog Pizza for some of the best local pizzas. Then, Baked in Telluride is great for a latte and a pastry to start the day. With so much to offer, this is undoubtedly one of the best vacations with teens and tweens in the United States.

Interested in fun vacations for teens with skiing? Here are the Best Ski-In/Ski-Out Resorts In Colorado For Families .

Lake Tahoe, Nevada/California

Lake Tahoe is an incredible destination for teens and tweens. Situated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe is known for its beautiful scenery, as well as for offering fun vacations for teens. Whether you’re on the Nevada side or the California side, there are plenty of recreational activities to keep your teen or tween busy, including hiking, biking, swimming, and boating.

Few places in the United States can rival the beauty of Lake Tahoe. It’s no wonder it’s a popular destination for families! The lake itself is stunning, with crystal-clear water and towering mountains. Challenge teens to plan a fun day at the lake for the whole family. They can select from activities like lakeside picnics, beachside games, swimming, or kayaking and paddle boarding. You can even take a clear-bottom kayak tour ! Then, sneak in an exciting day at Tah o e Treetop Adventure Parks , offering a series of courses and zip lines to traverse. Plus, don’t miss the chance to go rafting down the Truckee River ! The gentle 5-mile float offers stunning views and tons of fun in the sun. Consider booking with either Truckee River Raft Co. or Truckee River Rafting . Finally, those wanting to explore the area by horseback have several options, including Piping Rock Equestrian Center .

Traveling in the summer? Check out these ​​ Summer Activities in North Lake Tahoe That Kids Will Love .

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Looking for a place that offers several diverse, adventurous teenager vacation ideas? Look no further than Jackson Hole , Wyoming. Not only is it close to two national parks, but outdoorsy teens and tweens can spend their days hiking, biking, fishing, or kayaking.

First, head to Yellowstone National Park , home to various wildlife, including bears, bison, and elk. And, of course, no trip to Yellowstone National Park would be complete without seeing the geysers and other natural wonders. Next, Grand Tetons National Park provides miles of trails along the Snake River. Then, families can also try a thrilling experience like water-rafting , rock climbing , or horseback riding. If white water rafting is your jam, there are several options on the Snake River. If you’re looking to take in Jackson Hole from the skies, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Snow King Mountain Resort offer ropes course adventures that teens will love. Back in town, don’t miss catching the Jackson Hole Shootout . Looking for a truly unique experience that will impress teens? Head to Astoria Hot Springs , just 20 minutes from Jackson. Finally, don’t miss all the action at Jackson Hole Rodeo !

Planning to spend most of your time at the Grand Tetons National Park? Use our Ultimate Guide to Grand Tetons National Park with Kids .

Best Vacations for Teens and Tweens on the West Coast

If you want to impress your tweens and teens, go west! Along the West Coast, families will discover an array of fun vacations for teens and tweens. Here are two of our favorite West Coast options for vacations with tweens and teens in the United States!

Los Angeles, California

Next on our list of the best destinations for teens and tweens in the United States is Los Angeles . In this palm tree-lined teen utopia, there are plenty of activities to keep them busy and having fun, from sightseeing to shopping.

One of the most popular attractions in Los Angeles is the Hollywood Walk of Fame . Your teen or tween can explore the stars of their favorite movies and TV shows. Plus, they can also take a picture with their favorite star’s handprints! Film buffs will also enjoy checking out Universal Studios Hollywood . Indeed, Harry Potter fans can’t miss a chance to visit The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter ! For more thrills, check out nearby Disneyland or Knott’s Berry Farm .

Fashion icons in your family will find plenty of shopping in LA too. Many stores cater to teens, including Forever 21 and H&M . Then, trendy teens will also adore exploring Chinatown with its beautiful lanterns, historic architecture, and yummy restaurants. Finally, teens can also stroll the Venice Beach Boardwalk or take surf lessons . Other fun beaches near LA include Playa del Ray and Little Corona del Mar . Pleasing almost every travel style, it’s no wonder LA is one of the best vacations for tweens and teens in the United States!

Don’t miss these 10 Exciting Things To Do In Los Angeles With Teens and Preteens This Summer !

San Diego, California

Just a few hours south of LA, San Diego is another great option for vacationing with teens and tweens in the United States. This California city offers beautiful weather year-round, and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.

When you’re ready to start having fun, there are several famous attractions in San Diego, including SeaWorld , Legoland , and the San Diego Zoo . Plus, teens can leave San Diego sun-kissed and tan after lounging on one of the many nearby beaches, including Mission Beach and Pacific Beach . Active families can also rent bicycles from one of the many shops along Mission Beach and cruise the oceanfront bike path down to Belmont Park . If you really want to impress them in San Diego, embark on a sunset boat cruise around the harbor with Hornblower . Talk about Instagramable ocean views! Then, take nature-loving tweens and teens to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for a hike along the beautiful jagged hills. In nearby La Jolla, you can even book a kayak tour through sea caves with La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks . Not to mention, spot sea lions while you meander the beach area. 

Spending a week in the area? Use this Best 7-Day San Diego Itinerary with Kids .

Where to Stay in San Diego with Teens and Tweens

Wondering where to stay in San Diego with teens and tweens? Situated on 400 sprawling acres, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar is centrally located, kid-friendly, and even has four pools. Families who want to stay directly on the beach will love Hotel Del Coronado, Curio Collection By Hilton . It’s housed on a Victorian property and is only five miles from downtown San Diego. For more San Diego hotel suggestions, please read our article on the best waterfront hotels in San Diego for families.

Best Vacations for Teens and Tweens in Alaska and Hawaiʻi

Epic adventures await your family in Alaska or Hawaiʻi. While flights might be a tad longer than those in the Lower 48, teens and tweens can handle the distance in anticipation of these exciting destinations. If you’re still looking for some of the best vacations for tweens and teens in the US, keep reading.

While there are many great destinations for teens or tweens in the United States, Alaska is one of the best places to visit. Alaska is a great place to travel with teens and tweens because it offers so many different activities, including sea and land-based adventures. For example, your family can go hiking, fishing, canoeing, whale spotting, or even dog sledding. Plus, Alaska also has some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country. 

Start your exploration of Alaska at Denali National Park and Preserve . Consider hiking trails like the 3.2-mile McKinley Station Trail , great for birders, or the scenic 4.6-mile McKinley Bar Trail . Want to take a bird’s eye view of the park? Take a flightseeing tour of Denali National Park by floatplane. If eastern Alaska is on your itinerary, teens will be thrilled to try climbing on the ice faces of Root Glacier at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park . Other unique outdoor adventures in Alaska include glacial pools, ice caves, and hiking along the ice fields in Kenai Fjords National Park . Alaska also has several teen-friendly museums, such as the Anchorage Museum and the Iditarod Dog Sled Race Museum . And, of course, no trip to Alaska would be complete without seeing fantastic wildlife, such as whales, bears, and eagles.

Try one of the 23 Exciting Cool-Weather Summer Destinations in the US for Families .

Maui, Hawaiʻi

If you’re looking for a tropical getaway with teens or tweens, look no further than Maui ! The second largest of the Islands of Hawaiʻi, Maui offers plenty of teen-friendly activities like snorkeling, hiking, surfing, biking, and kayaking. Certainly, Maui is also a great place to relax and enjoy beautiful beaches.

Start your trip by soaking up the sun. There are many beaches to choose from in Maui, including Kapalua Bay , Launiupoko Beach Park , and Nāpili Bay . While you relax on the beach, let tweens and teens splash, swim, and snorkel. There are also many scenic hikes that the whole family can enjoy. Consider beautiful trails like Pīpīwai Trail (located above the Oheo Gulch), Twin Falls Hike , or Wai’anapanapa Coastal Trail . For more outdoor adventures, add Haleakalā National Park to your itinerary (it’s a great place to catch a sunset!). To learn more about Maui’s local cultures and history, you can visit the Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii, or the Royal Lahaina Luau. Regardless of how you fill your days, Maui is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in the United States with tweens or teenagers.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for more active teenager vacation ideas, consider spending a few days in Honolulu , on the island of Oʻahu . For a quieter holiday, consider spending time on the island of Kauaʻi . This is undoubtedly one of the best vacations for tweens and teens in the United States!

Don’t miss experiencing the Road to Hāna, Maui with Kids – Exciting Half-Day Itinerary .

Where to Stay on Maui with Teens and Tweens

Parents love the family-friendly hotels in Maui! In Ka’anapali Beach, there’s the Hyatt Residence Club Maui, Ka’anapali Beac h , and The Westin Maui Resort & Spa . These oceanfront hotels in Maui make it easy to jump into the water and swim with a turtle. Wailea, on South Maui, is home to Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort , the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui , and Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea . Kīhei, between Ka’anapali and Wailea, is where most rental condos are located for those who would rather have space over amenities. Be sure to also check out these awesome hotels in Hawaiʻi!

Best National Park Vacations for Tweens and Teens

Budding naturalists and outdoor enthusiasts won’t find anything to complain about when visiting the best national parks for tweens and teens. Across the US, teen travelers will have a blast embarking on epic outdoor adventures at these national parks. Whether you want hiking, fishing, camping, or rafting, these national parks can please even the pickiest of teens. Indeed, they rank highly amongst the best vacations with teens and tweens in the United States.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Located in Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best national parks for tweens and teens. Part of the Appalachian Mountains, families will have the opportunity to learn about and observe a variety of local plant and animal life here. Plus, the mountains offer a variety of activities that will keep your tweens and teens entertained during the whole vacation! There are hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic drives – to name a few things. Plus, your family can also enjoy horseback riding, fishing, and camping within the park. Inside the park, consider hiking trails like Abram Falls Trail, a popular 5.2-mile trail with a waterfall. Alternatively, Mount LeConte (via the Alum Cave Trail) is a beautiful 11-mile hike (arguably one of the most exciting trails in the park!).

After long days exploring the park, nearby attractions include Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum and the Gatlinburg Space Needle (which offers a 360-degree view of the mountains). Finally, families can also explore one of the best vacations with teens and tweens in the United States by ATV with Bluff Mountain Adventures .

Here are the 10 Best National Parks in the United States for Families .

The Big National Parks 5 in Utah

Looking for a truly epic adventure for your active tweens or teens? Take a family vacation to the Big 5 National Parks in Utah ! Teens and tweens are at a stage where they want to explore and have new experiences. What better place to do that than in some of America’s best national parks? The Big 5 encompasses Bryce Canyon, Zion, Arches, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands National Parks. All are known for their natural beauty and incredible outdoor adventures like hiking, rafting, camping, and more. Whether you visit one or visit them all, your tweens and teens are sure to be impressed! Here’s a brief breakdown of each park to learn more.

Zion National Park is one of the country’s most famous national parks, and it’s easy to see why. With its stunning red rock cliffs, hiking trails, and river rafting, there’s something for everyone in this park. Then, Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its beautiful hoodoos (rock formations that look like pillars or columns). It’s a great place to hike, take scenic drives, and stargaze. Arches National Park is home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches, making it a must-see for any teen or tween (and adults, too!). In addition to the arches, there are also hiking trails, canyoneering routes, and petroglyphs. Perhaps one of the most underrated parks, Capitol Reef National Park is worth visiting for its stunning canyons, domes, and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold. Finally, Canyonlands National Park showcases a primitive desert vibe with out-of-this-world views. 

Use this Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary For Families to help plan your trip!

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. And for a good reason! In fact, the Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, stretching 227 miles long. It’s truly a sight to behold. 

There are plenty of things to do at the Grand Canyon for families too. For teens and tweens, explore thrilling hiking trails, like the almost 13-mile Grand Canyon Rim Trail . Alternatively, another great option is the nearly 4-mile North Kaibab Trail to Supai Tunnel and Coconino Overlook . Then, you can also take a tour on a mule or go rafting down the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon is also a great place to learn about American history and culture. Numerous Native American tribes have lived in the area for centuries. Families will certainly appreciate learning more about their unique histories and seeing their traditional dwellings. If you’re looking for a place to travel with your teens and tweens that is both beautiful and educational, the Grand Canyon is a great option.

Decided on the Grand Cayon? Try this Amazing Sedona and Grand Canyon Itinerary For Families .

Happy Traveling with Tweens and Teens!

There’s no doubt that traveling with tweens and teenagers can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. If you’re looking for fun places to travel with your teens and tweens, we hope you found a great idea or two from this list featuring the 21 Vacations With Teens and Tweens In The United States That Are Sure To Impress . From national parks and epic outdoor adventures to historic cities and trendy shopping destinations, plenty of exciting US destinations are sure to impress even the coolest of teenage travelers. Have a great time exploring some of the best vacations for teens and tweens in the United States!

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the attractions, accommodations, or things to do on this list may be closed. Please ensure availability before making your decision. 

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.

Now is the perfect time to plan a family getaway to UCLA Lake Arrowhead Lodge! Nestled in the stunning mountains Read more

Singapore is a dream destination for families! Our family is originally from the US but we have been living in Read more

If you want an epic family vacation that's filled with adventure, entertainment, and fun, you may love Yas Island in Read more

What are the best things to do in Phoenix with kids? Phoenix is a wonderful family-friendly city best explored between Read more

Thanks for reading!

Love our content?

Stay in the know by  subscribing to our weekly newsletter .

Immerse yourself in a world of limitless exploration by joining us on  Instagram at families.love.travel .

Join our vibrant  Facebook community, "Families Who Love to Travel,"  (where family travelers like you can ask for advice and share tips with other families!).

Plus, you can read our latest articles by following our  Facebook page .

Shop for Family  Travel  Memorabilia  on Shop Families Love Travel.

Latest Articles

How to plan a yellowstone national park family vacation.

Everyone knows that Yellowstone National Park makes for a classic family vacation. Strolling the boardwalks...

Best Beaches® Turks and Caicos Review By A UK Family

Beaches Turks and Caicos may not seem like a typical vacation destination for a UK...

All About the Cayman Islands With Kids: Important Information You Need to Know

If you’re traveling to the Cayman Islands with kids, there’s some important information you need...

• Next »

Travel Gift Ideas

18 Exciting Travel Toys For Young Kids That Will Keep Them Entertained The Whole Trip

Top Travel Books for Little Kids

Top Travel Books for Tweens and Teens

National park with kids.

6 Days in Acadia National Park with Kids

One week itinerary in zion and bryce with kids.

Use These 10 Tips For Your Baby’s First Flight

Families Who Love To Travel contributor Meghan Oaks provides her 10 best tips for your...

When you're planning a family vacation, it's important to pack travel toys that will keep...

6 Best Travel Toys for Toddlers on a Road Trip

What are the best travel toys for toddlers? With help from our Facebook community, Families...

Families Love Travel Team

Last Updated on 1 year by Antonia Grant

A style expert shares fresh Target finds to help you kick off summer — from $10

• Share this —

• Watch Full Episodes
• Read With Jenna
• Inspirational
• Relationships
• TODAY Table
• Newsletters
• Start TODAY
• Shop TODAY Awards
• Citi Concert Series
• Listen All Day

Follow today

More Brands

• On The Show
• TODAY Plaza

20 family-friendly vacation spots to bring your teen, including a destination my family always chose

Traveling with a teenager isn't the easiest thing in the world — just ask my [Wise] parents. Every spring, we'd load up the car and embark on another epic family vacation , from sandy beaches to popular amusement parks .

But just like there are plenty of places to take the kids before they’re grown , there are several destinations — both within the United States and internationally — ideal for families with teens.

Many could be considered bucket list spots for teens, but why not splurge for the occasion? It may be the last before your kid(s) fly the coop.

Plus, if they are anything like me [Wise], they will look back and remember these vacations with fond memories years later.

Shop TODAY favorite vacation spots | Best vacation spots for families with teens | How we chose | Meet the expert

Travel Gear Awards winners seen on TODAY

Soma Everstretch Relaxed Travel Bra Dress

Winner: Best travel dress. See more for a deal:

Reef Cushion Vista Hi

Winner: Best budget sandals. See more for a deal:

Halfday The Garment Duffel

Winner: Most innovative carry-on. See more for a deal:

Bespoke Post

Twelve South AirFly Pro in Black

Winner: Best in-flight must-have. See more for a deal:

Twelve South

Lanzom Panama Sun Hat

Winner: Best packable hat

Wrangler 20-Inch Rolling Carry-On

Winner: Best budget carry-on

Etekcity EL11 Luggage Scale

Winner: Best flight essential

Travelrest All-in-One Ultimate Travel Pillow

Winner: Best travel pillow

Bagsmart Bonchemin The Space Saver Toiletry Bag

Winner: Best budget toiletry bag. See more for a deal:

Veger Portable Wall Plug Charger With Built-In Cables

Winner: Best portable charger

Uniqlo Ultra Stretch Airism Jogger Pants

Winner: Best unisex jogger/travel pant

Uniqlo Ultra Stretch Dry-Ex Jogger Pants

Winner: Best budget men's joggers

Shop TODAY favorite vacation spots:

Chiang mai, thailand, denver, colorado, disney cruise line, jackson hole, wyoming, the maldives, myrtle beach, south carolina, wisconsin dells, wisconsin, best vacation spots for families with teens, african safari.

Best for ages: 15-18

Here’s why: Simply put, teens deserve to be treated to the ultimate dream family vacation before they fly the coop.

Do this: Book an all-inclusive package with flights (dealing with logistics in Africa can be tricky) offered by a tour operator like The Luxury Safari Company . For families with teens, they recommend visiting Sosian Lodge in the north of Kenya. In seven nights, families can strengthen bonds and have one-of-a-kind experiences while fly camping (sleeping in the bush), river tubing, working on an African cattle farm and even visiting with predator research teams. Of course, there are plenty of game drives and walking safaris, so teens can get the most epic of photos for Instagram.

Stay here: Ask for the Family Cottage at Sosian Lodge , set on 60,000 acres of Kenyan wilderness meets working cattle ranch. Another great option is Puku Ridge Camp in Zambia. Teens staying at this lodge in South Luangwa National Park will appreciate the private plunge pools and opportunities to meet school children in local villages. Finally, for the teen who insists on having good Wi-Fi and access to tennis courts or mountain biking (not easy to find in the African bush), there’s Feline Fields in Botswana’s Kalahari Desert.

More info: TheLuxurySafariCompany.com

Butler County, Ohio

Best for ages: 13-16

Here’s why: This best of the Midwest destination proves that even inner-city teens can have fun in flyover states. Butler County also makes for a great halfway point for families coming from different coasts.

Do this: Teens who identify as foodies will love the aptly named Donut Trail where they can get their donut passport stamped at each of the funky boutique donut shops along the trail. (There is exactly a baker’s dozen!) Teens who collect all 13 stamps can collect a free T-shirt. Aspiring equestrians can get their horse fix at any of the area’s stables where they can rent horses or join a group ride. Teens who want to learn or practice wakeboarding will have a blast at Wake Nation . With its unique cable-tow system, no boat is required and beginners can learn at slower speeds. And for the ultimate rush, drive 30 minutes south to Cincinnati for indoor skydiving at iFly .

Stay here: Hueston Woods Lodge and Conference Center is just a few minutes by car from Miami University — one of the oldest public universities in the U.S. Guests can enjoy archery, community bonfires, badminton, nature trails and access to Acton Lake and Heuston Woods State Park .

More info: GettoTheBC.com

Charleston, South Carolina

Best for ages: 13-18

Do this: “For the slower-paced families, Sullivan’s Island is absolutely gorgeous and worthwhile," says Brittany Betts, a travel expert with  Florida Panhandle . "The beach there is well-kept and quiet, but there’s also a cute town full of unique shops and restaurants down the main strip. The reason why it’s combined with Charleston is because they are so near one another and this would be for the more fast-paced families that like doing several attractions,” she continues.

“There’s so much history in just this small town, but there’s also a large market in the area, cute restaurants with live music, and unique tours in old dungeons and through gardens that are really informative and fun for teenagers,” Betts explains.

Stay here: If you're looking for an affordable hotel option, the Courtyard Charleston Mount Pleasant is a great choice. Complete with outdoor pool, your teen will love relaxing after a long day of sightseeing.

More info: Charleston.com

"Surprisingly I’ve been to Chiang Mai twice! I went once as a teen on a high school trip and then again as a grownup with my parents. I can’t say enough nice things about Thailand, the people are truly the kindest you’ll ever meet, and the nature is unmatched, it’s almost like the colors are brighter in Thailand. Some of the activities I got up to were exploring temples, checking out the night markets and getting to try a traditional Thai massage (I still think about it to this day)." — Vivien Moon, commerce editor at Shop TODAY

Here’s why: Chiang Mai is a safe, affordable, entry-level destination in Asia where families can learn about one of the most welcoming cultures on earth. It’s also where you can feed growing teenage boys on $10 a day.

Do this: Volunteer at one of Chiang Mai’s many elephant sanctuaries. While most weekly programs are only for ages 18+, Elephant Nature Park has one-night programs open to families with kids of all ages. Spend the day watching the elephants bathe in the river before helping to feed and walk them, and rest during the night in a traditional bamboo hut. In the ancient walled city, visit Chiang Mai’s 117 Buddhist temples, and even sign up for a monk chat at a wat to learn more about the religion and how most Thai boys spend their early teenage years becoming monks. Sign up for a Muay Thai camp or a cooking class including a shopping trip to some of Southeast Asia’s most colorful markets. Schedule your trip for November if you think your teen will love the world-famous Yi Peng Lantern Festival or in April for Songkran , the world’s largest water fight (where weapons include everything from buckets to squirt guns and hoses) held in conjunction with the Thai New Year.

Stay here: With its rooftop pool, a rarity in Chiang Mai, it’s hard to beat Akyra Manor . Teens will appreciate its location in the hip, artist-influenced neighborhood of Nimman. Between its spacious suites and being within walking distance of the lively night market, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort is also teen-approved.

More info: TourismThailand.org

"My parents and I had a wonderful trip to Costa Rica last year, thanks to all the accommodations/activities that Caribe Fun Tours planned for our itinerary. We started our trip at Hotel Costa Verde in Manuel Antonio, which had jungle views, pools around the property, yoga in the mornings and was walking distance from the beach. In Manuel Antonio, we enjoyed ocean kayaking and snorkeling and a guided hike in Manuel Antonio National Park . We ended our trip at Hotel El Silencio del Campo in La Fortuna, which had volcano views, hot springs around the property, a farm and garden to explore and a complimentary breakfast." —  Lauren Witonsky , associate editor at Shop TODAY

Here’s why: Teens are notoriously moody, but that won't stop them from enjoying Costa Rica , often called the happiest country on earth. Show them rainforests, volcanos, white sand beaches and what the "pura vida" life is all about.

Do this: Soar through the canopy in Monteverde, the high altitude cloudforest where ziplining for tourism was pioneered and the rest of the world followed suit. Sky Adventures Monteverde Park also has an aerial tram and a hanging bridges tour where you can see the levels of the cloudforest and its biodiversity up close. Teens who want to say they’ve climbed a volcano can do so at Cerro Chato, next to Arenal, the country’s most famous volcano and one of the most active in the world. No trip to Costa Rica is complete without a visit to its beaches, stretching for miles along both the Caribbean and Pacific. Learn to surf in the funky town of Tamarindo at Iguana Surf where the instructors all speak English and no one goes home without having caught their own wave. Hike in the tropical waterfront paradise that is Manuel Antonio National Park — Costa Rica’s answer to Yellowstone. (You can laugh at them, but don’t feed the monkeys.)

Stay here: If your teens are feeling a need to binge their favorite show while on vacation, they’ll love the turbo speed Wi-Fi at Tierra Magnifica , a luxury boutique property in the surf community of Nosara. (You’ll love the panoramic views and sense of safety.) If an all-inclusive is more your speed, teens will appreciate dining options and beachfront activities at The Westin Reserva Conchal.

More info: VisitCostaRica.com

"Even though I went as an adult for the first time, I can say that I would’ve probably been obsessed with Denver if I was a teenager. The variety of teen-friendly activities I hit up when I was there brought me back to my younger years. From gawking at all of the vintage aircraft and space shuttles at Wings Over The Rockies to leisurely perusing the stunning exhibitions at the Denver Botanic Gardens and the Museum of Contemporary Art to taking in America’s favorite sport at Coors Field , Denver’s just a quintessentially cool city to explore." —  Jess Bender , senior editor at Shop TODAY

Sierra Hoeger, an associate editor at Shop TODAY (pictured below), has spent time close to Denver on vacation — more specifically, at Rocky Mountain National Park . She says, "Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding areas proved to be the perfect family vacation for my sister and I in our teens/early 20’s. We’re a pretty outdoorsy family and it seemed to have activities the entire family could enjoy, from hiking to checking out local coffee shops, visiting sites from our favorite movies and doing some shopping. We’ve been itching to get back ever since we first visited!"

Here’s why: The Mile High City is a must for families with teens who want to play in the mountains but have big city amenities.

Do this: Social media mavens can start the day at the Denver Selfie Museum where the backdrops are just as Insta-worthy as the surrounding Rockies. Or capture those tricks for TikTok at the 60,000-square-foot Denver Skate Park . Aspiring artists will want to check out the myriad collections at the Denver Art Museum (18 and under are free). In the winter, adrenaline junkies can’t skip a trip to Ruby Hill Rail Yard, an urban terrain park and snowboarder’s paradise.

Stay here: For golf fans, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver is a perfect choice if you're looking for a hole in one, and it's within walking distance of most of the city’s downtown sites.

More info: Denver.org

“I went on a Disney Cruise with my mom in my very early twenties and we had the best time, it’s definitely a must-do for any Disney-loving family. Some people might think it’s just for little kids (which it definitely has tons of kids activities) but there’s something for every age on the ship with a touch of Disney magic. There’s amazing live shows, character interactions and each ship goes somewhere different so you’ll get a different experience port-wise depending on which cruise you take!” — Shannon Garlin , an associate editor at Shop TODAY

Best for ages: 13-17

Here’s why: Cruises remain popular with families with teens for a reason; they’re less stress for you and teens love the independence. Thanks to owning everything from the “Frozen” franchise to “Star Wars” and Marvel, Disney can keep all kids — from toddlers to teens — entertained.

Do this: Book any Disney Cruise Line voyage on Disney Dream or Disney Fantasy. (Family Caribbean or Alaskan cruise in 2024, anyone?) Both ships promise “ultra-cool plush pads” designed exclusively for teens. The official teen club, Vibe, is a 9,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor oasis that only teens, using their Key to the World card, have access to. Vibe (ages 14-17) has a fountain bar, a 103-inch LCD TV, plenty of video game pods and two pools. Edge, the lounge for tweens (ages 11-14) has similar amenities as well as a lighted dance floor, a 10-foot-tall cinema, a photo booth and individual computer stations.

More info: DisneyCruise.Disney.Go.Com

" Jackson, Wyoming  is for the outdoorsy kid who loves skiing, snowboarding or simply building a snowman. They have the National Elk Refuge and is an iconic place to take pics and watch wildlife up and close. My favorite activity was riding on a fat bike and just enjoying the scenic views with the Teton Mountain Range as the backdrop.” —  Jannely Espinal , a commerce writer at Shop TODAY

Here’s why: Jackson Hole is a year-round vacation destination and convenient home base for exploring two of the country’s most popular national parks. With its small-town setting (population 10,500) where everything is within walking distance, teens can easily explore on their own.

Do this: Ski or snowboard together at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort , one of the most iconic ski resorts in the world. Rent bikes and ride 56 miles of paved paths or 115 miles of mountain bike trails, most with striking valley views. Since a family who rafts together stays together, battle the rapids on the Snake River or go for a scenic floating safari in search of moose, elk, bears and more. No trip to Jackson is complete without venturing into Yellowstone National Park via the equally stunning Grand Teton National Park .

Stay here: Located at the base of Snow King Mountain Resort , Snow King Resort is Jackson Hole’s best option for families who want immediate access to all kinds of outdoor adventures. Ski, snowboard, tube or — if you visit outside of winter — ride the mountain coaster and alpine slide. There’s also a massive mountain-top ziplining course, fly fishing and stargazing readily available for the curious teen.

More info: VisitJacksonHole.com

Louisville, Kentucky

Here’s why: Underground ziplines, a baseball museum, the Muhammad Ali Center and a bridge allowing travelers to be in two states at the same time are just a few of the memorable experiences families with teens will enjoy in Louisville , aka Derby City.

Do this: Tech-savvy teens will want to visit Ovrdrive , a state-of-the-art center with racing simulators and more than 100 virtual reality games. (Those ages 12 and up can also throw axes.) Head to the Louisville Slugger Museum and take home a personalized bat as a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Cool off in the Louisville Mega Cavern boasting nearly 20 miles of underground tunnels and the world’s only ziplines that are entirely underground. Finally, check out Churchill Downs where teens can learn about the art and sport of horse racing by either attending a race or visiting the Kentucky Derby Museum (whose interactive exhibits include a horse race simulator).

Stay here: All rooms at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Louisville Downtown come with separate TV rooms so teens can stay up late watching their favorite shows. The property also offers free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and is only a block from Museum Row.

More info: GoToLouisville.com

Los Cabos, Mexico

Here’s why: With several daily nonstop flights from major cities in the U.S., it’s easy and affordable to reach this beautiful international beach destination. Los Cabos is a drier alternative to Cancun, plus you don’t have to worry about hurricane season.

Do this: Between the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific, take advantage of the year-round swells and learn or practice surfing in Los Cabos. There are approximately 1,000 miles of coastline, so it’s never too crowded. Teens keener on marine life can snorkel and dive alongside the likes of friendly sea lions and ominous-looking, yet harmless, hammerhead sharks. Other animal encounters include camel safaris in the outback. Despite its proximity to water, Los Cabos’s breathtaking landscape includes a desert playground. For a high-speed tour, opt for an off-road ATV or UTV excursion with Cactus Tours . For the best value, buy the Park Pass at Wild Canyon Adventures , which gives teens access to unlimited ziplining, horseback riding, bikes, a hanging bridge and more. The price even includes an ATV or UTV tour, as well as a bungee jump or giant swing ride.

Stay here: Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection has a teen club with a recording studio. Grand Velas Los Cabos ’ teen club has lots of games (including an Xbox Kinect), a bar serving non-alcoholic drinks and even an in-house DJ spinning the latest beats every night until midnight.

More info: VisitLosCabos.travel

"I went to the Maldives for my honeymoon in 2019 and stayed at Joali . It’s definitely a luxury property but I felt it was worth it after all the hours we spent on airplanes getting there for such a milestone event." — Adrianna Brach, the editorial director at Shop TODAY

Here’s why: You don’t have to be on your honeymoon to visit the Maldives . With its 1,190 islands, it’s a tropical paradise with lots for teens to do. An obvious bucket list destination, it’s also easy to justify taking when it could be your last vacation as a family.

Do this: Try new watersports like wakeboarding, kitesurfing, jet blades and even hydrofoils (which could be deemed more of an air sport). Become PADI-certified (ages 10+) and take an underwater family holiday card you’ll never forget. Since every other kid wants to be a marine biologist when they grow up, why not learn about conservation by transplanting coral, planting a tree or helping rehabilitate endangered sea turtles? Treat them to a treatment at Spa by ESPA at Joali Maldives where there’s a special menu for teens.

Stay here: Amilla has a program for older kids and teens including fire dancing lessons, guitar lessons, mocktail making classes and even nighttime glow rider bicycle tours. One & Only Reethi Rah also has a teen program, One Tribe, with dedicated teens-only chill space. And for adrenaline lovers? Stay at the Four Seasons at Landaa Giraavaru , which boasts a Mastercraft X55 boat that makes its own surf and comes complete with sound system.

More info: VisitMaldives.com

If you're searching for a destination where your teen will thrive, look no further. My [Wise] parents took me and my two siblings to Myrtle Beach almost every spring break where we spent the week relaxing on the beach, shopping at Broadway at the Beach and eating our way through the city.

Here’s why: There are several reasons Myrtle Beach welcomes nearly 20 million visitors annually. For starters, there are more than 50 beaches to choose from, several world-class golf courses to conquer and one of the country’s biggest boardwalks selling limitless fun.

Do this: Teens anxious to drive can get behind the wheel of their own go-kart and race on six different tracks at the Broadway Grand Prix . Teens aspiring to join the PGA Tour will want to play at one of the area’s 90 golf courses which host junior opens throughout the year. (There’s also a Top Golf if you can’t get a tee time.) Meanwhile, young fans of "The Walking Dead" won’t want to miss the AMC hit show-themed escape room , and fans of "The Simpsons," The Simpsons in 4D . Teens wanting to hang out with other teens can easily do so on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade , home to one of the country’s tallest Ferris wheels. Of course, there are also plenty of beach activities including surfing, wakeboarding and horseback riding to choose from.

Stay here: Homewood Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach has an on-site waterpark with different areas for young and old kids. Meanwhile, the beachfront Grande Cayman Resort has 10 pools and four on-site restaurants.

More info: VisitMyrtleBeach.com

Porto, Portugal

Best for ages: 16+

Here’s why: Practically crime-free, extremely cheap and small enough to be walkable, Porto is the perfect European city to give teens a taste of independence. Located where the Douro River meets the Atlantic, its proximity to the beach and the Douro Valley ensures there is plenty to do.

Do this: Visit the world-famous “Harry Potter library” — Livraria Lello . Teens not afraid of sharks can learn to surf with Onda Pura . Take a scenic boat or train ride to the Douro Valley, the world’s oldest demarcated wine region where teens (16+) are legally allowed to taste wine and — more importantly — learn how it’s made.

Stay here: The breakfast buffet at The Lodge Wine & Business Hotel will satisfy any growing teen, and its picturesque outdoor pool is a rarity in this city founded in 1123.

More info: VisitPortugal.com

Reno Tahoe, Nevada

Here’s why: Reno Tahoe is a unique destination where mountains meet desert. It’s where annual events include the Zombie Crawl, the Great Reno Balloon Race, the National Championship Air Races and — last but certainly not least — Burning Man.

Do this: Venture downtown to take iconic Instagram shots of the murals (there are more than 100) and to pose for pics with the Burning Man sculptures . Embrace your inner Flintstone and bowl at the National Bowling Stadium , also called the “Taj Mahal of Tenpins.” Another good rainy day activity for teens is a trip to Need 2 Speed , an indoor go-kart racing track open seven days a week. It also boasts blacklight mini golf and a VR game. Beautiful weather? Drive to nearby Lake Tahoe to kayak in the crystal clear water or hit the slopes at one of the area’s renowned resorts. Teens can also explore hundreds of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails year-round.

Stay here: The coolest hotel in town (and perhaps Nevada) is Whitney Peak Hotel . It has a bouldering park on-site and is home to one of the world’s tallest climbing walls where teens can climb up for a bird’s-eye view of the Reno Arch.

More info: VisitRenoTahoe.com

San Diego, California

Here’s why: Whether or not you agree with its nickname “America’s Finest City,” you’ll agree San Diego has beautiful year-round weather and so much to keep your teen(s) happy they’ll ask about going to college there.

Do this: Beach hop your way around the city’s nearly three area beaches, or cave hop via kayak or SUP . Take a self-guided street art tour , stopping to pose in front of massive murals — often illustrating important messages — for pics for the ‘gram. Ride the Giant Dipper roller coaster at the oceanfront Belmont Park or watch an interactive film in its 7-D high tech theater. Other must-consider attractions include the San Diego Zoo , San Diego Air & Space Museum , San Diego Automotive Museum and the Comic-Con Museum .

Stay here: The Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay welcomes RVs in addition to its fully-furnished tiny home rentals complete with fire pits and front porches. Between the on-site arcade, food trucks, poolside movie screen, basketball courts and indoor/outdoor fitness center, teens will never find themselves bored on vacation.

More info: SanDiego.org

Seattle, Washington

Here’s why: The city that birthed the grunge music movement is an artsy, alternative place most teens will feel so welcome in they’ll want to move there.

Do this: Seattle’s vacation ideas are vast and plentiful! For starters, take the popular Underground Tour to see what’s beneath the city via its vast network of interconnecting tunnels. Next, visit the Museum of Pop Culture , home to exhibits like Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame and Indie Game Revolution. Teens developing a taste for coffee will also want see the many coffee shops in the city that birthed Starbucks and a growing trend toward artisanal brews. Don’t forget to catch the famous flying fish show at Pike Place Market — home to several pop-up murals that would look great on the ‘gram. Finally, adventure seekers can get their fix at the indoor ninja course at Elevated Sportz in nearby Bothell or on the miles of trails in the surrounding evergreen forests. There are also plenty of water sports to try in Puget Sound.

Stay here: Thompson Seattle is a luxury waterfront property within walking distance of Seattle’s top attractions including everything from Pike Place Market to hip vintage shops. Parents will appreciate the floor-to-ceiling views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountain Range while the kids are looking at their devices.

More info: VisitSeattle.org

Space Coast, Florida

Here’s why: Just an hour from Orlando , Florida’s Space Coast is an inspirational beach destination where teens can learn about everything from space exploration to manatee conservation.

Do this: Get a trip to Disney World , Universal Studios and Epcot out of the way. Then head southeast to the childhood home of Kelly Slater (it’s the East Coast's Surf Capital) for some beach time. Explore further inland on a kayak or SUP tour winding through tunnels of mangrove trees. Sea turtle sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the Space Coast does have a huge concentration of them. Teens obsessed with LED lights will be in awe in the bioluminescent lagoon . The Space Coast is one of very few places in the world to see this phenomenon where the tiniest of marine creatures emit a neon blue light for protection. Teens who want to work for NASA will never want to leave the Kennedy Space Center with its rocket garden, 3D space films, shuttle launch experience and journey to Mars. For a really memorable experience, book some add-on "enhancements" that includes immersive training courses and even a casual chat with an astronaut.

Stay here: The family-owned and operated Surf Studio Beach Resort in Cocoa Beach has clean, low-cost accommodations that include kitchens (because teens are always hungry) and a private bedroom for the parents. Cape Winds Resort Rentals in Cape Canaveral also offers private beach access in addition to tennis courts, a basketball court and a pool.

More info: VisitSpaceCoast.com

Tenerife, Spain

Here’s why: A trip to Tenerife is a rite of passage for most European teens. American teens will love the Island of Eternal Spring and its lively beaches, ethereal national parks and top-rated zoo and waterpark for the same reasons.

Do this: Ride the cable car up to the top of Teide, the world’s third-tallest volcano and crown jewel of Europe’s most visited national park . Snorkel while on a SUP or kayak tour in the shade of the cliffs at Los Gigantes, home to dolphins and sea life galore. Ride the zero gravity slide at Siam Park , the no. 1 rated waterpark in the world according to TripAdvisor, or head out on a quad safari en route to Spain’s highest village. Of course, there are also miles of beaches to explore (made of white sand imported from the Sahara or local, black volcanic sand).

Stay here: Families with older teens will enjoy the adults-only (16+) atmosphere at Iberostar Selecion Sabila , where luxurious, minimalist design meets beachfront all-inclusivity. Families with younger teens with small siblings can stay up the road at Iberostar Selecion Anthelia which boasts six pools and a kids’ camp.

More info: WebTenerife.com

Whistler, Canada

Here’s why: Billing itself as an international mountain sports mecca, Whistler is another family vacation bucket list destination. It gives teens unlimited opportunities for adventure and — just as important — a greater appreciation for nature.

Do this: Drop into a teen group ski or snowboard lesson at Whistler Blackcomb , a venue for the 2010 Olympic Games. Those not wanting to try snow sports can hang out at the teen youth center: three rooms of video games, movies, skateboarding and special events. In the summer, junior golfers (16 and under) golf free with an adult on Whistler’s award-winning golf courses. Older teens qualify for a highly discounted green fee. Teens can also sign up for Summer Gravity mountain biking camps where they’ll learn from the pros and meet other teens obsessed with MTB.

Stay here: The best option for families wanting to stay at base camp is Fairmont Chateau Whistler . Guests ages 16+ are allowed on daily excursions sans parents (just signed permission slips). They include paddle boarding, hiking, biking and frisbee golf.

More info: Whistler.com

"I stayed at the Kalahari in Wisconsin Dells a few years ago and had a ridiculously good time. There’s something for literally everyone — an indoor waterpark, arcade, amusement park, bowling alley, spa, golf simulator... I could go on. Such a great destination if you’re in the Midwest and looking for a fun family vacation!" — Audrey Ekman, a production associate at Shop TODAY

Here’s why: Wisconsin Dells is the waterpark capital of the world. Families can stay for two weeks and still never ride all the slides.

Do this: Visit the bottom of the ocean (or outer space) thanks to the underwater virtual reality experience at Kalahari , one of the country’s largest indoor waterparks. Race each other on the Raja king cobra-themed, side-by-side slides at Noah’s Ark . (It’s six stories high!) Visit Mt. Olympus to take on the nine-foot-tall waves at Poseidon’s Rage, one of the world’s largest wave pools or float on The River Troy, the world’s fastest manmade river. Tired of water-based activities? Attempt the Wizard Quest, the first fantasy team-building (or family-bonding) game in the country or unleash your inner Viking at Asgard Axe Throwing .

Stay here: While several area resorts boast their own waterparks, the top-rated property on TripAdvisor is the family-owned and -operated Black Hawk Motel & Suites . All guests get free admission to Timbavati Wildlife Park and a Wild Fun Zone attraction pass.

More info: WisDells.com

How we chose

We chose the best vacation spots for families with teens by researching various destinations all over the world. We also interviewed a travel expert and asked for her recommendation, and we included quotes from Shop TODAY editors who've traveled to these places in the past.

Meet the expert

• Brittany Betts  is a travel expert with Florida Panhandle , an online vacation planning site.

Allie Wise is an associate editor for Shop TODAY.

• Last Updated On
• September 24, 2023

21 Best Family Vacation Ideas With Teenagers – Top Spots to Visit

The country and its nearby areas have no shortage of must-see attractions.

From beaches to amusement parks and resorts, there’s always somewhere you can go for the perfect family vacation.

And that holds even if you’re going on a holiday with your teenagers.

In fact, you have so many options that the challenge is to choose which ones to go to.

I know because this is what I’d experience every time I’d plan our yearly family trips.

Creating an itinerary was always grueling.

And it didn’t help that my kids were teenagers who always had opinions about where we should go.

But now I know better.

And so, I put together this list of the best family vacation ideas with teenagers for you.

I also considered the insights from fellow parents I met during my travels.

I also rated each attraction according to criteria like family-friendly activities and safety.

Now start planning that epic family adventure using my comprehensive roundup:

Family Vacation Ideas With Teenagers Compared

From beautiful beaches to resorts with full amenities, there’s always somewhere to go with your teenagers for the perfect getaway. Here are our top picks:

Editor’s Choice

This Hawaii resort is in a stellar location—right in front of the beautiful ocean and near popular landmarks on the island.

• Family-friendly Activities: 4.5/5
• Safety: 4.5/5
• Accommodation: 4.5/5 
• Food Options: 4.5/5
• Accessibility: 4/5
• Internet Connection: 5/5

#2nd Best Choice

The Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection

Experience luxury at its finest in this hotel frequented by celebrities.

• Family-friendly Activities: 4/5

#3rd Best Choice

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

This resort offers a wide array of amenities that allow for the perfect family bonding.

• Family-friendly Activities: 5/5
• Safety: 4/5
• Accessibility: 4.5/5

1. Halekulani (Editor’s Choice)

2199 Kalia Rd Honolulu, HI 96815 (808) 923-2311 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Ratings Criteria

• A wide array of dining options
• With vacation packages

This Hawaii resort is a popular destination for many reasons.

It’s in a stellar location—right in front of the beautiful ocean and near popular landmarks on the island.

So you can enjoy stunning views of the crystal clear blue waters or go surfing.

You can also explore the nearby Iolani Palace and the Honolulu Museum of Art.

Do you prefer to stay indoors?

You won’t run out of things to do in the resort either.

How about you get a nice massage in the top-rated spa?

And if you get hungry, just savor a nice meal at La Mer.

You’ll love its delicious refined plates and ocean views.

Related: Best Places to Eat in Honolulu

2. The Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection

9641 Sunset Blvd Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (310) 276-2251 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Luxurious rooms
• With bungalow options 
• Expensive rates

You can sleep in spacious rooms with huge comfortable beds and iconic bathrooms.

Are you planning an extended vacation?

How about you stay in a separate bungalow instead?

You and the kids will have your much-needed privacy.

Plus, you can experience the same accommodations your favorite personalities stayed in at one point.

Bungalow 1, for instance, was Marilyn Monroe’s favorite.

It even has a library of the acclaimed actress’ films and books.

Or, book Bungalow 3 instead.

Film director Howard Hughes was a frequent resident here.

In fact, you’ll find many airplane models here, all inspired by his passion for aviation.

3. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

10100 Dream Tree Blvd Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836 (407) 313-7777 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Family-friendly activities
• Proximity to Disney theme parks
• Minor noise issues

Have a blast in the resort’s two-acre water park, complete with splash zones and interactive fountains.

Prefer a dry adventure?

How about you challenge your kids to a round of golf or a volleyball match instead?

If neither of those is their favorite sport, you can always get your dose of exercise in the state-of-the-art gym.

And then there are the many thrilling Disney rides near the resort.

They’ll love the Rock n’ Roller Coaster and Expedition Everest.

After your day’s adventure, retire in your spacious room.

You might even catch a glimpse of fireworks in the nearby amusement parks.

Related: Places to Eat: Orlando, FL

Related: Orlando Resorts & Hotels for Families

4. Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean 22 Myrtle Beach

2200 N Ocean Blvd Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (843) 848-0022 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

With its homey ambiance and affordable rates, this beach is an excellent alternative to Halekulani and The Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection.

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean 22 Myrtle Beach is a vacation destination in itself with its many amenities.

Bond with the kids in the hotel’s pools—just choose between an outdoor or indoor one.

Not really a pool person?

Why not get your daily workout out of the way in the fitness center?

If you get tired of staying indoors, you can just head out and explore other nearby attractions.

Play golf with your kids on any of the excellent courses nearby.

Or check out Wild Water & Wheels Parks.

It’s just 20 minutes away.

And when you get back to the hotel, enjoy a good night’s rest in your spacious room.

Related: Restaurants: Washington DC

Related: Family Hotels in Washington DC

5. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach, SC (800) 356-3016 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Myrtle Beach in South Carolina is a great spot — firstly, it’s a beach and secondly, it has a little something for every member of the family!

To enjoy a great outdoor shopping experience, head to Broadway at the Beach, or catch fantastic views of the city and an impressive light show at the extremely tall SkyWheel.

For all things fascinating, weird and sometimes downright creepy, head to Ripley’s Odditorium ; reserving your tickets to skip the long lines is a great idea!

For some adrenaline-pumping, energy-burning activities for the kids, go-karting at the Broadway Grand Prix is a great idea, as is hitting one of the many water parks, especially if you’re traveling with a teenage son.

At the Wild Water and Wheels, you can chill on the lazy river while the young ‘un hits the speed slides!

Related: Myrtle Beach Resorts for Families

6. Cape Canaveral, Florida

Cape Canaveral, FL (321) 868-1220 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Pretty similar to Orlando but with the extra science factor added in, Florida’s Space Coast is one of the best vacation spots for teens who take after Sheldon Cooper.

Catch a once-in-a-lifetime experience of watching a live rocket launch , take a tour of the Kennedy Space Center with the whole family or see the delights of Port Canaveral seated comfortably in a helicopter!

The beautiful shoreline is also a great spot to spend time at.

You can gear up at the super-famous Ron Jon Surf Shop and hit the lovely waves at Cocoa Beach where you might even get lucky enough to spot sea turtles and manatees.

You’re sure to work up an appetite after all the surfing, so gorge on some delicious fare in the many delicious eateries along the Cocoa Beach pier.

Related: All Inclusive Family Resorts in Florida

7. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg, TN (865) 436-4178 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

At Gatlinburg, it’s “good vibes only”; the place exudes a warm, friendly, relaxed air that makes it such a great vacation spot for families, with its exciting, lively range of restaurants that can satisfy a wide range of appetites, preferences and tastes!

Explore the 800 miles worth of hiking ground and beautiful trails at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park ; the park also has activities such as fly fishing and horseback riding.

Don’t forget to take a family photo at the area’s mossy waterfall or against the breathtaking views at the Clingmans Dome observation tower.

Even better, catch more incredible views from a helicopter ; there are many great helicopter tours run by efficient operators that are a must-consider experience!

All in all, Gatlinburg offers a great combination of city life and outdoor adventure, making it a really great vacation spot for tweens, teens, parents, and everyone in between!

8. San Antonio, Texas

317 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 244-2000 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

With a ton of cool attractions like the Natural Bridge Safari Park and SeaWorld, San Antonio is a fun place to be in.

There’s even the Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum to satisfy those teens who love all things quirky and Ripley’s Haunted Adventure for those teens who love all things spooky!

Soak in the local culture with the “hop-on, hop-off” tours in San Antonio’s trolleys while also catching sight of key attractions such as the Alamo and other sites in the King William historic district.

Spend some quality time with the whole family, strolling along the San Antonio RiverWalk , which is also a great way to discover the city’s vibrancy at your own leisure.

If your kids are adrenaline junkies, take them to the K1 go-karting arena or the Extreme Escape Live-Action Games for some speed-karting and fun-yet-challenging games!

Related: Family Hotels in San Antonio

9. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Lake Geneva, WI (800) 345-1020 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Lake Geneva is a great holiday destination as is, but even better if your teen is a David Blaine in the making!

One of the biggest attractions of the area is the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre, where you can catch exciting live shows replete with mind-blowing illusions and tricks.

For a laidback time, hit the lazy river and spend time lounging about in the indoor and outdoor pools at the Timber Ridge Water Park.

If you want more of a thrill, try the park’s exciting rides or its 35-foot water slides!

There are also plenty of zip lines and rope walks at the Lake Geneva Canopy Tours which will get the teens excited if they’re the active type!

If you can’t keep up with all the energy-consuming activities or just want to spend some quiet time as a family, relax by the lake or take long, peaceful strolls . Better yet, indulge in some retail therapy in Lake Geneva’s many shops.

Downtown is the place to take your teenage daughter for a spot of shopping and some mother-daughter bonding time!

10. West Yellowstone, Montana

303 Canyon St West Yellowstone, MT 59758 (307) 344-7381 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Drawing millions of visitors each year, West Yellowstone comprises a tiny community and endless opportunities to explore the Yellowstone National Park .

Tick fighting the rapids off your bucket list by booking a river-rafting adventure on the Yellowstone River or enjoy zip-lining with the Yellowstone Zip-Line Tours.

If that still doesn’t manage to excite you, try spotting bears, watching geysers, soaking in the hot springs or waterfall-hiking; the teens of the family will love Yellowstone if they dig adventure!

Take a trip to the Old Faithful Geyser that shoots water up to at least 180 feet every 35 minutes to an hour, hike the Elephant Back Mountain Trail or visit Hayden Valley to get up close and personal with the local wildlife .

Another must-visit in the area is the Mammoth Hot Springs; similar in appearance to sheets of snow, you may just catch yourself believing that you’re in Antarctica thanks to this!

11. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Wisconsin Dells, WI (800) 223-3557 Visit Webs ite Social Media Open in Google Maps

A clear family favorite (teens included!), Wisconsin Dells is the “Waterpark Capital of the World”, with a ton of indoor and outdoor adventure parks such as the Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park , Timber Falls Adventure Park, Noah’s Ark Waterpark, Circus World, Timbavati Wildlife park — the list is seemingly endless (or at the very least, really long!).

Take a boat tour along the Wisconsin River and admire the Dells’ rock formations or pump up the adrenaline by zip-lining through the woods; the latter’s also a great way to catch the natural beauty of the area.

These apart, you could also head to attractions such as the Wizard Quest, Wild Fun Zone, Knuckleheads Trampoline Park, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions and the Great Wolf Lodge , the latter being a great spot for a combination of fun and good accommodation.

12. Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte, NC Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Don’t let the balmy weather and delightful blue skies of Charlotte fool you into assuming that it’s low-key; the area’s Carowinds Amusement Park is home to some of the world’s scariest and thrilling roller coasters, such as the Carolina Cyclone, the Intimidator and the Afterburn.

For more high-octane fun, head to the U.S National Whitewater Center with its rope courses and zip-lines.

If looking for interactive entertainment, give the NASCAR Hall of Fame a visit.

For a primer on the city, take a Charlotte city tour ; these tours let you catch sight of famous attractions such as the Bank of America Stadium, the gorgeous architecture of the 4th Ward and the BB&T Ballpark.

Charlotte also has its own Great Wolf Lodge ; book a stay here for some family-friendly resort fun, with over 80,000 square feet of indoor rides and attractions such as the 1000-gallon tipping bucket!

Big Air Charlotte, Charlotte’s premier trampoline park, is another great spot to visit, with over 15 attractions including a Ninja Warrior course and Virtual Reality experiences.

Related: Family Resorts in North Carolina

13. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Gettysburg, PA (800) 337-5015 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

One of the best places to visit if you want to combine education with fun, Gettysburg is a great option if your family comprises teens and younger kids.

Learn all about Gettysburg’s role in the Civil War at the Gettysburg Battlefield, the Shriver House Museum and the National Military Park, or visit all the main sights on a guided bus tour .

The Rupp House is another rich historic spot where you can immerse yourself in 19th-century Gettysburg and learn about the soldiers and civilians alike who struggled in the war.

You can also be privy to the important preservation work being undertaken in the area at the Rupp House.

Gettysburg is also known for its spooky spots; spook out the kids with a ghostly tour , especially the “I’m-too-cool-for-you” teens!

14. Beaver Creek, Colorado

Beaver Creek, CO (970) 754-4636 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Beaver Creek is all about “family-friendly”; the resort has a ton of activities that make for some wholesome family fun, such as ski lessons, cross-country snowshoeing and ice-skating.

The whole family can brush up on their skiing skills with the resort’s fantastic instructors or bond around a rented fire-pit!

Haymeadow Park, Red Buffalo Park and Thursday Night Lights make up the main attractions during winter; the lattermost is a spectacular way to end the day with lights and fireworks.

No matter how “cool” your teen tries to be, these fireworks are magical enough to impress anyone!

Another family-friendly attraction is the EpicMix, where you can get family photos captured and race your friends.

However, don’t dismiss Beaver Creek as a winter wonderland.

Beaver Creek is just as great for a summer vacation as it is for a winter vacation; enjoy activities such as hiking and horse-riding on the beautiful green hillsides!

Related: Family Ski Resorts in Colorado

Related: Best Winter Vacations for Families

15. Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland, OH (216) 664-2000 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

To the east of Sandusky, along the beautiful shores of Lake Erie, lies Cleveland, buzzing with life and activity!

This spot is sure to make one of the best vacations for teens if they’re fans of good music.

Cleveland has a thriving entertainment and music scene, replete with summer beach parties on Lake Erie’s shores.

Elevate your coolness quotient in your teens’ eyes by taking them to see Elvis’ motorbike and other rock artifacts at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, or visit the Cleveland Museum of Art to view the works of artists such as Warhol and Caravaggio, free of cost!

Great Lakes Science Center is sure to be a hit with the science buffs, with all its NASA exhibits and hands-on activities.

Other fun getaways include the Fun ‘N Stuff Amusement Park, Get Air Cleveland and WhirlyBall Laser-Sport.

Related: Restaurants: Cleveland

16. Cooperstown, New York

Cooperstown, NY (607) 322-4046 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you’re wondering where to go on vacation with a teenager who loves all things sports, the chances are that you need to look no further than New York’s Cooperstown.

Cooperstown is the proud home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, a must-visit for sports fanatics, with its interactive exhibits, special events, and private VIP museum tours .

Families also love the hiking and biking options around Glimmerglass State Park; you can also visit the beautiful country house in the area and finish off your trip to the area by renting a boat and sailing across the gorgeous Otsego Lake.

You can also include the Farmers Museum, Cooperstown Bat Company, and the Barnyard Swing Mini Golf and Fun Center.

Head to Schneider’s Bakery and stuff your face with their delicious pastries!

Related: Family Hotels in New York

17. Park City, Utah

Park City, UT (435) 649-6100 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

For some truly excellent mountain-biking, skiing and moose-spotting, head to Park City, a spot that athletic, active families are sure to enjoy!

Try zip-lining and bobsledding at the Utah Olympic Park , or embark on a guided mountain tour .

You could also hit the downtown area to gorge on some super delicious pizza and burgers at the Red Rock Brewery.

What makes Park City appealing to teens is the many beautiful cabins available, replete with facilities such as hot tubs, outdoor decks and views that will have the “likes” pouring in on Instagram and Facebook, the latter-most being something any teen of today will find hard to pass up on!

The area is also riddled with escape rooms, each more challenging than the last — these are sure to test the wits of anyone, parents and teens alike!

Related: Places to Eat: Park City, UT

Related: Utah Family Ski Vacations

18. Huntsville, Alabama

Huntsville, AL (256) 427-5000 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

It may not seem like a vacation spot, especially when we’re talking “trips with teens”, but “The Rocket City” is the place to be for tons of super-cool rockets, NASA memorabilia, and the chance to see a space shuttle at the U.S Space and Rocket Center.

If your teen’s interests lie in science that’s closer to the ground, take him or her to the beautiful Huntsville Botanical Garden, where you can also participate in fun activities such as night hikes to hunt down fireflies and roasting s’mores on fires for dinner!

If your teenager is just like any other, there are a ton of free teen hangouts in Hunstville, such as the Huntsville Skate Park, the Rocket City Arcade, the Altitude Trampoline Park and the like.

The Hunstville Escape Rooms are also a great way to have some fun a la Sherlock Holmes!

19. Sandusky, Ohio

240 Columbus Ave. Sandusky, OH 44870 (419) 627-5844 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If your teen loves roller coasters, a trip to Sandusky will leave the young one spoilt for choice; there’s a rollercoaster for every speed preference at the Cedar Point Amusement Park!

Another great idea is to explore Lake Erie the unconventional way by renting jet skis, or stick to the conventional path and take a stroll along the Sandusky Bay Pathway.

Pay a visit to the Manor Thrill Center with its spooky entertainment and watch the apprehension flit across the usually “too-cool” kids’ faces.

Even better, plan a trip to the Lake Erie Fear Fest in October and dare the kids to go!

You could also visit the fun museums in Sandusky, such as the Merry-Go-Round Museum and the Maritime Museum of Sandusky.

Book a stay at the Great Wolf Lodge for a mix of great accommodation and fun, or explore Sandusky via segway tours.

Related: Sandusky Restaurants

20. Glen Rose, Texas

Glen Rose, TX, (254) 897-2272 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Laid-back and definitely one for the families, the beautiful Glen Rose area has it all for the dinosaur buffs — rocky hillsides, hiking and biking trails and even preserved dinosaur prints, all in the 1500-acre Dinosaur Valley State Park.

You can also pay a visit to the nearby Dinosaur World for more dinosaur-related fun, such as a trail with replicas of prehistoric creatures and a ton of information about these mysterious creatures.

To catch sight of more contemporary animals, head to the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center and drive through the park, meeting parrots, gazelles, bison and giraffes on the way.

Glen Rose may not be as big a hit with the older kids, but if they’re anything like Ross Geller and take after his love of dinosaurs, they’re sure to love this vacation spot!

21. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Los Corales Punta Cana, Dominican Republic 23000 (973) 317-8181 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

When planning to visit one of the countries in the Caribbean, include Dominican Republic on the top of your list.

Pristine shores lined with beautiful palm trees, sun-kissed sparkling waters, and gorgeous weather — Punta Cana has all the trappings of a great beach vacation and is one of the best places to visit with your teenagers in tow!

The area abounds in all-inclusive resorts, meaning you won’t be shelling out extra for all the parties and activities the kids want to participate in.

The Club Med Punta Cana is a great hub for teen-friendly fun with its range of action-packed activities, such as archery, tennis, sailing and windsurfing, as well as the mandatory end-of-day beach parties and movie nights!

The resort even has a circus arts program that invites guests to learn the tricks of the trade, such as dancing on stilts, flying on a trapeze and even building human pyramids!

Related: All-Inclusive Resorts in Punta Cana for Families

Vacationer’s Guide 

Comparing destinations: which one is right for you.

Before you pick a destination, compare and contrast your options.

Then choose the one that suits your preferences.

Halekulani offers the perfect beach holiday with its excellent oceanfront location.

It’s pretty popular, though, so expect crowds, especially during peak season.

The Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection features a luxurious resort experience.

Be prepared to shell out for your stay here, though.

Meanwhile, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is ideal for epic family bonding activities.

However, you might experience some minor noise issues in your room.

After all, it’s near Disney theme parks.

Prefer a home away from home at affordable rates?

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean 22 Myrtle Beach is an excellent alternative.

Its only downside is its parking space, which is quite far from the main building.

How I Picked The Destinations

To pick the destinations on this list, I first considered my personal experiences.

And I’ve had many of those since I’ve gone on numerous family trips with the kids.

To ensure a holistic review, I also asked fellow parents about their own experiences during my visits.

To write about the places I haven’t visited, I considered reviews by other travelers on trusted websites.

And with researching their official website and social media, my evaluation balances firsthand knowledge with diverse perspectives.

Our Rating Method

I rate these vacations based on the following criteria.

• Family-friendly Activities: This criterion assesses family-friendly activities. What entertainment options are available? Are there opportunities for sightseeing, outdoor adventures, or cultural experiences? Is there a pool, game room, or sports facilities? I consider these factors when rating family-friendly activities. 
• Safety: I use this to evaluate safety and security. Does the area have a low crime rate? Are there CCTV cameras in common areas? I ask myself these questions when evaluating safety and security. 
• Accommodation: I use this to assess the accommodation options available. Are there spacious and comfortable rooms? Does it offer family suites or interconnected rooms? These are the factors I consider when assessing accommodation comfort. 
• Food Options: This criterion evaluates food options. Are there many restaurants, cafes, and food courts in the area? Does it provide kid-friendly options or buffet-style dining? Can they accommodate different dietary needs and preferences? I consider these questions when rating food options. 
• Accessibility: This is used to evaluate the accessibility of every location. Are there local attractions nearby? How far is the nearest airport? Is it easily accessible by public transportation? These are the questions I ask when assessing accessibility. 
• Internet Connection: I use this criterion to evaluate the internet connection of every vacation option. Is free Wi-Fi available? Is the signal strong and reliable? I consider these factors when rating internet connection. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the best family bonding getaway spots with teenagers.

The best family bonding getaway spots with teenagers include Halekulani and The Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection.

What Activities Do Families Do On Vacation?

Families on vacation often engage in activities such as visiting theme parks, exploring museums, enjoying outdoor adventures, and bonding over shared experiences like sightseeing, beach trips, or participating in local cultural activities.

Conclusion 

Each destination on this list has something unique to offer everyone.

My kids and I enjoyed living like royalty at The Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection.

Meanwhile, we always had something to do in Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.

We had a blast hanging around in the pool and riding the thrilling attractions in nearby amusement parks.

At Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean 22 Myrtle Beach, we felt right at home with its relaxing ambiance.

But of all these attractions, I think Halekulani still stands out.

Staying in this resort is one of the best family vacation ideas with teenagers.

The sunset views were breathtaking, and the local cuisine at La Mer was a delightful exploration of the Hawaiian culinary scene. 

My teenagers, usually glued to their phones, were drawn to outdoor adventure, showing that nature’s beauty can compete with technology.

You might have to deal with crowds when you get to this place.

But the many bonding moments you can have here will make your stay worth it.

Hrmm. Looks like you're using an older browser, which means some site features may not work they way they should. For the full gadventures.com experience, we recommend upgrading to the most recent version of your browser . It's worth it! Honest!

View all tours

North America

Central america & caribbean, south america, north africa & middle east.

Few travellers make it to this icy continent, but the lucky ones who do get to explore a frozen Eden ruled by the elements and teeming with wildlife.

G Adventures Land

G adventures sailing & cruises, g adventures private travel.

Whether it’s a family retreat or a girls trip, you can surround yourself with a hand-picked crew and customize a tour that fits you all perfectly.

The Geluxe Collection

Our new line of premium active adventures is officially here. With perfectly paced itineraries, one-of-a-kind accommodations and elevated dining, this is adventure at its finest.

National Geographic Journeys

Go deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places we explore. More is included and you’ll enjoy greater hands-on exploration, interactions with local experts, and freedom to roam.

National Geographic Family Journeys

Are you an adventure-loving family in search of meaningful ways to discover the world together? These tours are specially designed for travellers seven and up and their inquisitive families.

Jane Goodall Collection

Step deeper into the animal kingdom while respecting all of its inhabitants. Our incredible collection of wildlife-focused tours is endorsed by the world-renowned ethologist.

Roamies by Hostelworld

The thrill of adventure. The awesomeness of hostels. Get ‘em both on these immersive small group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travellers.

Why choose us

As the leader in small group travel for 30 years, we know how to do it right: flexible itineraries, freedom to roam, safety, peace of mind, and locally based guides.

Change the world just by having the time of your life. When you travel with us, you become a force for good by acting responsibly and creating positive impact.

Together with our non-profit partner, Planeterra, we ensure local communities touched by our tours benefit from our visits in as many ways possible.

Trees for Days

Leave your destination even greener than you found it! For every day on tour, we’ll plant a tree in your honour and ensure that our forests get to live their best lives.

Travel resources

Last minute deals.

Looking to have the time of your life in the next 90 days or so? You can save big if you’re ready to book now.

Loyalty discount

Back home from a G Adventures tour? Submit a quick trip evaluation to save 5% on your next tour with us.

Student discount

Got proof that you’re pursuing higher learning? Then we’ve got a travel voucher with your name on it.

All travel deals

New ways to save pop up all the time. Here’s where you’ll find every hot deal in one easy place.

18-to-Thirty somethings tours

On your terms.

So you’re thinking of adventuring around the world? Good call. Sure, there’s no right way to do it. But there is “your way.” Want days filled with culture, followed by nights of just going with the flow? Do it. Want to go where the entire planet hasn’t already been, with free time to explore how you want? Make it happen. Want to travel far and wide with new friends from far-off places? You do you. Because in your life, you call the shots. Make sure you travel that way, too.

Five reasons to travel with us

Travel with an, international.

Going on our tours means travelling with people (22 or less, if you want to get precise) from all over the world. So on top of learning about the local culture, you'll also learn from your international crew.

The numbers speak for themselves: group travel is a safer way to see our world. Plus, our expert CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) have local knowledge you can count on as they lead you on your adventures.

Making it rain:

Not required.

Seeing the world shouldn’t require spending all your savings. With us, you’ll get the travel experience of a lifetime, plus good bang for your buck.

do your thing

We built our tour itineraries to feature a lot of free time, giving you the freedom to explore on your own, with your new crew, or whatever way suits your style.

A bit of this

A bit of that.

Like balance in your life? We can help. Our tours give you a healthy dose of culture during the day, before letting you get a taste for local bars and restaurants as the sun goes down.

Our ears are burning

They went. they saw. they captured.    follow us on instagram, so where you headed, central america, middle east, you’re making us blush.

Sure, we’ve won some awards over the years. But what really makes us giddy is what they mean: that you, our travellers, have loved what we’ve been doing.

Things you’ll get to experience.

Sweet rides.

Travel in style and in comfort on our private rides. Our Landos in Africa have oversized windows for easy picture-taking, and USB ports at every seat. Sit back, relax, and soak in the experience.

So many ways to stay.

Hostels, hotels, homestays, camping — on our tours, you’ll stay in a number of accommodation styles specifically chosen to give you that oh-so-authentic travel experience.

First Night Out

On the First Night Out, we’ll take you to local hot spots where you’ll have the chance to get to know the crew you’ll be travelling with, plus the destination itself.

Big Night Out

Towards the end of your trip, you and your new BFFs will hit the town to celebrate all the crazily-unbelievably-inspiring moments you’ve had together so far. Oh, and your first drink is on us.

Protect Your Trip »

The 9 best all-inclusive resorts for teens.

Get away to destinations with things to do for all ages.

The Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Teens

Getty Images

All-inclusive vacations offer an enticing getaway for everyone, but many all-inclusive hotels and resorts are lacking when it comes to activities for older kids. Most options have amazing pools, golden beaches, and round-the-clock food and drink options, but they often fail to entertain the 12- to 17-year-old crowd with stimulating activities that keep their idle hands – and minds – busy.

Fortunately, some all-inclusive resorts go out of the way to offer attractive deals and packages along with innovative teen-friendly activities. While some of the best all-inclusive resorts for teens are in tropical locales with beach activities galore, others are in the mountains where older kids and teens can get their hands dirty and stay busy with outdoor recreation and sports.

If you're planning to travel with teens and leaning toward an all-inclusive vacation , these getaways should be high on your list.

Beaches Resorts: Jamaica; Turks and Caicos

Courtesy of Beaches Resorts

Beaches Resorts are well known for upscale all-inclusive offerings, but few people know just how much these properties cater to teens. The resorts – which overlook the ocean in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos , as well as Ocho Rios and Negril in Jamaica – offer several unique amenities for older children who want to have fun, learn something new or mingle with their peers.

Options include an Island Impact program, which lets students volunteer in local communities while vacationing at Beaches Resorts; teens-only dance clubs; Xbox and arcade rooms; and teen spa experiences. Younger visitors can also hit the beach while on vacation and participate in unlimited scuba diving and other water sports, as well as land sports such as volleyball, basketball and golf. Recent travelers seem to agree that Beaches properties are great for teenagers due to the plethora of activities for the whole family, the diverse selection of dining options and the beauty of the destinations they are located in.

Moon Palace All-Inclusive Resorts: Jamaica; Cancun, Mexico

Moon Palace Resorts locations in Ocho Rios and Cancun offer an array of all-inclusive options for families with kids of all ages. Teens can soak up the sun along beautiful beaches or dive into the resorts' crystal-clear pools. They can participate in unlimited nonmotorized watersports and even try their hand at riding some waves at an on-site surf simulator. Moon Palace's resorts also offer the Wired Lounge, which is equipped with gaming stations and relaxation spaces where teens can mingle. Upscale family-friendly food options also cater to teens at Moon Palace, with fresh smoothies and plenty of opportunities for a healthy bite.

Moon Palace is set to open another family-friendly all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic in late 2024. This property, situated alongside the stunning beaches of La Costa del Coco, will also offer amenities and activities for the whole family.

Read: The Top Cancun All-Inclusive Family Resorts

Royalton Bavaro Resort & Spa: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Courtesy of Royalton Luxury Resorts

An all-inclusive getaway at Royalton Bavaro Resort & Spa is perfect for families with kids of all ages, including teenagers. Choose from several larger room options, including one- and two-bedroom suites with separate living space and small kitchenettes. The resort also has a teens-only club with space for hanging out, as well as table tennis and a rock climbing wall.

Visitors will also find a nine-hole mini-golf course, a meandering lazy river with a swim-up bar, several large pools and a FlowRider surf simulator. Recent guests were impressed by the beauty of Bavaro Beach, as well as the food options and the excellent service offered at the resort. The best part? Royalton Bavaro is less than 20 miles away from the Punta Cana International Airport.

Read: All-Inclusive Resorts With the Best Food

Woodloch Resort: Hawley, Pennsylvania

Courtesy of Woodloch Resort

Teenagers are sure to enjoy a stay at Woodloch Resort in the Poconos for more reasons than one. This all-inclusive resort offers all kinds of entertainment each evening, from magicians and variety shows to comedians and live music. Activities offered on-site also run the gamut, including options like archery, baking wars, athletic competitions and scavenger hunts. There's even a petting zoo at the resort, plus a selection of swimming pools, a rock climbing wall, bumper boats, bumper cars and mini-golf.

Family-friendly room options are available at Woodloch, including guest rooms that sleep up to six people and a range of vacation rental homes. You can also choose from an included dining plan that comes with either two or three meals per day, based on your family's preferences and travel style. Travelers seem to agree that the resort is well-kept and that service is exceptional across the board; many say they'll come back due to selection of activities that make it easy to have fun with kids and create memories that last a lifetime.

Read: The Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S.

Club Med Resorts: Caribbean; Mexico; Florida

Courtesy of Club Med

Club Med resorts offer all-inclusive packages and amenities all over the world, as well as a range of programs created specifically for older children and teens. For the 11 to 17 crowd, Club Med offers Passworld spaces – customized areas for teens with sporting and artistic activities, dance floors, video games, and more. Club Med Punta Cana , Cancun Yucatan and Ixtapa Pacific also have teen clubs where kids can mingle and socialize with other travelers their age during their vacation. Teenagers at Club Med can also try their luck on the trapeze as they learn to balance and glide through the sky, or simply enjoy relaxing along the beach.

Recent travelers have said the properties seem well managed, and that they were impressed with the rooms and the food. Some also rave about the entertainment teams and how much fun they had with the on-site activities, including golf and trapeze.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Mohonk Mountain House: New Paltz, New York

Courtesy of Mohonk Mountain House

If you're looking for a family-friendly all-inclusive vacation that's far from ordinary, consider the Mohonk Mountain House nestled in the Hudson Valley. Surrounded by 40,000 acres of forest and protected wildlife, the hotel offers teens a natural escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The property's teen program, designed for kids ages 13 to 17, includes tomahawk throwing, mountain bike tours, hiking, disc golf and more.

Along with benefits and amenities for teens, this property also promises healthy farm-to-table dining options for the whole family, endless lake and outdoor activities, a heated indoor pool, golf with green fees included, and yoga and meditation classes. Lodging options can also appeal to families with kids and teens who want their own space: For example, the resort has family suites with up to three rooms and multiple layouts to choose from. Traveler-favorite attractions and features at this property include the stunning lake and mountain views, the excellent service, and the delicious food.

Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Resort: Cancun, Mexico

Courtesy of Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Resort

The Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Resort in Cancún has one of the best beachfronts in the entire region due to its location at the north end of the city's Hotel Zone and the partial shelter it receives from nearby Isla Mujeres . Not only that, but the resort offers several room options that make sense for families traveling with kids, including penthouses and oceanfront suites with up to four bedrooms.

Families with teenagers will love the fact they can order room service 24 hours a day, or have food and drinks delivered directly to their loungers at the beach or one of the stunning pools. Teens can also access unlimited nonmotorized water sports, such as kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkeling. With its ideal location, the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Resort is great for families who want to leave the resort with their teens to experience local entertainment and nightlife. Recent visitors have said the food at this property is amazing, and most tend to agree that the resort's French restaurant Le Basilic left a lasting impression.

Read: The Top All-Inclusive Caribbean Resorts for Families

Grand Velas Resorts: Mexico

Courtesy of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

Grand Velas luxury resorts in Riviera Maya , Riviera Nayarit and Los Cabos offer tailored teen clubs and spa treatments for ages 13 to 18. The clubs feature extensive game rooms with Xbox Kinect, pool tables, air hockey, pingpong and more, along with karaoke sets and a dance floor. Teens who need a break from parents while on vacation can mingle with new friends and enjoy teen-friendly snacks and mocktails while taking in panoramic ocean views along the beach. Plus, teenagers who want to relax can enjoy leisure activities like a spa day, complete with a new hairstyle, a manicure, a pedicure and hydrotherapy (for an additional charge).

While Grand Velas properties are located in stunning beachfront locations, the feature that impresses travelers the most seems to be the food. Recent visitors have said dining options offered at all three properties were both delicious and healthy.

Vista Verde Guest Ranch: Clark, Colorado

Courtesy of Vista Verde Guest Ranch

This luxury guest ranch offers the perfect place for active families to get away, especially since there are so many unique activities to choose from. What you can do at the ranch varies by season. Summer is for horses, cookouts, hiking and barn dances, whereas winter is for sledding, sleigh rides, hot tubs and hot chocolate. The all-inclusive ranch even offers a tween club for ages 11 to 13 and a teen club for ages 14 to 17, both of which include a range of group activities like horseback riding, cow herding, paddleboarding and late-night bonfires.

Many larger lodging options at the ranch can work well for families, including rustic cabins with up to four bedrooms. Travelers have said they bring their kids here due to the many family-friendly amenities and features at the property – plus the fact that they can participate in activities like hiking, fishing, white-water rafting and archery right alongside their children.

Read: The Best Dude Ranch Vacations in the U.S.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a travel writer veteran who has visited more than 50 countries by herself or with her husband and two teenage girls. Johnson frequently covers all-inclusive resorts in various destinations around the world, and she has stayed in most all-inclusive brands throughout Mexico and the Caribbean with her family.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Cruises for Teens
• The Top All-Inclusive Family Resorts in the World
• The Top Indoor Water Park Resorts in the U.S.
• Beach Packing List: Essentials to Bring
• The Best Family Travel Insurance

Top Resorts Where Kids Stay Free

Tags: All-Inclusive Vacations , Travel , Family Vacations , Hotels and Resorts

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

Top things to do in florida.

Gwen Pratesi May 31, 2024

The Best Travel Neck Pillows

Timothy J. Forster and Amanda Norcross May 30, 2024

Road Trip Essentials

Alissa Grisler and Amanda Norcross May 29, 2024

The Best Whale Watching in Santa Barbara

John Rodwan and Suzanne Mason May 29, 2024

Top Pride Parades and Celebrations

Suzanne Mason May 28, 2024

The Best Underseat Luggage

Rachael Hood May 28, 2024

The Best Miami Boat Tours

Gwen Pratesi May 28, 2024

The Best Travel Purses

Rachael Hood May 24, 2024

The Best Beach Games

Gwen Pratesi May 24, 2024

The Best Branson Shows

Carrie A. Back May 23, 2024

18 to 35s tours

Tick off bucket list destinations like the Taj Mahal, go surfing in Morocco or hunt for late-night tacos in Mexico – with these epic adventures, you can do it all with like-minded people your own age.

If you’re looking for a trip with all the essential highlights (you can’t go to Peru without seeing Machu Picchu, can you?) with enough free time to explore at your own pace – our 18 to 35s adventures are just the thing. Packed with  bucket list experiences , these trips are designed to give you enough time off to see the country your own way. Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, you’ll be part of a small group of young travelers to share the experience with. Alongside your  legendary local leader  who handles all the logistics, you’re guaranteed to find the  best banh mi  and coconut coffees in Vietnam, get the inside scoop on the bustling  markets in Marrakech  and  discover Japan ’s contrasting cultures on a trip of a lifetime.

Sure, you can travel to India to see the Taj Mahal, but we like to share a laugh with a local chai wallah in the market while we’re at it. Our trips include loads of big-ticket attractions as well as plenty of unique and unexpected experiences you can only have with a local guide.

The best folks to show you around are the ones who live there. Our local leaders know these destinations like an old friend, so get ready to eat at the best street food joints, get to know the culture in depth and experience things you wouldn’t be able to on your own.

We're on a mission to create positive change through the joy of travel. That’s why all our trips are carbon offset, and we give back to the communities we visit with the help of The Intrepid Foundation. When you travel with us, you travel with purpose.

With an average group size of 10 people, our groups are big enough to create a good vibe but small enough to blend in with the locals. Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, you’ll really get to know your group and will never be stuck for someone to grab a drink with.

Want big-time experiences without the big-time price tag? Our 18 to 35s travel style means staying in simple, well-located accommodation, taking local transport and enjoying tasty local food. This way, you choose where your spending money goes.

We’re committed to ensuring our trips are safe for everyone, including our travelers, our leaders, our crew and the people we visit along the way. That’s why we’re always up to date with world events and changes. Rest easy – you’ll be well taken care of.

"When you travel with me we'll be hanging out with the locals, tucking into the best street food and trying to master Vietnamese pronunciation (FYI, it's hard!). Whatever we do, we'll laugh a lot and make amazing memories together. Pack your best smile and count on me for the rest – I'll be your local buddy."

“It will be a pleasure to share our traditions and beliefs, take you to the most amazing sites and, most importantly, interact with the locals! Get ready for a behind-the-scenes tour where we’ll visit hole-in-the-wall restaurants and find the best picarones (Andean doughnuts) *chef’s kiss. I’ll be waiting for you here, in my beloved Peru."

"You might come to Vietnam for the beautiful scenery, but you'll stay for the friendly people! I love introducing travellers to locals and having a chit-chat, going on spontaneous walks to explore the hidden spots and sharing stories to keep our beautiful culture alive."

Filter by rating

Essential Egypt

One Week in the Greek Islands

Is every trip guaranteed to run?

Our trips are  guaranteed to depart  once they have one fully paid customer, unless the minimum group size listed in the Essential Trip Information and/or  Special Conditions  state otherwise.

Do you cater for food allergies/dietary requirements?

We’ll try our very hardest to accommodate all dietary requirements, but it can be difficult to guarantee in some out-of-the-way places. We'll let you know if there are places on your itinerary where this is the case. Please let us know your dietary requirements at the time of booking and we’ll pass the information on to your leader.

What’s the standard of accommodation on an 18 to 35s trip?

You’ll be staying in simple, well-located accommodation with shared amenities, though it's common for rooms to be ensuite. Rooming is organized on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travelers with another traveler of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports.

If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. If you'd like your own space, most of our trips also have the option to pay a fee for an individual room.

Will the accommodation have wi-fi?

Most hotels, cafes and bars have Wi-Fi, especially in big cities and towns. In remote places (like the Sahara and the Amazon Rainforest) or on treks or homestays, you won’t be able to access Wi-Fi or cell data as easily. Your leader will give you a heads-up beforehand so you can call home or send a quick WhatsApp.

Your leader can also help you buy a local SIM card if you'd like to stay connected.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance?

You sure do. Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips if you’re traveling internationally. Your leader will take down your insurance details on the first day in case they are needed during the trip, so make sure to bring your policy documents.

Do I need any travel vaccinations?

Vaccination requirements differ depending on the destination, and as we’re not medical practitioners, unfortunately we can't advise on this issue. Please see your local GP or travel doctor for details and advice about current vaccination requirements.  

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to join an Intrepid trip?

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

The ultimate guide to 2024’s newest trips for 18 to 35s 

10 awesome places to go for your 21st birthday

How to budget and spend like a local on your next big holiday

10 awesome travel podcasts that you should listen to right now

Everything you need to know before climbing Mt Kinabalu

Czech it: Exploring the creepy side of the Czech Republic

How to travel in Istanbul on a budget

Vegan? Vegetarian? Food intolerances? Here’s how to eat well in America’s southern states.

We've got trips to suit every adventurer – no matter your budget, interests or travel style. If you can't travel on an 18 to 35s trip, you can always book a seat on one of our other trips, which are open to all ages! 

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

7 Life-changing Trips for Teenagers, According to 'T+L's' A-List Advisors

From island adventures to bustling cities, these trips will open your teenager’s eyes to the world around them.

Traveling with teenagers might seem like a big undertaking—Will there be WiFi? Will they be bored? Where should we go?—but showing your teen the world can be a rewarding experience for you and for them. Taking a trip as a family will give you memories to last a lifetime, and might encourage them to keep traveling once they leave home. Here, T+L's travel advisors recommend seven trips that will give your teenager a taste of everything the world has to offer, from outdoor adventures to thought-provoking museums (and of course, places for your teen to snap a picture-perfect Instagram.)

Italy's Amalfi Coast

A week on the Amalfi Coast will leave your teenage kids spellbound and not wanting to come home. Start by exploring the jagged coastline by motorboat, stopping on the islands of Capri, Ischia or Procida, while skirting Positano, Praiano, and Amalfi. Take a hike and have a picnic lunch on the Path of the Gods, with breathtaking views that John Steinbeck captured in his writings. To add a cultural element, visit the archaeological parks of Pompeii and Herculaneum, or explore Naples' underground tunnels first dug by the Romans and, most recently, used as air raid shelters in World War II (and as hiding places for the local mafiosi.) — Gary Portuesi, Authentic Italy

Belgium provides a wide range of activities and interests, all within one to two hours distance by high speed train (with internet access, so your teenagers can stay in touch with friends.) Your teenager may legally try one of the thousands of Belgian beers at the age of 16, and culinary delights range from casual Flemish fries with a myriad of sauces, to world-class chocolate , to a Michelin-star dinner. If your teens are into comics, visit the Tintin Shop or the Brussels Comics Art Center. Belgium is also full of "weird" things that your teenager will appreciate, like the giant, 102-meter tall Atomium, a great Instagram backdrop, and the "bug room" at Brussels' Royal Palace— the ceiling of the main hall is covered in 1.6 million iridescent green beetles. If your ancestors happened to come to the US from Europe by boat, visit the Red Star Line museum in Antwerp to get an idea of what that experience was like. And if your teenagers simply want to meet local teenagers— easy: English is widely spoken, so they can easily chat with local kids of their own age. — Rob Clabbers, Q Cruise Travel

Copenhagen, Denmark

With a mix of touring, shopping, music, museums and food to explore— plus nearby forests and beach areas for some resting days— Copenhagen has it all. It's accessible for everyone, safe, friendly, and dynamic, so that every season and every year there is something new and exciting to discover. — Melissa Lee, Royal Travel

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Seattle, Washington

This walkable city has access both to beautiful nature (there are three national parks within a few hours' drive, plus plenty of close day hikes) and world-class museums. Our favorite for families is the Museum of Pop Culture, which will engage both teens and their parents alike. Of course, no visit to Seattle would be complete without a visit to Pike Place Market , which is sure to please all types of palates. Seattle is full of amazing photo ops for teens looking to make their friends jealous on social media— Lillian Rafson, Pack Up + Go

Tessa Desjardins/Travel + Leisure

New Zealand

New Zealand offers a diverse range of outdoor activities to entertain all teenagers and give them very little time to be on a device. From sparkling coastal waters where sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, surfing can be enjoyed, right down to glistening glaciers for day hikes or multi-day hikes through pristine rainforest (or even bungie jumping off bridges) the offerings abound. Equally, wildlife encounters—from swimming with dolphins, kayaking with seals, or visiting conservation programs to learn about flightless species like the penguin , the kiwi and the kakapo— make a very meaningful visit to our shores. Beyond physical pursuits, New Zealand has filmed numerous world-renowned movies, such as Lord of the Rings , so a visit to the movie set at Hobbiton or a behind-the-scenes tour of Sir Peter Jackson's WETA Workshops studio is fascinating for teens.— Sarah Farag, Southern Crossings

The Spanish Pyrenees

This lesser-known mountain range, particularly the western edge in the region of Catalunya, is perfect for families with a love of the outdoors and a sense of adventure, who seek local cultural experiences. The Pyrenees are suitable for all active families with children aged 10 and above. In a trip over 5 or 6 days, combine some of the best rafting in southern Europe, spectacular biking descents from ski resorts , canyoning, and hiking in a national park . Also spend a day with a shepherd and learn about life in a mountain village, goat tending and the local cheese making process. The must-do private camping in a glorious location by a river makes this an amazing adventure for families. — Nigel Hack, Madrid and Beyond

A Warm-Weather Cruise

During the summer, there are always other teenagers who they can make friends with and also enjoy family time. We took our entire family on a cruise to Bermuda. The group included three teenagers, and they had the time of their lives. They did all kind of water and beach activities, then we always were together as a family for dinner. They keep asking when we can do this again. — Ruth Turpin, Cruises ETC

Related Articles

• Visit Family Vacation Critic on Facebook!
• Visit Family Vacation Critic on Twitter!
• Visit Family Vacation Critic on Instagram!
• 1 Subscribe to stay up to date!
• Age-Friendly Travel

13 Best Vacations for Teens 2021

Jan 21, 2021

See recent posts by Jeff Bogle

Your teen is likely home currently, homeschooling or doing virtual learning during the COVID-19 crisis. During some of their downtime, why not start researching where your next trip may take them?

Here are some of the best vacations for teens, each offering a handful of unique sites that’ll get you a subtle nod of approval from your teen (instead of the dreaded eye roll).

1. Brooklyn, New York

Manhattan gets all the glory, with Broadway , Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and the Empire State Building. But Brooklyn is where it’s at for cool teens who crave something new and different on their city vacation. Go back in time for an egg cream at the Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain, an amazing soda shop housed in a 1920s apothecary, then go round-and-round on Jane’s Carousel, a hand-carved wooden beauty built in 1922 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. This legendary merry-go-round is located in a stunning setting, along the East River at Brooklyn Bridge Park, with stellar Manhattan views (and no one is ever too old for a vintage carousel). At night, see someone famous in concert at the Brooklyn Bowl or discover a cool new indie band together at the Music Hall of Williamsburg.

Other daytime options from Brooklyn include a quick ferry trip over to explore Governors Island, flea market shopping for vintage threads, and vinyl record shopping at Rough Trade. Of course, Coney Island is just a (long) subway ride away, with the smell of Nathan’s Famous hot dogs wafting through, and the century-old Wonder Wheel rising up, into the air.

Recommended Hotel: Hotel Indigo Williamsburg – Brooklyn

2. London, England 

Sure, the National Football Museum is in Manchester, along with the most famous United and City in England, and nearby in Liverpool are two more legendary clubs. But with over a dozen professional clubs in London , the capital is the true home of English football. If your older kids are crazy for the footy, a long weekend in London is one of the best vacations for teens. Take them to matches at the brand new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Craven Cottage, the century-old, brick-lined West London home of Fulham Football Club. Or maybe your teen wants to see Arsenal in the Premier League, as well as experience lower league, ‘old school’ English football at Millwall. There will be plenty of football options on just about any weekend (save for those reserved for international breaks and assorted cup competitions) from mid-August through the end of April. The fish and chips, chicken tikka masala, and sticky toffee pudding will be the icing on the soccer ball-shaped vacation cake!

Recommended Hotel: The Z Hotel Soho

3. Marvel Day at Sea on Disney  Cruise Line 

Taking a cruise with your teen is the ultimate vacation , with a roller coaster and the SkyRide on Carnival ships, go karts on Norwegian, and ziplining on Royal Caribbean . But for superhero geeks , a Marvel Day at Sea on Disney Cruise Line is the way to go. Departing from Miami , the Disney Magic offers stops in Key West , the Bahamas , and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Onboard, teens enjoy character encounters, unique entertainment such as a mystic arts performance by Doctor Strange, and a deck show with Black Widow, Iron Man, Thor, Loki, Groot, and the rest of your kid’s favorite Marvel stars. You and your teenagers can also attend the Animation academy to learn how to draw your fave Marvel heroes and villages, battle against each other during Marvel trivia (they’ll win, but hey, you can try!), rock your best cosplay , and of course, watch tons of Marvel movies !

Bonus: teen geeks aren’t the only ones treated to special activities onboard the Disney cruise ship—adults can dance the night away with speciality cocktails and appearances by Star Lord and Gamora!

4. Washington, D.C. 

With all 17 free Smithsonian museums, plus so many breathtaking memorials and monuments, our nation’s capital is a cornucopia of daytime entertainment for teens and adults alike. At night, grab some delicious (and affordable) food at Falafel Inc (where, for every meal purchased, one is given to a refugee), then hit legendary live music venues like the 9:30 Club and The Black Cat, or The Anthem, a brand-new spot on the reinvigorated District Wharf. If sports are more your thing, attend a D.C. United soccer match at stunning Audi Field or a Washington Nationals baseball game from spring through fall.

Recommended Hotel: Georgetown Suites

5. Las V egas, Nevada 

Sin City isn’t just for blackjack tables and adult entertainment. Nope, Las Vegas offers a lot for families, especially those with teens . The Raiders will start playing NFL football in the city in fall 2020 and the Vegas Golden Knights have been rocking the T-Mobile Center for a few years now, giving hockey fans a pre-game and in-game experience like no other arena in America—it’s truly something to behold!

In addition to sports, Las Vegas is home to a plethora of  Cirque du Soleil shows , including R.U.N. , the latest and greatest in the acrobatic franchise that delivers a Grand Theft Auto-style live stage show. Additionally, the Haus of Gaga is a must visit, and if the chanteuse  is in residency during your visit, do whatever you must to  see Lady Gaga on stage ! Virtual Reality Powered by Zero Latency at MGM Grand will immerse you and your teen in a completely interactive digital universe where you’ll physically navigate a 2,000-square-foot arena competing in heart-racing challenges.

Speaking of physical activity, get out into the fresh, dry air for a hike around the sublime and oh-so-close-to-Vegas Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Make the short drive to visit the impressive Hoover Dam, too!

Recommended Hotel: The Mirage Hotel & Casino 

6. Denver, Colorado 

Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Golden, Colorado (about 20 minutes outside of Denver ), is the finest venue for live music in the country, if not the world. It truly doesn’t matter who you see perform—just go to soak up the unbelievable acoustics and views. If visiting Denver during baseball season, get tickets to a Rockies game , and on another night in town, get creeped out at Lakeside, a rickety old amusement park stuck in time. The Mile High City is also home to the Denver Selfie Museum—need we say more?

Recommended Hotel: The Jacquard, Autograph Collection

7. Cheyenne, Wyoming 

After Denver, drive north for about 90 minutes to Cheyenne, the capital of Wyoming. This pioneer town is proud of its cowboy and cowgirl past. Frontier Days is the big summertime draw, attracting thousands to the city for its rodeo, country music, free pancake breakfasts, and more. But the small, easily walkable city is pleasant any time of the year. Taste the inventive, pioneering future of the wild West at The Metropolitan Downtown and Danielmarks Brewering Company, where a tasty homemade root beer is on tap for teens.

If you can, plan to be in Cheyenne on the first Thursday of a month so you and your teenagers can join the Knights of the Turnable. This monthly event at Phoenix Books & Music involves a gathering of music nerds spinning vinyl and telling stories of the songs that have meaning in their life. So grab your favorite Dylan album,  let your teen pick something more modern from the racks, and together become a part of this unique community of music lovers.

Recommended Hotel: Comfort Inn & Suites Cheyenne

8. Bergen, Norway

A gorgeous, walkable city in its own right, with fantastic museums (KODE), historic sites (the Bryggen Hanseatic heritage commercial buildings), delicious food (Olivia Restaurant, one of the best restaurants we’ve ever visited), and legendary vantage points (sunsets atop Mount Description Fløyen are legendary), Bergen is known as the gateway to the famous fjords of western Norway. Within an easy drive, you and your teens will be driving around, or cruising on, some of the most magnificent natural sites in the world. Fun Fact: Bergen is said to have inspired the fictional town of Arendelle in Disney’s Frozen .

Recommended Hotel: Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Bergen 

9. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Take your teenagers to Santa Fe to experience Meow Wolf! You’ll spend hours exploring the House of Eternal Return , a mind-bending,  20,000-square-foot immersive art experience with a non-linear story that unfolds through dozens of rooms and several secret passages. There’s modern interactivity, light and musical objects to play with, and a wild narrative to (attempt to) piece together. There’s nothing else quite like it.

While in this sun-kissed New Mexico city, rent an authentic adobe home , bike around town, and fall in love with Georgia O’Keefe, one of the most significant artists of the 20th century. The O’Keefe Museum houses over 3,000 works, including 140 original Georgia O’Keefe oil paintings. The artist’s home and studio along the Chama River in Abiquiu, New Mexico, about an hour north of Santa Fe, is a National Historic Landmark, and for hardcore fans and aspiring teen painters alike, it’s available to tour with an appointment made in advance.

Recommended Hotel: Hyatt Place Santa Fe

10. The Hague, Netherlands

Amsterdam gets all the press, and sure, its canals are beautiful. But The Netherlands is teensy enough to visit both Amsterdam and The Hague (plus quirky Rotterdam, too). In The Hague, M.C. Escher ’s entire oeuvre—over 150 prints—is on display inside a stunning setting, the former Winter Palace of Queen Mother Emma of the Netherlands. It’s the only public building in The Hague where the original royal ambience of a palace has been maintained. For teens looking to go further into the art world while in The Hague, take a deep dive into the world of Piet Mondrian at the Kunstmuseum . This museum has a complete wing devoted to Mondrian & De Stijl abstraction, and it’s glorious to stand in front of Victory Boogie Woogie, Mondrian’s beautiful, yet unfinished last work . Of course, you and your teen’s vacation in The Hague must also involve bike riding and tulips—you are in Holland, after all.

Recommended Hotel: The Hague Marriott Hotel

11. Krakow, Poland 

You’ll taste authentic pirogies and, if you aren’t too big of a scaredy cat, you and your kids should tour Lost Souls Alley, an interactive museum devoted to the basic instinct of fear. There’s an entire floor inspired by horror movies —eeeek! For more jovial fun, head to the Pinball Museum, a cool space in central Krakow with over 60 classic pinball machines, all of which are free to play! The real reason to visit though, isn’t just for the 14th century church and old town; it’s to access Auschwitz , one of the most well-known former  Nazi Concentration Camps . The complex system of concentration and extermination camps is located about an hour’s drive west of Krakow. Everyone, teens and adults alike, should visit this powerful site where over one million people, mostly Jews, perished during the Holocaust. If we can stand in a place of such tragedy and understand what occurred there, maybe together we can prevent it from happening again.

Recommended Hotel: Hotel Novotel Krakow Centrum

12. Memphis, Tennessee 

You want to bring your teenagers to Memphis for three reasons, mainly: the world’s greatest BBQ (Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous dry rub ribs—YUM!), a study in the genesis of rock-and-roll as blues pours out onto Beale Street, and a solemn day touring the positively stunning National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, the site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. To further the musical education, pay homage to some of the most legendary songs ever put down on wax , at Sun Studio and Stax Museum of American Soul Music, make a pilgrimage to Elvis’ Graceland, and stay at The Central Station Memphis, set inside an old train station. There, see over 3,500 vinyl records in the lobby and listen to a DJ spin Memphis tunes seven nights a week, piped into your guestroom through speakers made especially for the property. To burn off the barbecue calories, cut your teen loose at the Midtown Skate Park, a free, public  paradise for skateboarders with two bowls, ramps, rails, stairs and a snake run.

Recommended Hotel:   The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection

13.  Galveston, Texas 

In Galveston , there’s the rides of the historic Pleasure Pier, miles of sandy Gulf coast beaches (some of the best beaches in Texas ), Schlitterbahn Waterpark, the unique Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum, iconic pyramids of Moody’s Gardens, and the chance for you and your teens to borrow a bike from your hotel (if you stay at The Hotel Galvez) to cruise up and down the seawall at your leisure. Bonus: Within an hour’s drive, you can be in Houston to explore the other-worldly Space Center, as well as the city’s unique museum scene, which includes The National Museum of Funeral History.

Recommended Hotel:  Hotel Galvez & Spa, A Wyndham Grand Hotel

Jeff Bogle lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia with his two teen daughters, two cats, one dog and six (yes, six) guinea pigs.  He is an award-winning photographer and respected travel journalist with bylines on Reader’s Digest, Good Housekeeping, PBS, Esquire and more. Jeff (probably) spends too much time in England watching football and far too many hours plotting his family’s future travel adventures. Find Jeff on his own site, Out With the Kids . 

What to Pack for Your Next Trip 

Teen girl’s cool cruise outfit for summer, shop the look.

Colwyn Shirt

Bleach Joni Shorts

Canvas Tote Bag

Moment Espadrille

Teen boy’s cool cruise outfit for summer.

Pink Lemonade Shirt

Stone Utility Shorts

Polarized Sunglasses

Swimwear for Men/Dad in Summer

Canonball Swim Shorts

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5WHYPH/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=fvc0c-20&linkId=00f695b0a34b887a3ba22bc7acc03bfa&language=en_US

Swimwear for Women/Mom in Summer

Floppy Sun Hat

Casual T Shirt Dress

Aloe and Coconut Oil After Sun Soother

High Waist Bathing Suit

Swiftwater Sandal

Our team of parents and travel experts chooses each product and service we recommend. Anything you purchase through links on our site may earn us a commission.

Related Articles

9 Baby Car Seat Covers That Will Protect Your Baby All Winter Long

The 8 Best Portable Potties and Toilets

Ultimate Guide to Everything Pumpkin Spice

Best Amazon Prime Day 2021 Deals for Travelers

Your personal family vacation planning starts now.

Get expert advice, handpicked recommendations, and tips for your family all year round!

Get family travel & tips from our experts

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

Thanks for signing up!

10 Best Vacations for Teens to Take Before College

They say we only have eighteen summers with our kids. In reality, it is even less. When our kids become teenagers, things like athletics, friends, and jobs start stealing them away long before they leave for college. If you want to make the most of the time you have, create memories that you will all treasure on these best vacations for teens.

Who knows, your teens may enjoy your family trips so much that they even want to continue traveling with you after they fly the nest!

Family vacation ideas for teenagers aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some of us have adventurous teens, while others have teenage kids that are homebodies and need to be coaxed into trying something new. Just like all family travel, you need to find the right balance that appeals to their interests.

We have found that the best memories are created when we break our bad habits from home (primarily our phone addictions) and spend time actively engaged in experiences together. It doesn’t always take something epic or expensive to break those bad habits, but it does take something special and these ideas for vacations with teenagers are a good start.

7 Tips for the Best Teen Vacations

Stay busy! We have found that one of the tricks for traveling with teens is keeping them busy. It is way too easy for the grumbling and whining to start the second they feel bored. So don’t let them get bored. Keep them moving, active, and interested. Then when you do have downtime, it feels precious and welcomed.

But don’t forget the downtime. I found the sweet spot for family travel to be between the ages of eight and twelve. Before that, kids tire easily and after that, we have found that teenagers actually need more downtime than tweens. So don’t push it, if they like to sleep late then don’t schedule early morning activities. Make sure there is at least one day without a scheduled activity. Give them time (and space) to decompress at the end of the day.

Take a tech break. Our family has found that forced technology breaks (e.g. “no phones on vacation”) just don’t work — for any of us. But the easiest way to get a real break from technology is by staying busy and doing activities together. Because when we are actively doing something, we don’t have any hands free to hold our phones.

This gets a whole lot easier when you are somewhere that doesn’t have great cell service or WiFi during the day (e.g. national parks, international trips with cellular turned off). Since we live our lives online, we always allow time for everyone to reconnect over WiFi at the end of the day, so no one is going cold turkey on breaking the phone addiction. That balance has been enough to keep our teen happy.

Engage in activities and experiences together . I like to plan activities where we are doing things “shoulder-to-shoulder” when thinking about where to go on vacation with teenagers. This could be climbing a mountain, paddling a raft, taking a cooking class, or learning Moroccan drumming.

The idea is that you are doing it together and it gives you the opportunity to struggle, fail, succeed, or show how to handle fear or challenges. But most of all, these experiences tend to be where the stories come from — the funny things that happen, the silly thing someone said, or the way you worked together on a task.

Give them their space. When teens have full-grown (or nearly full-grown) bodies they need more space and privacy. It gets harder to share a bed with a sibling or get a good night’s sleep on a pull-out couch or rollaway cot. Too many bodies in too small of a space is going to get on everyone’s nerves. This is the time to splurge on the suite, get two rooms, or book an Airbnb/ vrbo to give everyone some extra space.

Plan something special. Give your teen bragging rights or an Instagrammable moment, or just something that will stick in their memory bank with a “wow” experience. It could be high tea in London, an art class in Florence, rafting through the Grand Canyon, bungee jumping, or anything that matches their interest.

Capture the memories! Time goes too fast (trust me) and we aren’t good at getting family photos. A family vacation is a perfect time to get photos of the whole family with a photo shoot. I always use Flytographer. Get $25 off your first photo shoot with CODE57715 or use my referral link .

10 Best Vacations for Teens

I’ve put together a list of some of our best vacations with teens, and if you aren’t in the teen years yet, here are some recommendations for the best vacations for kids too. And, if you are planning a special graduation trip , I have some ideas for those as well.

1. For Outdoorsy Teens: Dude Ranch Vacation

We did a dude ranch vacation at the Nine Quarter Circle Ranch in Montana a few years ago and it is still one of our best teen vacations. There is just something about the way the teens and adults come together and bond over a week-long experience in nature. It is a great way to disconnect, enjoy nature, and have some good old-fashioned fun as a family.

Dude ranches come in all levels of luxury and amenities so you need to pick wisely to best match your family. I would recommend a ranch vacation for families with tweens and younger teens, but call ahead and find a week when many other teens will be visiting. Some ranches offer a wide range of activities such as waterskiing, ziplining, hiking, fishing, boating, and more, while many focus primarily on horseback riding, fishing, and hiking.

And while dude ranches are most popular with families in the summer, they can also be a lot of fun when there is snow on the ground, either around the holidays or if you have a February or March break. We spent a March spring break at the Vista Verde Ranch in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and it was incredible to enjoy snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, snow tubing, horseback riding, and other snow activities in the Rocky Mountains. Plus, Vista Verde Ranch has an amazing culinary program — I’d go back just to enjoy the food and bring only my stretchy pants.

2. For Active Teens: National Parks Trip

When you are looking to take a break from the busy, technology-filled life, there is no better place than our wonderful National Parks for the best vacations with teenagers. But don’t just drive through on road trips, make sure you stop and get outside.

Most parks offer amazing hikes and wildlife viewing and others have access to activities like horseback riding or kayaking. Often there will be a state park nearby that has even more opportunities for adventure and will be much less crowded. Given the popularity of national parks in recent years, be sure to check the park website or social media to learn if you need reservations to enter (especially Rocky Mountain National Park and Glacier National Park) or a permit to do certain hikes (like in Arches National Park).

Some of our favorite national park road trips have been:

• Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota (no crowds, beautiful scenery, and great wildlife)
• Smith Rock State Park in the Bend area in Central Oregon (amazing rock climbing and not too far from the stunning Crater Lake National Park
• Grand Teton National Park (great hikes and lakes)
• Yellowstone National Park (amazing wildlife, landscapes, and thermal features)
• Custer State Park in South Dakota (as well as Badlands National Park ) in the Black Hills
• Glacier National Park and Western Montana

3. For the Theme Park Lover: Orlando, FLorida

Yes, you may have done the obligatory theme park trip when the kids were young, but it can be a whole different experience with teens. Instead of Princesses and Character Meet and Greets, it is all about the rides and immersive experiences. As the Universal Orlando commercials show, some parks are more for big kids.

Between the thrill rides, Wizarding World of Harry Potter , and special age 13+ events like Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Orlando is a great pick for teens. And if they love water parks , Volcano Bay and Margaritaville’s H2O Live both offer truly innovative features and attractions.

And now, Disney has certainly stepped things up with the addition of Galaxy Edge for Star Wars fans and the immersive Pandora – The World of Avatar , in Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World. I know plenty of “big kids” (ehem, young adults) that still love a theme park vacation — including my nephews who have gotten engaged at Disney or have taken a honeymoon to Disney.

But don’t worry, if you don’t love theme parks, there are still plenty of other fun things to do in Orlando . Here are my teen’s picks for the best Disney rides for teens .

4. For Beach Lovers: All-inclusive Resorts

All-inclusive resorts are great for when you want to plan a multi-generational trip to make memories with the whole family. However, I have found that it helps to either bring a friend for older teens if they don’t have any family members the same age, or make sure you find a very teen-friendly resort.

Plus, an all-inclusive resort gives teens a little independence and you don’t need to worry about the tab they are running up for virgin Pina Coladas at the swim-up bar.

Two amazing resorts for teens are the Grand Velas Riviera Maya and Beaches Turks and Caicos . Grand Velas has a tricked-out teen club and tons of activities. Beaches is the only resort that I’ve seen that includes activities like snorkeling and scuba diving (as well as a gigantic X-Box Lounge.)

We have tried some luxury resorts like the Ritz-Carlton Aruba and the Four Seasons Costa Rica, and even the kid-centric Atlantis that have been nice too, but the kids really love the relaxing atmosphere and freedom they can have at a stand-alone, all-inclusive resort. My friend Kirsten has some great suggestions for all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica .

5. For the Thrill Seeker: Outdoor Adventure Trips

National Parks are great, but if you want to kick the adventure up a notch, an active adventure trip will keep everyone going. Perfect for adventurous teens, these outdoor trips offer opportunities for family bonding in a way that few others are able to. And remember, if you aren’t sure if a full-on adventure trip is for everyone in the family, just pick a destination that offers a variety of outdoor adventure activities and mix these in between other sightseeing or relaxing.

Some great outdoor adventure trips (both domestic and international) include:

• A multi-day rafting trip with OARS. You will spend most of the day on the river and then camp at night. It is good for families that like to camp or aren’t afraid to try roughing it for a different experience. If you aren’t ready to commit to that long of a trip, you can always add white water rafting into a vacation to many different destinations.
• Another option that keeps you active but has a little more comfort is a multi-day biking trip with Backroads . You will bike by day through beautiful settings like the Black Hills of South Dakota, and then head to a hotel at night to relax.
• Some families might also enjoy a sailing adventure, like a Maine Windjammer Cruise or a Caribbean sailing charter.
• A great outdoor adventure destination is Iceland . If you have the budget, Iceland is an excellent choice because of its proximity to the USA, amazing landscapes, and fantastic once-in-a-lifetime experiences like glacier hiking, ATVing on a black sand beach, snowmobiling on glaciers, taking a zodiac boat between icebergs and riding a super jeep through rivers.
• Costa Rica is another great vacation destination for moderate budgets with activities including rafting, hiking, waterfall rappelling, and ziplining.
• If you are looking for a more affordable alternative to Iceland, try the Canadian Rockies . You can zipline, climb a Via Ferrata , hike, go horseback riding , glacier hike, and more for much less (especially thanks to the weaker Canadian dollar.)
• Another affordable Canadian destination that is packed with adventure is New Brunswick , where you can hike, rappel off cliffs, kayak, glamp, and even surf the tidal bore.
• For summer hiking, we have also loved our trips to the Adirondacks and Lake Placid in New York

6. For City Lovers: CITY BREAKS

Not every kid is cut out for outdoor adventure or wants to spend their time sunning on a beach. If you have a kid that loves art, theater, museums, and food, a city trip is just the thing. Visiting a big city is a perfect way to learn some valuable life skills too, like safety awareness/street smarts and how to navigate public transportation.

When visiting a city, it is important to do some research and have a plan before you go because just wandering aimlessly can get tiring and boring — unless that is exactly what they had in mind. Look up food tours, Instagram spots, street art tours, scenic lookouts, and other cool, new attractions that would appeal to teens. Remember, being the first to post from a cool spot like the Vessel, the Highline, or the Summit in NYC gives a teen great street cred.

Some of our favorite USA city trips have been to:

• New York (Broadway, museums, scenic spots, and everything else — see the best things to do in NYC with teens and my complete guide to New York City with kids .
• Chicago (affordable theater, great museums, public art…)
• Milwaukee (remember, sometimes the smaller cities can be more affordable and manageable)
• Minneapolis (food, history, shopping at the Mall of America and Prince’s Paisley Park)
• Atlanta (great food , history, and attractions)
• San Francisco (ride the street car, cross the Golden Gate Bridge, visit Chinatown)
• Los Angeles (Santa Monica pier, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood, LACMA…)
• Miami (Wynwood Walls, Little Havana, South Beach)
• Seattle (MoPop, Space Needle, Pike Place)
• Nashville (music, great food , street art)

7. For the TRavel Lover: European Experiences

If your teen hasn’t been to Europe yet, there may be some eye rolls and sighs after too many museums or churches. However, if you find fun interactive  cultural experiences , they can learn and have fun at the same time.

Italy , England , Spain , Portugal , France , and Greece are all great for the first trip to Europe and offer recognizable landmarks and historical sites. Companies like Global CommUnity offer experiences like laser tag in Cold War bunkers in Russia and painting in Italy. There are also cooking classes like baking macarons in Paris and unique experiences like learning to row a gondola in Venice . All these experiences help create deeper, more meaningful experiences.

See our tips on visiting these European cities with teens:

• Amsterdam with teens
• Florence with teens
• London itinerary
• Lisbon itinerary
• Paris itinerary
• Venice itinerary
• Dublin with teens
• Vienna itinerary
• Budapest itinerary

8. For the Culture Seeker: Cultural Immersion

For a more immersive experience, help your teen gain a better appreciation of the world and different cultures in a non-Westernized country with a strong local culture. A few good “beginning” experiences in cultural immersion would be in Japan , Peru (hike the Inca Trail), Thailand (jungle, city, and beach), Israel and Jordan, or Morocco .

On a cultural trip , your family can see what it is like to be completely out of your element when it comes to language, food, and culture. Many of these destinations also offer opportunities for active adventure and the ability to interact with locals.

For example, on our Morocco trip, we took a cooking class that includes a visit to the souk to buy spices and ingredients on our own before we went to a local home to learn to cook traditional dishes. And in the Sahara Desert , we stayed in a tent and learned about the local culture along with a camel ride and some time spent sandboarding on the dunes.

9. For the Animal Lover: Wildlife Experiences

Another experience that brings smiles to teens’ faces is getting to see exotic wildlife up close and in their natural habitat. The teen years are the perfect time to visit the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador , take an African Safari, visit the penguins in Antarctica, or see the polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada.

These are all bucket list trips that may be best to save for a graduation gift , but if you keep a close eye out for good airfare sales and work with vetted local tour operators you can save thousands. And if that type of trip isn’t in the budget, but you have an animal lover, try to visit some of the national parks like Yellowstone , or plan a trip to places like Cumberland Island in Georgia or Assateague Island National Seashore in Virginia to see wild horses roaming free.

10. For the Giving Teen: Service Trip

If your teens need a big dose of reality before heading out into the world, how better to show them the advantages they have in life than with a service trip? The thing about voluntourism is to make sure that your efforts are actually helping the local constituents and not just something that makes you feel good.

Me to We offers student volunteer trips, but also family trips that allow you to work side-by-side with local families to build schools, carry water and learn the local culture.

Read my post about 20 Service Trips for teens to find more options for summer or school break service trips.

What do all these trips have in common besides the ability to create lasting memories? They all represent a significant investment and need to be insured.

Why you Need Travel Insurance

This post is written in partnership with Allianz Travel , my preferred travel insurance provider. All opinions are my own.

For the last few years, I have had an annual travel insurance plan with Allianz Travel . We always think about insuring large international trips that are paid in advance, but there are actually so many reasons to insure every trip.

Each year, I have had to use my travel insurance, both times for small domestic trips. But every time Allianz came through, once when I had to cancel a flight because I got the flu. The other when our flight was cancelled and rescheduled for the following day and I was able to utilize our trip delay benefits.

Here are just a few reasons why you should get travel insurance for your next trip:

• Trip cancellation — many trips, especially vacation packages, cruises, safaris, and custom trips require an upfront deposit and have strict cancellation and refund policies. The only way to protect yourself against the unexpected is with travel insurance.
• Trip interruption or delay  — if your trip is delayed due to weather, flight cancellation, or other reason, travel insurance can help cover your expenses such as hotel costs, food, transportation, etc.
• International Healthcare — many people don’t realize that often your U.S. health insurance plan does not cover medical care or emergencies overseas. A simple fall or illness can be devastating without insurance, especially if it requires emergency transportation or an upgraded seat on the flight home to accommodate a cast or laying flat.
• Delayed, Lost or Stolen Luggage —  travel insurance can reimburse you for the purchase of essential items if your luggage is delayed for 24 hours or more. And if it is lost entirely, the baggage loss and damage benefits will reimburse you for the cash value for the repair or replacement of lost items. Just keep in mind that different policies have different levels of coverage so if you have expensive bags and clothes, you may want to look for a plan with high benefits.
• TravelSmart app  and Travel Hotline — with Allianz you have access to a 24-hour hotline if you need help rescheduling your travel, reaching airlines, or managing your trip. The TravelSmart app also helps travelers with quick access to emergency numbers, a medical translator, location-based access to pharmacies, doctors, hospitals, police, etc. The TravelSmart app is available for everyone, but Allianz customers can also track claims online and contact Allianz customer service.
• Keep in mind that plans vary and not all plans include all of these benefits. When purchasing travel insurance, you will need to figure out your needs and work with Allianz to find the best plan with the benefits you are looking for.
• If you plan on traveling more than a few times a year, you should also look at the advantages of having an annual travel insurance plan.

Check Allianz plans and get more information about travel insurance.

PIN THIS FOR LATER

Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.

Find this useful? Share it!

Publish Date: November 21, 2022

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER & RECEIVE A FAMILY VACATION PLANNING KIT!

We3Travel.com will use the information you provide on this form to send you newsletters. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting [email protected] . By clicking below, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.

Start typing and press enter to search

Be a Traveler, Not a Tourist

Meaningful and authentic teen travel. explore our 2024 programs..

Language Immersion

Community Service

Cultural Exploration

Photography Workshops

For Older Teens

For Middle School

Authentic travel.

We are committed to our mission of inspiring youth and providing transformative travel experiences. We use a hands-on approach to discover what it means to live like a local in each destination. Our programs instill a love for travel, hunger for learning, and genuine curiosity about different cultures.

Ditch the tour bus and have a real traveler’s experience with us this summer!

Ready for an authentic teen travel experience?

Choose from 46 countries to explore.

Featured Programs

Ultimate European Explorer

• Jun 29 - Jul 23 Full

Current Grades

Program length.

Hawaii Sea Turtle Service & Adventure

• Jun 29 - Jul 9 Very-limited
• Jul 10 - Jul 20 Full
• Jul 21 - Jul 31 Limited
• Aug 1 - Aug 11 Available
• Jun 19 - Jun 29 Full

9, 10, 11, 12

Europe for Middle School: Greece, Italy & the Islands

• Jul 11 - Aug 4 Very-limited

Europe for Older Teens: Amsterdam, Munich, Swiss Alps & Venice

• Jun 29 - Jul 11 Very-limited
• Jul 3 - Jul 15 Very-limited
• Jul 23 - Aug 4 Very-limited

Costa Rica for Older Teens: Adrenaline

• Jul 10 - Jul 20 Very-limited

Costa Rica for Middle School: Adrenaline

• Jul 21 - Jul 31 Very-limited

Japan Discovery & Service

• Jun 25 - Jul 11 Limited
• Jun 29 - Jul 15 Very-limited
• Jul 11 - Jul 27 Full
• Jul 27 - Aug 12 Very-limited

Thailand Elephant Service & the Islands

• Jun 25 - Jul 11 Very-limited
• Jul 27 - Aug 12 Available

Canada for Middle School

Canada Adventure

• Jun 29 - Jul 9 Available

South Korea Discovery & Service

• Jul 15 - Jul 31 Full

Greece, Italy & the Islands

• Jul 11 - Aug 4 Available

Peru Service

• Jul 21 - Jul 31 Full

Peru, Ecuador, & the Galápagos Service

• Jun 29 - Jul 19 Very-limited

Bali: Healthcare Education & Medical Outreach

• Jul 21 - Aug 6 Full

Greece Island Hopping Summer Break for College Students

• Jun 18 - Jun 28 Full

Europe for Middle School: Sláinte Ireland

• Jul 29 - Aug 8 Limited

Scotland & Ireland Adventure

• Jul 27 - Aug 8 Available

Costa Rica Sea Turtle Service & Adventure

• Jul 21 - Jul 31 Available
• Aug 1 - Aug 11 Full

Costa Rica Wildlife Rescue & Service

Tanzania Service & Safari

• Jul 15 - Jul 31 Available

Barcelona & Paris

• Jun 23 - Jul 3 Full
• Jul 15 - Jul 25 Full
• Jul 27 - Aug 6 Available

Europe for Older Teens: Ultimate European Explorer

• Jun 21 - Jul 15 Full
• Jul 11 - Aug 4 Full

Costa Rica Animal Rescue Service

• Jun 29 - Jul 19 Limited
• Jul 21 - Aug 10 Contact-for-details

Europe for Older Teens: Berlin, Krakow, Vienna & Budapest

• Jul 15 - Jul 27 Limited

Greece: Athens & the Islands

• Jun 21 - Jul 3 Contact-for-details
• Jun 29 - Jul 11 Contact-for-details
• Jul 3 - Jul 15 Full
• Jul 11 - Jul 23 Limited
• Jul 27 - Aug 8 Full

Browse Our Teen Travel Programs by Grade

Explore our programs by grade and find the perfect unforgettable trip.

7th & 8th Grade Programs

9th & 10th Grade Programs

11th & 12th Grade Programs

College Programs

Why TFT is the best in youth travel

Local experiences.

Our mission is authentic travel. We partner with local experts to create enriching experiences that teach teens to be savvy travelers. Every program is designed to be hands-on—emphasizing doing and feeling, in addition to just seeing, so teens discover what it means to live like a local in every country we visit.

Small and Diverse

Group sizes of 16-24 students allow us to travel comfortably and to make real connections to each other and the host community. Participants come from a mix of different states, regions, and countries. We also welcome solo travelers — 75% of our teens join us without a friend!

Transformative Teen Travel

Travel isn’t just about new places; it’s about new perspectives. We encourage teens to step outside their comfort zone and into cultural immersion. They leave our programs with a better understanding of the world and with the confidence to keep exploring!

The Most Variety

We offer more programs in more destinations than any other teen travel company. With over 100 programs and 40+ countries to choose from, you’re sure to find a program that’s the perfect fit.

Travel with us and discover why we are consistently winning awards for Top Youth Travel Organization.

Authenticity is ingrained in everything we do. Eat, stay, and travel like a local.

Check out what past travelers have to say about TFT and discover why we are consistently winning awards for Top Youth Travel Organization.

"Finding your program was a gift! It is the BEST opportunity out there for children to travel the world with like-minded peers & reasonable responsible and fun-loving young adults who want to go and explore these incredible cultures and countries. I appreciated how clear you made it that kids can come without friends and a willingness to make new friends. The trip had it all… adventure, history, independence, amazing people, great food, and beautiful lodging all while keeping mom and dad at home informed and feeling like all is well with their child as they grow and experience this incredible gift of grace. I am very grateful for you all and the HUGE team that makes this program work so smoothly. Thank you tons and tons. Travel on and keep up the great work!!!" Parent Europe for Older Teens: Prague, Austria, Slovenia & Croatia

"This is simply one of the best things we ever did for Ethan. That first trip opened him to a new world. Different cultures, food, diversity, sights, relationships, team building, confidence, independence...only a few of the positive gains for Ethan. Now, he is off to George Washington University with confidence, excitement, and an awareness for others for which we are so grateful. We are pleased and appreciative beyond words to be a member of the TFT family for a lifetime!" Diana S. Paoli, PA

"Thank you for giving Kat such a great experience. She had a wonderful time. You guys are terrific. The great parental bonus -- and I'm sure you hear this all the time -- is the photographs and the daily email. We get to see what the kids are seeing and we get to see the group and we get to see our teen. What could be better? Viewing the pictures became our evening ritual: out on the deck overlooking suburbia, sipping cold drinks, and oohing and ahhing over the photos, feeling almost like we were there. I'm sure you're awash in praise like this -- as you should be. Kat had such an enriching trip. Thank you very much! With any luck she'll be back next summer." Tom and Madora K. Old Lyme, CT

"I have traveled with TFT for four summers now, exploring Costa Rica, Croatia, Fiji and Greece. These trips have been the highlight of my summers. They have broadened my horizons and strengthened my confidence. Going on these trips and meeting new people changed how I view the world. I love having conversations with locals and people I meet along the way. The small TFT groups and the knowledgeable and enthusiastic group leaders make for a fun and eye-opening experience. What sets TFT apart is that we immerse ourselves in the culture and we are not just tourists. We meet locals, hear stories about their lives, and it is truly invigorating. Travel For Teens has given me so much more than fun memories over the summer. They have given me the ability to be comfortable talking to anyone, being in new places, having a widened perspective on other cultures, and to be independent. On my Costa Rica and Fiji trips, we volunteered with school children. In a very short time we made deep connections that I will always cherish. I feel so fortunate to have had my eyes opened through TFT to so many beautiful places and memorable people." Anna F. Basking Ridge, NJ

Unforgettable Adventures Off the Beaten Path

• High School

You’ve Gotta See These 20 Amazing Destinations with Trips for Teens

Kendall is a travel junkie, sustainability activist, nutrition guru, personal chef, writer, ...

• button]:border-none [&>button]:bg-white [&>button]:hover:cursor-pointer [&>button]:hover:text-cyan-400"> button]:hover:text-cyan-400 [&>button]:bg-white hover:cursor-pointer" height="1em" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">

Being a teenager is very much an on-the-job-training experience. As one of the most pronounced times of growth and development as a human being, these years bring many challenges and changes where your ability to adapt, overcome limitations, and pursue strengths are tested. Instead of shying away from this type of learning, lean into it by taking a trip abroad as a teen!

When you think of the word ‘destination’ you’re probably thinking of a place worthy of travel or maybe the end of a journey. But a destination is a not only a physical place. A destination is also the purpose for which someone (*cough*you*cough*) is meant for. Deciding to take a teen trip is an intentional act of proclaiming that you are destined for a life of meaningful travel! Take the leap, embrace the change, and watch your life come alive before your eyes!

Skip cross-country training and go cross-continental!

Popular trips for teens

Trips for teens manifest themselves in a variety of different ways. You can do meaningful community service trips for high school students , immerse yourself in a foreign language , study abroad , or tour some of the world’s most spectacular terrain in the most adventurous of ways . Whichever type of teen trip is calling your name, the most important part is that you’re getting outside of your comfort zone bright and early.

Whether you’re looking for an alternative spring break , a better way to spend your summer break , or a gap year between high school and college, trips for teen abound and there’s a program out there for you. 

So, get started with your search now and check out these 20 amazing destinations for teen trips, for as summer trips for high school students and more!

Trips for teens in great places—our top 20

Oh, the places you’ll go! When you start to get overwhelmed with excitement, and the burden of too many choices, check out our list of the top places for trips for teens.

A destination coveted by millions, Italy is a gracious host of teen trips full of soul-stirring and Insta-worthy scenery. We first fell in love with the idea of Italy watching Lizzie McGuire jet around on the back of a vespa and that love still hasn’t faded. After you leave, Italy will always have a pizza your heart. 

It’s im-pasta-ble not to have a (meat)ball with teen trips in Italy!

Recommended programs:

• Travel for Teens: Read Travel for Teens reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school travel programs in Italy

Practice your Spanish lisp as you navigate the streets of España. Teen trips in Spain are full of unforgettable experiences like ogling original art by Picasso, ordering tapas (successfully) in local cafés, and relaxing along the Costa del Sol. 

You’re in for a Major(ca) personal transformation traveling in Spain.

• Experiment in International Living: Read EIL reviews | Visit their site
• Arcos Journeys Abroad: Learn More | Visit their site
• See all high school travel programs in Spain

Taking a trip to France will be Louvre at first sight. Learn to embrace the luxury of simplicity through the decadence of a fresh croissant or the hypnotization of the piercing blue sea of the French Riviera or the tickling of your ear by the beauty of the language.

We don’t want to be too cheesy, but teen trips in France are seriously life changing.

• Youth For Understanding: Read YFU reviews | Visit their site
• Council on International Educational Exchange: Read CIEE reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school travel programs in France

Taking a trip across the pond is just about the closest you can get to time travel (or is it?). Teen trips through England are a journey through history. But not dull, dusty, retired-museum-guide history—history you can feel and relive.

What if you just dove(r) right into your Brit-trip?

• Reach Cambridge: Read Reach Cambridge reviews | Visit their site
• Future Foundations: Read Future Foundations reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school travel programs in England

5. Costa Rica

Teen trips to Costa Rica—the peaceful soul of Central America—is where adrenaline junkies unite. Learn how to sink into the easygoing rhythms of the pura vida before the stress of adulting gets to you first! This is the perfect spot to find service trips for teenagers with a side of espanol.

Ride the wave of teens traveling in Costa Rica and absolutely loving it.

• Maximo Nivel: Read Maximo Nivel reviews | Visit their site
• International Studies Abroad: Read ISA reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school travel programs in Costa Rica

The Irish are perhaps the most welcoming people on the planet, making it an excellent location to get your feet wet in the ways of traveling abroad. Plus, Ireland is a cultural hotspot, so wherever you go you will be sure to get your daily dose of culture. 

Irish Castle, Cong, Ireland

• Global Vision International: Read GVI reviews | Visit their site
• Academic Programs International: Read API reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school abroad programs in Ireland

A teen trip to Vietnam will be something you remember pho ever. Outstanding food, surreal scenery, history that demands self-reflection, and jaw-dropping adventures—Vietnam has it all for teens that want an exotic, outside-the-box trip abroad.

Teen trips in Vietnam are pho’real.

• Projects Abroad: Read Projects Abroad reviews | Visit their site
• Carpe Diem Education: Read Carpe Diem Education reviews | Visit their site  
• See all high school programs in Vietnam

8. New Zealand

Middle Earth may be fantasy, but New Zealand certainly isn’t. Take a walk on the wild side and see what life looks like on the other side of the world where you can enjoy, rather than endure, a teen trip abroad. Just remember that summer trips for teens here are actually in their winter!

If you’re wanting to go on an adventure, New Zealand is the place to do it.

• Pacific Discovery: Read Pacific Discovery reviews | Visit their site
• Institute of Global Engagement: Read Institute of Global Engagement reviews | Visit their site  
• See all high school travel programs in New Zealand

9. Australia

For a koality teen trip abroad, Australia delivers mate! Australia is wildly beautiful in cultural, land, and spirit, and is something every teenage soul MUST experience firsthand. Service trips for teenagers down under almost ALWAYS help our furry friends! 

You’re in for a boatload of fun with teen trips in Australia.

• Rustic Pathways: Read Rustic Pathways reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school travel programs in Australia

You’ll be Havan-a good time when you take a teen trip abroad to Cuba! Practice your Spanish and pick up some sweet dance moves—Cuba is an island full of indefinable magic and trips for teens allow you to marinate yourself in the zest of it.

Every Instagram-able street aside, teen trips to Cuba guarantee improved Spanish and dancing ability.

• Adventures Rolling Cross-Country: Read ARCC reviews | Visit their site
• Global Works: Read Global Works reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school abroad programs in Cuba

If the mountains are calling and you must go, Nepal is likely on the other end of the line. Teen trips to Nepal are full of breathtaking views (not just because of the altitude) and experiences of a lifetime. Take the time to explore eastern traditions and Buddhism, enjoy a warm chai, and really get to know the locals.

Don’t take a nap on Nepal—you’ll regret not going on this adventure.

• Where There Be Dragons: Read Where There Be Dragons reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school travel programs in Nepal

12. Argentina

Check some of the most iconic bucket list items, like Patagonia and the Andes, off your list in your teen years. If nothing else, the intense concentration of passion that resides in Argentina will seep into your soul and will be a souvenir you can carry around for life. Spend your typical beach-going months snowboarding when you sign up for summer trips for teens in Argentina. 

Argentina will only cry for you if you pass up this awesome teen trip.

• See all high school travel programs in Argentina

Chile shelters some of the most pristine parts of our planet, and they shouldn't be missed. Climbing in the mountains of Chile during a teen trip abroad might just be where you reach a new peak in life. Just don’t forget a jacket… you know, in case you get cold.

Between the vibrant cities and idyllic countrysides, you’ll love chilling out in Chile.

• Broadreach: Read Broadreach reviews | Visit their site
• GoAbroad Chile: Read GoAbroad Chile reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school abroad programs in Chile

14. Tanzania

Waka waka , eh eh! It’s time for you to take a trip to Africa! The land of safaris will give you opportunities to get up close and personal with not only assorted animals, but opportunities for getting to know the country's diverse array of people and cultures.

If your only understanding of Africa comes from The Lion King, you’re about to have your mind. Blown. (In the best way.)

• Cross-Cultural Solutions: Read CCS reviews | Visit their site
• Global Leadership Adventures: Read GLA reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school programs abroad in Tanzania

15. Iceland

What’s cooler than being cool? Iceland! Trips for teens to Iceland have a whimsical, quirky, creative spirit that sparkle with life and warmly invite you to be a part of the fairytale-like magic. You’ll feel like you’re on another planet among the lava fields, crystal blue waters, waterfalls, and geysers. Here’s hoping you get a peek at the northern lights, too! 

Contrary to popular belief, chasing waterfalls is exactly what you should be doing in Iceland.

• AFS-USA: Read AFS-USA reviews | Visit their site
• The Road Less Traveled: Read The Road Less Traveled reviews | Visit their site
• See all Iceland teen travel programs

16. Thailand

When you’re wanderlust has been relentless nagging you to take a trip and you finally cave and say, “Phuket let’s go,” Thailand will be waiting to take you on the teen trip your itinerant soul has been craving. Hop on the back of a motorbike, swim in warm, clear water, and enjoy a heaping pile of noodles post-adventure. 

Don’t flip flop around on this—sign up for teen trips in Thailand.

• GoBeyond Student Travel: Read GoBeyond reviews | Visit their site
• Westcoast Connection: Read WCC reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school travel programs in Thailand

Teen trips to India are a reminder—and a beautiful opportunity—to let go of rigid Western schedules and busy-ness and simply live life day-by-day. Explore and learn about all the different regions, religions, languages, and customs of each state and region within this incredibly diverse country.  

Everything about your time in India will be colorful—the sky, the textiles, the food, the personalities.

• Love Volunteers: Read Love Volunteers reviews | Visit their site
• Sankalp Volunteer: Read Sankalp Volunteer reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school programs in India

Udon even know how amazing of a trip Japan will be. There is nowhere else in the world where ancient traditions are still carried on amidst such a modern, high-tech, futuristic society—something you have to see to believe.

Don’t noodle around! Slurp up the opportunity to travel to Japan.

• Greenheart Travel: Read Greenheart reviews | Visit their site
• LanguBridge Education Centre: Read LanguBridge reviews | Visit their site  
• See all high school travel programs in Japan

Set your watch to island time, or just trade it in for the ambling milieu of Fiji. Full of welcoming people and jam-packed with underwater adventures, teen trips to Fiji are a truly immersive experience. You don’t know how far you’ll go (until you actually do… I guess).  

Expect a lot more than just an island getaway with teen trips to Fiji and the South Pacific.

• Putney Student Travel: Read Putney reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school travel programs in Fiji

20. Ecuador

You are going to Ecu-adore the sublime scenery and dazzling diversity of this tiny, but lively country. Whether you’re a future conservationist, botanist, or just looking to break out of the classroom, a teen trip to Ecuador is guaranteed to knock your flip-flops off. 

Galapa-get-up-and-go to Ecuador already!

• A Broader View Volunteers Corp: Read A Broader View reviews | Visit their site
• Ecuador Volunteer Foundation: Read Ecuador Volunteer Foundation reviews | Visit their site
• See all high school programs in Ecuador

Next steps to finding teen trips

Ready to take the next step towards a teen trip abroad? Check out these additional resources to help you get the ball rolling:

• Get matched with awesome trips for teen via GoAbroad’s Online Advisor .
• Compare and contrast trips for teens and get inspired with MyGoAbroad .
•  Don’t have two pennies to rub together? Check out FundMyTravel .
• [INFOGRAPHIC] — Your Roadmap to High School Abroad
•   How to Find Incredible Teen Travel Programs
•   Experiential Travel Advice for Teens

So that was a lot of information thrown at you all at once, huh? Try not to be intimidated or overwhelmed. Take a breath and remember that will all be worth it. 

Teen trips for all!

No matter what you’re into, you know what’s in you—a desire to travel meaningfully. Taking a teen trip to one of these amazing destinations will be an amazing gateway to a future life of traveling abroad with purpose! So what the heck are you waiting for? Get out there and do it!

Find teen trips now

Explore High School Programs on GoAbroad.com

Related Articles

By Yaren Fadiloglulari | 6 days ago

By Erin Oppenheim | 6 days ago

By Farryl Last | May 11, 2024

By Mariel Tavakoli | May 9, 2024

Popular Searches

Recommended programs.

Seville Abroad

Edu-inter, International French School in Quebec City

1967 reviews

MAXIMO NIVEL

Where There Be Dragons

Top High School Program Providers

Popular opportunities to check out

Browse 70+ summer programs for high school students.

Hang out in france with travel for teens, award-winning global health internships for high-school students, insurance gets you to the nearest hospital. medjet can get you home, step through the arch and start your journey today, top 6 high school volunteer expeditions - 2024, for travelers, travel resources, for partners.

© Copyright 1998 - 2024 GoAbroad.com ®

• Study Abroad
• Volunteer Abroad
• Intern Abroad
• Teach Abroad
• TEFL Courses
• Degrees Abroad
• High School Abroad
• Language Schools
• Adventure Travel
• Jobs Abroad
• Online Study Abroad
• Online Volunteer Programs
• Online Internships
• Online Language Courses
• Online Teaching Jobs
• Online Jobs
• Online TEFL Courses
• Online Degree Programs

DESTINATIONS

TRAVEL STYLES

ABOUT CONTIKI

GET INSPIRED

1 (866) 266 8454

200+ expertly designed trips across 6 continents

Includes accommodations, local transportation & awesome experiences

Explore with a Trip Manager, Driver and other awesome travelers

SEE ALL TRIPS

SEE EUROPE IN 2 WEEKS OR LESS👋

Perfect if you’re tight on time.

LET'S GO

Great value for money! Beyond words to explain, just book that flight!! Christopher, Ultimate South East Asia

This trip was amazing, the itinerary was perfect! Amy, Canada & the Rockies

This trip was great value. Great bunch of people. I'm glad I did it and I highly recommend. Steven, Canada & the Rockies

Tried and trusted by millions of travellers since 1962

Book with confidence

$200 fully flexible deposit*

No booking fee, no change fees

Pay over time, interest free

24/7 support

Find out more

Back To Top

About Contiki

six-two: Our Travel Magazine

Personal Security

Code of Conduct

Destinations

Request a Quote

Do not sell or share my personal information

Resources Hub

Download a Brochure

Join our Rep Program

Affiliates Hub

Brand Partnerships

Travel Insurance

Travel Updates

All trip prices are in   USD   $

Contiki is a proud part of TTC family of brands

© Copyright 2024 Contiki. All Rights Reserved. Contiki Holidays Limited, Travel House, Rue du Manoir St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH, Reg No: 50681

Legal Stuff

Privacy & Cookie Policy

Booking Conditions

Not that you needed another reason to travel, but now you have a great excuse—trips are on sale until 5/31!

Group travel for 18–35s

Find your trip, pay over time—we’ll handle the rest. Travel BFFs included.

Popular trips

Ultimate Europe

Germany, Italy & Switzerland

Highlights of Japan

The Greek Islands

Thailand Getaway

Costa Rica Adventure

Italy & the Greek Islands

Peru & Machu Picchu Adventure

What’s trending

EASY PAYMENT PLANS

OVER 120 TRIPS

24/7 SUPPORT

ROCKSTAR TOUR DIRECTORS

Sicily & Malta Getaway

Holi in India: The Golden Triangle

Mexico City: Day of the Dead

Hemisphere Hopper: Alaska to Argentina

Ultimate Southeast Asia

Portugal Getaway

Mexico City: City Experience

Eastern Europe: Krakow to Budapest

Costa Rica & Panama Adventure

Oktoberfest: Berlin to Munich

Taste of Italy: Tuscany & Umbria

Madrid Pride: City Experience

Active Iceland

Iceland: The Golden Circle & Ring Road

Friends = benefits.

Get your crew on a trip to earn a free spot or share sweet group discounts.

3,500+ reviews

“An amazing trip, from the views and the food to the wonderful people I met on the trip. Everything was thought out so well that I didn’t spend any of my time stressing like I would have if I had gone by myself!”

—Savannah D., traveled to Germany, Italy & Switzerland

Best all-inclusive resorts for teens for spring break trips, family vacations and more

If you've been postponing traveling with your teen because of, well, you know, the eye rolling, phone scrolling, shoulder shrugging and video gaming that is often all you see of them, we have good news for you. An all-inclusive vacation where you and your teen — plus the rest of the family — can fully relax, have everything prepaid so you don't have to think about money or logistics, try new activities, indulge in comfort foods and perhaps even unplug for a while is a foolproof way to reconnect with your big kid.

Recommended: The best travel credit cards

We've made planning a vacation with your teenager even easier by rounding up some of the best all-inclusive resorts for families in North America and the Caribbean, including hotels with water parks and hotels with lazy rivers . All you need to do is pack your bags and let them know by text, instant message or even in person that they're going on vacation.

Opened in 2021, Club Med Québec Charlevoix is an all-inclusive mountain resort that sits just 90 minutes away from Quebec City in Le Massif de Charlevoix. The property is Club Med's first in Canada and is currently the brand's only location in North America. Part of the company's "Exclusive Collection," this chalet-style getaway feels especially luxe, but happily, it's still very teen-friendly.

Spread across 300-plus acres, the family resort has sweeping views of the scenic St. Lawrence River and surrounding mountains. There are hiking and mountain biking in the warmer months, but one of the main selling points here is the unlimited ski-in/ski-out access on the biggest vertical drop east of the Canadian Rockies, clocking in at 2,526 feet. There's even dog sledding, plus snowboarding and snowshoeing.

The teen club at this Club Med outpost operates under the idea of "nothing mandatory and endless options." There are ski and snowboard group lessons especially geared to guests ages 11 to 17, plus teens can join the rest of the family for show times with dancing, singing and circus acts. Family tournaments and games like puzzles, treasure hunts and skill challenges are available, too, in addition to the "Family Big Snack," which includes special tasty activities (think: pancake parties, baking workshops, picnics and more) that are ideal for the whole family.

A range of family-friendly accommodations is bookable here, including connecting rooms and family rooms with two bedrooms. There are only a handful of dining venues, which is the norm for Club Med, but dining options change daily and reflect the seasons, so you can savor delectable dishes like decadent fondue in winter.

Rates at Club Med Québec Charlevoix start at $1,049 per night for double occupancy on a two-night stay .

Let's start with what will wow any teen: A 45,000-square-foot water park , which includes a 42-foot-tall SkySlide (the tallest of its kind in the Turks and Caicos Islands), plus six swimming pools and a surf simulator. There's also a teen-centric camp with activities ranging from karaoke to boat cruises, as well as an Xbox Play Lounge and even a teens-only nightclub.

The property comprises five distinct villages, each featuring architecture inspired by a different destination: Italy; France; Key West, Florida; the Caribbean; and the sea. Within these areas are 51 styles of rooms, providing plenty of options for families to sprawl out in spacious seaside villas and suites.

Additionally, there are nearly 20 restaurants to choose from — including two different pizzerias, plus poolside food trucks — so even the pickiest of eaters can find something to satiate their appetites. One surefire teen hit is Mac Daddy, which serves 10 gooey varieties of macaroni and cheese.

As a family, you can also enjoy 12 miles of pristine beaches that are perfect for swimming, lounging and trying out a bevy of included water sports. Better yet, Beaches Turks & Caicos is the only resort on the island to offer a comprehensive scuba program as part of the all-inclusive rate, so you and your teen can dive deep beneath the water's surface for a memorable aquatic adventure.

Rates at Beaches Turks & Caicos start at $1,035 per night for double occupancy on a seven-night stay.

If you're worried about your teens racking up extra charges on specialty sports and activities, Tamarind will come as a pleasant surprise. Teens can take advantage of Tamarind's crystal-clear waters to try out a plethora of water sports, from adrenaline-pumping banana boat and tube rides to water skiing and exploratory snorkeling tours to discover Barbados' famous sea turtles and marine ecosystem — all at no extra cost.

The boutique size of this Marriott-affiliated resort — there are just 104 guest rooms — means it's easy for parents and teens alike to sign up for lessons to learn how to water ski or sail without lots of other people around. The resort also offers another rarity: free excursions outside the resort.

Accommodations here are designed with families in mind. There are a number of junior and regular suites with pullout couches in separate living spaces so teens can rest easy without being right on top of their parents.

Dining is available in two main water-facing venues: The Sugar Cane Room and 246. They offer expansive breakfast buffets and theme nights focusing on everything from barbecue to Asian fare, as well as local seafood and other Bajan dishes. For a change of pace, you can also take advantage of the resort's "Stay in One, Play in Many" amenity to enjoy restaurants at nearby sister resorts without incurring extra fees.

Rates at Tamarind by Elegant Hotels start at $564 or 88,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night for double occupancy .

Costa Rica is a foolproof option for teens. Educational programs escort droves of high school students to the wild wonders of this peaceful Central American country every summer. Instead of sending your kiddo off with a group, though, make it a luxurious all-inclusive family trip so you can all enjoy the mountains, beaches and wildlife together.

The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa is both eco- and family-friendly, and it sits in a prime location with easy access to both the rainforests and beaches of Costa Rica's North Pacific Riviera. There's a sprawling lagoon-style pool, plus recreational activities such as golf and tennis. Additionally, guests will find a golden expanse of sand that overlooks beautiful turquoise water.

To take advantage of the incredible natural diversity of the area, this Westin outpost has a local tour operator on call that arranges hikes to the rainforest and visits to the Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest and Palo Verde National Park. You can also arrange for a zip lining excursion, though keep in mind that all off-property activities incur an extra cost.

The property's 406 rooms have a number of configurations that will suit families with big kids. The deluxe junior and family junior suites with two double beds and separate living rooms would work especially well with teens.

Among the multiple dining options are a few taste-bud pleasers for older kids. The Spirula Trattoria serves wood-fired pizzas near the beach, while Bamboo dishes up pan-Asian offerings such as dumplings and pad thai.

Rates at The Westin Reserva Conchal start at $596 or 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night for double occupancy.

Just a 20-minute drive from Cancun International Airport (CUN), the Hyatt Ziva Cancun is a family resort oasis with 547 luxury suites, loads of activities and lots to keep teens busy either on their own or with a cohort of new friends.

Moods Lounge and Club is the resort's exclusive teens-only spot where older kids can chill out and socialize. There are both virtual reality simulators and foosball tables for head-to-head fun.

Teens can also try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking when they're not busy taking dance or Spanish lessons. Other daily resort activities include water polo, virtual golf and life-size chess.

When choosing a room, there's a big bonus that comes with traveling with big kids: The swim-out suites with direct access to the pool are only available if your kids are at least 13 years old, so a double room with water access might be a great choice to let your teen swim to their heart's content.

Also sure to be one of your teen's favorite experiences is Pasteles, a Willy Wonka-style candy store with ice cream, a chocolate fountain, cookies, candy and much more. Since the resort is all-inclusive, treats at this dessert parlor are complimentary. You'll find 16 other food and drink venues with everything from tacos to burgers to teppanyaki, too, should you wish to balance out all the sweet treats.

Rates at the Hyatt Ziva Cancun start at $600 or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night for double occupancy .

Nestled on the shore of Montego Bay, Jamaica, about a 35-minute drive from Sangster International Airport (MBJ), Royalton White Sands Montego Bay is an all-inclusive resort that caters to families with teenagers. Age-appropriate amenities include a teens club stocked with video games and billiards and pingpong tables, as well as an extensive water park with a wave pool and a range of thrilling slides.

All kinds of water-based pursuits are available for the entire family, too. You can try nonmotorized water sports such as snorkeling and kayaking when you're not taking an introductory scuba diving lesson so you can all learn a new skill together. There's also a lazy river at the adjacent Royalton Blue Waters Resort, should you prefer to have a more leisurely day in the sun.

When your stomachs start to grumble, sit for a meal at one of 11 dining venues. Teen-friendly options range from a teppanyaki spot to a Tex-Mex restaurant to an international buffet.

As for lodging, each family suite includes a king bed and bunk beds, plus a separate living room with a pullout couch. There are two-bedroom suites as well, so you can each have your own personal space without being too far away from one another.

Rates at Royalton White Sands Montego Bay start at $480 or 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night for double occupancy.

Hilton's first all-inclusive offering in Tulum, Mexico, is part of the expansive leisure campus that includes the Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya .

Newly opened in 2022, the massive Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort includes 735 rooms located throughout three-story, villa-style buildings. One perk of the rooms is that all accommodations with two beds have queen-size beds instead of two doubles, so teens have plenty of room to stretch out. Plus, accommodations have separate sitting areas for some extra elbow room.

There's an entire zone devoted to families at the property, including the aptly named Teens Club, which houses a movie theater, video game consoles and air hockey and billiards tables. The space is open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Teens will also love the variety of pools available on-site, though some are reserved exclusively for adults or little kids.

Additionally, there are 13 all-inclusive dining experiences. The steak and seafood restaurants and the eateries specializing in Italian, Mexican and Asian cuisine are among the top choices.

Rates at the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort start at $549 or 90,000 Hilton Honors points per night for double occupancy.

Situated on 85 coconut palm-fringed acres along St. Lucia's south coast, Coconut Bay Beach & Spa Resort is massive, offering 250 rooms, nine restaurants, seven bars, five pools, a full-service spa, the island's largest water park and the only paintball facility in St. Lucia, the latter of which is a particularly big hit with teens but does incur an additional fee.

Families have their own wing of Coconut Bay called Splash, which has colorful rooms designed and decorated with parents and children in mind. Each of these accommodations features one king-size bed and two trundle beds, or two queen-size beds and a pullout couch so every member of the family can sleep comfortably every night. Because this section of the property faces the ocean and overlooks the water park, families will enjoy easy access to the resort's lazy river, waterslides, large pool and beach.

There are six dress-up dining spaces, including a steakhouse and an Asian venue, though your teen will likely gravitate toward the three casual venues. Two are traditional restaurants that serve pizza and jerk barbecue, while the third is a buffet venue offering all kinds of comfort classics, such as sandwiches and pasta.

Rates at Coconut Bay Beach & Spa Resort start at $1,244 per night for double occupancy.

The all-inclusive Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa has a number of highlights that make it appealing to those in middle and high school. There are a small water park with several slides, seven eateries (including a pizzeria and a tavern that hosts karaoke nights) and an array of activities that the whole family can try out together on land and in the water.

For teens who love music, the Teen Zone has a big draw: DJ decks to create beats and karaoke to belt out tunes. There are plugged-in gaming options on offer as well in addition to lots of daily social programming that includes movie nights and barbecue parties on the beach.

The resort's sugary white stretch of sand is a major perk of staying here. When you and the big kids aren't snorkeling or swimming, be sure to look up at the sky. The resort is located less than a mile from Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), giving planespotters and budding AvGeeks front-row seats to daily takeoffs and landings.

After getting your fill of planes or Caribbean sun, retreat to one of the property's 420 accommodations. The resort offers a number of connecting rooms, though the standout options are the Skyloft Suites, which give teens their own floor of a duplex.

Rates at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa start at $332 per night for double occupancy.

Found on a 2,000-foot stretch of sand along the Caribbean, Club Med Punta Cana caters to families with unlimited land and water sports, plus a full array of age-appropriate kids and teens clubs.

The new "Amazing Family" program features an itinerary of weekly activities for families to enjoy together, including treasure hunts and pickleball, as well as cooking (and eating, always a favorite teen pastime) as part of Club Med's "Family Big Snack" offering. But what stands out at this Club Med outpost is the high-flying circus school. Teens (and parents, too) can get hands-on instruction in 25 acrobatic and artistic activities, perfect for showing off aerial stunts on TikTok.

Teens craving some time away from their parents can head to Passworld, a teens club that hosts activities like group lessons in archery, sailing and tennis. They can also spend a leisurely day at the pool or beach after challenging new friends to a friendly game of basketball or beach volleyball.

Family Deluxe rooms are the ones to book here, as they give your teen their own sleeping space separated from the main room by a heavy curtain. An additional 90 two-bedroom family accommodations equipped with balconies and upgraded contemporary furniture will also open later in 2023.

Rates at Club Med Punta Cana start at $1,190 per night for double occupancy.

Even if your teen has never come within 10 feet of a horse before, they will still love Vista Verde Guest Ranch. In fact, this luxury dude ranch is the perfect spot for every member of the family to bond over learning a new skill.

Log cabins with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms are available so you can fit the whole brood in one spot without having to share a bathroom with your teenager. They also have fireplaces and hot tubs for cozy lounging after an active day outdoors.

While horseback riding is the main thing to do here, you'll find plenty of other seasonal activities as well. You and your teen can try archery, fly-fishing, mountain biking and paddleboarding during the warmer months. There are also winter adventures like downhill skiing, snow tubing, sleigh rides and snowshoeing. Don't miss the overnight camping experience for teens, which gives them the chance to explore and bond away from their parents.

When you're ready to reconnect over a meal, partake in a campfire cookout at lunch or savor a gourmet plated meal at dinner. Evening options include homemade gnocchi with short rib ragu and a molten chocolate cake for dessert. Teens are welcome to join the younger kids for the "Dine and Dash" dinner, which offers quicker-to-prepare options so kids don't have to sit for a lengthy meal.

Rates at Vista Verde Guest Ranch start at $585 per night for double occupancy on a seven-night stay. Gratuities are included.

• Bali and Gili Islands
• Vibing In Vietnam
• Backpack Amsterdam to Prague
• Trotting In Turkey
• Thai Adventures with Full Moon Party
• Thai Adventures
• Backpack Spain with La Tomatina
• Backpack Spain with Ibiza
• Backpack Amsterdam to Budapest
• Backpack Paris to Amsterdam

Testimonials

• FAQ’S

Every trip is a tale and every tale takes on a tripping memory!

Trips n tales is a tribe of travel enthusiasts that believes in uniting like-minded travelers across the country. for us, travel is all about the local vibe infused with a dash of impromptu adventures that will make you go "wow", why choose us.

Trips N Tales organizes holidays that are fun, hassle-free and quirky. Our trips create experiences that are unique, unforgettable and off the beaten path.

Date: 12 Jun - 20 Jun 2024

Date: 13 Jun - 21 Jun 2024

Date: 02 Jul - 10 Jul 2024

Date: 20 Jun - 29 Jun 2024

Date: 2 Jun - 8 Jun 2024

Date: 22 Aug - 31 Aug 2024

Date: 24th May - 03rd June 2024

Also Check Our Instagram Profile

Let’s travel the world together

7 WAYS TO PRACTICE CONSCIOUS TRAVEL IN 2024

6 REASONS TO VISIT IBIZA IN SUMMER 2024

QUICK GUIDE TO SPAIN AND PORTUGAL

20 MUST HAVE SOUVENIRS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

The Best Way To Find Unique and Great Gifts For Those you Love and Care About

27 Places to Go for Your 18th Birthday

WhatToGetMy Instructional Article

• Well now, look who just became 18, look who just became an adult. First of all, congratulations on reaching this milestone. You have just reached the age of freedom and responsibility and the keys to a wide variety of things that you can now legally do.

Watch the video version of this article:

• It is only right therefore, that you celebrate it in a big way. Unless of course you just want to be with close friends and family in a quiet ceremony, that’s the thing, you’re 18 now, it’s your choice.
• We understand that there might be pressure to celebrate your 18th birthday in a certain way and this pressure is causing a little confusion but don’t worry, we got you.

In this article we show you fun places to celebrate your 18th birthday, 18th birthday trip and vacation ideas, places to go for 18th birthday with friends and 18th birthday destination ideas.

Before we get into all that however, there are a few things that you need to consider to ensure that you have a splendid 18th birthday celebration wherever you go. These are:

Table of Contents

How much do you intend to spend on this celebration and can it take you where you want to go?

You need to bear in mind that if you want to travel out of your current location, these costs would be higher and so you will need to plan extensively for such a trip and as well have a rainy day fund in case things go awry.

You also have to consider the friends you intend to go with and whether or not they might need financial help during the trip.

2. Availability of venue for places

You also need to account for the availability of the places you need to go.

• If you are headed to a location, will they be open that day?
• If you are headed to another country, will you need certain documentation to get into and move around the country?
• If you are headed to a festival, what are the entry requirements like and where will you stay?

These are some questions that you need to ask and answer before you go.

3. Interests if planning for someone else

If you are planning this trip for someone else then it is important that you pick a destination that you know is along the lines of things that they are interested in. This way you can be sure that they appreciate the trip more and that they will not be bored the entire time they are there.

With all that out of the way, this article will attempt to give you ideas on:

• Fun places to celebrate your 18th birthday and;
• Great 18th birthday destination ideas.

17 Fun places to celebrate your 18th birthday

You just got to an age that is the legal drinking age for a lot of countries so why not celebrate by going to a club where you can party all night. The good thing about this is that it can be in your city which would save you costs and you could even rent the entire place for the night to have a truly epic party with friends.

2. Festival.

This is right up there with the best 18th birthday ideas and this is evident from the number of 18 year olds that go to festivals as shown by this chart from StatInvestor .

It is therefore one that you should consider if you can afford to because festivals are some of the best places to have fun and celebrate being alive.

There are many different festivals going on around the world in a year that you could attend such as Burning Man, the Rio Carnival, Mardi Gras, Cinco de Mayo, Lollapalooza, and many more so you have the chance to pick the one that you are interested in and plan ahead for it.

3. Road trip with friends

At 18, most if not all countries in the world would grant you a driver’s license. You could celebrate this by taking a road trip with friends and making several stops along the way at popular spots, sorta like a backpacker with a car.

This has the makings of an excellent 18th birthday idea because it involves freedom, friends and fun, “the holy frinity”.

The pictures you take would be legendary and would be a great addition to your online and offline (if you have one) scrapbook.

4. Outdoor Adventure

If you want to be more adventurous, you could go on an outdoor adventure to experience and appreciate nature more.

You could go camping with a few friends to several tourist sites around the country such as national parks and game reserves.

You could also go hiking to hills, mountains and the countryside in general. Or you could combine both of them and go Backpacking for a few days where it would be just you, nature and a few friends to fully appreciate the beauty of the planet.

If unsure what to pack for such a trip, here is an article on a travelling checklist that could help.

5. Safari trip

If you would like an adventure but not the type that would require strenuous activity, you could go on a safari drive.

There are several companies that offer this service and it would be an excellent opportunity to observe wildlife and nature without the strain of having to hike and camp.

6. Amusement/ Theme Parks

Regardless of the age you are at, an Amusement park should always be in your list of birthday destinations because the excitement offered by the various rides and attractions transcend age.

To make this even more memorable, you should go with friends and/ or family to enjoy the rides with and this is even more necessary for those scary rides that require courage to go on.

7. Adrenaline activities

If an adrenaline high is your idea for a great 18th birthday celebration then there are activities that would feed your cravings. These include:

• Scuba diving
• Bungee jumping
• Skydiving (this can be done indoors if you want the experience without having to be in the troposphere.
• Hot air balloon ride.

It is not an unspoken rule that you have to have a wild celebration or an adrenaline sensation in order to be fulfilled on your 18th birthday. You can simply take it easy and what better way to take it easy than to go to a spa. You could get a makeover, a deep tissue massage and other relaxation services that would leave you feeling refreshed.

You could even go a step further and make it a party. That’s right, a spa party. This is essentially a party at home with friends, but with a spa treatment. For more on that you can take a look at Things to Do at a Spa Party .

9. Concert.

You could make your birthday all about music by going to a concert to see a favorite musician. If the concert requires you to travel but not too far you could even make a road trip out of it.

Simply grab a few friends, get the tickets, sort out accommodation, and let the good times roll. Not a bad idea for a place to go for an 18th birthday with friends.

10. Sporting event.

A lot of people in the 18 – 34 age range are quite into sports as shown by Statista and if you are one of them, then you could make it a sports birthday. Much like attending a concert, you could attend a sporting event such as soccer, baseball or basketball. The excitement of watching the sport with fellow supporters would make for a great atmosphere to celebrate an 18th birthday.

Instead of just watching however, you could also participate as well by organizing a sports day. You could book a sporting field and play soccer, volleyball or even basketball with friends and make a party out of it with some barbecue and some music.

11. Beach/Lake house

I like the beach and you probably do too cus I mean, it’s the beach. It is therefore a great place to celebrate your 18th birthday. Instead of just going to the beach however, you could rent a lakehouse or some accommodation near the beach. This way you could enjoy the beach for an extended period of time and participate in events such as sailing, jet skiing and beach parties.

12. Fancy Restaurant/ Hotel

Well you’re an adult now so why don’t you do some of the fancy things that come with adulthood. One of those would be to go to a fancy restaurant and order fancy food that would make you feel like a culinary expert. It may not sound like much but this could be really fun with friends trust us.

You could also, as an 18th birthday weekend getaway idea, book a room at a fancy hotel with a couple of friends. You wouldn’t even have to go anywhere. You could just relax and unwind for the whole weekend and leave refreshed and rejuvenated.

13. Escape room

Do you fancy some cognitive based adventure with a touch of adrenaline added, then the escape room might be for you. Much like that episode on the Big Bang Theory where Leonard, Amy and Rajesh go to an escape room, you could do the same with your friends.

Escape rooms are an excellent way of bringing friends together to solve puzzles and have fun whilst doing it.

14. City tour.

How well do you know your current city? If your answer is in the negatives then your 18th birthday could be an excellent opportunity to explore your city and see the sights that it has.

If you’ve already seen most of your city or aren’t much interested in seeing it, you could go to another city that you’ve always wanted to see and take a tour around it.

15. Mall – Shopping Spree

It’s your 18th birthday and it is perfectly okay to treat yourself so why not go on a shopping spree. You’ve seen those movies where friends go from shop to shop and we see a montage of them going in and out of dressing rooms to try on different outfits, well, that could be you. 

So grab yourself a couple of friends and go spend on yourself. You deserve it.

16. Paintball, Lasertag, Shooting range.

Do you feel like shooting something on your birthday and want to do it legally – you should always want to do it legally – then there are a couple of activities for you.

You could go paintball shooting with some friends but if you want an activity with a lower risk of injury, you could instead go for laser tag.

At 18, several states allow you to go to the shooting range unsupervised so this could be another option for the day.

17. Volunteer

There are some of us that derive the greatest pleasure when we help others and if you are one of them, volunteering for your 18th birthday would be a memory that you would cherish for the rest of your life.

You could volunteer at an orphanage, a homeless shelter, with the Red Cross/ Crescent or at a local soup kitchen.

10 Great 18th birthday destination ideas.

If you are instead looking for places to travel to on vacation then might we have some suggestions on places you can go. Be sure to check out the immigration policies of these places so that you are not stranded when you arrive in the country.

18. The United States

The United States is blessed with some of the most alluring landmarks  in the world be it natural or man made and would be a great place to go for an 18th birthday celebration. You could take a tour of the various landmarks including:

• The Grand Canyon
• Yellowstone
• Niagara Falls
• Florida Keys
• Yosemite National Park and many many more.

The U.S. is also home to some of the most iconic cities in the world that you can visit. These cities usually have attractions of their own that draw in tourists such as:

• Las Vegas with the very famous Las Vegas Strip.
• New Orleans and the excitement of Mardi Gras.
• San Francesco and the world famous Golden Gate Bridge.
• Many, many more.

Greece is one of the most beautiful places in the world and one of the top sites for tourism. They welcome tourists with open arms which makes it a great place to travel for an 18th birthday.

Some of the best sites in Greece include:

• the Acropolis of Athens
• the Parthenon
• the Ancient Agora of Athens
• the Navagio cove.

Spain ranks highly in any list that has to do with tourism from its white sandy beaches to its many natural attractions. One of the most famous places in Spain is the island of Ibiza which you’ve probably heard about so many times along with the fun that can be had there so Spain could be a great place to go for your 18th birthday.

Other places to visit in Spain include:

• the Cave of Altamira
• the underground Drach Caves
• Timanfaya National Park
• the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park.

21. Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an island off the coast of Tanzania in Africa and one of the most popular tourist sites on the continent. It is considered one of the most beautiful places that one can visit with scenery that will have you talking about it for a while after you visit.

Given that the island is small, you are able to see the various attractions that it offers in a couple of days which makes it the perfect 18th birthday weekend getaway destination for you.

22. Botswana

This Southern African country has been the destination of many famous people including the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, owing to their emphasis on tourism and the protection of wildlife.

The people are friendly and the attractions are plenty. It would be a perfect place to visit for your 18th birthday.

Some attractions you can look forward to seeing are:

• the Okavango delta
• the Chobe National Park
• the Khama Rhino Sanctuary and;
• the Makgadikgadi pans.

23. Mauritius

Mauritius is an island nation off the coast of Africa that is so renowned for its attractions such that tourism contributes to more than 20% of its GDP.

Your breath will be taken away by attractions such as the Black River Gorges and the Le Morne Brabant amongst others.

With a mixed population of African and Indian descendants, the atmosphere is vibrant and full of culture and would make for an immersive experience should you choose this as your preferred 18th birthday celebration destination.

While most parts of the world were still building mud houses, the ancient Egyptians constructed architectural marvels that have survived till this very day. Pyramids, tombs, temples and fortresses were built that marvel even the architects of today.

If you are interested in such things then Egypt is a great destination for you. There are also plenty of other sites to marvel at such as the longest river in the world, the Nile, and, the parts of the Sahara Desert.

25. Barbados

If the Caribbean were an oyster, Barbados would be the pearl in its mouth. The beaches in Barbados can go toe to toe with any of the most beautiful in the world and give it a run for its money.

Added to this is the focus on tourism by the government that has allowed for multiple activities to be made available such as beach sports and recreational venues that ensure you get totally immersed in the island while you are there. It would be a great 18th birthday destination to go to if you can.

Imagine being able to say, “I spent my 18th birthday in France”. That statement draws envy from people because France is considered one of the top destinations in the western world and why not, its France, “le pays de l’amour (the country of love)”.

With plenty of attractions and a loving people who you might pick up a few French words from, this is an ideal 18th birthday destination.

If you want to experience absolute beauty as well as a positively intoxicating culture, Bali is for you. Located in Indonesia, Bali has some very beautiful attractions with beaches, volcanic peaks, breath-taking waterfalls and vast landscapes dotted with rice terraces to name a few. Added to these are the offerings by the locals which include local delicacies, music and cultural artifacts which are sure to leave the smell of Bali in your mind for years afterwards.

It is definitely a go to destination for an 18th birthday party of a lifetime.

For more locations to travel to, take a look at this article on magnificent destinations for your birthday .

Frequently asked questions

What is an 18th birthday called.

Turning 18 in a lot of cultures symbolizes that the person is now an adult and will accept adult responsibilities. For this reason it is called, “the Debut” . You are making your debut on the adult stage of life.

1. Why is 18th birthday special?

An 18 year old has just reached one of the most important milestones in life, entering adulthood. It is special because you can now do certain things that only adults are allowed to do such as making most of your decisions, voting and even drinking – in some countries that is – so it is a pretty big deal of an age.

For more reasons check out what is special about turning 18 ?

2. What do 18 year olds do for their birthday?

Many prefer to celebrate their 18th birthday with a lot of gusto and fanfare and some want a quiet celebration and both are perfectly fine. You can check out some things to do in these articles about what boys and girls and anyone in-between can do on their 18th birthday.

Your 18th birthday is no joke, it is an important milestone and we sincerely hope that you are excited for it. Adulthood can be very stressful so we recommend that you take this time and enjoy yourself before you step into the bigger shoes waiting for you. So, whatever it is that you decide from the above, be sure to soak in the experience and live for the moment as best you can. Welcome, to the rest of your life.

01 HOUR 32 MINUTES

ESTIMATED TIME DESIGNING AND UPLOADING THIS ARTICLE

11 HOURS 26 MINUTES

ESTIMATED TIME RESEARCHING AND WRITING THIS ARTICLE

You Might Also Like

Polite Ways to Ask For Birthday Gifts

5 Polite Ways to Ask For Birthday Gifts WhatToGetMy Instructional Article These days, we often encounter the question of whether it’s polite to ask for gifts or not. Don’t think you’re the only one. People are widely concerned with this topic. However, the other side

HOW TO CELEBRATE THE 18TH BIRTHDAY FOR DAUGHTER

How to Celebrate the 18th Birthday for a Daughter WhatToGetMy Instructional Article Finding ways of how to celebrate the 18th birthday for a daughter can be stressful as you want to make sure that she will have the perfect day and that it will be

How to Politely Ask For Gifts on an Invitation

3 creative ways to How to politely ask for gifts on an invitation WhatToGetMy Instructional Article Asking your guests for gifts on an invitation is a situation that needs to be treated carefully.  Although, most of the time it is not necessary to ask people

How to Ask for Presents on Invitations

3 Polite Ways on How to Ask for Presents on Invitations WhatToGetMy Instructional Article Whether you should ask for gifts or not is a delicate question. Some people think it’s rude, while others think there’s nothing wrong with doing it. In most cases, people have

18th Birthday Gifts for Granddaughter

You are looking for a special gift for a beautiful and very special granddaughter. The thing is she will be 18-years-old soon.  Although you can’t believe that the years have flown by so fast. To you, it feels like it was just yesterday that you

What to Do for 18th Birthday in Winter

11 Unique Ideas on What to Do for 18th Birthday in Winter WhatToGetMy Instructional Article Believe it or not, winter is a beautiful time to celebrate your birthday. You might think that you don’t have so many options because it’s cold outside, but that’s not

What Can You Have Instead of a Birthday Cake? 23 Birthday Cake Alternatives

What Can You Have Instead of a Birthday Cake? 23 Birthday Cake Alternatives WhatToGetMy Instructional Article To know what birthday cake alternative to go for, you need to understand what it is your taste buds are looking for. Do you want a sweet cake substitute

What to do on Your 18th Birthday Alone

17 Exciting Ideas for What to Do on Your 18th Birthday Alone WhatToGetMy Instructional Article You find that you will be spending your 18th birthday alone. To stop yourself from feeling all depressed and lonely on your special day. You are looking for some exciting

18th Birthday Adventure Ideas

18th birthday adventure ideas WhatToGetMy Instructional Article Celebrating an 18th birthday is a huge day in someone’s life. It is the day you become an adult. Adulthood brings a new sense of freedom. A freedom that is filled with many different adventures. So why not

8 Unique 18th Birthday Gifts from Parents

So your child is turning 18 already? Congrats! You probably feel like it was just yesterday when she or he crawled around as a toddler, and now you’re supposed to give a gift to a grown-up girl or boy. Time surely passes fast! Now, you

Related Posts

INEXPENSIVE GIFTS FOR NIECES AND NEPHEWS

GRANDPARENT-GRANDCHILD ACTIVITY SET

The Best Vacations for Kids at Every Age: A Trip Guide for Parents

By CNT Editors

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

For those of us who live to travel, making sure we raise Good Global Citizens is maybe even more important than sending them to a Good College. Did we just say that out loud? But during the darkest hours of new parenthood when you can hardly remember to brush your teeth, that fantasy of trekking through the Himalayas with bouncing baby on your back feels about as plausible as learning how to play the cello at 40. And suddenly the old adage you thought would never apply to you starts to make sense: The days, especially those early sleepless ones, are long and the years, between Little League and prom night, are short.

So when we cut to browsing the aisles of Bed Bath & Beyond to pick out XL twin sheet sets for the kid’s college dorm and we find ourselves asking: How did we get here? Or more importantly, where did those 18 summers go? We’ll want to have a good answer. Did we pack their heads, hearts, and palates with enough color, texture, spice, humanity, compassion, self-reliance, and grit before sending them off into the world? Did we outfox urban ennui by dragging them to see that temple, that waterfall, or even that roadside dinosaur? Or did we default to the path of least resistance, surrendering to our fears of disrupted sleep schedules or arched-back refusal to be strapped into the stroller mutiny in the middle of the Papal Apartments and settle for the all-inclusive beach resort with human-sized cartoon characters?

The secret to successful family travel is, truthfully, all of the above. It’s an endurance game which, like parenthood itself, requires symphonic pacing—the highs, the lows, the fasts, the slows—and an against-all-odds sense of ambition, improvisation, and patience in order to push through the tough stuff.

What follows is a little nudge from some of our contributors, all of whom are currently immersed in various stages of family travel. We tapped them for their tips, tricks, and trip recommendations for different age groups (trust us, that destination that miraculously worked when they were 6 months old might not be such a success once they reach 6 years old). Plus, the gear you absolutely have to pack before hitting the road. You likely will, at some point, be that family with the screaming baby in bulkhead, but remember, we were all babies once. —CNT Editors

For longer flights, travel specialist Hannah Cote recommends breaking up the journey with a stopover.

You’re taking trips, not going on vacations.

Talk with parents and one thing becomes abundantly clear about travel with kids between 0 and 2: It’s hard. “Expect the worst and enjoy the small wins,” says Traveler contributor Melissa Liebling-Goldberg. No matter how thoughtfully you schedule a trip, you may need to drop everything to make sure the youngest traveler in your group is able to simply eat or sleep. There is a silver lining to this, though: Kids under two usually have a pretty simple set of needs. And as Regan Stephens, a Traveler contributor and mother of three based in Philadelphia, notes, they are also quite portable. “We took our first daughter to Nantucket , Dallas , Bermuda , even to Italy.”

Lots of prospective parents might write off further flung travel (“Now you’re taking trips, not going on vacations,” says Stephens), but they need not. Hannah Cote of Legacy Travel , a travel specialist with a focus on Hawaii , has a good tip that may seem counterintuitive if you want to take a longer trip: “I try to recommend a stop over if parents aren’t sure how their child will react to being on a plane for that long. On our last trip to Maui we stopped in Los Angeles for a night to break up the trip so it wasn't too hard on the kids.”

Several parents I talked to, though, found slightly less ambitious trips were the most successful with kids this age. Road trips were a popular choice, and they do have a lot going for them: You can run entirely on your own schedule (or, more likely, your toddler’s schedule), you’re sure to have room for everything you want to pack, and they allow for easy tangents. That sort of adaptability is the most important asset for parents making their first trips with infants and toddlers. As one parent put it to me: “Kids can get interested in just running up and down a ramp. So don’t stress that they aren’t getting to that cool thing you want to show them.”

As I learned on my son’s first flight when he was 6 months old, even when they aren’t doing much, kids need a lot of stuff. But nothing is more important than making sure a child that young can sleep. The Slumber Pod can keep a new hotel room or Airbnb dark, comfortable, and hopefully a little quieter.

Buy now: The Slumber Pod, $170, slumberpod.com

—Noah Kaufman

For ages 3-5, trips packed with interactive activities are key.

It’s all about creating moments to learn new things—and still having fun.

By Jessica Puckett

By Olivia Morelli

By Steph Koyfman

When asked about the best trip she’s taken with her 3-year-old twin sons, Marquita Wright instantly says Sarasota, Florida. “When we went to Sarasota, visiting the Mote [Marine Laboratory] was an absolute must. Being able to actually touch the stingrays, starfish, and sharks, absolutely blew my mind. Also, the Wild Kratts Ocean Adventure there offered interactive activities to help the boys learn about marine life; they loved the conveyor belt exhibit that teaches how sharks lose their teeth when they eat. They could not get enough of it.”

The trip, which took place over the twins birthday, wasn’t limited to educational activities, though. Wright was able to take the boys to Siesta Beach , known for its powder white sand and crystal blue water, and take advantage of the kid-friendly restaurants populating the area.

But blending education and fun in an easy to navigate way doesn’t have to be limited to domestic trips for the 3 - 5 age group, either. I have traveled a lot as a duo with my son, who was born in Poland and has spent the first four years of his life traveling at mine and my husband’s side. As a family, we prioritize cultural connectivity—our son had been to Greece, Portugal, Spain, and Egypt before he could walk or talk. However, one of the most memorable trips we have taken together was to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, just before he turned 3. We stayed right in the middle of it all: walking distance to the Central Market, the beautifully colorful Sri Mahamariamman Temple, and the huge outdoor shopping market Petaling Street. He was so excited to look at all of the colors, and people at Central Market liked to offer him free treats. I’m also a stickler for consistency and directly across the street from our hotel was a restaurant called Banana Leaf Curry House, where we shared big plates of curry with potatoes and sautéed cabbage, always washed down with mango lassis.

Another highlight? When we rode the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus stop, a double-decker bus that allowed my son to see almost every inch of the city without actually having to do anything. We passed through places like Little India, KL Bird Park , and the breathtaking Jamek Mosque. I just loved watching my son's eyes light up as he gleefully pointed out everything new he discovered.

I’ve found it imperative to have a tablet of some sort while traveling with ages 3-5. The Amazon Fire 7 has parental controls and you can download a ton of educational games, cartoons, and activities to keep the little ones busy throughout long journeys.

Buy now: Fire 7 tablet, $50, amazon.com

—Imani Bashir

Jermaine and Sarah Griggs took their three children on a yearlong journey around the world.

It's the golden time for family travel, when your little kid morphs into a big kid.

Kids have an innate ability to be impressed by the world—one that also has an expiration date. So use travel to capitalize on your child’s sense of wide-eyed wonder now, before the tween years steal it away.

“The 6-10 year old range is the sweet spot for families,” says Cate Caruso , an adviser for luxury travel agency network Virtuoso and the owner of True Places Travel . “Their mind is open, and travel can be truly formative.”

Cruises and safaris, Caruso says, offer the ultimate bang for your buck, and she recommends more intimate cruises like Lindblad Expeditions , which offer personalized tours through destinations like Alaska and the Galápagos . “Raising global citizens is in [Linblad’s] DNA,” she says. “They get the young traveler, they understand you should never underestimate your children’s abilities to experience the world, and they push kids to do things that their family may have thought they couldn’t do.”

Landlubbers should consider safaris with operators like Micato and Abercrombie & Kent , both of which can move at a family’s unique pace. For ages 6-10, Caruso recommends safaris in Africa’s southern region, where in addition to marveling at animals, kids can also interact with the local community and connect to history. South Africa, she says, hits all the marks.

“That’s where Gandhi became a global citizen with his race consciousness, and it’s an ideal way for families to help kids connect the dots,” she says. “It’s also mind-blowing—you’ll see lions, giraffes, and elephants, but also meerkats, penguins, and pangolins.”

Traveling with this age group also presents a great opportunity for teaching responsibility. When Jermaine and Sarah Griggs took their three kids on a yearlong journey around the world , Jadyn Griggs was 11, Layla was 7, and Brendan was 6. They played a game called “fun versus fact” on the road, pairing every educational outing with a fun one like a trip to a water park. But each child was responsible for packing and carrying their own luggage. “Even Brendan was able to pull his own suitcase,” says Jermaine. “Once we made that switch, they became travelers. It increased their maturity.”

Stories bring the world to life for school kids, so load up on simple chapter books that are set in your destination to help your young reader feel connected. Allow your child to pack and carry their own kids-size roller suitcase —and don’t forget an iPad or tablet to make long plane flights a breeze.

Buy Now: Lil Flyer suitcase, $140, younglingz.com

—Debra Kamin

If a resort or beach trip is where you land, pick a multi-dimensional place like Maui, which has plenty of activities for pre-teens.

The key to a great trip? Make them feel like true partners rather than just along for the ride.

Finally! Your kids more or less eat the same food as you and keep roughly the same hours. They can pack for themselves and lug around their own suitcases. They’re curious, smart, semi-helpful, and—early onset ennui notwithstanding—they still want to spend time with the family. Now, you just have to pick the type of trip and destination that will capitalize on this so-called honeymoon period of family vacationing.

This may sound a little Brady Bunch, but call a family meeting to discuss trip ideas. Have everyone come with at least one type (like adventure, nature, or ocean) and two destinations (one close by and one farther flung). You’ll make the final call that works with your budget, schedule, desire, but it goes a long way to hear where and what the junior family members are excited about. Even if the three-week South Pole adventure isn’t feasible, elements of it, like wildlife spotting or crazy nature, can likely get worked into whatever trip you decide on in some form. From there, keep them involved in the planning process, and get them excited about the destination—guidebooks and fiction or movies set in the location are great windows into a place, its people, and culture.

The beauty of this age group, however, is that just about any type of trip and any destination is on the table; they can handle long haul flights, endless hours in the car, real hikes, and pounding the urban pavement. The strategy, as compared with younger age groups, is planning enough rather than scaling back, and engaging rather than distracting. (An hour splashing in the pool and a visit to the kids club will no longer cut it.) If a resort or beach trip is where you land, pick a multi-dimensional place like Maui where, in addition to pool time and a stable of different types and priced accommodations, there’s amazing hiking and wildlife, small towns and inland farms for day visits, opportunities for independence (walking to another resort for a shaved ice, meeting other kids), a robust local food movement, manageable museums, and countless water activities (surf lessons, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing excursions).

But this is also prime time for a first big cultural trip. Kids in this age group have had some formal exposure to world history, music, or art at school, and chances are, some place that they’ve studied really resonated with them, whether it's Senegal for drumming or Rome for ancient architecture or Tokyo for anime. Let their curiosity and passion lead. If they’re interested and engaged, it’s going to be a great trip for you, guaranteed.

Blissfully, this age group doesn’t really require any fancy gear or gadgets. If they’re curious about marine life and you’ll be near the ocean, invest in a reasonably-priced but quality snorkel set rather than relying on whatever the resort has. Cressi makes a fin and snorkel set specifically for this age group. Or, if they’re into wildlife, get them a decent but affordable pair of real binoculars that are lightweight and durable.

Buy now: Cressi Youth Junior Snorkeling Set, $45, amazon.com

Buy now: Celestron Nature DX 8x32 Binoculars, $109, amazon.com

—Rebecca Misner

Active vacations are particularly popular with parents traveling with teens, says luxury travel advisor Josh Alexander.

Adventure and excitement are the secret sauce.

The good news? Traveling with older teenagers is almost the same as taking a trip with honest-to-goodness adults. The bad news? Well, we did say almost.

But let’s focus on the positives first: Luxury travel advisor Josh Alexander, who works for Protravel International , has many clients with children this age booking the most adventurous vacations out of anyone. “We see a lot of National Parks trips, biking trips through specialized companies like Backroads and DuVine Cycling and Adventure Co. ; they’re vacations with scheduled outdoor time that offer ways to be active,” says Alexander. Yellowstone is among his most popular destinations, especially because it’s easy to tack on Bozeman or Jackson Hole to the itinerary.

On the other end of the spectrum, late-stage teens are also old enough to appreciate the history, culture, and culinary delights of an urban vacation. Alexander has many families with teenagers opting for history-filled cities like Charleston , Savannah , and New Orleans . Atlanta-based author and chef Nandita Godbole has traveled frequently with her 17-year-old daughter since she was an infant, and now finds they can do activities together, as opposed to choosing something that only appeals to one of them. “We sometimes go antiquing, do scenic drives, or even stop at the local farmers market if we see one,” she says.

The best strategy, regardless of where you go, is to plan trips that keep teens curious and energized. Elizabeth Thorp, a communications strategist and writer based in Washington, D.C., has three teenage daughters with whom she travels frequently. “The vacations that are the most successful are destinations that they’re interested in and where there are activities for them,” she says. “They haven’t done as well when they’ve just sat on a beach; they need external stimulation.” One of the family’s recent favorites was a trip to Jamaica, where the girls were excited to test out all the water sports they’d researched ahead of time.

As for that “almost” we mentioned earlier? Don’t forget the snacks. “You have to make sure they’re fed or they get grumpy right away,” says Thorp.

Thorp makes sure that all three of her girls never leave for a trip without their Mophie power banks. That way, they can document their travels without worrying about their phones dying. “I borrow it from my teens,” she says. “When you’re out and about, your phone can run out so quickly.”

Buy now: Mophie Powerstation, $70, zagg.com

—Juliet Izon

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Packing List

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

GPB Originals

Browse by genre, featured programs, featured programs & series, more gpb news, for kids & teachers, ghsa sports, high school football, browse by type, browse by category, for parents & caregivers, support gpb, gpb newsletter cta, banner image, section branding, header content, tagged as: , air travel has gone to the dogs — literally. here’s what to know about bark air.

May 27, 2024 9:18 AM | Updated: May 29, 2024 11:55 PM

• Rachel Treisman

Share this page

Primary content.

Flying with your dog in first class may sound like a far-fetched dream for many pet lovers. But a new boutique airline launching this week aims to make the “white paw experience” a reality.

BARK Air describes itself as “the world’s first air travel experience designed specifically for dogs first, and their human companions second.”

“BARK Air has taken the white glove experience typical of a human’s first-class experience and redirected all that pampering to pooches – from booking to arrival, to in-flight services and disembarkation, dogs will truly be the VIPs and treated to a positively luxurious, curated experience,” it said in an announcement last month .

BARK Air officially got off the ground on Wednesday afternoon, when its inaugural flight ferried six dogs of varying breeds — from Chihuahuas to a Golden Retriever — and 11 humans (both passengers and crew) from New York to Los Angeles.

The Very Important Pups were treated to chicken-flavored puppuccinos, special cupcakes and a shoe — on a platter — to snack on, according to BARK Chief of Staff Katharine Enos. She told NPR over email that there was “no drama on board.”

“Brooklyn (dachshund) and Eddy (golden) [were] friends and played and the little dogs took nice long naps most of the way,” she added. “After lunch it was nap time for everyone. No potty accidents on board or stolen food either! Everyone felt connected in the way we were obsessed with our dogs.”

[npr_external:nx-s1-4975744-101]

The airline is a subsidiary of BARK, the company behind dog-focused brands like the subscription service BarkBox. Co-founder and CEO Matt Meeker says he’s been working towards this idea for over a decade.

He was inspired by his late Great Dane Hugo, who traveled with him often but could never fit on a plane — like many non-lap dogs, Hugo would have had to fly in the cargo area rather than the cabin. (Meeker even flew from Florida to New York in a cargo crate to show how disorienting that experience can be, as part of Bark Air’s promotional campaign.)

Many airlines have tightened restrictions for emotional support animals on board in recent years. The logistics and cost of travel can be a highly emotional issue for many families who don’t want to leave their dogs behind when relocating, let alone vacationing, Meeker says.

“We don't think of ourselves as selling dog toys or seats on an airline,” Meeker told NPR in a phone interview. “We think of ourselves as selling awesome emotional experiences with your dog.”

It’s also an expensive one: BARK Air flights between New York and LA cost $6,000 for one dog and one human (or one human and two dogs collectively under 50 pounds) in each direction, and one-way flights between New York and London go for $8,000.

Potential customers were quick to bemoan the cost, with one social media user joking that her pup would need to start selling “paw pics” to make it work.

Meeker acknowledged that “the price is high, and it’s too high.” But he said innovations, especially related to transportation, often become less expensive over time — and he hopes that will be the case with BARK Air, too.

“We have pretty clear ways of bringing those prices down if the demand is there, and that’s what we aim to do,” he added. “We want to make this affordable and accessible for as many dogs as possible.”

The airline aims to pamper passengers, both pups and people

On BARK Air, the drinks come in bowls, leashes replace seat belts, champagne is made of chicken broth and the bathroom is, well, anywhere.

“When they feel they need to go, they go,” Meeker said of the dog. “And then we clean up after them. And then we clean the plane between every turn.”

It’s one of the many unique perks — and logistical challenges — of an airline for dogs. BARK has partnered with a New York-based charter company called Talon Air, which provides the pilots, flight crew and plane, a Gulfstream V.

The jets accommodate 14 human passengers, but BARK is capping them at 10 to offer extra space. Meeker says it aims to make the experience as comfortable as possible for dogs, starting “even before the flight.”

BARK Air will do a “pup intake” to learn about the dogs’ temperament and preferences. On the day of the flight, humans are advised to show up an hour early to the terminal, where they’ll present their ID and walk straight onto the plane.

“And so what we've bypassed there is a busy commercial airport and a very rigid TSA environment, and treating the dog as just another piece of luggage,” Meeker said.

Dogs and humans get served their meals — and stow away their toys — before the flight takes off to avoid potential territorial disputes. Once in the air, dogs are offered perks like a spa treatment and blankets covered with pheromones for extra comfort. Meeker says the in-flight crew is trained in dog CPR and “fear-free behavioral practices.”

The airline has no dog size or breed restrictions, but humans must be over 18 (aka 126 in dog years). Once on board, humans are advised to keep their dogs leashed as much as possible and ask before approaching others’.

Meeker, who traveled with his dog on two recent test flights between Florida and New York, says people hoped the dogs would misbehave for purposes of the experiment — but they did anything but, even during moments of “pretty significant turbulence.”

“They calmed everyone down, they floated around, they'd take someone’s seat,” he said. “A strange dog, like, not your dog, would wander up, sit on the couch next to you, put their head in your lap, and it’s like, ‘Oh, that’s great.’ ”

He added, “I don’t know why I’m surprised by this, but the dogs made it magical.”

Demand already appears to be taking off

Meeker said the initial reaction to BARK Air’s launch has been “really overwhelming and positive.”

BARK Air is offering about four round-trip cross-country flights a month, with several already sold out for June and July. It’s already planning to expand its routes, starting with a New York to Paris trip beginning in the fall.

“About a third of people apparently buy their air travel six months in advance,” he said. “So we just published our schedule through the end of the year in order to serve that crowd better.”

The airline is soliciting requests for additional destinations, and Meeker said it received over 15,000 in the first week alone.

They’ve heard from military families who are moving, people who travel for business and New Yorkers spending summers outside the city — all of whom want their dogs there too. Meeker also noted significant demand from snowbirds who want to go south with their dogs for the winter and many requests for flights in and out of Chicago.

“We're just processing that information and choosing the dates, and we're learning a lot,” he added.

He hopes the forthcoming data will allow the company to make more cost-effective decisions soon.

“We’re probably doing this the most expensive way we could, which is chartering a private plane from a private owner,” he explained.

The next step would be to make a longer commitment with the charter company, leasing the plane for a month or even a year to bring down costs. Even better would be buying and outfitting a plane. Meeker has his eye on a Boeing 747 model with a back half dedicated to cargo that could serve as an additional source of revenue.

He says this team already has a design that would feature private cabins with lay-flat beds, a central “dog park” and a bar, for dog and human socializing, respectively.

“That’s the dream,” he added. “But it’ll take a little bit of time to get there.”

Bottom Content

Related news.

Bette Nash, the world's longest-serving flight attendant, dies at 88

Nash began her career in 1957 when flight attendants handed out cigarettes and got weighed before shifts. She earned her Guinness World Record after 64 years of service in 2022 — then kept working.

Boeing promises big changes as the plane maker looks to rebuild trust and quality

Troubled plane maker Boeing promised sweeping changes to its manufacturing operations in an action plan that was mandated by federal regulators after a midair blowout on a 737 Max jet in January.

Giant Pandas are returning to D.C.'s National Zoo

National Zoo officials say D.C. will get two new adolescent pandas by the end of the year. The last bears departed in November, bound for China on a FedEx cargo plane, with no agreement in place to secure a new pair.

• Jacob Fenston

Support Quality Journalism

GPB is committed to bringing you comprehensive news coverage from Georgia, across the country and around the world.  Your support makes this possible.  Please consider making a gift today to support this vital public service.

• lol Badge Feed
• win Badge Feed
• trending Badge Feed

Browse links

• © 2024 BuzzFeed, Inc
• Consent Preferences
• Accessibility Statement

18 Travel Hacks You Probably Haven't Heard Before, Straight From People Who Swear By Them

"I once racked up over 20,000 Capital One travel points in a very, very unconventional way..."

BuzzFeed Staff

If you love to travel or travel often, you've probably picked up some tips and tricks to make jet setting more seamless, enjoyable, and cheaper. So redditor u/tomsawyertravels asked, "What's your best obscure travel hack ?" Here's what people said (and I can't wait to try some of these out on my next adventure).

1. "southwest airlines starts drink service at rows 1, 8, 15, and 22. if you have a choice of row 9 or 15, go to 15. you get your drink first and have a better chance at getting more than one.".

— u/enfranci

2. "Always carry a sarong with you when traveling. It’s basically an all-in-one lightweight tool. You can use it as clothes, a raincoat, a rope, a bandage, a beach towel/picnic rug, a bag, or a blanket."

— u/PurplePiglett

3. "Use the bathrooms by the baggage claim. They’re always clean and empty."

— u/holy_cal

4. "I always try to have an extended layover (like 10 hours or more) to visit the layover city. This way, I've visited Tokyo, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore without going on a specific trip to those destinations. It takes some fiddling to book those flights (airlines present you with the 'most convenient' flight), but it's worth it."

— u/frugalacademic

5. "A lot of flights are not allowing carry-ons these days with a basic ticket purchase (JetBlue 🤨), so I've been using my fishing vest I got from Japan to carry all of my clothes I can't fit into my personal items. Styled right, it looks super cool with my outfit, AND I can fit eight shirts, five pairs of socks, and an entire laptop (storage on the back) in it—and snacks and water. When traveling to places where it's inconvenient to bring my fishing vest, I'll bring my jacket with deep pockets and my Costco dad cargo pants. I can fit 2-3 shirts per pocket. And before anyone complains about the extra weight I'm bringing into the plane, I can promise you my extra clothes and snacks weigh less than 5 pounds."

— u/tomsawyertravels

6. "Most flights won't give you a refund on basic tickets. Upgrade them to a higher class ticket then cancel for a full refund. I've done this with United and JetBlue, but I can't speak for other airlines."

— u/Ace-O-Matic

7. If you must cancel a hotel less than 24 hours in advance, call and tell them you need to bump the reservation back a week. Then call the next day and cancel it penalty-free."

— u/Blu3fin

8. "We once racked up over 20,000 Capital One points in a very unconventional way. We were in Paris and rented Velib bikes to get around the city. The catch was that every time we'd rent a bike, a hold was put on our credit card in case of damage to the bike. I believe the hold was close to $400 for each bike, and it took a couple of days for the hold to be lifted. For some reason, the hold would go through as a purchase on our card, and with the travel multiplier, we were getting about 1,600 points every time we rented a bike. The best part was that the bike rental was free if you rented it for less than 30 minutes. So we'd just rent two bikes, ride to the next station in less than 30 minutes, drop them off, and rent two more bikes. We did this an absurd amount of times and got rewarded handsomely."

— u/robcampos4

9. "Consider using an eSim card. You can shop online for the best deal on a temporary sim before starting your trip. I paid 30 CAD for a 1-month, 12 gig, unlimited, and everything else plan; it's good for all of Europe. I installed the eSim before heading to the airport. As soon as the plane landed, I could fire up my eSim without the hassle of finding a physical SIM card. Was in my Uber 10 minutes after leaving customs, it was great. Not all phones support it, but for those that do, they are extremely convenient and cheap."

— u/pentox70

10. "If flying between the US and Canada, ALWAYS look at buying separate one-way tickets in each direction. More often than not, you'll save $100+ due to their strange exchange rate and tax calculations. It doesn't work on every single route but is always worth a check, and I've been amazed how often it's been much cheaper."

— u/Dorkus_Mallorkus

11. "I get rid of old clothes on my travels, which helps me empty my carry-on for more souvenirs. I bring old shirts, pants, sweaters, underwear, and socks for travel to get rid of them as I go. I hate checking in luggage and I will have plenty of extra room to bring things back."

— u/fitDEEZbruh

12. "I use hotel room hangers to clip the curtains together to black out the room."

— u/rand0m_g1rl

13. "If you’re flying internationally into the US and are a US citizen, do the mobile passport option if the airport has it. It’s an app and takes 30 seconds to do. It’s just as fast as global entry. I’ve passed 100s of people waiting at passport control."

— u/Inpleinsite

14. "If you're not sure of the neighborhood you're booking your hotel or rental stay in, go to Google Street View and 'walk around' in the neighborhood. You can see if it looks pleasant, has nearby cafes or local grocery stores, etc"

— u/ThaneOfCawdorrr

15. "I always create a Google map list and save items to populate my map. It makes it easy to plan out your days and see what sites/restaurants/attractions you are near in a new city."

— u/macedaace

16. "Requesting a special meal (for example, vegetarian) on an international flight will ensure you get served first."

— u/soniclaura

17. "I always bring baby shampoo and an entire unopened box of ziploc bags. The baby shampoo is great for washing yourself (obviously) but is also perfect for washing things like lightweight shirts, underwear, and socks in the sink."

18. "One of my favorite obscure travel hacks is to use Google Maps offline. Before my trip, I download the maps of the areas I'll visit. This way, I can navigate, find attractions, and even search for restaurants without an internet connection. It's beneficial in places with spotty Wi-Fi or when I want to save on data usage. Plus, it relieves stress and helps me feel more confident exploring new places."

— u/Known-Astronomer8660

What's your favorite travel hack that most people haven't heard before? Tell us in the comments or submit it in this anonymous form.

Share this article.

REAL ID deadline moving closer. 14 things you need to know to get your Florida license

You're running out of time.

The deadline to have a REAL ID is now less than a year away.

Originally set for October 2021, the deadline for U.S. residents to have a REAL ID has been extended at least twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beginning in May 2025, anyone 18 and older who plans to take a domestic flight will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints.

Here's what you need to know about REAL IDs.

What is a REAL ID?

After the 9/11 Commission recommended the federal government set standards for identification, Congress passed the  Real ID Act  in 2005.

The act established  minimum security standards for getting a license anywhere across the country  and prohibited some federal agencies from accepting anything less.

"The act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards," according to the Department of Homeland Security.

The purposes are:

• Accessing certain federal facilities
• Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft
• Entering nuclear power plants

The Real ID Act became effective nationwide on May 11, 2008. Florida began issuing REAL ID-compliant credentials after Jan. 4, 2010.

Why do you need a REAL ID?

Without a REAL ID, you will not be permitted to pass through a TSA checkpoint after May 7, 2025.

REAL ID-compliant credentials already are required to enter checkpoints at federal facilities,  military facilities  and nuclear power plants.

What's the deadline to get a REAL ID?

The federal government is expected to start enforcing REAL ID on May 7, 2025. At that time, people will need either a Real ID or passport to fly domestically and enter certain federal facilities.

So if you're an adult and plan to fly commercially, you'll need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license.

Is there an alternative to a REAL ID?

Sort of. If you don't have a REAL ID, you'll need:

• A REAL ID-compliant identification.
• A valid passport or passport card.

Countdown clock to deadline for a REAL ID

Where do you go to get a real id in florida.

Real IDs in Florida will be issued to first-time and renewing customers at a local driver's license service center or tax collector officer.

You must visit an office in person to get a REAL ID the first time, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Since January 2020, those without a REAL ID license have not been able to renew their licenses online through the MyDMV Portal.

If your card is not REAL ID compliant and you aren't up for renewal before May 7, 2025, make an appointment to get a new card. Locations can be found  here .

A Class E license can be renewed up to 18 months prior to the card’s expiration date.

How do you know if you already have a REAL ID?

In Florida, a REAL ID is marked with a gold circle with a white star in the top right corner of your driver's license or state identification card. If the star is there, it's REAL ID compliant.

 If you've received a new or renewed Florida driver's license or ID since January 2010, you should be good to go.

How much does a REAL ID cost in Florida?

The  fee for an initial Florida Class E license  (including learner’s permit) is $48 and a commercial driver's license (Class A) license is $75.

The fee for a state ID card is $25.

Most local tax collector offices also charge a $6.25 service fee.

Here's what you need to bring with you to get a REAL ID in Florida

You’ll need to bring  one of the primary documents  listed below to prove your identity, legal residence and date of birth:

For U.S. citizens:

• Valid, unexpired U.S. passport
• Original or certified copy of a birth certificate
• Consular report of birth abroad
• Certificate of naturalization issued by DHS
• Certificate of citizenship
• Court-ordered name change document
• Marriage certificate, issued by the courts, and/or
• Divorce decree, issued by the courts

In all cases, the document must show a clear trail of name changes originating with the birth name to the current name.

For non-citizens:

• Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card – I-551 for Lawful Permanent Residents
• Valid passport for non-immigrants except for asylum applicants and refugees
• Other government-issued document showing your full name
• Department of Homeland Security document showing proof of lawful presence
• If your name has changed by marriage/divorce, you must have your name changed on your Citizen and Immigration Services documents.

Both citizens and non-citizens will need to bring:

• Your Social Security Card or proof of your social security number. You can find a list of documents that provide proof of your social security number on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle's  What to Bring page .
• Two documents that show your principle residence

How long does it take to get a REAL ID in Florida?

Once your identity and legal status have been verified, a driver's license or ID card will be issued within 60 days and mailed to the address on the driver record.

The driver's license or ID card will be issued for the period of time specified on the USCIS document, up to a maximum of four years.

Is REAL ID mandatory in Florida?

Yes. Every state resident must have a Real ID-compliant driver's license or identification card — or valid passport — to board a commercial aircraft within the U.S.

Without a REAL ID — or acceptable alternative — travelers will not be permitted through the security checkpoint.

Will children need to have a REAL ID?

No. The TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will need acceptable identification, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Can you use a REAL ID to enter the Bahamas, Mexico or Canada, or another country?

No. REAL IDs cannot be used for border crossings or international travel. If you're traveling internationally, you still need a passport.

REAL IDs also can't be used for international sea cruise travel.

What is the gold star on my Florida driver's license?

If the star is there, it's Real ID compliant.

American Airlines fires legal team for 'blaming' 9-year-old girl recorded in bathroom

The company backpedaled after the comments in court documents gained public attention. now, it has fired the lawyers who wrote the filing and hired new ones..

American Airlines has fired its legal team following statements that a young girl was negligent after being recorded using the bathroom by a flight attendant.

The change in counsel comes a week after the airline landed in hot water over a May 21 court filing that stated that a 9-year-old girl was recorded through her “own fault and negligence,” while using the bathroom, according to previous USA TODAY reporting. 

The company quickly backpedaled, telling USA TODAY that “outside legal counsel, retained with our insurance company made an error in this filing.” 

The airline replaced the previous legal team with Kelly Hart & Hallman, a Texas-based firm, the company told USA TODAY Wednesday.  

“We do not believe this child is at fault and we take the allegations involving a former team member very seriously," the airline said. "Our core mission is to care for people − and the foundation of that is the safety and security of our customers and team.”

Here’s what we know.

Former American Airlines employee charged with recording minors

The U.S. District Attorney’s Office for the State of Massachusetts says that former American Airlines flight attendant Estes Thompson had recordings of four girls − ages 7, 9, 11 and 14 − using the bathroom while he worked on their flights.

He's been charged with secretly recording the girls, the attempted sexual exploitation of children and possessing images of child sexual abuse.

Scott Lauer, Thompson's lawyer declined to comment.

Over 50 photographs of the 9-year-old girl were found on Thompson’s iCloud, Apple’s cloud service that stores and syncs data cross devices. There were also photos of her seated pre-flight and close ups of her face while she slept, according to the district attorney's office.

The girl, the same one American Airlines referred to as negligent in court records, is suing the airline.

Girls’ lawyer ‘not surprised’ American Airlines switched legal teams

Paul Llewellyn, an attorney representing the 9-year-old and another girl in the case, said that American Airlines' attorney swap was a direct result of the “intense media and public backlash surrounding the outrageous allegation.” 

“With the benefit of this new legal representation, we hope that American Airlines will now take a fresh look at the case and finally take some measure of responsibility for what happened to our client," Llewellyn said in a statement to USA TODAY Wednesday. 

 Llewellyn said his team is “very confident that a Texas jury will do the right thing and hold American Airlines responsible."

“I was both shocked and outraged,” Llewellyn told USA TODAY. “As a lawyer I understand that you have to assert possible defenses, but I cannot even imagine a world where it would ever be appropriate to blame a 9-year-old for being filmed in an airplane bathroom.”

40 Best 18th Birthday Gifts to Welcome Them to Adulthood

Find the perfect present for your teen turning 18 with these popular picks and sentimental gift ideas.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Woman's Day editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Some of us might like to think every birthday is a big deal (which is fair), but we all can agree that 18th birthdays are actually a big deal. While still technically teenagers, the birthday boys and girls are now legal adults. Oftentimes, turning 18 signals the beginning of a new life stage, such as moving out of the house and potentially into a dorm or apartment. That's why the best 18th birthday gifts aren't just fun stuff — they're a mix of things that will set them up for a successful lifetime of adulting.

If you still don't see what you're looking for below, we suggest checking out our list of gift ideas for college students (electric hot pots have come a long way) and our overall roundup of the best gifts for teens .

Vivaia Almond-Toe Ballet Flats

Turning 18 means they'll be going out into the world, potentially pursuing professional opportunities. They'll need a dependable pair of flats to take them to lectures, interviews, and networking events. Vivaia's ever-popular ballet flats are available in tons of colors and the brand makes them with different toe shapes. Almond is a classic shape, but they also have flats with square toes , pointed toes , and round toes .

RELATED: Best Women's Work Shoes for Standing All Day

SOJOS Small Square Polarized Sunglasses

There are 14 different color combos available for these lightweight unisex sunglasses. Lest you think $16 sunglasses will fall apart after a few weeks of use, the reviews say they are shockingly high quality.

RELATED: Best Gift Ideas Under $20

Stretchable Wristlet Keychains

After combing dozens of threads about what teens wanted for their 18th birthdays, the best gifts people got for the birthdays, and the presents they wish they would have gotten, the answer became clear: a car. It doesn't have to be a new car, or even a nice car — it could be Grandma's 2006 Toyota Corolla — it just needs to have wheels and a motor. And when you give a teen a car, they'll need wristlet keychains for their car keys, which is why this gift is basically a necessity.

RELATED: Cute Gifts That Teen Girls Will Adore

Stone Lain Cleo Stoneware Dinnerware Set

If their 18th birthday signals the beginning of living on their own, loading them up with some basics like a dinnerware set for four is an excellent place to start. This chip-proof collection from Amazon-favorite brand Stone Lain has tens of thousands of five-star ratings and comes in 11 colors.

Gel Nail Polish Kit

As someone who previously hit the nail salon every two weeks and then switched to at-home manicures, this editor cannot advocate enough for a user-friendly gel kit. If they love having their nails done but can't justify the spend, this will be their most-used gift. The price of this kit is less than one trip to the nail salon these days!

Wireless Charging Stand

A three-in-one charging station is a must-have for anyone with a smart phone, smart watch, and earbuds. This one is beloved by Amazon reviewers and comes in several colors. The brand also makes a travel-friendly version .

BaubleBar Initial Pendant Necklace

Square pendants are all the rage right now, and BaubleBar makes a cute initial one adorned with sparkly crystals.

ETHOS 50 lb. Selectable Dumbbells

While pricy, adjustable dumbbells are an amazing gift for a fitness-focused person who is short on space. They'd fit — with room to spare — under a dorm bed and would save your giftee the trouble of hitting the gym on arm day.

Blue Apron Meal Kit Delivery Gifts & Gift Cards

You can choose between $70, $140, or $280 for a Blue Apron gift card, which will allow them to learn to cook with pre-cut ingredients and easy instructions. You're giving the gift of food and a skill — win-win.

Foam Slides

These teens and their slides! This bestselling pair from Amazon comes in over a dozen colors and may be marketed as a "shower shoe," but we all know they're going to be wearing them to the grocery store.

Turtle Beach Recon 200 Gen 2 Powered Gaming Headset

Take their gaming, er, game up a notch with these sleek headphones from Turtle Beach. They work with all the major platforms — Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, etc. — and also come in midnight blue or white.

Unstable Unicorns Card Game

Amazon buyers are obsessed with this cheeky game, which only requires two people (though up to eight can play) and 30 minutes. There are several expansion packs, and a NSFW version if that's more their speed.

Canon IVY CLIQ+2 Instant Camera Printer

As much as teens love their phones, instant cameras are becoming more and more ubiquitous. The IVY CLIQ+2 from Canon connects to an app where they can edit photos and add fun frames before printing them out directly from the camera.

CALPAK Hue Front Pocket Carry-On Luggage

Even if they're not headed on a trip in the immediate future, nice luggage is always a great gift. People love CALPAK's hard case series, which features several color options and pieces that range in size from a mini carry-on ($165) up to trunk luggage ($290).

Juvia's Place Culture Eyeshadow Palette

If they're always experimenting with a new makeup look, give them all the colors with this eyeshadow palette from Juvia's Place. They'll perfect their cut crease in no time!

RELATED: Best Gifts for Girls of All Ages

melin Hydro Hat

There are hats, and then there's melin's Hydro Hat. The bestselling design comes in three sizes, all of which are adjustable, meaning it'll fit the largest-headed guy out there. There are a dozen colors available, and if he wants a different one, Nordstrom has the easiest return policy.

RELATED: Best Birthday Gifts for Every Type of Guy

Shutterfly Boho Photo Album

Before they fly the coop, give them something to remember how cozy the nest was with a photo album of all the good times they had growing up. (You may want to get a copy for yourself, too.)

RELATED: The Best Personalized Gifts for Everyone

"18 Years Ago" Birthday Card

2006 may not seem like that long ago to you, but it's a whole lifetime away for them. This card will tell them about all the happenings in 2006, including the widespread popularity of trucker hats and velour tracksuits.

Abercrombie & Fitch Genuine Leather Moto Jacket

A genuine leather jacket — or a vegan one for only $120! — is a fashion rite of passage. If she's ready for a piece that she'll wear weekly and treasure forever, Abercrombie & Fitch has a timeless version that will go with just about any outfit.

Eddie Bauer Reversible Throw Blanket

Eddie Bauer makes some of the softest, coziest blankets out there. This reversible throw has terrific reviews, comes in a few patterns, and will keep your giftee nice and warm during their Netflix binges.

After over a decade as a digital editor, Maggie Panos is navigating freelance writing and full-time parenting. She covered entertainment for POPSUGAR from New York and San Francisco before setting down roots in tree-covered Portland and focusing on local journalism. A self-proclaimed "okay baker", Maggie is interested in all things lifestyle — especially if those things involve Bravolebrities. 

.css-2lr79s:before{top:1.4rem;left:calc(-50vw + 50%);width:100vw;height:0.0625rem;z-index:-1;content:'';position:absolute;border-top:0.0625rem solid #CDCDCD;} Family + Friends

Clever Charades Ideas That Are Great for Everyone

We Found the Internet's Cutest Gifts ... and OMG!

39 Best Mother's Day Gifts for Grandma

30 Last-Minute Mother's Day Gifts for Her

26 Beautiful Poems About Moms for Mother's Day

The 45 Best Cheap Mother's Day Gifts

52 Best Mother's Day Gifts on Amazon

10 Best Diaper Bags of 2024, as Tested by Parents

30 Best Birthday Party Games for Every Type of Kid

The 45 Best Gifts for 12-Year-Olds, Hands-Down

55 Best Gifts for Pregnant Women

Two Additional Kickoff Times Announced

5/30/2024 2:02:00 PM | Football

Click OK to log in and restart your reservation. Click Cancel to continue with your reservation without logging in.

• Skip to global navigation
• Skip to content
• Skip to footer
• Travel alerts Travel alerts

We'll redirect you to the home page of the country / region site you choose.

• Search AA.com® Submit search

Any searches or unfinished transactions will be lost.

Do you want to continue your session?