However, deciding on the right kind of activities can be a challenge, especially when teenagers are notorious for their apathetic attitudes. I remember my son being on his iPod the whole time as we took a scenic drive in the Hollywood Hills!
To help parents in need of some new ideas, I have compiled the list below to inspire your next summer holiday that will wow your teen and be a memorable experience for the whole family.
For the teen that loves fast-paced city life and culture
No matter where you live, there is always a major city a few hours away that will excite the teen that loves a little bit of culture, history, and a fast-paced lifestyle. Whether you’re in Amsterdam, Barcelona, or Berlin, there are always undiscovered treasures that await your family when deciding on where to stay. You can check out lonelyplanet.com for city guides and create your own itinerary.
During the summer heat, perhaps visit a few museums or relax at a famous park. Get lost in winding streets and enjoy delicious delicacies from local delis and bakeries. There is always something new to explore.
For the laidback teen that wants a bit of adventure
If you’re one of those families that feel that you’ve already “been there, done that” as far as family holidays go, this one goes out to you. For about the same price as average hotel accommodations, consider treating yourselves to a sailing adventure.
While it might sound a little crazy, especially if you don’t know the first thing about navigating a boat in open waters, it’s now easier than ever to rent sailboats, yachts and speedboats.
Zizoo is one of the most user-friendly websites for planning this type of getaway, and if you really don’t know what you’re doing, there is an option to ensure that your trip is skipper inclusive! It works just as intuitively as your average hotel booking website, except with Zizoo, the choice is between staying on a yacht or deciding to island hop on a speedboat.
For your competitive athlete-in-training
You can always customise your boating journey to suit your teen. If your teen is more of an athletic type, then you can decide to also include watersports and other water activities in the package. Watersports are an excellent way to bond with your teen, get their adrenaline pumping, and there is something for everyone where watersports are concerned.
You can keep it simple and bring snorkels for everybody. Pair snorkelling with fishing, and add a bit of traditional holiday fun to your boating expedition. If your teen prefers a stronger adrenaline rush, consider island hopping on a yacht and trying your hand at jet skiing and parasailing at different marinas on your way. If you prefer to stay on your sailboat, then you could always bring a kneeboard to attach to your boat for those daring enough to try.
For the eco-conscious teen that loves the outdoors
Camping has always been a favourite pastime for those who love nature. Many teens are falling in love with the outdoors and are fascinated by a lifestyle that incorporates nature and environmental awareness. Pitchup.com is a great site to check out for camping holidays.
Camping is an excellent way for your family to reconnect and build trusting relationships. Imagine making dinner on your campgrounds, with everybody pitching in and learning how to live and survive with few resources.
Use this opportunity for your family to experiment with going waste-free and producing as little garbage as possible. Inspire your teenager by adapting a trip to the outdoors with modern values.
* Collaborative post
When I was a teen I would have loved somewhere like Amsterdam!
ReplyDeleteMy son wants to go!
DeleteThese are great ideas. My son is just turning 10, so not yet a teenager but he's definitely showing more of an interest in city breaks which I'm delighted about!
ReplyDeleteThat's cool
DeleteI would love to take my teen to Amsterdam when he reaches that age but as a pre-teen think camping would be great for him.
ReplyDeleteMy son wants to go to Amsterdam, it's a great city.
DeleteThese are some great ideas for teens on their summer holidays. Zizoo sounds like a great website.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about getting kids off of the gadgets. I think most kids should enjoy holidays if they are active and fun. This post is making me want to go on holiday. I will be taking in your tips. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI think that it's important to give them downtime too to catch up with their friends but also make sure that they leave the tech in the hotel room when out for the day
DeleteWe are struggling to find a location that will fit with all of us this year. Kian loves adrenalin sports but the little ones are not so keen
ReplyDeleteWhat about Iceland?
DeleteWhat a fabulous suggestion for families with teenagers, I know my brother in law would love to read this post as he has teenage daughters and sometimes struggles when he takes them out.
ReplyDeleteAs there is such a big age gap between my two it can be difficult however we've found as long as there are watersports the teen is happy.
ReplyDeleteIt's important to ask them if there is anything they want to do too and find activities they enjoy. It's great your teen likes watersports
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