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, iBestTravel’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).
Belgium
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 and Michelin-star dining. 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—where the ceiling of the main hall is covered in 1.6 million iridescent green beetles.
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, safe, friendly, and dynamic, so that every season and every year there is something new and exciting to discover.
Seattle, Washington
This walkable city has access 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 trip 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.
New Zealand
New Zealand offers a diverse range of outdoor activities to entertain all teenagers, giving them little time to be on a device. From sparkling coastal waters for sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking to glistening glaciers for day hikes or multi-day hikes through pristine rainforest (or even bungee jumping off bridges), the offerings abound. Wildlife encounters—like swimming with dolphins, kayaking with seals, or visiting conservation programs—make for a meaningful adventure. Additionally, New Zealand has been the filming location for numerous world-renowned movies, such as Lord of the Rings, so a visit to the movie set at Hobbiton can be fascinating for teens.
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 desire for 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, families can experience some of the best rafting in southern Europe, spectacular biking descents from ski resorts, canyoning, and hiking in a national park. Spending a day with a shepherd to learn about life in a mountain village can deepen the experience, while camping by a river adds to the adventure.
A Warm-Weather Cruise
During the summer, there are always other teenagers with whom they can make friends while still enjoying family time. Families can enjoy a cruise to Bermuda where everyone—including teens—can partake in various beach activities together and share family dinners. Such experiences create lasting memories that keep families reminiscing about their adventures long after they return home.
