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Oct 4, 2019 • 6 min read
As their independence grows and their personal horizons expand, a family holiday might seem boring and limiting to your tweens or teens. It benefits all of you to get them excited and invested in the trip, so involve them in the planning process.
Consider thinking outside the box. Less obvious destinations make good starting points, as well as finding thrilling experiences and trendy locations that enhance their street cred or social media feeds.
Berlin, Germany
A city both glamorous and gritty, Berlin has a vibrant culture, cutting-edge architecture, fabulous food, and a tangible history. Whatever their interests, there’s something for tweens and teens to discover during a trip to Berlin – and plenty to share when they get home.
Moreover, as parents, you can provide them with an important education in modern history – it’s impossible to visit Berlin without discussing the Second World War. Be sure to visit Bikini Berlin, a concept mall in a retro 50s building, featuring trendy pop-ups and close-up views of the monkeys at Berlin Zoo.
Jasper National Park, Canada
The stunning Rocky Mountains provide an ideal backdrop to engage reluctant teens in outdoor activities. While skiing or hiking are obvious options, Jasper National Park has a variety of exciting alternatives.
Depending on the season, you can enjoy glacier walking, sidecar tours, or fat-biking through the snow. This unique adventure will surely intrigue their friends back home. As a family, you might learn to ride horses, navigate rapids, or explore bike routes while keeping an eye out for grizzly bears.
New Zealand
Renowned for its adrenaline-fueled activities, New Zealand is an ideal destination to engage reluctant teens. Adventure capital Queenstown is a great jumping-off point, but planning where to go next will enhance the trip.
Activities include glacier hiking, canyon rafting, paragliding, bungee jumping, sand dune surfing, and exploring volcanoes. After all the excitement, savor delicious local cuisine and a warm Kiwi welcome. Note that age restrictions may apply to some activities.
Cuba
Traveling to culturally different destinations can ignite your teens’ enthusiasm for the family trip. Cuba’s rich history, vibrant music culture, laid-back atmosphere, and stunning beaches make it particularly appealing, along with the opportunity to explore the nation in a classic car.
Consider staying in private homestays (casas particulares) to expose your children to the challenges and rewards of independent travel while supporting local livelihoods. However, prepare for some downtime at a resort pool when needed to balance the experience.
Dubai, UAE
If your tween or teen leans towards shopping rather than adventure, Dubai is worth considering. Renowned for its extravagant shopping malls, remember to manage budget expectations accordingly. These centers offer more than shopping; they include ski centers (Mall of the Emirates), aquariums (Dubai Mall), replicas of Ancient Egypt (Wafi City), and incredible food courts.
Don’t miss visiting local souks like the Gold Souk for a unique retail experience. Complement your visit with a water taxi ride or an evening dhow cruise to embrace the Middle Eastern charm. Theme parks, water parks, and the desert nearby offer exciting adventures.
Japan
For Western-dwelling tweens and teens, Japan provides a striking cultural contrast filled with technology, creativity, and history. The bragging rights that come with a trip to Japan are enormous, and your kids will be captivated by the experience. An exciting visit to Tokyo includes engaging activities like karaoke, a robot restaurant, and anime exploration.
Beyond the capital, the significance of world peace is highlighted in Hiroshima, with immense shrines such as Fushimi Inari that showcase traditional Japanese culture. Opportunities to ski, hike, or bike abound in the Alps or Hokkaidō.
New York City
The vibrant energy of New York City draws travelers back repeatedly, making it an ideal place for tweens and teens. This exciting destination offers a chance to indulge in brunch at trendy locales, followed by enriching cultural experiences in world-class museums. These experiences will undoubtedly create stories worth sharing with friends back home.
Ensure to include a stroll along the High Line (perhaps even independently, if appropriate). Incorporate unique activities like a hip-hop tour, a virtual reality experience, or skateboard lessons to ensure your teen dreams of returning to New York.
Machu Picchu, Peru
If you’re seeking a memorable adventure with older, active kids, the three-day trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu should be on your list. While it’s a challenging endeavor that requires substantial pre-planning, the rewards are considerable.
Taking on this challenge together strengthens family bonds during a transformative time, as you all experience breathtaking landscapes, ancient architecture, and the mysteries of the Incas—a subject that often fascinates even the most disinterested teen. Alternative routes like the Choquequirao Trek or Lares Trail provide less crowded options and considerations for sustainability.
