Travelling with Teenagers: How to Keep Everyone Happy

Family holidays are meant to be a chance to reconnect, relax and make memories. But let’s be honest — when teenagers are involved, the reality doesn’t always match the Instagram highlight reel.

Between eye-rolls, screen time battles and differing ideas of “fun,” travelling with teens can feel like a challenge. The good news? With the right planning (and a bit of flexibility), it can be the best age to travel together.

Here are my top tips for keeping everyone happy:

1. Involve Them in the Planning

Teenagers are far more likely to be engaged if they’ve had a say in where you go or what you do. Show them a few options for hotels or excursions and let them help decide. It turns your holiday into their holiday too.

2. Balance Independence with Family Time

At home, teens are starting to carve out independence — holidays should allow for that too. Look for resorts with safe spaces where they can explore a bit of freedom, like teen clubs, water sports, or walkable areas. Then balance it with family dinners, day trips, or activities you can enjoy together.

3. Wi-Fi Isn’t Optional

Let’s face it: Wi-Fi is non-negotiable for most teens. Instead of fighting it, embrace it. They’ll post, share and maybe even brag to their friends about the trip — which means you’re winning.

4. Pick the Right Accommodation

All-inclusive resorts with entertainment are often a hit, but villas with space to spread out can be just as good. Interconnecting rooms are a game-changer for giving teens privacy without losing peace of mind.

5. Keep Plans Flexible

Teens aren’t always thrilled about 6am wake-up calls or jam-packed itineraries. Aim for a mix of must-do activities and downtime. And remember: one lazy day by the pool can be just as memorable as an action-packed excursion.

6. Embrace the Unexpected

Travelling with teenagers can be unpredictable — but that’s part of the fun. A spontaneous adventure or a late-night gelato run might end up being the highlight of the trip.

The Bottom Line

Travelling with teenagers isn’t about forcing family time. It’s about creating the right mix of independence, connection and fun that works for your family.

And when you get it right? Those eye-rolls turn into laughs, and the memories you make together will last far longer than the Wi-Fi passwords.