Traveling with teenagers can be a minefield – so many rules and structures that complaints don't stop. Too few activities and boring sets will retreat at the back of the screen! On the other hand, there is too much freedom and you risk barely seeing them, let alone family ties.
But according to Sean Lamont, managing director of First Group Hotels and Resorts and father of teens and tween, the key to a successful family vacation is not to entertain teens every second. “Teens can present unique challenges when it comes to travel,” says Lamont. “They are fiercely independent, but they still want family experience.
Based on his own experience, Lamont shares his top tips for traveling with teenagers to help relieve tension and ensure a holiday where your family can create magical lasting memories.
• Involve in planning: Give teenagers a sense of ownership by being involved in the travel planning process and decision-making. Let me suggest places to visit and activities to try. Make sure that each person's preferences are heard while leading them to negotiate their choices so that everyone can handle quite a bit.
•Make it a part of a fun journey: Road trips can be the most painful part of your holiday. If you want to playlist your kids and mean detours, choose a roadside stop. Plus, it allows everyone to download movies and audiobooks in advance (don't forget to have headphones).
•If you can't beat them, join them: Teens love Instagram-worthy moments, and parents may be the temptation to resist this obsession with social media, but accepting it can lead to creating memorable experiences that everyone can enjoy and share. Choose where there are exciting activities like go-karting, as well as activities with impressive scenery, quirky attractions, or hidden gems to take photos. At the same time, it is intended to set the boundary of “No-Phone Time” to ensure that they exist at that moment.
•Teens still love to play. So you can play with them. They may behave coolly, but teenagers are kids in their minds and are given the chance to have fun with mom and dad. Playing pool and darts, tennis doubles, fun games in the pool, cards and board games is a great way to bond, creating laughing moments and friendly competition for everyone to cherish. Find a resort, not just offering and watching these types of activities, but also as part of the first group's portfolio.
• Give independence. Teens want freedom. And holidays are the perfect opportunity to have them – depends on your limits and age. Resorts like Magalies Park, Breakers Resort and Hermanus Beach Club allow you to safely explore yourself, enjoy amenities such as the game room, adventure zone, and sports facilities, and take part in daily activities. By giving them some space, they are even more happy to spend their family time together later.
•Make it about tourism as well as experience: dragging one teenager from one tourist attraction to another is a boring recipe. Instead, mix experiences like zip lining, water park visits, quad bikes, and kayaking with fun evenings like DIY pizza competitions, activities that appeal to the whole family.
Lamont believes traveling with teens doesn't have to be a difficult fight. “The best trips are where everyone can get a little bit of what they want. Adventures, some downtime and, most importantly, time together as a family.
For more information about First Group Properties, please visit https://www.firstgroup-sa.co.za
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