Booking a holiday with teenagers can feel like a challenge. They’re not little kids anymore, they want freedom, fun, and something they’ll actually enjoy (and maybe post about). You want a holiday where no one’s arguing, everyone gets something out of it, and you don’t come back more tired than when you left.
As kids get older, holidays naturally start to look different. It’s not just about a pool and a kids’ club anymore, it’s about activities that feel a bit more grown up, places they’ll be excited to explore, and finding the balance between family time and letting them have a bit of independence.
The good news? With the right planning, it is possible to have a great family holiday where everyone would be happy to experience. Here’s a guide to what you should consider when planning your next summer holiday.
If you want your teen to enjoy the trip (and not roll their eyes the whole time), start by including them early on. Sit down together and talk about the kind of holiday they’d enjoy — not just where to go, but what they’d like to do. Would they prefer beach time, city exploring, or trying out something new like surfing or ziplining?
Give them a few real options to look into, maybe even let them research one and “pitch” it to the family. It’s a good way to build excitement and avoid the usual “I didn’t even want to come here” mid-trip complaints.
Need inspiration? Try browsing Visit Europe together, it’s got loads of ideas, and it’s easy to scroll through different types of places.
You don’t need to pick somewhere expensive or flashy, but you do need to think about what teens actually enjoy. Most of them want a mix of chill time and things to do, they don’t want to be stuck in a sleepy resort with nothing but bingo nights.
A few great ideas:
Or for more active teens:
If they’re into city breaks, places like Barcelona, Berlin, or Rome offer loads to see and do without needing a car, and teens will love the food, markets, and energy.
And yes, if they’re into theme parks, you can always mix it in with:
Just make sure it’s not the only thing on the agenda or that you plan a quiet day after to recover.
Teenagers need a bit of freedom, even on family holidays. If you’re in a resort or area that feels safe, consider giving them short bursts of independence. That might be letting them get their own drink at the bar, explore the local shops for half an hour, or chill at the pool while you read a book nearby.
Set clear rules, for example, agree on check-in times or places to meet — so everyone feels comfortable. Trust goes a long way here. If they feel respected and not hovered over, you’re more likely to get cooperation when you do want to do things together.
It’s also a great chance to help them build confidence and start to experience travel in a way that feels a bit more grown up.
Let’s be real, most teens are glued to their phones. And on holiday, that doesn’t change. Whether it’s messaging friends, sharing photos, or watching YouTube by the pool, it’s how they relax and stay connected.
Check the hotel or accommodation has decent Wi-Fi and don’t be afraid to talk about expectations. A good rule is “phones down at dinner”, it helps protect the time you are together without constant distractions.
If you’re heading abroad, talk about data use before you leave. Travel roaming charges can catch you out — this Ofcom guide is a helpful read to avoid surprises on the phone bill abroad.
You might want to fit in all the sights, but teens can burn out quickly, especially if the days are packed from start to finish. A few relaxed days by the pool or wandering a local market can be just as enjoyable as a full day of sightseeing.
It’s also worth building in some solo time, even just a chance for them to chill with music or scroll TikTok after a long day. You’ll probably appreciate the quiet too!
The key is balance: mix busier days with slower ones, and everyone will be less likely to snap by midweek.
Teenagers know holidays cost money. But if you don’t set any limits, they’ll happily keep asking for drinks, snacks, and souvenirs every five minutes. Try setting a daily or total budget they can manage themselves. It helps them make choices, maybe they skip the third ice cream so they can buy a t-shirt later.
Giving them a prepaid travel card can also help you stay in control while giving them some freedom.
Plus, it’s a handy way to teach them about managing money (without a full-on lecture).
Let’s face it, things could go wrong sometimes. Delayed flights, lost phones, someone getting ill… it happens, and it’s always better to be covered.
When you’re travelling as a family, family travel insurance is usually easier and affordable than buying separate policies. It covers you for cancellations, missed flights, lost luggage, and medical help if you need it — especially important if your teen is off doing activities like water sports or theme park rides.
Ready to sort your family travel insurance? Get a free quote today.