Families with Teens

Something shifts when kids become teenagers. Schedules get busier, screens get more interesting, and family time can start to feel like something they’re tolerating rather than enjoying.

And then you take a trip together.

There is something about travel that has a way of breaking through. Away from the routines and distractions of everyday life, teenagers show up differently. They engage. They laugh. They put the phone down — at least some of the time. And for a little while, your family feels like your family again.

The key is finding the right trip. And that’s where a lot of families get stuck.

One of the biggest myths in family travel is that teenagers have outgrown certain destinations. In our house, my teenage sons still want to revisit places we’ve been going to since they were little — and they get more out of them every time. The truth is, the right destination at the right stage isn’t about age — it’s about knowing where to look and how to approach it. Teenagers have more incredible options than most families realize, and some of the best ones might surprise you.

That’s exactly what I help you figure out.

Ready to start planning? Tell me about your teenagers — I have a feeling I know just where to take them.

Some of my favorite destinations for families with teenagers:

• Universal Orlando — Butterbeer, thrill rides, and immersive worlds that even the most too-cool-for-this teen can’t resist. This one earns genuine enthusiasm.
• Beaches Resorts — All-inclusive and packed with options for teenagers. Xbox lounges, teen clubs, water sports, and enough to keep them genuinely busy — which means parents actually relax too.
• Disney World & Disneyland — Don’t let anyone tell you teens have aged out. The right approach makes all the difference, and I know exactly how to plan it for this stage.
• U.S. National Parks — Hiking, wildlife, wide open spaces, and zero cell service. Some of the best family reconnection happens here.
• Cruises — Teens get independence, parents get to relax, and everyone eats well. Royal Caribbean in particular has experiences designed specifically for this age group.