Travelling with Teenagers: 10 tips

Relaxing all-inclusive holidays might seem beyond reach when your teenage son or daughter is on an adventurous journey of self-discovery. But not to worry, here’s a roadmap to help you find your way through the vacation when your child hits puberty.

1. You can buy your kids something nice at the airport to start off on the right foot. However, if you do buy them a present, don’t emphasize your generosity or it will seem as if you’re merely trying to bribe them. Presents are only nice when they are given out of kindness.

2. Make sure your teenagers don’t get bored during the flight and at your destination. Bring books, games, magazines and other things that they might find interesting.

3. Try to understand what your child is going through. Read articles about puberty and try to remember what it was like for you. It wasn’t easy, was it? Don’t be too harsh on your teenager when you feel that he or she is spoiling your holidays by being moody, lazy or difficult. Have some empathy.

4. Don’t make fun of your teenager. For example, if your daughter doesn’t want to wear a bikini at the beach because she is embarrassed about her body or if your son uses half a spray can of deodorant every morning, don’t laugh at them and especially don’t tell all your acquaintances about it when you get home. All you can do is address these subjects in private.

5. If you don’t want to drive each other up the wall, allow your teens some alone time during the vacation. You don’t have to do everything together as a family. Encourage them to use hotel facilities where other kids might hang out, such as a swimming pool.

6. If your teenagers are old enough to go out and want to do so at the resort, discuss your rules with them. Denying them the right to go out altogether is asking for an argument. Instead, ask the local police which clubs and parties are safe for a teenager and do some  online research about these places to make sure you like what you see. Tell your children where they are and where they aren’t allowed to go, how many drinks they can drink, remind them never to lose sight of their glasses and tell them what time they have to be back at the hotel. Be strict about these rules. Remember that if you don’t stick to the same rules here as at home, you’ll never be able to go back to the normal situation.

7. Set the right example: moderate your alcohol consumption and don’t drive after drinking.

8. Show interest in what your teenager is doing, but don’t invade their privacy. If your son or daughter is falling in love abroad, he or she might be looking for a way to talk to you about it. You don’t want to be too direct when asking about sensitive subjects but if you don’t show any sign of interest, your child can experience this as hurtful as well. If you really want to upset your children, limit your conversation about holiday love to handing them a packet of condoms. Don’t make that mistake!

9. Make sure you’ve got at least two mobile phones with you that both function abroad: one for your child and one for you. This way, you don’t have to worry about your children’s whereabouts when they go into town on their own. Explain to them that they’ll have to pay the bill themselves if they use the phone to call their friends back home for more than five minutes in total.

10.  You won’t always be able to avoid conflict, especially not now that your child is growing into an independent individual. Of course arguing isn’t your favourite pastime, but teens use it to develop their verbal skills and sense of justice. Be reasonable when they contradict you and don’t lose your temper.