Travel with teens
We'll let you in on a little secret: we love teenagers. Wonderful in their contradictions, these young adults are buzzing with energy one minute, sleeping for hours the next. They're curious about the world and on the cusp of independence but still very much in need of a helping hand from time to time. Add to that the demands of school and there's little wonder that they (and you) are frazzled. A family vacation is the perfect chance to throw aside the normal routine, reignite your closeness, laugh together and relax.
Our family travel experts are great at conjuring up itineraries with a twist, finding that little something that ignites your teenagers' imaginations, be it a hip hotel or one-of-kind experience they can't wait to share on social media. From tiger safaris in India, a graduation gift of exploring the Amazon rainforest in Peru, or gorilla tracking in Uganda, here are some suggestions guaranteed to delight both them and you.
When to go: Spring Break, Christmas
A great family itinerary to South Africa for the more adventurous with teenage children. Enjoy the best of African wildlife with 2 fantastic different malaria free safari experiences and then finish with some fun in Cape Town. Leobo Private Reserve in the Waterberg region is a luxury bush retreat offering a huge range of activities for endless entertainment. Then to Marataba for the only malaria free Big Five walking trails in South Africa. Finish in vibrant Cape Town staying in a luxury apartment in the heart of the city.
When to go: Spring Break, Christmas
A wonderful introduction to Costa Rica that is ideal for families, combining high adrenaline activities in the cloud forests, wildlife in the Osa Peninsula, the Arenal volcano and a beach break at the exclusive Andaz Papagayo. Zip-lining, white-water rafting, scuba diving, erupting volcanoes... the list of opportunities for fun goes on.
When to go: Christmas
Embrace the epitome of a winter wonderland with this journey north to Swedish Lapland. First stop is Bjorkliden where Aurora watching is top of the agenda. Then venture south to set up camp in a luxury treehouse - two destinations sure to enthral teens!
When to go: Spring Break, Summer
A superb family-friendly Peru itinerary that is perfect for active families and those looking to explore the cultural and natural highlights such as the Amazon, the Sacred Valley, the awe inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu Inca and the colonial gem of Cuzco.
When to go: Spring Break, Christmas
Think Marrakech and think of vibrant, colorful souks, the odd snake charmer and the waft of exotic smells and spices. Continue into the Atlas Mountains, passing local markets, and walking through Berber villages before finishing on the coast in Essaouira.
When to go: Spring Break, Summer
Enjoy a trip to Venice, Florence and Rome staying in some of Italy’s top hotels in these three fascinating cities. An Italian adventure giving a taste of why this country is one of our most popular and favorite European destinations. Simply Bell'Italia.
When to go: Spring Break, Christmas
Teenagers will simply adore Sri Lanka; think of exploring remote villages, spotting leopards, taking tuk tuks to ancient temples, rafting, cycling, and trekking through tea estates, before relaxing on the palm-fringed beaches of the south coast.
When to go: Summer
Canacati is a newly renovated townhouse on the edge of the old town of Pollenca, just 10 minutes' walk from the main square. It has manicured gardens, a spacious terrace, private pool and is fully staffed with a private chef, nanny and host. Sleeps 12
When to go: Spring Break, Summer
A luxury, boutique style resort on a beautiful beach overlooking the Ionian Sea, the Costa Navarino The Romanos offers families and couples luxury and privacy. Superb watersports, a beautiful Spa and great kids facilities makes it an ideal vacation.
When to go: Spring Break, Summer
Thailand is a land of adventure and is a great place to take teenagers with lots to keep them busy. This itinerary takes you up north to activity packed and cultural Chiang Mai and then down south to the idyllic but happening island of Koh Samui.
When to go: Spring Break, Summer, Christmas
NIYAMA is a luxury, 5* resort on the Dhaalu Atoll in the Maldives set on two pristine islands: Chill and Play. This laid back Indian Ocean paradise offers exceptional watersports, an Explorers kids club (up to 12 years old) and a sense of privacy. For older children, activities include snorkeling safaris, football skills, beach cricket, tennis, Master Chef cooking classes and expeditions to nearby islands.
Family Fun in China
Beijing, Xian, Yangshuo & Shanghai
This epic adventure takes you through the highlights of China but with lots of cool and quirky experiences that are bound to keep everyone entertained, even tricky-to-please teenagers. Leading you from Beijing, Xian, Yangshuo and Shanghai the itinerary has a brilliant pace and something new around each corner.
$6,900 pp
Family Fun in Costa Rica
San Jose, Pacuare, Osa Peninsula, Arenal & Papagayo
Explore the stunning natural diversity of Costa Rica. Sample the very best activities on this action-packed and fun-filled family adventure with an escorted tour across the jewel of Central America. Stay in jungle lodges inspired by Robinson Crusoe and go kayaking with dolphins, or try your hand at rafting, tubing and paddleboarding.
$9,200 pp
Family Fun in Indonesia
Ubud, Sumba, Seminyak
Indonesia offers a wealth of activities for families, with this itinerary specifically designed for those with teenage children seeking out some serious soft-adventure on both land and sea. From eye-opening cultural excursions, snorkeling, and volcano biking in Bali to a luxury beach retreat offering hiking, fishing, surfing and horse-riding, there...
$10,300 pp
Family Fun in Kenya
Lewa Conservancy, Masai Mara and Diani Beach
Combining incredible safari experiences, plenty of sporting activities, flights in a vintage biplane and time enjoying watersports by the beach, our Kenya family tours promise a one-of-a-kind trip the kids will remember forever. Young children and teenagers will be transfixed by what Kenya has to offer, from cultural encounters to epic wildlife.
$11,800 pp
Family Fun in Myanmar
Yangon, Kalaw, Inle Lake, Mandalay, Yandabo, Bagan & Ngapali
Take the family on a truly epic adventure through Myanmar with this brilliant itinerary, designed specially with teenagers in mind. Trek through remote villages to meet tribal hill people, feed elephants, cycle through Bagan, meet Buddhist Monks collecting alms, take a private cruise on the Irrawaddy and to finish it all off, enjoy some fantastic...
$6,600 pp
Family Fun in Sri Lanka
Colombo, Wilpattu National Park, Hill Country, Nuwara Eliya & Tangalle
Sri Lanka is a fantastic destination for families. Remote villages to explore, national parks to visit and leopards to find, tuk tuks to take through ancient temples – the list is endless. Through this itinerary you’ll be able to experience all the highlights with a great combination of wildlife, adventure and culture before finishing up with some...
$5,700 pp