The Favorites List
Trips Even Your Teen Can’t Roll Their Eyes At
The places that get an actual reaction. No splash pads. No character breakfasts. Just the good stuff — and the intel you need to survive the trip.
01 — For The Adrenaline Kid
Thrill Rides & Roller Coasters
There is a specific kind of teenager who only comes alive at 60 miles an hour, upside down, screaming. If that’s yours, plan the trip around the thrills and let everything else be a bonus.
Whether it’s Six Flags, Hollywood Horror Nights, or a zip line through the wilderness—it’s all about the scare.
04 — Beyond The Parks
All-inclusives That Actually Land
“Family-friendly” doesn’t always mean teen-friendly. The last thing a 16-year-old wants is a kids club with a furry bear mascot hovering over his shoulder at the buffet.
Whether you’re looking at a Club Med or a cruise ship, find the all-inclusive vacation that let your teen eat and play all day without feeling like he’s “too old for this.”
The Fine Print
Survival Tips For Traveling With Teens
- Give them a job. Navigator, photographer, restaurant-picker — a role turns a passenger into a participant.
- Build in downtime. A morning to sleep in isn’t lazy planning; it’s life with a teenager.
- Loosen the leash. A safe meet-up spot and a check-in texts buys everyone a little breathing room.
- Bring lots of chargers, pack lots of snacks, and let them wear the headphones. Pick your battles.
- When dealing with a grumpy teen: Don’t engage. Wait until the stomach is full, the mood has passed, or the anger simmers. Then proceed with caution.
The Unimpressed Teen 