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Do you have to plan your family holiday?

By Val Garibotti on 1st August, 2024

Do you have to plan your family holiday?

Are you the lucky soul responsible for that job AND responsible for a teenager?

Parents of teenagers – we know it’s tricky planning holidays to keep everyone happy.

13 to 19 is a big age span and especially if there’s more than one teen (plus any non teens!) finding a holiday that ticks all the boxes for everyone, as much of the time as possible, can feel tough.

That’s where we step in.

The team at Fleewinter have bumped their skulls together to come up with some of the best places to take your teens.

Alba recommends Thailand and Japan as top destinations to travel with teenagers.

Both countries are extremely safe, convenient to travel within and excellent fun!

Thailand is extremely family-friendly, offering fun and unique accommodation options like floating houses in the jungle and tree houses. Families can encounter elephants in reputable sanctuaries, go bamboo whitewater rafting, have tribal encounters, all the while eating incredibly delicious food…

Japan offers very different, more urban experiences for teenagers. Explore futuristic digital exhibitions, quirky Tokyo streets where youth cultures come alive in their most creative forms, or learn about the interesting samurai and ninja culture. If you have a comic or anime lover, they will love the Ghibli Museum and the many different theme parks available throughout the country!

 

Carly’s touring destinations in Asia – VietnamCambodia and Sri Lanka – are magical to explore with older children and teenagers.

By moving on every few days, it’s easy to include something for everyone – and no opportunity to get bored! For the active types, there are things to climb like Sigiriya in Sri Lanka, and places to explore by bike like Mai Chau in the north of Vietnam, and Battambang in Cambodia.

There’s ancient history to discover (in Polonnaruwa, and Angkor Wat, and more!) and more recent events to soak up like the war history in both Vietnam and Cambodia. There are sandy beaches with watersports, bustling cities with great shopping, incredible local food to sample, zip lines, tuk tuks, caves… I’ve run out of space. Click the links for more or just give me a call to chat!

PSSST – Carly also manages Fleewinter’s Maldives holidays including diving adventures for beginners, liveaboard snorkelling sailing holidays and surfing camps in pure paradise.

 

Charlotte knows that Turkey is a teenager’s dream

The south-west coast of Turkey is ideal for a family holiday with teens!

“Having travelled there since being a youngster I loved the adrenaline of the water sports available.  Head out to sea on board a traditional gulet and plunge into the crystal clear waters, try your hand at paddle-boarding, or the exhilarating banana boat and ringo rides are always a blast!”

Although slightly terrified at the time, I was cajoled into paragliding over the beautiful lagoon over Ölüdeniz, floating gently over the sea with the most unforgettable view really was incredible and what a buzz, upon the soft landing on the beach, all I wanted to do was get back up that mountain and so it all over again!

Kalkan is home to many beach clubs, so if the teens don’t fancy lazing by the pool of your private villa, you can make a day of it at a beach club and enjoy relaxing on the private platforms at the water’s edge combined with fun water-based activities for thrill-seeking teens.

 

 

Marbree puts forward Borneo, Malaysia, Laos, Singapore, and the Philippines as fantastic destinations for teens.

Wildlife adventures and gorgeous landscapes plus a variety of activities and options – kayaking, snorkeling, rafting, trekking, cycling, cultural experiences, street art, food tours, the list goes on – keep everyone busy and away from screens.

Each of these destinations are safe for teens to head out and explore on their own when the day’s sight-seeing is done.

Plus, in most areas, there’s no language barrier and teens are likely to find peers to chat with in Borneo, the Philippines, and parts of Malaysia.

Let Marbree help plan your family holiday to a new and exciting destination – one that you get to explore with the family.

Is there anything cooler for a teen than being on a private yacht?

If Helen loved her teenage years yachting in the (let’s face it very soggy) UK, then your teenager will love a yacht in the beautiful Greek sunshine. By day be as carefree as you like whilst being whizzed around on the ringo, yet still get that perfect Insta photo of the sunset by night.

Helen comments: ‘Ok I will admit, it was the yacht lifestyle I loved more than the sailing! Waking up to the gentle lap of water, being surrounded by beautiful scenery and finally admitting to my parents that they’d taken me somewhere pretty cool!’.

As if being onboard wasn’t enough there’s snorkelling, paddleboarding, waterskiing, wakeboarding included and rendezvous diving or massages on the bow can also be arranged.

Travelling with teenagers of different ages can be tricky but on a private yacht holiday we have something for everyone – even parents and responsible adults too!

Every time I’m onboard I revert to that teenage feeling of excitement and adventure…now it is your turn!  If you have to plan your family holiday then look no further…

 

Ash recommends Croatia and Slovenia – ideal for families with teenagers, each offering distinct attractions.

Croatia and Slovenia are perfect destinations for family holidays with teenagers, each offering distinct attractions that cater to diverse interests. Croatia’s vibrant culture and historical richness provide an engaging backdrop for exploration. Dubrovnik, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” captivates with its ancient city walls and lively streets. Teens will enjoy walking the walls, kayaking around the fortresses, and discovering filming locations for popular TV shows like “Game of Thrones.” Split, with its mix of ancient and modern, offers the impressive Diocletian’s Palace and a vibrant waterfront where teens can mingle and enjoy local ice cream.

In contrast, Slovenia is a haven for families seeking adrenaline-pumping activities. The Julian Alps present thrilling opportunities for outdoor adventures such as hiking, rock climbing, and zip-lining. Lake Bled, with its picturesque island and medieval castle, is perfect for activities like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and canyoning. For a unique experience, families can explore the subterranean wonders of Postojna Cave or go rafting on the Soča River, known for its emerald-green waters.

Both countries offer safe, welcoming environments, ensuring a worry-free vacation. Croatia’s cultural vibrance and Slovenia’s adventurous spirit combine to provide a balanced, unforgettable experience that keeps teenagers engaged and entertained. Plan your next family holiday with teens in Croatia and Slovenia for a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation.

 

Karolina knows that Morocco is a fantastic destination in Africa for teenagers!

Do you have to plan your family holiday, but got someone who doesn’t like long flights?  Morocco is for you.

Morocco is a fantastic destination for traveling with teenagers because, in a short time, you can completely change your surroundings and experience the vibrant face of exoticism. Morocco will positively surprise curious young people! It’s an ideal base for those seeking adventure during active holidays – whether mountain hikers, avid surfers, or thrill-seekers looking for adrenaline with quad biking in the desert or on the coast. One of our clients is traveling to Morocco with her teenage daughter to explore culinary flavors and aromas, as there are fantastic cooking classes and food tours available.

They both want to learn about different customs and cultures by interacting with the Amazigh people, exploring local crafts, and attending henna workshops. If you are looking for entertainment, Marrakech is also an excellent place to stay in a hotel with a water park and use the free shuttle bus to the city center – Oasis Lodge.

In Morocco, you’ll find places that satisfy the curiosity and interests of every teenager! Keep an eye on Morocco!

 

 


Written by Val Garibotti

Top Travel Tip

“Travel is about discovery and digging under the surface of a country. Take your time, go off the beaten track and plan ahead if you can.”

– Valeria Garibotti – Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador & Galapagos, and Uruguay expert

Itineraries & Destinations