Vacations For Teens

Advice on Planning Family Vacations with Teens and Tweens That the Whole Family Will Enjoy.

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

I have a 15-year-old daughter and I recently got married to a man who has a 12-year-old son. I want to plan a family vacation that the whole family can enjoy but it's difficult with 2 kids at these ages. They think family vacations are "lame" and seem miserable no matter where we decide to go. Do you have advice for any vacations that will allow the whole family to bond and have fun together?

Sincerely,

Vacationing with Teenagers

Dear Vacationing with Teenagers,

There's a big discrepancy in maturity levels among teens and tweens. Some 12-year-olds are very mature, while others chomp at the bit to go to Disney World. The first trick in making a teen/tween vacation work is to know your teen and what it is that they'd like. Sit them down and talk to them about what their dream vacation would be. As long as their ideas of realistic, take some time to consider them.

The second trick is to read these suggestions:

1. Theme park vacations. Lots of teens and tweens are happier when they're "doing" as opposed to observing. Theme parks keep your teens and tweens moving and entertained.

2. All inclusive vacations are the type where you pay a fee that includes hotel, meals, and all activities. These are like Club Med models, but there are many more versions these days. The nice thing about these vacations is that there is something for everyone, and not everyone has to do the same thing at the same time. Teen/tween programs within these vacations will give you and your kids a break from each other.

3. Meet-up vacations. Blended families don't always blend smoothly or at the same rate, and one of the best balms for blended family vacations is to not feel you have to do everything together. Let mom and the girls go away for a couple of days somewhere, then meet up with dad and the boys for a few days. Or let mom and her kids do something special somewhere for a few days, while dad and his kids do something special for a few days and then have everyone meet up for a few days so there is not one long family vacation. It's more of a mixed grill!

And when you get home, make sure you and your new hubby have some alone time together. Pick up a copy of my book, Romantic Date Ideas, for some hot ideas!

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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