Travel is changing | The teenage travel edit
Forget the kids’ clubs and bucket-and-spade holidays. Travelling with teenagers could be the beginning of an entirely new chapter in family adventures.
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There comes a point when the traditional family holiday stops quite working. The children’s pool loses its appeal, organised activities are met with varying degrees of enthusiasm and spending two weeks in close proximity to your parents isn’t necessarily a teenager’s idea of paradise.
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But what if travelling with teenagers isn’t something to navigate, but something to embrace?
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The best luxury holidays with teenagers combine memorable experiences, interesting destinations and enough independence for everyone to enjoy themselves. From exploring Japan’s vibrant cities to wildlife encounters in South Africa, travelling with older children opens up possibilities that might have felt a little too ambitious just a few years earlier.
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And while teenagers might not always admit it, these can become some of the most memorable family holidays of all.
Why family travel changes as children get older
The teenage years mark an interesting turning point in family travel.
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Gone are the days of planning every moment around nap times, early dinners and keeping little ones entertained. Instead, families can start exploring destinations and experiences that appeal to everyone.
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Teenagers are also developing their own interests. Food, fashion, music, sport, wildlife and adventure can suddenly become the inspiration behind an entire holiday.
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Perhaps the secret isn’t finding somewhere that’s simply family-friendly, but somewhere that’s genuinely interesting to the whole family.
The rise of experience-led family holidays
Beautiful hotels and exceptional beaches will always have their place. But for families travelling with teenagers, what happens beyond the resort can be just as important.
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Imagine learning to surf in Costa Rica, discovering Tokyo’s extraordinary food scene, watching elephants in the wild or sailing between Mediterranean islands.
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These are experiences that bring families together without necessarily feeling like traditional family activities.
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There’s also something rather special about discovering a destination alongside your children when they’re old enough to appreciate it in their own way.
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The conversations become different. The experiences feel more shared. And occasionally, you might even find your teenager volunteering to spend time with you.
The best destinations for luxury holidays with teenagers
Some destinations lend themselves particularly well to this new chapter of family travel, offering the right combination of adventure, culture, beautiful accommodation and opportunities for independence.
Japan for culture, food and something completely different
Japan has a remarkable ability to captivate travellers of all ages, but it’s particularly exciting for teenagers.
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Tokyo’s neon-lit streets, fashion districts, extraordinary technology and food culture feel worlds away from everyday life. Meanwhile, Kyoto offers a fascinating contrast of ancient temples, traditional neighbourhoods and Japanese heritage.
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From sushi-making experiences to travelling on the country’s famous bullet trains, there’s a sense of discovery around almost every corner.
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Best for: Families with curious teenagers interested in food, fashion, technology and culture.
Costa Rica for adventure-loving families
For teenagers who would rather be doing something than sitting still, Costa Rica is a wonderful choice.
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Think zip-lining through rainforest canopies, surfing on the Pacific coast, spotting sloths and monkeys in the wild and exploring dramatic volcanic landscapes.
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It’s a destination where adventure comes naturally, with plenty of opportunities to combine active days with beautiful beaches and exceptional eco-lodges.
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Best for: Active families who love wildlife, watersports and outdoor adventures.
South Africa for a family adventure to remember
Few experiences compare with seeing wildlife in its natural habitat and a South African safari can be particularly special with older children.
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Early morning game drives, extraordinary landscapes and the anticipation of spotting the Big Five create moments that stay with you long after returning home.
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Combine a safari with time in Cape Town, exploring the city’s food scene, beautiful coastline and fascinating neighbourhoods and you have a holiday with something for everyone.
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Choosing safari lodges with age-appropriate activities and suitable game-drive policies is an important part of planning a family safari.
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Best for: Families looking for wildlife, adventure and an unforgettable shared experience.
Greece for sunshine, watersports and a little independence
Not every memorable family holiday needs to involve travelling halfway around the world.
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Greece remains a wonderful option for luxury family holidays with teenagers, particularly for those looking to combine beautiful hotels with activities and plenty of sunshine.
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Island hopping adds another dimension to a traditional Mediterranean escape, while destinations such as Crete and Corfu offer watersports, charming towns, beachside restaurants and opportunities to explore beyond the resort.
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For families with different interests, Greece makes it remarkably easy to strike a balance between adventure and doing absolutely nothing.
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Best for: Families looking for Mediterranean sunshine, beautiful accommodation and a mix of relaxation and activities.
Sri Lanka for wildlife, culture and the coast
Sri Lanka is another destination that really comes into its own when travelling with older children.
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One day might involve spotting elephants on safari, the next travelling through tea plantations by train or learning to surf on the southern coast.
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There’s history, wildlife, beautiful scenery and a fascinating food culture, all within a relatively compact island.
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It’s the sort of destination where every few days can feel like a completely different holiday.
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Best for: Families who enjoy variety, cultural discoveries and a combination of adventure and beach time.
Getting the balance right. Luxury family holidays with teenagers
The secret to a successful holiday with teenagers often lies in striking the right balance between shared experiences and a little independence.
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Choosing the right accommodation makes all the difference. Spacious suites, interconnecting rooms and private villas give everyone room to breathe, while watersports, padel, tennis and activities suited to older children offer opportunities to explore their own interests.
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It’s also worth involving teenagers in the planning. A few adventurous experiences mixed with lazy mornings, beautiful beaches and spontaneous discoveries can make for a far more enjoyable holiday than a packed itinerary.
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After all, the best family memories aren’t always made during carefully planned excursions. Sometimes they’re the long dinners, unexpected adventures and conversations that happen when everyone finally switches off.
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Perhaps the best family holidays are still to come
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There’s something rather special about travelling with children as they become young adults. The destinations become more adventurous, the experiences more meaningful and the memories something everyone can share.
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And perhaps that’s the real luxury of travelling with teenagers. Not simply where you go, but having the time to discover the world together.
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