Looking for the best teenage holiday destinations? Keep reading this article which will make things uncomplicated!
Finding the perfect holiday destination while travelling with teens can be a tricky task. In fact, you want somewhere that offers excitement, adventure, and plenty of Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.
But as a parent, you want somewhere that’s safe, affordable, and has plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained. For this reason, and to make things easier, we’ve rounded up the best teenage holiday destinations for 2024 that will tick all the boxes for both teenagers and parents alike.
The Best Teenage Holiday Destinations: Tips & Advice
We’ve all been there. We have passed the teenage stage. However, until you’ve become a parent to a teenager you will not know what it is like and understand the strain that can be caused by both parties.
With this in mind, these are some tips that may help along on your next trip to one of the teenage holiday destinations:
- Give the kids space: Teenagers need their own space. I’ve found that a stay in a villa works best in this respect.
- Don’t plan excursions early in the morning. Nevertheless, waking up most teenagers’ early morning might seem like a hard task. So let them enjoy the holiday, after all, they deserve a lie-in. However, if you do plan an excursion that requires early morning, discuss it with them ahead.
- Teenagers don’t want to do the same stuff that you like to do. So, accept that. By all means, just enjoy some time without them and let them enjoy the time without you.
- Get the kids involved. Ask them to join you in planning the trip, join you in preparing meals and even pack.
- Not having the internet might be a treat for you. On the other hand, it could be like some form of torture. So, make sure there is Wi-Fi at the place you spend your holiday. But keep in mind, make some ground rules on the times to use it.
- Most importantly, have plenty of fun. That’s what you’re there for.
The best teenage holiday destinations that have been tried & tested
Don’t you wish you could get your teenagers out of their rooms or away from their phones and computers? Well, in my opinion, travelling to teenage holiday destinations will broaden their minds and expand their horizons. Plus, it’ll give them time to bond as a family. And who knows, they may even forget to check their phones!
After all, unlike toddlers, a happy teenager makes a great travel companion. And a holiday at the best teenage holiday destinations with teenagers can be loads of fun for everyone too.
To help you find the best teenage holiday destinations that are also fun for mums’, dads’ plus younger siblings, we’ve put together a list of the best teenage holiday destinations that you’ll love!
Best Teenage Holiday Destinations for Beach Lovers:
Teenagers love nothing more than spending time at the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying water sports. These destinations offer a range of activities perfect for thrill-seeking teenagers. And are packed with beautiful beaches and family-friendly resorts that include excellent facilities.
1. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is undoubtedly one of the best teenage holiday destinations. It offers a mix of adventure activities, beaches, and cultural experiences that teenagers will love. They can learn to surf, go hiking, visit temples, and enjoy the nightlife.
2. The Maldives
The Maldives offers a stunning tropical paradise setting that is sure to impress. Teenagers can enjoy a variety of water sports, such as snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing, and jet skiing. They can also relax on the beach and soak up the sun.
3. Gold Coast, Australia
The Gold Coast is known for its long stretches of sandy beaches, theme parks, and water activities. It’s a great destination for thrill-seeking teenagers who want to try jet skiing, parasailing, or bungee jumping.
4. Cancun, Mexico
Cancun is a popular beach destination that has something for everyone. Teenagers can spend their days lounging on the beach, exploring ancient ruins, or trying out water sports like snorkelling and scuba diving.
5. Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is a great destination for teenagers who want to experience the beauty of Thailand’s beaches. Here they can also enjoy the vibrant nightlife. There are plenty of water activities, as well as night markets and clubs to explore.
6. Hawaii, USA
Hawaii is at the top of our list of best teenage holiday destinations. This place offers an abundance of outdoor activities, on land and water. There are also many cultural experiences to be had, such as learning to hula dance or attending a luau.
7. Ibiza, Spain
Ibiza is a popular party destination that attracts teenagers from all over the world. There are plenty of beaches to enjoy during the day, and at night the island comes alive with its famous clubs and music scene.
What can you expect on a beach holiday for teens?
- Surfing: Some of the best beach destinations for teenagers who love to surf with the best spots to catch waves, local surf schools or instructors, and any other relevant information for young surfers.
- Beach Parties: For teenagers who love to party, feature some of the best beach destinations known for their lively nightlife. Highlight the top clubs or bars and any popular events or festivals that take place throughout the year.
- Adventure Seekers: For adventurous teenagers, these are some of the best beach destinations for outdoor activities. This includes kayaking, snorkelling, or scuba diving.
- Foodie Beaches: Some of the best beach destinations for foodies, featuring local cuisine and popular dining spots.
- Relaxation on the Beach: For teenagers looking for a low-key beach holiday, features some of the best destinations for relaxation and pampering.
- Eco-Friendly Beaches: For environmentally conscious teenagers, there are beach destinations with a strong focus on sustainability and conservation.
Best Holiday Destinations for Teenagers who Seek Adventure:
Does your teenager love adventure? Then a holiday at one of the best teenage holiday destinations will do the trick! These destinations offer thrilling experiences such as bungee jumping, zip-lining, whitewater rafting, and hiking to breathtaking natural wonders.
- Queenstown, New Zealand: Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world. Offering a range of activities such as bungee jumping, jet boating, skydiving, and white-water rafting.
- Costa Rica: Costa Rica is a haven for adventure seekers, with activities such as zip-lining through the rainforest, white-water rafting, surfing, and hiking to explore its diverse landscape.
- Whistler, Canada: Whistler is a top destination for skiing and snowboarding, but it also offers a range of summer activities such as mountain biking, zip-lining, and bungee jumping.
- Cape Town, South Africa: Cape Town is an adventure lover’s paradise, with activities such as shark cage diving, sandboarding, hiking Table Mountain, and exploring the stunning Cape Peninsula.
- Interlaken, Switzerland: Interlaken is located in the Swiss Alps and offers a range of activities such as paragliding, canyoning, and bungee jumping, as well as skiing and snowboarding in winter.
- Iceland: Iceland is one of the best teenage holiday destinations. It is a unique destination that offers a range of adventures such as hiking to waterfalls and glaciers, ice climbing, exploring ice caves, and even swimming in natural hot springs.
What can you expect on an adventure holiday for teens?
- Thrilling activities: Adventure holidays for teens are usually packed with activities that are designed to get the adrenaline pumping, such as zip-lining, bungee jumping, rock climbing, white-water rafting, and surfing.
- Exploration: Adventure holidays for teens often involve exploring new and exciting places, whether it’s hiking through rainforests, exploring glaciers, going on safari or discovering hidden caves.
- Outdoor living: Many adventure holidays for teens involve camping or staying in rustic accommodations, allowing them to connect with nature and learn survival skills.
- Challenges: Adventure holidays for teens are designed to challenge participants, both physically and mentally. This can help them build self-confidence and resilience.
Best Holiday Destinations for Teenagers who Love Music:
Is your teenager a music lover? Then a holiday at one of these spots could be a perfect choice. These destinations are known for their vibrant music scenes, with live performances by up-and-coming musicians and established stars. Your teenager will love the chance this experience and maybe even catch a glimpse of their favourite artist.
- Nashville, Tennessee – This THE Music City, where country music rules and rock, jazz, and blues thrive.
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Get ready to dance to the rhythm of samba, bossa nova, and funk in this vibrant cultural hotspot.
- Austin, Texas – The Live Music Capital of the World offers a mix of blues, country, rock, and indie sounds that will make your heart skip a beat.
- New Orleans, Louisiana – Discover the birthplace of jazz and groove to the sounds of brass bands, blues, and soul in this lively and colourful city, one of the best teenage holiday destinations.
What can you expect on a musical holiday for teens?
- Live music performances: A musical destination for teens will typically offer live music performances by popular artists, local bands, or up-and-coming musicians. These events can range from large-scale concerts to intimate performances in small venues.
- Music festivals: Depending on the destination, there may be music festivals that feature multiple artists and genres over several days. These can be a great way to discover new music, meet like-minded people, and enjoy a festive atmosphere.
- Music workshops: Teens can participate in music workshops that focus on different aspects of music such as song writing, singing, playing instruments, or music production. These workshops can be led by professional musicians, music educators, or industry experts.
- Musical tours and attractions: Musical destinations often have tours and attractions that showcase the history and culture of music in the area. This can include visits to music museums, historic music venues, or tours of recording studios.
- Social events: Teens can connect with other music lovers through social events such as meet-and-greets with musicians, music trivia contests, or dance parties.
- Opportunities to perform: Musical destinations may offer opportunities for teens to showcase their own musical talents, whether it’s performing at an open mic night, participating in a battle of the bands, or auditioning for a talent showcase.
- Access to musical instruments: Depending on the destination, teens may have access to musical instruments to play, practice, or experiment with. This can be a great opportunity to try out new instruments or collaborate with other musicians.
Best Teenage Holiday Destinations for Culture and History Buffs:
If your teenager is interested in history and culture, then a trip to these places is an excellent choice. These destinations offer a rich cultural heritage, including ancient ruins, historical landmarks, and museums.
Your teenager will love exploring the local culture and learning about the history of these fascinating destinations.
- Athens, Greece: With its rich history and stunning ancient architecture, Athens is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in ancient Greek culture. Visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the National Archaeological Museum to learn more about the city’s fascinating past.
- Rome, Italy: Rome is another city with a rich history and cultural heritage. Visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican City to experience the city’s incredible history first hand.
- Machu Picchu, Peru: This ancient Incan city is located high in the Andes Mountains. Take a guided tour of the ruins and learn about the fascinating history of this incredible site, which is one of the best teenage holiday destinations.
- Cairo, Egypt: Cairo is home to some of the world’s most famous ancient landmarks, including the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Visit the Egyptian Museum to learn more about the history and culture of ancient Egypt.
- Kyoto, Japan: Kyoto is known for its temples, shrines, and gardens, making it a great destination for anyone interested in Japanese culture and history. Visit the Kinkaku-ji Temple, the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Nijo Castle to experience the city’s incredible heritage.
- Beijing, China: Beijing is one of the best teenage holiday destinations and is home to some of the world’s most famous landmarks. This includes the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City. Visit the Beijing National Museum to learn more about the history and culture of China.
What can you expect on a holiday for teens who love culture and history?
- Guided tours: Cultural and historical destinations often offer guided tours that provide in-depth information about the site’s history, art, and architecture. These tours can be led by experts or local guides who are passionate about sharing their knowledge with visitors.
- Museums and galleries: Visiting museums and galleries can be an excellent way to learn about the culture and history of a destination. These places often have exhibits and displays that showcase artefacts, artwork, and historical objects.
- Festivals and events: Many destinations celebrate their culture and history through festivals and events. These can be a great way to experience local customs, food, and traditions, and often include music, dance, and performances.
- Cultural workshops: Cultural workshops offer hands-on experiences that allow teens to learn about different cultures and traditions. These workshops can include things like cooking classes, traditional dance lessons, or language classes.
- Historic landmarks: Historic landmarks, such as castles, temples, or ruins, can offer insights into a destination’s past. These sites can be visited on guided tours or explored independently and can be a great way to learn about the history of a place.
- Local experiences: To fully immerse themselves in a destination’s culture and history, teens can participate in local experiences like homestays, village visits, or farm stays. These experiences can give them a unique perspective on the daily lives of the locals and their traditions.
Teenage Holidays with Parents in the UK: Fun-Filled Ideas for 2024
Going on a holiday with your teenage children can be a challenge, but the UK has some of the best teenage holiday destinations that are sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for an adventure-packed trip or a relaxing getaway, there’s something for everyone in the UK.
1. Cornwall
Cornwall is one of the best teenage holiday destinations for families, and for good reason. This scenic county offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as surfing, hiking, and beachcombing, that are perfect for teenagers. Parents will appreciate the stunning scenery, fresh seafood, and quaint coastal villages. Be sure to visit attractions like the Eden Project, St. Michael’s Mount, and Land’s End.
2. Lake District
For families who love the great outdoors, the Lake District is a must-visit destination. With its rolling hills, picturesque lakes, and charming towns, this national park offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting. Parents can also indulge in some relaxation at one of the area’s many luxury spas, while teenagers will love the adventure activities like zip-lining, paddleboarding, and mountain biking.
3. London
For families who love culture and entertainment, there’s no better destination than London. This is considered as one of the best teenage holiday destinations with its world-famous museums, iconic landmarks, and West End theatres, there’s never a dull moment in this bustling city. Parents can enjoy the historical sights and fine dining, while teenagers will love the trendy shopping districts, street art tours, and amusement parks like Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures.
4. Edinburgh
For families who want a taste of Scottish history and culture, Edinburgh is a great choice. From the imposing Edinburgh Castle to the mysterious underground vaults, there’s plenty of history and mystery to uncover in this vibrant city. Parents can enjoy the local whisky tastings and fine dining, while teenagers will love the street performances, ghost tours, and Harry Potter-themed attractions.
5. Pembrokeshire
For families who want a seaside escape, Pembrokeshire is the perfect destination. This Welsh county offers stunning coastal views, picturesque villages, and plenty of outdoor activities like coasteering, kayaking, and surfing. Parents can enjoy the local seafood and charming pubs, while teenagers will love the adventure activities like rock climbing, sea cave exploring, and wildlife spotting. And this is one of the best teenage holiday destinations yet!
The best places for teenage holidays without parents
Teenagers value flexibility and freedom when it comes to travel. There are plenty of destinations in the UK and Europe that cater specifically to teenagers. These destinations offer a range of activities, that will have you spoiled for choice! For teenagers travelling alone, we recommend the following destinations.
However, it’s important to research the legal requirements and ensure that you have appropriate arrangements and accommodations for your safety and well-being before letting your teens travel without you.
- Ireland
- Spain
- Menorca
- Finland
- Switzerland
- Greece
What to expect on teenage holidays without parents?
- Group tours: Joining a group tour can be a great way for teenagers to travel without their parents. These tours are usually led by experienced guides who provide support and guidance throughout the trip.
- Summer camps: Summer camps are a popular option for teenagers who want to experience independence while still being in a supervised environment. There are many different types of summer camps, from adventure camps to sports camps to academic camps.
- Volunteering: Volunteering abroad or in a different part of the country can be a rewarding and meaningful experience for teenagers. There are many organizations that offer volunteer opportunities for teens, from environmental conservation to community development.
- Study abroad programs: Many high schools and universities offer study abroad programs for teenagers. These programs allow students to live and study in a different country for a semester or year, providing an immersive cultural experience.
- Youth hostels: Youth hostels are affordable accommodation options that are often located in the heart of popular tourist destinations. They provide a safe and social environment for young travellers, with shared dormitories and common areas for socializing.
- Road trips: Teenagers who are old enough to drive can plan a road trip with friends to explore a new destination. It’s important to have a clear plan for the trip, including destinations, accommodations, and safety measures.
- Staying with relatives or friends: If teenagers have relatives or friends who live in another city or country, they can plan a visit to stay with them. This can be a great way to experience a new place while still having a familiar face to rely on.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, or relaxation, a getaway to one of the best teenage holiday destinations will be your best bet. These amazing destinations offer the best of the best!
So, why not start planning your next family holiday to one of these amazing destinations? We guarantee you won’t be disappointed! If you like what you see, get in touch with us and we’ll help you plan an amazing getaway to one of the best teenage holiday destinations that the entire family will love!
So, pack your bags, grab your passports, and get exploring with your teens – it’ll be a fun-filled experience for everyone involved. Happy Travelling!
