Are you looking to plan some vacations with teens this year? Teens are a great age to travel with but the key is finding a place they will love. Here’s my 21 great ideas for vacation with teens this year.
What to Consider When Planning a Family Vacation with Teens
While teens are a great age for traveling, they can also be a pretty opinionated. When you are traveling with babies, toddlers and little kids there are things to consider about the location and the lodging, but once you have teens there are totally new things to consider. With teens I think it’s most important to figure out a vacation that will interest them. Do they love hiking? Do they love cities? If you can find a spot that will interest your teen, you can plan a really memorable trip for your family.
Why Opt for a Vacation Rental?
Now that I have teens, I love to look for vacation rentals where we will be traveling. For one, teens like their space. It’s not easy sharing a bathroom with a teen! They are also not so fond of sharing a bed or cramming in a hotel room with their little siblings anymore and a vacation rental gives everyone extra space.
In addition, when we travel with our teens, we like to use it as a time to connect and spend family time together. A vacation rental with provide common space for game nights, a kitchen to cook meals together and often times your own pool. This all makes for a great space for binding with your teen.
City Vacation Spots for Teens
For many teens, big cities are really appealing. There’s a plethora of activities and attractions, a great food scene and chances are they know something about the city. Just walking around, seeing the city, shopping and some street food is a great way to enjoy a vacation with teens.
London
I always tell people: London is the perfect first trip abroad for kids. For teens it’s even better. It’s a fabulous city for walking around, learning to take the Tube, and packed with history, plus it’s also a great place for teens to see shows.
London Attractions for Teens:
Where to Stay in London:
- Eccentric vacation rental in Islington (Near the ‘Grimmauld Place‘ filming location for Harry Potter fans)
- Historic vacation rental in St. James’ Park (Moments away from Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace)
- Stylish vacation rental in Camden Town (For music lovers and seeing the street markets)
- View all London Vacation Rentals
New York City
“Start spreading the news, you’re leaving today. I want to be a part of it, New York, New York”…. Ok maybe don’t sing to get your teens excited for a trip (singing parents are extra cringy) but New York City with teens is sure to be a huge hit. We live just outside of New York City and my teens love spending time there. It’s an easy city to reach by plane (3 major airports) or train (Amtrak). Read our ‘Mom’s Guide to NYC‘ or view all New York City Vacation Rentals.
New York Attractions for Teens:
Paris
With the Olympics this summer, Paris is even more on the minds of so many teens. Add its popularity to the history, food and shopping, and you’ve got a great vacation spot with teens.
Paris Attractions for Teens:
- Go up the Eiffel Tower
- Montmartre – one of Kid & Coe’s favorite Paris neighborhoods
- Vintage Sidecar Tour
- Tour PSG Stadium
Where to Stay in Paris:
- A city-center pad with dedicated teen rooms – close to the Eiffel Tower
- Sleek neutral flat – for easy access to The Louvre for art fans
- Spacious family apartment – near the hip Canal St Martin district
- View all Paris Vacation Rentals
Los Angeles
If you really want to be a ‘cool parent’, just mention the idea of heading to LA to your teens! A Los Angeles vacation with teens is a perfect city trip any time of year due to the weather and you can add in a theme park trip too.
Los Angeles Attractions for Teens:
- Venice Beach
- Take a studio tour
- Hike to see the Hollywood sign
Where to Stay in Los Angeles:
- A super cool laid-back bungalow in Venice – for hanging out at the beach
- A fun family home – with a backyard pool and sports courts nearby
- Sophisticated home in the Hollywood hills – for celebrity spotting
- View all Los Angeles Vacation Rentals
Rome
Italy is my favorite place to visit with my family and for teens I think Rome with kids is a must do. You get the food and culture of visiting Italy with the fun city vibe that teens love.
Rome Attractions for Teens:
- Colosseum
- A golf cart tour
- Take a food tour
Where to Stay in Rome:
- Central city terrace apartment – where independent teens can explore everything on foot
- Historic apartment building in the heart of the city – close to The Colosseum
- View all Rome Vacation Rentals
Amsterdam
We visited Amsterdam because friends were living there. I couldn’t believe how much my kids loved it and we can’t wait to go back someday. For teens, the history is incredible to experience because they have learned about it in school (Anne Frank, World War II, etc). Since it’s a place where everyone bikes, there are boats to ride and great shopping, it’s the perfect city escape with teens.
Amsterdam Attractions for Teens:
- Canal Boat Ride
- A’DAM Lookout
- Visit the market in Haarlem
Where to Stay in Amsterdam:
- Contemporary stylish apartment in Oud West – close to the museum district
- Historic Amsterdam townhouse – within walking distance of beautiful Beatrixpark
- Spacious and beautiful Vondelpark home – near to the park and the city’s museums
- View all Amsterdam Vacation Rentals
Best Beach Vacations for Teenagers
Some teens love city life on vacation and some prefer to relax on the beach. Speaking of relaxing…. While beach vacations can be more work than rest with little kids, beach vacations with teens are a breeze. You can actually sit and read a book while they enjoy the beach! These are some of the best beach vacations with teens.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful place to visit. In addition to relaxing on the beach there are a few more activities to enjoy while in Puerto Vallarta with teenagers.
Attractions:
- Jorullo Bridge
- Zip Lining
- Los Arcos National Park
Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta:
- Super stylish and contemporary home – just steps from the beach
- A resort villa – perfect for kids to explore independently
- View all Puerto Vallarta Vacation Rentals
Miami
If you are torn between a city trip and a beach trip, Miami is a good option. The weather is great all year long and there are so many things to do in Miami with teens on the sand and in the city.
Attractions:
- Speed boat tour
- Bayside Marketplace
- Miami Design District
Where to Stay in Miami:
- Waterfront luxury with a heated pool – teens can get straight out into the water
- A central apartment with shared pool – close to the design district
- View all Miami Vacation Rentals
Ibiza
It’s not always known as the best place for families, but we wholeheartedly approve of Ibiza with kids. For teens it’s even better – as they get older they can explore the vibrant nightlife for themselves and gather on beaches to watch the sun sets.
Ibiza Attractions for Teens:
- Watch the sunset drumming at Benirràs beach
- Visit the hippie markets around the island
- Wander round the harbor in Ibiza Town
Where to Stay in Ibiza:
- Boho suites with shared facilities – book multiple properties to give teens their own space
- Teen rooms and a private pool – they can explore Santa Gertrudis on foot
- Bohemian luxury in a private rural villa – perfect for a group vacation or bringing along a friend
- View all Ibiza Vacation Rentals
Puerto Rico
One of the best spots for a laid-back vacation with teens who like the beach. Get them outdoors for surfing, sailing, horse-back riding, snorkeling and paddle boarding,
Puerto Rico Attractions for Teens:
- Spotting turtles at the Tres Palmas marine reserve
- Snorkeling at the coral reefs around Desecheo island
- Watching humpback whales from the El Faro lighthouse
Where to Stay in Puerto Rico:
- The Punta Del Mar Residence – villa resort so teens can explore independently
Destin
Destin is a great part of Florida to visit with teens. There are great little towns to bike around, fun beaches and good combo of relaxing and giving them a little room to explore on their own in some of the smaller towns nearby.
Destin Attractions for Teens:
- Bike around town in Seaside or Rosemary Beach
- Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park
- Go on a dolphin cruise
Where to Stay in Destin:
- A contemporary home in a gated community – teens can explore the shared amenities independently
- Fun family beach house – with a games table for younger teens
- View all Destin Vacation Rentals
Crete
Visiting Greece is on the top of our bucket list for the next few years. Of all of the islands, one of the best with teens is Crete. Crete with teenagers is a great place to enjoy history and Greek culture while having a beach vacation.
Crete Attractions for Teens:
- Visit the Cave of Zeus
- Greek cooking class
- Boat day
Where to Stay in Crete:
- A huge spacious villa – with space for everyone to hang out in peace
- Historic retreat with a private pool – close to town so teens can get out and explore on foot
- View all Crete Vacation Rentals
Coastal South Carolina
Coastal South Carolina has lots of great places to visit with teens. It’s an easy spot to drive to if you live up and down the east coast with many spots right near I-95 and also a place to fly too with a number of airports to pick from. One of my top picks is a Hilton Head vacation with teens.
South Carolina Attractions for Teens:
- Rent bikes and explore Hilton Head
- Stay on Isle of Palms or Folly beach and enjoy Charleston too
- Horseback riding
Where to Stay in Coastal South Carolina:
- Spacious oceanfront family home – just steps from Hilton Head beach
- Fun house with hot tub – close to Folly Beach
- View all South Carolina Vacation Rentals
Winter Vacations
Winter vacations are my favorite type to take with teens. It’s during the school year so a nice break from hectic schedules and a break from school for them. Plus there are so many fun winter activities while traveling for teens. For winter family vacations remember to book flights far in advance as flight prices go up fast for winter breaks.
Aspen
If your kids want to snowboard or ski, head to the Rocky Mountains. Each festive season, Aspen hosts the 12 Days of Aspen celebration in December, featuring fireworks, magic shows, ice skating and film screenings.
Aspen Attractions for Teens:
- Ski at Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk or Snowmass
- Take a Snowcat up the mountain for dinner
- Take a Powder Tour
Where to Stay in Aspen:
- A contemporary mountain view home – within walking distance of downtown
- View all Aspen Vacation Rentals
Breckenridge
This pretty mountain town is known for it’s big winter season, with the popular Lighting of Breckenridge each Christmas, so there’s always lots going on to entertain teens.
Breckenridge Attractions for Teens:
- Ski at Breckenridge Mountain
- Take a scenic gondola ride
- Try the Gold runner Coaster
Where to Stay in Breckenridge:
- A stunning lodge cabin with hot tub – close to Frisco Adventure Park
- View all Breckenridge Vacation Rentals
The French Alps
If you want an amazing bucket list vacation with teens in the winter, consider visiting the French Alps. The scenery, the food, the skiing, all wonderful for enjoying with your teen. There are also so many things to do in the french alps for teens in addition to the obvious skiing. View all French Alps Vacation Rentals
French Alps Attractions for Teens:
- Snowshoeing
- Dog sledding
- Tobogganing
The Catskills
The Catskills is one of our favorite places to visit. There are so many cool little towns and my teens love it there in all seasons. The winter is magical and while you can still enjoy all the shops and restaurants in the different small towns, there are winter attractions too.
Catskills Attractions for Teens:
- Ski at Hunter Mountain Resort
- Cross country skiing various trails
- Snowmobiling
Where to Stay in The Catskills:
- Spacious mountain cabin in Windham – surrounded by world-class skiing
- Serene woodland retreat in Cragsmoor – close to waterfalls and hiking trails for adventure
- Cool country lodge – just 10 minutes’ walk from Woodstock town
- View all Vacation Rentals in the Catskills
The Swiss Alps
Like the French Alps, the Swiss Alps is a wonderful bucket list winter escape with teens. You can even pop over to Italy for the day and see two countries in one. Plus, you can fly into Zurich and take the train up and Zurich is a really cool city for teens to explore before heading to the mountains. View all Swiss Alps Vacation Rentals
Swiss Alps Attractions for Teens:
- Ski Zermatt Mountain
- Eat pizza the top of the Matterhorn Glacier
- Ice Palace in Jungfraujoch
Park City
Park City Utah is a super cool ski town for teens. It’s known by teens to be hip because of the Sundance Film Festival and the restaurant scene is excellent and “cool” for teens. Great skiing plus a cool vibe will make for a great place to spend some time in the winter with your teens. View all Park City Vacation Rentals
Park City Attractions for Teens:
- Ski at Park City Mountain Resort
- Visit the Utah Olympic Park
- Snow Tubing at Woodward
Near Theme Parks
You’re really never too old to experience the magic of theme parks. I’ve found that teens are even more excited about visiting theme parks than younger kids. They know all the cool things you can do there, are big enough for all the rides and for the parents: you don’t have to be as nervous about the large crowds.
Planning a vacation around a theme park is sure to make a teenager happy. It’s even better to pick a location to stay that you can visit more than one park on the trip.
Orlando
Orlando is sure to be a hit with teens. You can enjoy the sunshine and swimming and visit so many great theme parks while there. You may have visited Orlando with them when they were little but going back with teens will be a blast – so many more rides and parks to explore!
Orlando Attractions for Teens:
- Walt Disney World Parks
- Universal Studios and Harry Potter
- Discovery Cove
Where to Stay in Orlando:
- Playful and unique kid-friendly home – with in-house arcades!
- View all Orlando Vacation Rentals
San Diego
Another great place to visit with theme parks nearby is to plan a trip to San Diego with teens. You can do a few days in San Diego exploring the city, some beach time and then some theme park days.
San Diego Attractions for Teens:
- Legoland for big kids into STEM
- SeaWorld for nature lovers
- Belmont Park beachfront amuseument park
Where to Stay in San Diego:
- La Jolla beach house – just steps from the sea
- Laid-back family home with a pool – close to famous surfing beaches
- View all San Diego Vacation Rentals
Book a Teen-Approved Family Vacation
Ready to book an awesome vacation with your teens? Talk to them! See what might interest them in a vacation and then head back to this list. There’s something cool for all teens. Then head to the destinations page or browse our Best for Teens collection and pick a vacation rental that will be comfortable for your family to kick back and relax and enjoy the vacation you’ve planned.
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/east-hampton/the-renfrew-lane-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/north-carolina/the-cabana-cornelia-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/copake/the-copake-lake-house-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/de-goudkust/the-beatrixpark-residence
