Since our kids were young, we’ve prioritized traveling together as a family, taking road trips, exploring cities, visiting family abroad, and spending time near the water whenever we can.
The goal was never to check places off a list. It was about expanding our kids’ world and how they think, showing them that there are many ways to live, eat, move through a place, and connect with people. It’s been a deeply meaningful part of how we’ve raised them.
As they’ve gotten older, though, I’ve learned that traveling with teens is a very different experience.
Teenagers tend to care deeply about two things when they travel with family: where and when they’re eating and whether they get a little personal space.
So when I sat down with my own teens, Quinn (19) and Fiona (15), to talk about travel from a teen’s perspective on my Mixtape Travels podcast, the conversation went deeper than I expected.
What they really want is a voice in the itinerary and how the trip unfolds. A seat at the planning table.
Trips that balance adventure and downtime, food and movement, togetherness and independence.
Here’s what years of traveling together have taught my teens and what they want parents to know before planning the next trip.
🎧 Click on the above link to listen to the interview or listen on “Mixtape Travels” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
🗺️ Teens Want a Seat at the Table
One of the clearest themes of our conversation was how important it is for teens to be included in the planning process. Not because they want to control the trip, but because it makes travel feel shared.
“It’s really important that every person gets some input on vacation. Everyone has their own interests.” – Quinn
When teens have a say, even a small one, they’re more invested. The goal isn’t consensus on everything. It’s making sure everyone gets at least one thing they’re genuinely excited about.
✈️ Plane Survival Is an Art Form
Flying with teens is simpler than you think if you respect the basics: comfort, snacks, and sound control.
Their must-haves:
AirPods or headphones
Snacks (always snacks!)
Comfy clothes
Sleep may or may not happen. Movies almost always do. Eye masks and finding the right leaning position can help if sleep is on the agenda.
🏠 Hotels vs. Home Rentals/Swaps: It Depends on the Destination
This was one of the smartest insights they shared.
Big cities? Hotels win for location. You’re out all day anyway.
Beach towns, countryside, or slower destinations? Rentals from Airbnb or home swaps with HomeExchange for the win, especially if everyone gets their own bedroom (and double bonus if it has a pool!).
“Having your own space is like an oasis for yourself.” – Fiona
That space isn’t about avoiding family time. It’s about recharging so the time together stays enjoyable.
🌊Water Matters More Than You Think
Whether it’s the ocean, a pool, a lake, or a river, water plays a quiet but important role in teen travel.
It creates space to move, unwind, and balance out busy days. Even in cities, having access to water helps teens slow down and feel grounded.
It’s one of those small planning choices that can make a big difference.
⭐ Their Favorite Countries (So Far)
Some destinations clearly made a strong impression:
France – A standout for walking, food, and overall atmosphere, with Paris firmly holding the top spot.
Italy – Loved for its food, beautiful cities and towns, and deeply personal memories made along the way.
Greece – Memorable for its beaches, natural beauty, and slower, more relaxed pace.
Mexico – Appreciated for its vibrant culture and stunning natural landscapes.
Costa Rica – A favorite for its small-town feel, strong sense of community, and surf-centered lifestyle.
🏙️ Favorite Cities
When it comes to major cities around the U.S. and the world, a few stood out:
Paris for food, walking, and atmosphere
London for scale, diversity, and endless things to do
New York City for energy and variety
New Orleans for showing a completely different side of the U.S.
San Francisco, their home city, for culture, food, and architecture
“It offers so many of the things I like when I travel: culture, food, architecture. It’s a really amazing city.” - Quinn on San Francisco
🥐 Food Is How Teens Connect to Culture
This part made my heart very happy.
Food tours, cooking classes, markets, bakeries. For Quinn and Fiona, food isn’t just fuel between activities. It’s how you understand a place.
“Food is really the way to people’s hearts. You’re crafting love through something you can eat.” – Fiona
From food tours in Paris, London, and Greece to pasta-making in Italy to cooking classes in Lisbon and Costa Rica - these are some of their most vivid travel memories.
👀 Travel Changes How Teens See the World
Both kids spoke thoughtfully about how travel has shaped their worldview.
“Travel lets you understand where people get their heritage and culture from.” – Fiona
“For a little bit of time, you get to experience the life of someone who lives there.” – Quinn
That perspective sticks long after the flight home.
⚖️ The Ideal Travel Day Has Balance
Their perfect day isn’t packed wall to wall or spent entirely lounging.
It’s a mix of:
Morning walks to local breakfast spots or coffee shops
Exploring and shopping to understand local style
One cultural tour or activity such as food tour, visiting a sports stadium, or seeing a live show
Local lunches (the more non-touristy spots, the better)
Physical activity, whether it’s swimming, biking, or another outdoor adventure
Built-in breaks (chill time at the hotel, rental home, or beach/poolside)
A good dinner to end the day
“Breaks are super necessary.” – Quinn
I completely agree, Quinn.
🌎 Where They Want to Go Next
Their travel wish lists are ambitious and wide-ranging, from Brazil and Argentina to Vietnam, South Korea, Morocco, and Egypt.
They’re drawn to places that feel culturally different and unfamiliar. As a parent, that curiosity feels like the biggest win of all.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Traveling with teens is less about managing logistics and more about understanding who they’re becoming.
Listening to Quinn and Fiona reminded me that these trips are doing real work. They’re shaping how my kids see the world, themselves, and other people.
Through travel, they’re building empathy, independence, and curiosity. They’re learning how to move through unfamiliar places with confidence rather than fear and discovering that the world is bigger, more complex, and more interesting than their everyday routines.
That feels worth every opinion, snack stop, and request for their own room.
p.s. If you haven’t already, be sure to read my friend Sarah Schulz’s guest post on “Top Tips for Traveling with Teens.”
📋 How to Travel Better With Teens: A Checklist
Before you book your next family trip, keep this in mind:
Let teens help plan, especially when it comes to the location and the activities
Put comfort first on flights: snacks, headphones, cozy clothes
Choose accommodations where teens have their own beds, and ideally separate bedrooms
Build in time near water or space to move
Plan food experiences, not just meals
Balance busy days with real downtime
Leave room for spontaneity
Remember that alone time helps together time
Tip: We love finding local tours, activities and experiences through either GetYourGuide (recommend downloading the app) and Airbnb Experiences.
As I mentioned in my last post, I plan to share much more content this year around traveling with teens, since so many of my fellow Gen X readers are in the same life stage. I’ll be focusing on top locations that are great to travel to with teens, and will be sure to share best spots to eat as well as recommendations for activities and experiences that teens would love. More to come!
Cheers,
