Hard to please and just as prone to tantrums as toddlers, teens can be tricky holiday companions. Often enough, they’re not that keen on the idea of holidaying with parents at all. We’ve looked at ways to please and appease your teenager while making sure that all members of the family enjoy their holiday to the max.
• Provide structure and a ready-made social scene. Our free Indy Clubs are jam-packed with activities for ages 14–17 but also include precious time for just chilling out and ‘hanging’ together.
• Offer freedom and the scope for older kids to do as little or as much as they want. Our teen clubs are flexible and the kids can choose to take part in the activities they are interested in.
• Give a wide choice of activities. Mark Warner’s summer beach resorts have a vast array of things to do either independently or with tuition, including tennis, mountain-biking, watersports, fitness and team sports such as beach volleyball and football.
• Create social opportunities. Teens at our beach resorts can dine together if they wish before heading for evening activities and entertainment.
• Go exploring. Our summer destinations – Greece, and Turkey – all have plenty of things to do for those who like to get out and see local life and culture, from archaeological ruins to people-watching cafés and boutiques.
• Make time for bonding. Teens might think they don’t want to spend time with you, but take them out mountain-biking, sailing or sea-kayaking, for instance, and they’ll very likely genuinely appreciate the chance to be with you away from everyday pressures and situations.
• Ensure you have plenty of space. Most self-respecting teens will freak out at having to share a room with parents, so family suites or interconnecting rooms are the way to go.
Read more about family holidays with Mark Warner.
