Tips for traveling with teenagers

First thing that comes to my mind: Potentially unpleasant.

I admit that I might not have been the greatest teenager to go on a trip with. Hormones can really drag you down, as well as the rest of the family.

Depending on the type of teenager, it may be likely that they will not be too appreciative of a parent's attempts at creating wonderful memories of a family vacation.

Most Important Rule: Teenagers are way cool. They don't need anyone to tell them where to go or what to do at what time. They probably are looking at some good-looking peer nearby to think about anything else anyway, so asking them to wear one of the funny hats at the tacky souvenir shop so you can take a picture probably won't go over well.

Teenagers can be surprisingly good at holding a grudge. This can happen very easily: talking to the wrong people (AKA people they are trying to impress... you just ruined their chances at their hopes and dreams by opening your mouth, haha); wearing the wrong clothes; and, of course, telling them no.

One way you can make a trip unpleasant with a teenager is if you book a trip and make the plans without consulting them first. You might impede upon a date they have, a special dance, maybe even another trip. Bottom line: They will hate you forever, or at least for the duration of the vacation, if you mess up something for them with it.

And don't even try to mollify an existing issue with your teen by being nice and taking them on a trip. It's just not going to happen. Like I said, teens are almost talented at staying upset.

Make sure there's plenty to do, but not too much; teens like to have their space and privacy. It's probably better to have some sort of connection to the outside world, i.e. electronics and technology, so they don't go crazy. If you want to drag them away from that world, that's ok, but it might be a good idea to provide tech for them in moderation so they don't hold a grudge against you. A cell phone is reasonable.

Also, if you can let them have their own bed or personal space like that, this is a plus. It shows you respect them enough to let them have their own room like an adult.

Don't take them somewhere where there is no chance of sociability with people their age, or at least near it. Going to some spot where only older people are can be a drag for a teen. There are plenty of cities with attractions and activities for everyone. Don't leave your teen out of that loop.

If possible, let your teen bring a friend. That is an almost-guaranteed way to ensure a pleasant time with the family. If anything, the friend acts as a peacekeeper unless your teen doesn't mind looking like a brat around their friend.

Of course the mode of transportation is important. Driving for hours next to a screaming younger sib can equal no bueno-ness. Cruises are always nice for a teen... driving if it's not for too long.

Maybe you've struck gold and have the perfect teen who will enjoy any trip with all of their family at the drop of a hat. But if you don't, then just try to have your teen in mind.

And if your teen is unreasonable, if they complain about everything you've done for them for the vacation, if they gripe the whole time, just let them be. They'll get over it, if only in a few years.