| When it comes to family travel, almost nothing | | | | would be appropriate for everyone in your family). |
| compares to the challenges of traveling with | | | | · Once you've arrived, give them a taste of life |
| teens. Sure, traveling with infants is no easy task, | | | | beyond their teens by leaving your younger kids |
| but as the parent, you really can set the tone for | | | | with your spouse or a babysitter and spending a |
| the trip. But with teens - all that changes. It's | | | | night on the town. Go to a nice dinner, hit the |
| during these years that your kids may assert | | | | theater or listen to some live music. This will help |
| themselves more, sleep in and expect everyone | | | | your teens see you through new eyes - and give |
| to cater to their schedule - or worse yet, ask to | | | | them a glimpse at the experiences that lie ahead. |
| stay at home instead of indulging their moms and | | | | · Giving your teens a day to plan activities for |
| dads with the long-awaited family vacation. | | | | the entire family - from where to eat breakfast |
| The good news is that all is not lost. You just | | | | to how to spend the evening. You'll not only get |
| have to find out what makes your son or | | | | to know your teens better, but doing all of the |
| daughter "tick" - and include them throughout the | | | | family travel planning for the day will give them a |
| family travel planning process so you can create | | | | sense of responsibility. |
| an itinerary that works for you, them and the | | | | · Cutting them some slack. You don't want to |
| rest of your brood. Some simple ways to do this | | | | put teens in the middle of a new city and let |
| include: | | | | them fend for themselves, but giving them a little |
| · Formulating a list of destinations together, then | | | | breathing room on your trip might be a good |
| whittling it down to somewhere you can all agree | | | | thing. Even if it's only separating for a couple of |
| on. | | | | hours at a museum or letting them catch a movie |
| · Selecting a hotel that specializes in family travel. | | | | while you go to lunch with your spouse, it just |
| Many of these types of accommodations will | | | | might do you - and them - a world of good. |
| feature amenities for everyone in your family, | | | | For those of you with just one child... a teen... it |
| including pools, spas, tennis, outdoor activities, | | | | may behoove you to allow him or her to bring a |
| beaches and even special day camps for younger | | | | friend along. Although this extra person will |
| kids. | | | | certainly add a twist to your usual family dynamic, |
| · Asking your teens what they'd like to get from | | | | it may well prove to be a fun, positive thing for |
| their vacation - then challenging them to find | | | | you and them. |
| events and attractions that meet their needs (and | | | | |