Most teens do not want to be seen with their embarrassing family, let alone have to be in a car or hotel with them for days on end. However, the show must go on. Here are some ideas that may help with family trips, depending on the mood of the moment! First, let them be part of the planning and either pick an attraction or plan an entire day. Then when the complaints start it is on them, at least, in part. As any parent knows, they can't possibly take full blame.
Second, for teens to actually be present on vacation you may want to find places off the grid. Usually, you will find places that offer unplugged days, coincide with adventure and exploring. Camping is perfect for this kind of trip and if your teenager wants a little alone time, he or she can often find it at the rec hall or on a bike ride. Mountain climbing, kayaking, and building roaring campfires keep them busy enough that maybe their electronics are less missed. Another spot that may keep them busy enough and where any gadgets shouldn't go, is the beach. My teenage son spent hours and hours on his boogie board at the Jersey Shore last summer. I'm not sure he ate, but I am sure he did not look at his phone.
The other place guaranteed to bring a smile to your teens mouth at some point during daylight, is an amusement park or waterpark. These are always better when they have a friend, but there are plenty of rides, especially at a waterpark, where riding solo is not an issue. Your teens can have some freedom and fun, even though you are close by.
The third thing to keep in mind is that one hotel room for everybody may be a thing of the past now that you have arrived at adolescence. Vacation rentals can be a good alternative, if the price is right, or at least a suite with a curtain around the fold-out couch. One on One time may help to keep everybody happy also. If your other children are younger and enjoy different types of things, maybe splitting up for an afternoon is necessary. Our trip this summer includes a zipline day for the guys while the younger girls and I do our own thing. Your teen won't be around for too many more years anyway so some special bonding might be good.
If a big city is on the docket, ask them things they know about the history and facts about that city. Let them strut their stuff a little and keep things moving. Sitting still may bring on the sulky sighs and boredom blues quickly.
The last thing is always try to find a hotel with free breakfast and a swimming pool. I find that even teens will get up before 9:00 if it is for free food. And if all else fails, sing in public, call them honey and sweetie at all times and don't forget a selfie stick-they are sure to love all these things!!