The first thing to say is that I’m no expert in raising or travelling with kids especially those tween/teen creatures. The tips below are just a few things I’ve learned from travelling with my boy over the years that may be helpful to others. I would love to hear your thoughts and what works for you. They say parenting is a journey and as mine continues this list will likely evolve and grow – what worked for one trip is bound to prove useless on another thanks to those ever shifting goal posts and a son with moods that change faster than the weather!
1. Reset your Expectations – the trip isn’t and won’t be about you. What you do, see, eat or experience will need to centre around your child’s likes/dislikes rather than your own, otherwise your travels will end up in needless moaning, arguments and be a misery for you both. That’s not to say compromise is out the question and that you won’t get to do some of things you want (a bit of bribery can work wonders), but lower your own expectations and raise your patience game – the incessant whining that come with this age is a form of torture!
2. The 4Ps (Preparation, Prevents, Poor, Performance) – IMO you can never be too organised when it comes to kids and I’m the queen of holiday lists. It pays to think ahead about what to pack, how you’ll get from A to B, where you’ll eat, opening times etc. to relieve some of the stress from travelling with a kid in tow, especially if you’re the sole responsible adult. It’s also good to do some research about your destination and look at what other travellers have to say to give you inspiration. But…….
3. Go with the Flow – even best laid plans can go wrong, weather can turn, attractions can be booked up, tiredness, illness or hormonal mood swings can strike. Leave some room in your itinerary for spontaneity, random walks, popping into that cafe or shop you happened across and chill time. As the old Yiddish saying goes “man plans, god laughs”.
4. Let them Run – I’ve often thought boys are a lot like dogs: they need lots of exercise, food and love a good stick! Even though mine is increasingly becoming one with his gaming chair, he still needs a good run out and that’s no different whilst away. City breaks naturally involve a tonne of walking that tire us both out, but wherever we go I always find time to immerse us in green space or nature to play, walk or hire bikes giving us both a breather.
5. Give them Freedom – this is Riley’s tip as he likes to be involved in our travelling decisions. Try to incorporate what’s on their bucket lists or interests them, but also encourage them to push their boundaries and try something new. Teens are learning to be their own grown up person and can, when ready, be given more freedom to do their own thing or take over the reins. It goes without saying that this depends on your destination and how comfortable you both are about it – you know your child best! Travel can help build their confidence and sense of independence, hopefully by giving them some freedom means you’ll have a happy and engaged travelling companion.
6. The Right Kit – this final tip is really just standard advice. Invest in a good set of wheeled luggage and comfortable backpacks suitable for each of you otherwise you end up as the bag carrier. Other useful kit in my bag includes reusable water bottles, snacks and eco-friendly baby wipes (even teenagers get messy). However, if you only pack one thing make sure it’s enough chargers, and if abroad adaptors, for their mobile phones and devices – seriously if you want a quiet life this is an absolute must!
Travels With My Teen 