How to Choose a
Teen Friendly Destination
Travelling with teens is a whole different ball game to travelling with younger kids – I’m not saying that any stage is easier than the other, to be honest, it’s all difficult and all stages come with their own challenges. This challenge is how to choose a teen friendly destination that will keep the whole family happy.
When your children reach the teen stage, it’s hard to tell what they like and what they don’t like. It’s not cool to be enthusiastic about anything (Surely this isn’t just my kids?!). They no longer want the kids’ clubs because that’s cringe, but they do want somewhere where other teens their age will be. They don’t want the splash parks and tipping buckets, but a water slide or 2 would be cool. And then if, like me, you have boys and girls, it’s another challenge to find the right thing for them all. My typical teenage boys love football and playing pool, my typical teenage daughter wants somewhere that will look great on Instagram and some good shopping!
Understand What Your Teen Actually Likes
This is the big one. Every teen is different. Some people will tell you that if you’re paying, your teen shouldn’t get a say. In reality, holidays go far more smoothly when you at least consider what they enjoy.
Start by working out what your teen actually likes (or tolerates, because let’s be honest, enthusiasm is rare). If you’re set on Greece and your teen is permanently hungry, a good all-inclusive hotel can be a lifesaver. If you’ve got an Instagram or TikTok addict, choose the destination together. TikTok is brilliant for spotting trending teen friendly destinations, and it helps them feel involved before you’ve even booked.
Look for Teen Friendly Destinations With Built-In Independence
One of the key things teens want from a holiday is a bit of space. That doesn’t mean free rein, but somewhere they can feel grown up without you hovering.
We stayed in a hotel in Majorca in 2024 that had clubs for different age groups, all the way up to 17. Because there were lots of teens around, my kids made friends quickly. They could hang out safely within the hotel grounds while we actually got to relax.
Sometimes, a teen friendly destination is simply one that allows them to take a break from us… just like we need a break from them.
Prioritise Activities They Won’t Call “Boring”
It’s their holiday too. Just like when they were little and you chose hotels with mini discos, teens want destinations with activities they’ll actually enjoy.
Think about experiences they can’t easily do at home. Watersports, boat trips, movie set locations, or themed excursions based on their interests. Star Wars fans might love Tunisia, while Mamma Mia fans will lose their minds in Skiathos. The goal is to avoid the dreaded teenage “this is boring” verdict.
Reliable WiFi & Teen-Approved Amenities
No one wants to admit it, but WiFi matters. A lot.
A truly teen friendly destination needs reliable WiFi or easy mobile data options. Whether it’s an eSIM or roaming, staying connected helps teens feel comfortable and keeps life easier for everyone. They might be enjoying the break, but they still want to message friends, scroll TikTok, and keep one foot in their normal world.
Choose Teen Friendly Destinations With Good Food Options
Feeding teens is a full-time job.
I’ve got three teens who all eat differently. One is adventurous, one is cautious, and one still lives in the beige food era. When they can eat well, they’re happier. Simple as that.
When choosing a teen friendly holiday destination, check food options carefully. Is there a decent buffet? Is it all-inclusive? Are there restaurants nearby serving food they’ll actually eat? This is very much my “making life easier” era, and food plays a huge part in that.
Consider Weather, Flight Time & Transfers
You know your kids best. What will they tolerate?
Is a 10-hour flight worth it? What’s the weather likely to be like? How long is the transfer once you land? For us, flight time isn’t a huge issue, but long transfers are. Keeping transfer times under an hour makes everyone happier.
Hot weather helps, but if there’s a chance it’ll be cooler or wetter, make sure there are backup activities so boredom doesn’t creep in.
Budget & Value for Money
Planning a holiday with teens is basically a negotiation between your bank account and their constantly changing interests.
Look for teen friendly destinations that offer good value for money. All-inclusive hotels, destinations with lots of free or low-cost activities, or resorts where teens can explore safely without spending a fortune. A bit of research and deal-hunting can make a big difference and keep the holiday feeling fun rather than financially stressful.
Teen Friendly Destination Ideas We Love
Tenerife
Costa Adeje, Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos are all excellent teen friendly resorts. They run into each other, making it easy to get around, and there are loads of activities and places where teens enjoy eating out. Another big bonus is the short airport transfer, usually around 20 minutes.
Skiathos
I wasn’t sure what the teens would think before we went, but they absolutely loved it. Skiathos is small but perfectly formed, and the longest transfer is only about 35 minutes. It’s been trending on TikTok, my daughter loved the Mamma Mia! connection, and the food scene is fantastic. From traditional Greek tavernas to modern brunch spots, it ticked every box.
Zante
Zante is another favourite teen friendly destination for us. Kalamaki is our go-to resort, just 10 minutes from the airport. It has family-friendly bars and restaurants, football on TV for the sports-obsessed teens, watersports on the beach, and plenty of pool options. Add in turtle spotting, boat trips and Insta-worthy Cameo Island, and it’s easy to see why teens love it.
Choosing a teen friendly destination isn’t about finding a perfect holiday; it’s about finding one that works for your family. Teens might roll their eyes, but when they’ve got the right mix of freedom, food, fun and WiFi, everyone has a better time. These years fly by quicker than we expect, so if a holiday keeps them happy and gives you a chance to relax too, that’s a win in my book.
Becky x
