5 Top Tips For Travelling With Teenagers In 2025

Eye rolls. Dramatic sighs. Endless scrolling. Teenagers, eh? They can be moody at the very best of times – so whisking them off on a family holiday can feel riddled with risks. Are they getting too old for sun-and-sea with their parents? Will they peel their eyes away from their phone screens long enough to enjoy the magnificent sunset before them? Will they wake up early enough to enjoy the scenic hike?

But here’s the secret: traveling with teenagers can be incredibly rewarding – if you know how to play it right. Gone are the days of planned-to-the-minute itineraries and dragging reluctant children through museums. Instead, you’re traveling with young adults who can offer zany perspectives – and even carry their own luggage.

Wondering where to start? We’ve teamed up with the sun-soaked Mar-Bella Collection in Greece to collate the ultimate guide to travelling with teenagers.

The Ultimate Guide To Travelling With Teenagers

Holidaying at a beach resort like Elix gives teenagers freedom without any of the worry. (© Heinz Troll)

Opt For A Resort

One of the biggest mistakes a parent can make when travelling with teenagers is treating them like children: deciding the day’s plans without consulting them, setting early wake-up times, and insisting everyone is together at all times. Of course, relinquishing control and letting your young adults run loose can be daunting – so the beauty of holidaying at a beach resort is giving this freedom within safe parameters.

‘Resorts with a safe environment allow teens to explore independently,’ Mar-Bella Collection’s childcare team says. ‘Resorts that attract other families with teens are a bonus – teens often enjoy meeting peers. Just make sure you agree on boundaries for swimming or exploring the resort alone.’

Parents of teenagers should also pay heed to all-inclusive options: ‘This helps with budgeting, especially since teens love snacks and drinks on demand,’ the Mar-Bella Collection team points out.

Travelling with picky eaters in tow? They’ll grow out of it eventually (probably). Opting for a resort means there are plentiful dining options at your fingertips, including ‘buffets with diverse choices and beachside restaurants that make family meals enjoyable for everyone,’ the Mar-Bella Collection team says.

At Elix, the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian sea meet pristine pine forests

Activities Galore

To get the most out of travelling with teenagers, ‘encourage daily activities,’ the Mar-Bella Collection team suggests. ‘Balance pool and beach time with something active, like a bike ride or hike or paddleboarding. Choose a resort with a mix of water sports like canoeing, paddleboarding or snorkeling, and land sports such as beach volleyball, tennis or basketball.’

And at resorts like those in the Mar-Bella Collection, this is easy: they’re home to land and water sports galore, with age-appropriate activities plans to keep children of all ages occupied – including teenagers.

Our top pick in the Mar-Bella Collection is Elix in Epirus on the Greek mainland’s west coast, a stretch of picture-perfect coastline dotted with tiny bays and hidden coves. Here, the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian sea meet pristine pine forests, forming a natural playground so teens and adults alike can really switch off, disconnect from screens and plug in to the great outdoors. Activities include yoga, kayaking, natural trekking, paddle boarding and fun rides operated by British Waterski and Wakeboard-accredited company Explore the Outside. But biking is the most breathtaking activity here, whether on mountain bikes or e-bikes; think picturesque villages, lush greenery, quiet hillsides and scheduled swim stops. Families staying in a Suite here for seven nights or more enjoy a range of extra benefits – a two-hour guided bike tour being just one of them.

Discover Elix

‘Teens love adventure and adrenaline,’ the Mar-Bella Collection team says. ‘Waterskiing and wakeboarding lessons, banana boat rides, or snorkeling can all keep them entertained.’

And it’s not just sports the teens will love: ‘A relaxing boat ride to enjoy as spectacular sunset is a great bonding experience,’ the Mar-Bella Collection team says. ‘Look for nearby activities like boat trips, hiking or biking trails, or visits to local villages or markets for a change of scene. Learning how to cook local cuisine or exploring nearby villages can bring families together, too.’

Are your teenagers heavy sleepers? ‘Resorts should offer activities at different times of the day, allowing teens to sleep in but still enjoy the fun,’ the Mar-Bella Collection team reassures.

A Deluxe Suite with a private pool at Elix. (© Heinz Troll)

The Room Situation

Gone are the days of squeezing the whole family into one big room: privacy is the order of the day with teenagers. Take a look at interconnecting rooms, which give teens privacy while also keeping them close. And they won’t be the only ones grateful for the separation: having multiple bathrooms is essential for quicker mornings getting up and out.

For a bit of extra breathing room, search for a room with a balcony or terrace, too – a bonus tranquil space that’s also great for relaxing and taking in the sunset as a family come evening.

Digital native teenagers can help uncover new spots to explore

A Taste Of Responsibility

To help teens feel ownership of their holiday, involve them in the planning process from the start: take their opinions on board when choosing a resort, ask them to pick the activities you all try, and get their thoughts on potential excursions. You never know, their digital native research skills may well mean you uncover new spots you never would have visited before.

Back at the resort, ‘evening entertainment like live music, outdoor movie nights, or beach parties can be a big hit,’ Mar-Bella Collection’s childcare team says. Perfect for a bit of teenage-friendly freedom.

Beach holidays are perfect for downtime – especially from tech

The Tech Sweet Spot

Dreaming of a screen-free adventure? Keep dreaming. Teenagers will never be happy if their devices are stripped away from them. Instead, nudge teens to leave their tech alone until down time – or why not make a game out of it? ‘Teens may love taking photos for social media,’ the Mar-Bella Collection team points out. ‘Turn it into a fun family challenge to capture the best sunset or underwater shot.’

Otherwise, tech can really help teenagers feel at home. For example, ‘a small portable speaker is a great way for them to enjoy their own music while relaxing on the beach or in their room,’ the Mar-Bella Collection team recommends.

‘Beach holidays are perfect for downtime,’ the Mar-Bella Collection team adds. ‘Let them relax with a book, listen to music, or lounge by the pool.’

BOOK IT

Discover more about Elix and explore the rest of the Mar-Bella Collection at marbella.gr