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Traveling With Teens
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- Emily 0 comments
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We are so excited to talk with Luisa Frey, Alex and Cristina from TeenTravelTalk and a wonderful group of mom bloggers all of whom have teens and are thinking ahead to traveling with them this summer!
about 1 year ago
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- Ellen P. 4 comments
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I won't have a teen for 9 more years but what a great topic for those who do, I was miserable to travel with as a teen!
about 1 year ago
Janie Reinart
I would give my kids (5 children) maps and we would go on a mystery trip (in the car). My husband and I would ask the children to take guesses as to destination, estimated time of arrival, number of miles we would travel and the winner of each category would get a little prize.
about 1 year ago
Emily
Oh, Janie, that is so sweet!!!!!! I love that!!!
about 1 year ago
Janie Reinart
My Mom would always wrap little surprises for us (4 kids) to open each day on the road until we got to our destination. (a book, journal, game, etc.)
about 1 year ago
Emily
So funny! We can only hope our kids are nice to us when they hit teendom!
about 1 year ago
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- Donna B. 3 comments
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I won't be able to attend today, but what a great topic! Summertime travel season is here, and from being a teen myself (many years ago) and travelling with a teen son I know how bad it can be (although at least now they have electronics that weren't available when I was a kid!).
I always made sure to have a cooler in the back seat packed with fresh fruit, cut-up veggies, water, string cheese, etc. and I also kept a ziplock bag of homemade trail mix (nuts, fruits, cheerios or pretzel sticks). We tended to eat a lot in the car out of sheer boredom, so at least we ate healthy :)
about 1 year ago
Janie Reinart
It changes the dynamics of the family from rushing to do homework, chores, etc. to having the time to be playful and get to know each other all over again.
about 1 year ago
Emily
Isn't that just the truth, Janie?!?
about 1 year ago
Janie Reinart
I think the best thing about vacations is to reconnect as a family--minus tv, phones, electronics etc.
about 1 year ago
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- Jenn@FFP 0 comments
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Traveling with kids and tweens can be very difficult so I don't want to THINK about traveling with a moody teen! I know from experience, traveling with anyone - tots, elementary schoolers, tweenies, adults, etc - the key to peaceful travel is FOOD, ACTIVITIES and making plenty of PIT STOPS! ;D
about 1 year ago
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- Deborah 2 comments
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Looking forward to this. I have to admit, I enjoy traveling with our own almost 16 year old and a very tween 10 year old. I like to say traveling with kids isn't really a vacation....it's a TRIP!!!! ;)
about 1 year ago
Deborah
A little bit of everything. We try to map our trips so that everyone gets to do some of their favorite things.
about 1 year ago
Emily
Deborah, what are your kids favorite things to do?!
about 1 year ago
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- RobynsWorld 3 comments
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Hi all!
about 1 year ago
Emily
Yes, you are!!!!!! :)
about 1 year ago
RobynsWorld
Hey - I'm labeled as an expert today - fancy!
about 1 year ago
Emily
Hi Robyn! Thanks for being here!!!!!
about 1 year ago
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- Emily 12 comments
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Here's a question for our teen hosts! Can you tell us about your favorite family vacations and what made them so great?!
about 1 year ago
Cheryl
Thanks! I am going to check that out!
about 1 year ago
Luisa
Check out out NCL's Epic. I'll be going on its inaugural cruise this weekend -- sounds really fantastic for tweens/teens. There's a mini water park...cirque du soleil type dinner theater...teen program...much more!
about 1 year ago
Cheryl
whoa! 35 times? we are starting to look into a cruise for one of our next vacations...everyone says it's a must if you are traveling with teens....
about 1 year ago
Luisa
Yeah, Alex has been on 35 cruises with me and she and I have liked them all. :) They are a great way for teens/tweens to gain independence yet they are great for bonding. We always make sure we have dinner together and do shore exploration together as a family -- without newly found teen friends. It's a perfect balance for everyone!
about 1 year ago
Alex
Certain cruise lines are better than others. My personal favorite is Royal Caribbean. They have everything for all ages: activities, "teen stuff", amenities for adults, kid clubs, etc. Other lines that are good for teens I would say are: Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Disney.
about 1 year ago
Emily
Wow, 35! Are there types of cruises that work better for teens?
about 1 year ago
Luisa
Hi: I'm Alex's Mom and the founder of www.teentraveltalk.com. I'm not taking Alex's last line personally -- haha! Really, I've learned a lot as editor of teentraveltalk.com about what teens like and do NOT like when they travel. And being stuck on a beach all week with JUST mom and dad is not tops on their list! However, if you are traveling to places where there's lots to do -- such as cool cities or high action spots -- then teens actually do enjoy your company while on the road! That's the mission of teentraveltalk.com -- to help parents and teens create the magic that happens while traveling together.
about 1 year ago
RobynsWorld
We just got back from our first cruise and my teenage son and nephew were able to do their own thing much of the time.
about 1 year ago
Ginny
Hi! my family and I have been to Spain 5 times because there are so many different places to go. there are the mountains, beaches, and cities. It's a perfect country for any family because there's outdoor adventure and cultural activities. Plus you can practice your spanish!
about 1 year ago
Alex
Cruises really are great for teen self-suffiency. I've been on over 35 myself and I feel as though my family and I can spend time together while also getting our own (much needed) personal space and time to do what we each want.
about 1 year ago
Cristina
Hi Emily! It's great to be here. :) One of my favorite vacations was actually a Disney cruise that we took a few years ago to the US Virgin Islands. What I really loved about it was that I could be really self-sufficient there. There was always something to do, like games and activities with my "club", and I never had to worry about food! I also liked the cool family activities you could sign up for on board, like snorkeling.
about 1 year ago
Justine
Ooh, I love Cape Cod! My favorite thing to do was kayak in the ocean, walk to the fish market and explore fish recipes, and go get ice cream. There was a place in Harwich Port called Sundae School that I'll never forget!
about 1 year ago
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- Justine 3 comments
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One of my favorite family vacations was our stay in Akumal, Mexico. It's a town close to Cancun, and we stayed in a resort right on the water. The weather was beautiful, the food was delicious, and there were loads of different ways to occupy oneself, but my favorite part was how relaxed the environment was. Little kids could wander around while being perfectly safe, and older kids and teens could hang out on the beach, play volleyball, or swim in one of the pools. I thought I would be off by myself a lot, but it turned out that a lot of the activities around the resort interested my whole family, so we ended up spending a lot of time together without be forced to.
about 1 year ago
Justine
I definitely like both, but if I want to stick with my family, it's better to be in a relaxed sort of place. That way, everyone is calm because there's no hurry to get anywhere, and everyone has a good time engaging in low-key activities throughout the day, like swimming or playing cards. If I'm seeing a lot of different sites with my family, people move at different paces and are interested in seeing different monuments or parks, so during those types of vacations, I prefer to be independent.
about 1 year ago
Emily
So, for you, you would rather it be about togetherness and relaxation, versus seeing lots of different sites?
about 1 year ago
RobynsWorld
It's nice to go to places that have something for all ages like that!
about 1 year ago
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- Alex 4 comments
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Personally, my favorite family vacation would probably be our yearly two-week trip to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The Cape is typical New England-ish and just stunning. I guess the reason that I enjoy it so much has a lot to do with the fact that we always vacation there with our cousins. That makes it a lot more interesting than if it was just my parents, brother, and me.
about 1 year ago
Emily
Maybe because you have all that history together! I'm close to my cousins to this day because we had time on the Cape together as kids.
about 1 year ago
Alex
It is: my 8-year old brother, 10-year old cousin (who hangs with my brother), my 12-year old cousin, and my 18 and 19 year old cousins. Strangely, we all get along well. Age gaps and all.
about 1 year ago
Emily
Awww ... we go to the Cape too and have for generations. Might just be my favorite place anywhere.
about 1 year ago
RobynsWorld
How many cousins would join you all? Are you all about the same ages?
about 1 year ago
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- Justine 10 comments
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Does anyone know of great places to travel in the winter? I feel like there are millions of options for summer travel, but winter is a little more restricted. I don't mind the cold, I just want to do something other than hide indoors all day!
about 1 year ago
Alex
Same! I would go to Europe during ANY season.
about 1 year ago
Justine
I would looooove to go to Europe in the winter!
about 1 year ago
Luisa
Ginny has a great point about checking out popular cities especially in the winter -- lots to do indoors but no long lines like in the summer.
about 1 year ago
Luisa
Lake Placid, NY is great in the winter (Whiteface Mountain) and the summer. There's tons of skiing and even just watching the snowboarders. THere's lots indoors too--such as the Olympic training complex. In the summer, you can watch the aerlists practice ski jumping into a....pool of water! Lots of teen energy all year round.
about 1 year ago
Ginny
Winter is a good time to go to Europe because it's not as crowded as the summer time. Also, there is plenty to do there in that time of year. I went to London in the winter and was able to go to a lot of great places without a big line! We went to the Tate Modern Museum, the London Eye, Big Ben, Hyde Park, and the Tower of London. It was chilly but definitely worth it.
about 1 year ago
Justine
I definitely love skiing! Unfortunately, I'm a bit spoiled because the only place I've ever been skiing was in the Rocky Mountains, where the snow and the slopes are perfect. And I'll definitely try and check out Disney World, if I can convince my parents to take my brother and me :)
about 1 year ago
Justine
Awesome! I love experiencing the outdoors in the winter, and California is one of my favorite places to go.
about 1 year ago
RobynsWorld
We went to Walt Disney World in the winter - it wasn't nearly as crowded and the weather was just perfect!
about 1 year ago
AmyMcHodges
ski resorts have so much to do, that even if you are non-skiers you can usually find something to do
about 1 year ago
Cristina
If you're ever on the west coast, Yosemite, CA is beautiful in the winter! You can ski, snowboard, go on a snowshoe hike, or just enjoy nature. It's great for families, too.
about 1 year ago
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- Amy 11 comments
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On long car rides with the family, what is best: driving straight through to get to your destination as fast as possible or stopping along the way to take a break and see something "off the beaten path"?
about 1 year ago
Emily
So funny, Deborah!
about 1 year ago
Deborah
Traveled LOOOOOONG road-trips growing up. I think that is why I still can *hold it* so well. My dad didn't stop every two hours.
about 1 year ago
Emily
You all are inspiring me to take a loooooong road trip with my girls!
about 1 year ago
Ginny
I would highly suggest going as far as possible without a break that day. My family and I were on our way back from Kiawah, South Carolina and everyone was really quiet and content. Then we stopped at the University of Richmond to do a college visit. When we got back in the car there was a total shift in the mood and the rest of the ride seemed eternal.
about 1 year ago
Justine
I would definitely recommend a cross-country trip! It's practically never boring because we were in a different state every other day, and we got to stop in all these famous places I'd heard about but never been to! We saw family that live on the other side of the country, I got to ride a mule in Bryce Canyon, we met a bunch of crazy characters, there was a lot of swimming in hotel pools, and all in all, it taught be patient. 2 or 3 hour car rides are a piece of cake now! However, make sure your car is also up for the trip. We have a '92 Volvo station wagon and it broke down twice!
about 1 year ago
Emily
Wow, hats off to you and your family Justine! Would you recommend a trip like that to other families?!
about 1 year ago
AmyMcHodges
We have driven from coastal North Carolina to Texas to visit family almost every year. We enjoy stopping fun places along the way to make the most of our travel time. Our kids (teen and tween) like the traveling part almost as much as the visit with family.
about 1 year ago
Luisa
There's a fun article on www.teentraveltalk.com by Teen Blogger Callie, who wrote about strategies for ACTUALLY HAVING FUN with your family while on the road! Here's the link: http://www.teentraveltalk.com/2009/12/30/what-to-do-during-long-car-rides/
about 1 year ago
Alex
I would definitley say take some stops. Personally, I enjoy getting out of the car once in a while to a) eat b) break the monotony and c) possibly experience new things that wouldn't be experienced otherwise.
about 1 year ago
Justine
My family drove from New Jersey all the way to California and back in three and a half weeks, so I know all about long car rides! In some cases, driving directly to the next stop was the best decision, because most of the attractions were the beauty of the setting, which we could experience from the car. However, it's always great to have something to look forward to in the near future rather than 9 hours from now, so we would take 10 to 15 minute stops to grab a bite to eat and stretch our legs. Sometimes there are also scenic overlooks to check out, and those are fun enough to help you endure the rest of the car ride.
about 1 year ago
RobynsWorld
We stop about every 2 hours at least when on a long trip. Even with my son being a teenager we do it. It helps us all to stop and stretch and get out of the car for a bit. It could be to see some interesting roadside attraction on the way, grab a bite, stop in a visitor center, etc.
about 1 year ago
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- Emily 16 comments
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Question for the teens!
Lots of parents like to disconnect from the world on their vacations and want their kids to do the same, so turn off the cellphones, txting, computer games, etc. How do you feel about that?!?
about 1 year ago
RobynsWorld
Maybe we should try reverse psychology and let the teens pick something and just pretend to be annoyed or unpleased while we do it? (j/k)
about 1 year ago
Emily
SO TRUE, Alex!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)
about 1 year ago
Luisa
Robyn: We moms have to remember what Alex said here about how teens sometimes don't like anything they are SUPPOSED to be doing. I'm going to write that down and plaster it to my forehead! :)
about 1 year ago
Alex
Hey Mom, teens are not always the culprits of technological overdose on family vacations. Sometimes parents have to watch their intake as well. Haha.:)
about 1 year ago
RobynsWorld
Luisa - yes I bought 100 minutes of internet for $55 on our cruise for me. Son decided it wasn't worth that much to him - I told him he could get it if he wanted to spend his spending money on it. We went to Alaska so we did have some times that we could use our cell phones as well. The internet cafe was only $6 for the hour - he felt that was a bargain :-)
about 1 year ago
Luisa
Most cruise ships these days have internet cafes and many have tech so you can text from the ship. Both are VERY expensive though so make sure you give your teen a budget for the trip.
about 1 year ago
RobynsWorld
When we were on our cruise my son didn't have internet access on the ship, but I did take him to an internet cafe in one of the ports. I think for him, that was just a really cool part of the vacation. Something to say that he has done.
about 1 year ago
Ginny
Often, the only way to get my brother to go on a vacation with the family is to give him the opportunity to go to an internet cafe for at least one day of the vacation.
about 1 year ago
Alex
Yeah, isn't no-technology the point of vacation anyway? Maybe I'm different than most kids my age but I do like not staring at screens when I'm on vacation.
about 1 year ago
RobynsWorld
My teenage son is totally connected nearly all the time and his computer is really relaxing to him. I let him bring along whatever tech he wants and hopefully we have enough fun doing other things that he doesn't use it as much. However, it is his vacation too
about 1 year ago
Deborah
Though, I think one of the weirdest things I've witnesssed is a young boy about 12 walking through Disney playing his DS.
about 1 year ago
Deborah
I think Alex is right. :)
about 1 year ago
Justine
It's funny, because I'm such a technology addict at home and during the school year-- I wake up and check my facebook, don't go anywhere without my iPod, and text my friends a whole lot. When I go away, however, I find it's really nice to take a break and live life away from any sort of screen. My family rented a house on the beach this summer and it doesn't have wireless internet, but I'm totally fine with that. You're not really on vacation if you have access to everybody and everything that's going on 24/7. If my parents tried to take away my phone, however... there might be issues.
about 1 year ago
Cheryl
i found that if i make a big deal about my girls texting or talking on their phones...they want to do it more...so we don't really mention it, and they hardly use them.
about 1 year ago
Cristina
On fun, engaging vacations (like Hawaii!) I have no problem disconnecting; I actually prefer it. But on more mellow vacations with a lot of downtime, being able to talk to friends from back home really helps pass the time.
about 1 year ago
Alex
I feel that it probably is a good idea. However, if enough activities/fun times are taking place, said teenagers will probably forget about their technology and friends back home and actually enjoy what they're doing. What I'm trying to say is: parents shouldn't force it to the extreme...it might naturally happen.
about 1 year ago
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- Deborah 8 comments
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Wondering if the teens here today, have much say in where their family goes or what they do?
about 1 year ago
Ginny
Well, we each pack our own luggage and, usually, only a carry on. So, my mom has taught us to be independent. I also make sure I pack some snacks!
about 1 year ago
Emily
Alex, Justine, Ginny and Cristina, you are wise beyond your years!!!!
about 1 year ago
Alex
On vacation, everyone has to compromise. Otherwise, it's not vacation!
about 1 year ago
Justine
At the end of the day, my parents obviously make the final decisions on where we stay and how we will generally spend our time, but when it comes to day-to-day activities, I get quite a bit of say in what we do! The kids generally have the energy to seek out fun attractions and suggest them. When me, my friend, and our families stayed in North Carolina one summer, we drew up these itineraries each day that would go something like this: day trip to Manteo followed by minigolf and ice cream! Our parents might switch the order of things we planned, but they were totally cool with taking our suggestions.
about 1 year ago
Luisa
Yes, Ginny is very unique because her dad is a pilot! They often know that they're going away on a certain date but don't know where until the day before. How does your mom like that suprise packing for your family Ginny?
about 1 year ago
Deborah
My kids get a pretty good say in where and what we do. I think that makes for a pleasant time, overall. Sometimes, asking and considering WHAT we want to do determines where we go.
about 1 year ago
Ginny
It's good to have a say in what the family does on a a vacation because it makes it more fun for us. We often make up our minds on what to do that day or the night before.
about 1 year ago
Alex
(This is actually the premise of TeenTravelTalk--parents becoming more well-educated in Teen Travel so everybody gets what they want on a family vacation) Due to my mom's travel background, I personally have a decent say in where we take our next vacation.
about 1 year ago
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- Cooper 9 comments
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Hi! This is SO GREAT! Thank you for being here!
OK, how do we make a family trip bonding time when, well, a teenager isn't really up for "bonding?"
about 1 year ago
Luisa
I agree with Ginny. There's a tour company, Trafalgar Tours, that has summer family tours called Family Experiences. What's cool is that they offer hands-on activities daily. On their western U.S. tours there are active things such as being on a dude ranch, white water rafting or 4-wheeling. In Europe, families can watch an Irish woman bake or learn how to make real pizza in Italy...and get their hands dirty (well, flour-y!) at the same time!
about 1 year ago
Cooper
This is all such amazing insight. I know that teens might get distracted from the moment by their technology, but I know the parents do too. For the maximum family trip - how important is it to you that everyone unplug?
about 1 year ago
Justine
Be really subtle about the bonding. One night while on vacation, my parents made this delicious dinner that involved a few courses so while we were waiting for the next one, we talked quite a bit and got closer as a family. They would also hang out in the living room area so when we passed through, we would inadvertently engage in a conversation or sit down to watch something on TV. Of course, the best way to bond is to get away from the house or the hotel, because then you're more actively participating in a vacation activity that at first your teen might feel forced into but 80% of the time will end up having a lot of fun doing with you.
about 1 year ago
Ginny
I suggest a "hands-on" activity that would interest them. For example, I like to horseback ride. We had a family reunion in Estes Park, Colorado that included horseback riding. This experience really made my entire family and me bond by having a common experience.
about 1 year ago
Luisa
I'll have to remember what Alex just said -- since I'm her mom! haha! :)
about 1 year ago
Cooper
Really great! Thank you. That is such good advice!
about 1 year ago
RobynsWorld
I think it's tremendously important to remember that it is their vacation too. Let them be a part of the planning, let them have some say in what activities you do or don't do, plan in time for them on their own if possible, and let them know what the required things for them to do are. Understand also that, especially younger teens, may look miserable on the outside, but later on you will find out they really had fun.
about 1 year ago
Alex
Easy. Disguise it! I've found that teenagers don't like anything that they're SUPPOSED to be doing. If you want a bonding family vacation, don't put any pressure on it and things will most likely fall into place. You can only push a teenager so far. Give them space, don't smother them, and they'll be fine. :)
about 1 year ago
Luisa
You need to get him involved in the trip especially the planning process. Have him check out www.teentraveltalk.com for recommendations from his peers -- not from adults. Give him some ownership of the trip planning -- bet he's great at online research since he's a tech teen, right? Then he starts to actually get into the whole idea of traveling with you.
about 1 year ago
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- Emily 11 comments
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Teens, what are the WORST vacations you've been on and why?!
about 1 year ago
Justine
Totally! I really loved visiting the mansions in Newport, Rhode Island, because you could get a tour if you wanted or you could just wander around and take in the ostentation of it all :) You learn a lot either way!
about 1 year ago
Alex
I totally agree with what Justine said. Now, I really don't mind tours and similar activities. Maybe I've matured? Or maybe I'm just an atypical teenager when it comes to travel. One of my friends hates traveling and all of the routine and museums, and historical places, etc. But I love it!
about 1 year ago
RobynsWorld
The funny guides are the best for sure! We like the self-guided tours often. The kind where there might be a podcast or a little recorded thing you listen to at the displays and then you have a chance to interact.
about 1 year ago
Luisa
Those travel cos. that are used to having kids/teens on their tours tend to water down the tours so they aren't so long and boring. Disney Cruise Line does that in Europe as does Trafalgar Tours on its Family Experiences.
about 1 year ago
Justine
Haha, good to know I'm not alone. It's interesting, though, that because of days like those, I've got a lot more stamina and a better attention span when I do those sorts of visits now that I'm 17. While I hated the sun and the heat in Arches National Park when I was 10, now I looooove hiking in the mountains. While I used to be bored to death by museum tours, I really appreciate a good, informative tour on something specific! The tour I took of the Vanderbilt home in the Hudson Valley was one of the best I ever took, because the guide was funny and I learned a whole lot about how rich people lived during the industrial revolution.
about 1 year ago
RobynsWorld
Justine - I remember being young and feeling that guided tours were usually super boring. I've tried to avoid them for my son for that same reason.
about 1 year ago
Deborah
Justine, I grew up on some of those same trips;)
about 1 year ago
Justine
I love everyone vacation I go on, because hey, it's vacation. However, some vacations have not-so-fun days, and those days usually consist of being forced (or at least feeling forced) to walk around in the sun and listen to bumbling park rangers or robot-like tour guides.
about 1 year ago
Emily
Awwww, Alex, that is so nice to hear!
about 1 year ago
Cristina
Same here! I can't recall any vacations that I didn't end up enjoying once I got into the right mindset.
about 1 year ago
Alex
I honestly don't think I've ever been on any terrible vacations. I remember for a couple, I had a pretty bad teenager attitude, but as soon as I allowed myself to have fun, I did and all of the negativity was forgotten.
about 1 year ago
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- Cooper 9 comments
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Do you do any trips based on "milestones?" Like, Sweet 16 trip with your mom or anything that makes a special event or birthday a time to memorialize it with a trip?
about 1 year ago
Emily
Oh Ginny, how magical.
about 1 year ago
Ginny
When I turned 8 my dad took me to Venice, Italy and it was a great bonding experience. I will always remember feeding the pigeons in St. Mark's Square. I still have a special Venetian mask that my dad bought me from a vendor on the streets of Venice.
about 1 year ago
Deborah
Several years ago we surpirsed the kids in our family with a Christmas trip to Disney....we'd all been many times, but not together....for Christmas. They still talk about it. I'm sure they don't remember all their gifts from this past Christmas but they remember so much from that trip.
about 1 year ago
Justine
My uncle and his family live out in Denver, Colorado, and twice for his birthday my dad's entire side of the family (14 first cousins, folks) goes out to stay in a ski resort. I love it when everybody gets together because I get to catch up with people and tell them funny stories that my friends have already heard loads of times. However, this kind of thing doesn't necessarily need to happen because of a milestone like a birthday. I would totally go back for no good reason!
about 1 year ago
Deborah
RobynsWorld, that's what I'm wondering too!!!!
about 1 year ago
Luisa
We will never forget it and realize how lucky we are! :)
about 1 year ago
RobynsWorld
Alex what a wonderful 10th birthday! Would your mom like to adopt a 40 year old?
about 1 year ago
Cooper
That sounds incredible!!!!!!!!!! TO be 10 in Santorini!
about 1 year ago
Alex
Ohh! For my 10th birthday (although it wasn't the reason, it just sort of fell at the same time), my Mom and I went on a Meditteranean cruise that started in Barcelona, Spain and traveled to: the French Rivieria, Rome, Pisa, and the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini (where I turned 10!). It was my first time to Europe and a trip that I will never forget.
about 1 year ago
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- Janie Reinart 12 comments
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What are some tips for packing light and just with a carry on?
about 1 year ago
RobynsWorld
Janie - if you haven't bought luggage for a while. Get the maximum measurements for a carry-on from the airline websites and write them down. Take your tape measure with you to the store and find one that matches those. The newer pieces of luggage seem to be maximized for storage much more so than older luggage.
about 1 year ago
Alex
Haha I do the same with books and clothes. For our two-week trip to Cape Cod every year, I brought about 5 or 6 too many outfits and about 6 books (ridiculous I know...I'm always over-prepared). However, if you are going to a beach location or a place where there will be down time, maybe more than one book will be a good idea to bring.
about 1 year ago
Janie Reinart
So what would you pack and what kind of luggage do you use--back pack or little suitcase with wheels??
about 1 year ago
Justine
Alex, I do the sausage-rolling thing too! Also, I tend to leave things at home that I know other people or the hotel will have. This includes a lot of toiletries, towels, and snacks/books. I always bring too many books and too many clothes that I don't end up reading or wearing anyway! Limit yourself to the pair of shoes you wear there, and only bring one book-- trust me, unless you stay for more than two weeks, you won't have time to read more than one.
about 1 year ago
Ginny
I like to wash everything that I usually wear and pack it. It's good to go light because then you can move around the city better once you land. We often take public transportation when we are in a foreign place and traveling light makes it easier.
about 1 year ago
Emily
I'm interested in what the teens have to say on this! My trick is to plan outfits so I don't take way too many shirts or other items. A friend told me about this a few years ago, and at first it seemed so strange, but it's cut my packing list in half!
about 1 year ago
Deborah
Here lies my problem....I think I need it ALL!!!!!
about 1 year ago
Alex
I am NOT the person to answer this (neither is my mom!) I overpack whenever I even leave the house! But a trick I learned for fitting more in a suitcase is: try folding up your clothes and then rolling them into little sausages. It sounds silly but it is an easier way to fit more clothes in a suitcase (usually without wrinkles).
about 1 year ago
RobynsWorld
Plan what you really need, pick items that can be worn in multiple ways, think thinner fabrics - not necessarily lightweight, but thinner (less bulky).
about 1 year ago
Luisa
Me too -- and I travel for a living...
about 1 year ago
Janie Reinart
Me too!
about 1 year ago
Deborah
I'm waiting for this answer....I'm the BIGGEST over-packer EVAH!!!!
about 1 year ago
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- Alex 5 comments
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What are everybody's opinions on Family Reunions? (I go on two every year and love them!)
about 1 year ago
Luisa
Make sure you all meet for dinner even if you're doing different things separately all day. It's great to bond over a meal and see what everyone did that day...and show old photos/movies of the family!
about 1 year ago
Emily
Great idea for everyone to have their own living space!
about 1 year ago
Luisa
Alex's Dad's family has been having an annual family reunion for 12 years. Alex and her brother really look forward to it so that they can see their cousins in the mid-west. My advise is to stay at condos in the same complex so that families have their own space but are close enough to hang out -- especially the teens who might just want to "chill" together at night time.
about 1 year ago
Justine
I love family reunions, but I can largely attribute that to the fact that I have cousins close to my age. That way, when the babies get too clingy and the adults get too... how-is-school-do-you-have-a-boyfriend-now-listen-to-me-talk-about-my-colleagues, I can fall back on just chilling out with my cousin that's one year younger than me. However, I always draw amusement from the craziness of a big family reunion, and now that I'm older I love to help out with the cooking and activity-planning.
about 1 year ago
RobynsWorld
Our family is all right here in St. Louis really. No big family reunions.
about 1 year ago
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- Ginny 5 comments
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Any suggestions on what to do if you have one family member who is a reluctant traveler?
about 1 year ago
Ginny
Thanks for suggestions!
about 1 year ago
Justine
Make sure they have all the comforts of being back at home, but make sure they step out of their comfort zone every once and a while. For example, my parents let my brother sleep in and eat breakfast in front of the TV, but then they encourage him to come to the wharf or the market with us, so he doesn't make himself bored and he gets a little bit of experience doing something different!
about 1 year ago
Deborah
Oh, that's good, Luisa. We're into finding the best ice cream wherever we are. Or the best sandwich. Best fish. Whatever you'd like to have again and again.
about 1 year ago
RobynsWorld
Get them involved. Figure out what part they are reluctant about and see if you can do anything to alleviate that hesitation on their part. Ask them to find things that they would be interested in doing, even if that something is doing nothing - plan time for that.
about 1 year ago
Luisa
Try to get them involved in the process. Try to do things that they like -- such as if they're into food, go to a cooking class while you're in a special place.
about 1 year ago
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- Emily 10 comments
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When are kids allowed to travel on their own? After they go to college or before?
about 1 year ago
Luisa
Yes, my words WILL live on in infamy! haha
about 1 year ago
Emily
So great, Luisa and Alex, you're getting a chance to start talking and thinking about it here! :-)
about 1 year ago
Luisa
I totally agree with Justine. Luckily Alex and her friends are really responsible young adults so I'll have to re-think about her above mentioned request for next year's road trip w/her friends. :)
about 1 year ago
Alex
Oh, Justine's post reminded me...this past winter break, about 10 friends and I stayed at one of the girl's beach house down at the Jersey Shore. It was great! Two days of independence and self-sufficiency. My mom wasn't too happy though. I think it takes every parent a different amount of time for them to be comfortable with their children traveling alone. But hey, we'll all be going to college some day (for me, in the fall of 2011!) so the mother birds must let the baby birds leave the next sometime. Right? :)
about 1 year ago
Ginny
Airlines have unaccompanied minor programs for children traveling without an adult. It depends where they are going and what airline they are taking, you should check with the airline. Each airline has different policies on the matter.
about 1 year ago
Alex
My friends and I want to take a post-graduation road trip next summer. My mom sort of freaked out when I mentioned this to her...I should probably read that blog. :)
about 1 year ago
Justine
I went to my friend's family's house on Fire Island over Memorial Day weekend with 5 other friends, and we had a blast. We're all 16 and 17 and our parents were comfortable because all of us are quite responsible. It depends on how much you trust your kids, but I've built up a lot of trust with my parents and they let me go even though there were no parents. Since that trip was successful, I'm sure they'll let me try something again, and I respect their authority even more because I know they're not overly anxious.
about 1 year ago
Luisa
There's a great article written by a teen blogger on www.teentraveltalk.com. It gives teens directions on how to convince their parents to successfully allow them to travel on their own. http://www.teentraveltalk.com/2010/03/28/how-to-plan-a-teen-getaway/
about 1 year ago
RobynsWorld
Wait? My baby, out on his own? Without me? NEVER! LOL! Seriously, I would say a general rule would be about 18 since they are adults then by law which might be helpful. However, I think each child is different and a parent has to make a decision that is unique to that child.
about 1 year ago
Deborah
Am I suppose to allow them to travel without me at some point? Oh, lordy.
about 1 year ago
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- Alex 7 comments
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Anybody know any daytrips close to any major U.S. cities that are still fun but without the cost of a week-long vacation?
about 1 year ago
Justine
Oh, that reminds me! Visiting Evanston, a suburb of Chicago, was great! We saw Northwestern University and had dinner at this amazing stir-fry restaurant called Lulu's. There were lots of shops and bookstores to browse, too.
about 1 year ago
Deborah
We're headed to Chicago soon....our kids pretty much planned the trip.
about 1 year ago
Alex
Before our family reunion in Wisconsin, my dad, brother and I usually stop by my aunt's for a night or two in a suberb of Chicago. Chicago itself is great for day trips. Living in a suberb of NYC myself, New York is the best day trip around for my friends and I to go out, be independent, and have a great time experiencing the "greatest city in the world".
about 1 year ago
Cristina
The Santa Monica pier and boardwalk in Southern California is always fun! I'm also a big fan of Hollywood; there's plenty of sightseeing and touristy attractions there.
about 1 year ago
Justine
When staying in San Francisco, my family visited an aquarium in Monterey and it was fantastic! It's also fun to visit hiking trails near cities that are more surrounded by wilderness rather than suburbs.
about 1 year ago
RobynsWorld
Not a specific suggestion, but make sure you get the travel guide for your own state and for any states that are close by. We have found a lot of things to do near home in those guides.
about 1 year ago
Luisa
This time of year there are lots of "cool" day trips that teens would like. From the NYC area, some active ones include: Kittatinny Canoes (PA/NY) which features tubing, white water rafting, kayaking, paint ball, and camping; Mountain Creek waterpark which Alex says is "fun"; and Great Wolf Lodge (PA) with its indoor waterpark so it's a good weekend trip year round.
about 1 year ago
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- Cristina 8 comments
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What are your thoughts on joint family vacations (that is, bringing another family along or joining them on their vacation)?
about 1 year ago
Luisa
Justine's family and my family once went to Martha's Vineyard together. We rented separate houses but met at the beach everyday -- worked out great. This is what we do each year on Cape Cod too w/my sisters (Alex's cousins.) Together time but separate time too -- you DO want some necessary down time w/just your kids too. We moms know that we don't get enough of that during the daily hustle and bustle. And that's what family travel is all about -- especially with teens. Every time Alex and I hit the road, we really come home appreciating each other's company so much more.
about 1 year ago
Janie Reinart
Ginny, I am going on a singing tour with a church choir to Ireland in 2011. What month did you go and what did you pack. Did you have to take "concert" attire?
about 1 year ago
Justine
My family often splits the cost of a beachfront house with my best friend's family, and it's something I look forward to practically every year. You still bond with your family, but it's not as closed-in as a single family vacation. However, I'm very lucky that our families are good friends, because I get to spend a lot of time with my best friend. We also did a vacation in this huuuuuge house once with five other families and it wasn't as fun because we didn't know all of them and nobody else was my age.
about 1 year ago
Ginny
When I was on a singing tour in Ireland my family followed our group with another family. From what I heard they had a GREAT time! Also, friends of mine have gone on vacations with other families and loved them as well. As long as the families get along it should be fun!
about 1 year ago
Alex
I think that you would have to make sure that you are close with the family. I personally don't have any experience with this but my friend does it every year. If there are children in the same general age range for everyone, then it's fine. But say there are two 6-year olds, two 10-year olds, and a lone 16-year old. How do you think the 16-year old will feel? Also, make sure that you are very close with the family. Otherwise, like Christina said, things could get awkward.
about 1 year ago
Emily
We've gone on a couple of trips with close family friends when our kids were very young. The young kids entertained each other and we all had a great time. I imagine it could get much more complicated if the teens aren't close, don't know each other well, or worst case, like each other. So lots of sensitivity needed here, wouldn't you say?
about 1 year ago
Cristina
I'd like to know how other people deal with it, because personally, it can be a bit of an awkward experience to do other activities with another family while trying to spend time with my own!
about 1 year ago
Emily
I'm so curious what the teens think of this!
about 1 year ago
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- Emily 4 comments
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We have a winner of the $25 Amazon gift card!
(Drumroll)
Janie Reinhart - you WON!
Congratulations!
about 1 year ago
Janie Reinart
Thank you very much!!
about 1 year ago
Janie Reinart
Wow!! It's my lucky day! LOL
about 1 year ago
Deborah
Congrats!!!!
about 1 year ago
RobynsWorld
Congratulations Janie!
about 1 year ago
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- Emily 5 comments
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What a great, informative conversation!!!! Thank you SO MUCH everyone!!!!!!
Alex, Cristina, Ginny and Justine, you are WONDERFUL!!!!!! What smart, thoughtful, engaging teens you are!!!!!!
Luisa, thank you for bringing us together for this timely Talk - right before summer vacation kicks off in earnest!
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!
about 1 year ago
Luisa
Thanks Emily -- this was a lot of fun. It's amazing what teens can accomplish if we adults give them a platform to express themselves. I'm really proud of the Teen Bloggers who write www.teentraveltalk.com! :) Thanks Alex, Justine, Ginny and Cristina and your co-bloggers too.
about 1 year ago
Cristina
Thanks for having us! I had a really great time.
about 1 year ago
Alex
Thank you for letting us come here to "chat". This was a lot of fun. :)
about 1 year ago
RobynsWorld
Happy vacationing everyone!
about 1 year ago
Justine
This was fun :) Thanks everybody!
about 1 year ago
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