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Top Ten Places to Travel With Teens

April 1, 2008

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A family vacation is the perfect opportunity to bond with your teens and make some memories but, it isn’t always easy to choose a place that will appeal to everyone.

What do all of these destinations have in common? Each one has a ton of diverse activities for all members of the family but can be especially exciting for the teen

So, what are the best places to travel with your teens (and tweens, too)? According to a survey compiled by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) the top ten places in 2008 (from better to best) for summer travel with teens are:

10. Alaska

One of only two states that are not bordered by another US state, Alaska has a ton of travel adventures for the family.

With a great variety of wildlife, native cultures not to mention the beautiful scenery, with careful planning, Alaska could be just what your family vacation is looking for.

From June to September you can cruise the inside passage. Visit a quaint Russian town with interesting architecture and Tlingit Indian totem poles in Sitka, the state capital in Juneau and see orcas, seals & whales right from the comfort of your cruise ship.

If your family is more adventurous you can kayak in Prince William Sound, visit Anchorage for skiing or take in the Iditarod race in winter. Mt McKinley and Denali National park offer hiking, horseback riding and rock & ice climbing

If you’re limited by time or money, consider an all-inclusive cruise or land tour (by train or bus) Alaskan vacation.

For more information you can visit the State of Alaska website.

9. Costa Rica

Costa Rica stands as the most visited nation in the Central American region. Here you’ll find one of the most diverse bio-systems in the world. Jaguars roam in the shadows of the cloud forest, crocodiles skulk in the swamp, hammerhead sharks have been known to cruise the estuaries, and Costa Rica has the largest breeding population of green sea turtles in the world.

In Arenal, you can experience a rumbling volcano, the hanging bridges and hot springs, as well as, kayaking through mangrove forests. Zip through the cloud forest canopy in a harness and walk the trails of the mystical Los Angeles Cloud Forest in San Ramon. Or, take in a side trip to the National Amusement park.

Costa Rica has comfortable lodges and hotels that specifically cater to families and if you pair up with a naturalist guide, your family will be introduced to Costa Rica’s truly remarkable culture and wildlife.

The official site of Costa Rica can provide you with more information.

8. Punta Cana

Located on a tip land on the Caribbean Sea on the island of Hispaniola in the Dominican Republic, the city of Punta Cana is set on an unspoiled half-mile beach alive with palms.

Not far from the Punta Cana International Airport, are roughly 65 resorts with many of them all-inclusive and geared toward the family, including the Club Med, Punta Cana Resort & Club and the Tortuga Bay Hotel. Each of these resorts is clean, nice-looking and on the water with phones, TVs, and air-conditioning in the rooms.

At the resorts you will also enjoy good food, various water sports and great pools.

The Dominican Republic is a good value for your vacation dollars.

A quick tip: Dominican Republic Immigration requires each visitor to purchase a Tourist Card. It is important to have $10 US for everyone in your party to pay the tax.

For more information about Punta Cana visit the Dominican Republic’s Official Website.

7. Florida

The State of Florida, with its wonderful weather, is a perfect vacation destination for families of all types but it’s especially fun for families with teenagers.

When most people think of Florida they think Disney and theme parks. While it’s true we have those things here (I’m a native Floridian!) Florida is so much more than amusement parks or spring break beaches.

Some places that stick out in my mind from the upper east coast, down around the bend then back up the gulf coast of Florida.

• St. Augustine, the Nation’s Oldest City
• Marineland, Florida’s First Theme Park
• Daytona Beach
• Kennedy Space Center
• Lion Country Safari in Palm Beach
• Everglades Alligator Farm
• Key West
• Everglades National Park
• Ringling Museum - Sarasota
• Cypress Gardens Winter Garden
• Busch Gardens Tampa
• Weeki Wachee Springs
• Silver Springs
• Cross City, for Marjorie Kinnon Rawlings fans
• Panama City Beach

Florida has beaches galore most with sand like powdered sugar, great shell collecting and on the gulf coast you can find shark’s teeth! It also has many natural springs, parks and wildlife preserves along with the more popular theme parks.

There are resorts, hotels, motels and condos aplenty for any length of stay. There are more opportunities than you can think of in a state (just like in Alaska, only different!)

If you decide that a Florida vacation is for your family you can find more information here.

6. Caribbean

All-inclusive beach resorts are the most popular type of Caribbean vacation for families.

From the US Virgin Islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas & St. John (which, by the way, you don’t need a passport for if you fly directly from a US Airport without any foreign stops!) to the larger Caribbean Islands of Aruba, Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos, Barbados, Bonaire, Antigua, the Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominica, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Montserrat, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent, Guadeloupe, Trinidad & Tobago; there are no shortage of choices.

You’ll find water sports, beaches galore, wonderful shopping and those terrific all-inclusive family resorts on each of these islands.

More information: Caribbean Tourism Organization.

5. Mexico

Once again, all-inclusive resorts are a hit for families with teens visiting Mexico.

From the resorts on the Gulf on Mexico to the Pacific Ocean, Mexico has a delightful variety of locations. Most recognizable are the resort towns of Cozumel, Acapulco, Los Cabos, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. Help in planning your Mexican family vacation.

Outdoor activities include snorkeling, diving, fishing, hunting, surfing, white water rafting, kayaking or a zip-lining canopy tour and even whale-watching.

Other activities your family might want to do?

• How about a visit to a museum?
• The archeology and artifacts of the Aztec & Mayan cultures (who wouldn’t want to climb a pyramid)?
• The amazing Mexican architecture both historical and modern?
• And let’s not forget the beaches and spas for girly relaxation and golfing for Dad.

Mexico is a large country and has several regions that vary from lovely beaches to arid deserts. Take your time and plan a trip that fits your family.

And then there’s our next favorite destination which just happens to BE in Mexico.

4. Cancun

On the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, Cancun provides many opportunities for families. As part of the Mayan Riviera, Cancun is neighbors with Playa del Carmen and Cozumel (where most cruise ships visit).

All-inclusive beach resorts are plentiful and provide a host of the ever-present water sports and activities galore.

From Cancun your family can take a daytrip to nearby Maya ruins in Xel-Ha, Xcaret or near by Tulum. Although 72 miles (1 ½ hours) from Cancun, Xel-Ha (www.xel-ha.com) is an impressive eco-park where you can enjoy the experience of swimming with dolphins and snorkeling in the main lagoon or in underground rivers. Open daily from 8:30 to 6:00. It’s said to be well worth it.

Xel-Ha Xcaret

Forty-five minutes (and 44 miles) from Cancun Xcaret. According to Mexico’s official tourism site, This park has a beach area, underground rivers, an aquarium, a butterfly pavilion, a so-called dolphinarium, an orchid greenhouse and a bee farm. What’s more, it offers an archaeological zone and a recreation of a Mayan village. Open daily from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm.

3. Hawaii

The second of two states that are not bordered by another US state, Hawaii is a tropical paradise. With the islands of Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Lanai, Molokai and Kauai, each island has its own personality.

Hawaii’s site is a wonderful place to start checking out activities and sightseeing opportunities. Hawaii’s major airport is located on the island of Oahu.

When I think Hawaii, I think Oahu. With places like Honolulu, Pearl Harbor and Waikiki Beach visions of Magnum PI or Hawaii Five-O (I think I’m dating myself but you parents will understand) come into mind. (OK, how about Lilo & Stitch? Help anyone?)

Along with a little R & R on the beaches you and the kids can sightsee via a submarine, helicopter or glass-bottom boats.

• Visit Pearl Harbor, the Polynesian Cultural Center or the Sea Life Park on Oahu,
• Visit a Volcanoes National park on the Big Island,
• Go Whale Watching on Maui,
• Snorkel, Take a rafting tour or take a movie tour on Kauai (did you know Raiders of the Lost Ark and Jurassic Park were made here?)
• Boat out to see the world’s tallest sea cliffs (3600 feet) along the North Shore of Molokai

2. Orlando

Located in Sunny Florida, my home town of Orlando boasts a host of theme parks, attractions and activities both in- and out-doors.

Orlando’s tourism website, has an abundance of information about the area. You have your choice of motel, hotel, resort, condo or house rental for your stay. We even have campgrounds if you’ll be bringing your RV.

Yes, we have Disney’s Magic Kingdom, EPCOT Center, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Universal Orlando, Islands of Adventure, Sea World Orlando & a ton of water parks but we also have local wineries, airboat rides and Gatorland. Golf courses for Dad, day spas for Mom and excitement for the kids, Orlando literally does have it all.

We’re only 45 minutes from Cocoa Beach 1 hour from Daytona Beach and Kennedy Space Center is just down the road.

If you’re planning a visit to Orlando be sure to sign up for the money-saving offers and download Orlando’s Magic Card - the savings are worth it.

1. Cruises

The #1 pick for families vacationing with teens is also my family’s favorite vacation. We take at least one each year.

For our family of 6, when we count the cost of gas, lodging, food and activities, the price of the cruise is easily less expensive per person per day; a bigger bang for our vacation buck!

We unpack once, we can visit several place and don’t have to drive to get there, activities abound and food is plenteous. A cruise is restful & relaxing for adults while being exciting & fun for the kids.

Several cruise lines offer free onboard programs for children as young as 2 years old. The kids are grouped by age and engage in age-appropriate activities. Each counselor is chosen for their education and experience in child care ensuring that the children are carefully supervised and are very safe aboard ship.

While each cruise line has its own program they are all very similar and teens have their own special cruise experience. Ships provide activities like karaoke, basketball, volleyball and ping pong, teen only pool parties and dance parties and some ships even give teens their own “private” lounge not to mention the “late night” parties.

Make sure to check out the cruise line to make it meets your family’s needs. Some cruise lines cater more towards adults while others are extremely family friendly.

Family friendly cruise lines that come to mind are: Carnival Cruise Lines, Disney Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Lines & Holland America.

Teens have the feeling of being on their own while you have the peace of mind that your children are safe. A great vacation for all.

Good information to help you find a cruise for your family can be found at http://www.cruisecritic.com/

Tips to make your family vacation planning easier.

• Take your kids interests into consideration. A perfect plan will come together if everyone helps to make it.
• Don’t schedule activities for every minute of the day. Take time to relax. They need it as much as you do. Sleep in and enjoy breakfast.
• Get them excited and involved with the planning buy purchasing some guidebooks or letting them research activities online.
• If you’re driving to your destination, let your teen keep the maps and be the navigator.
• Give each kid a camera and have them take photos during the trip and put a vacation album together when you get home. It will help promote responsibility and trust.
• Choose a hotel near all the attractions and if you can, give them their own space by booking connecting or adjoining rooms.
• Give them a spending allowance and expect them to stick to it. When it’s “their” money they’ll think harder before making a purchase.
• Let them choose at least one family activity.
• Take in the local culture (if it’s safe to do so) and taste the local cuisine of the region you’re visiting but, don’t worry, there’s bound to be a well-known fast food chain somewhere nearby!

NOW is the time to begin planning.

This list should give you a place to start. I have made suggestions to give you a better idea of what each destination listed has to offer. This is NOT a comprehensive list and I encourage you to take a closer look at the offerings once you’ve decided upon a location for your next family vacation.

Money is a big part of any travel experience, and the more value you feel you’re getting, the more you’ll enjoy yourself. Travel agents understand this principle more than anyone, which is why they work within your schedule, budget and expectations to produce an incomparable vacation experience.

I’ve mentioned the word all-inclusive quite a bit and just to clarify, an all-inclusive resort typically has: No hidden costs. Once you pay for your airfare, transfers and accommodations at your all-inclusive resort (most include your accommodations, food, drinks and activities at the resort and even taxes and tips are included in the rates) you don’t have to worry about carrying your wallet around with you everywhere you go, and you don’t have to budget once you get there. It’s economical, and makes for a worry free vacation.

While I’ve included a website for reference of each destination, your travel agent can not only save you time and money - their advice and expertise can make the difference between a good family vacation and a great family vacation.

The best advice in finding a travel agent, resort, cruise line, guide, activity, etc. is to do your research and ask for recommendations

Tracy Roberts is a Home-Based Travel Planner and Owner of Above All Travel. She lives in Central Florida with her husband and four children ages 16, 11, 2 ½ & 3mos. Their love of traveling and being together has them taking family vacations several times each year.

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• All-Inclusive Family Vacation
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