Lesson 4: Traveling with Teenagers
Teenagers are eleven years or older. Teenagers can easily entertain themselves. Children of this age have their own distinct likes, dislikes, and opinions. Therefore, it is best to include them in planning travel activities.
On a good day, teenagers are by far the greatest travel companions. They are passionate. They have incredible ideas and insights. Teenagers are energetic and want to experience everything. They are also great conversationalists. Your teen and yourself may even have common interests.
On a bad day, however, teenagers turn into monsters. If a teenager feels uncomfortable, judged, or out of place he or she can become anxious, upset, angry, giggly, or just plain obnoxious. This manifestation can occur in a split second for no apparent reason (at least to us). Patience and listening to your teenagers needs is the key to traveling with teenagers.
Transportation
Your teenager will probably have little trouble keeping busy while traveling. Books, electronic games, and CDs are good entertainers. Let your teenager take a turn choosing the radio station or car music. Teenagers can also talk for hours, if encouraged.
At the start of a trip, I like to give each of my teenagers a camera and a roll of film. In this way, my teens can share vacation pictures with his or her friends back home. Some teenagers might even appreciate collecting brochures for making holiday collections or vacation scrapbooks. You may, however, want to set out rules for spending money.
With teenagers it is important to always have some pain reliever and antacid on hand. Excitement and anxiety often create stomach and head ailments. If turbulence unnerves your teen, reserve a seat over the wing of the airplane.
Students are often eligible to receive discounts or student rates on travel. For instance, an International Student Identity card cuts rates on plane tickets and rail passes. Discount coupons are also available for various airlines.
