How to Enjoy a Family Vacation With a Teen

Research vacation options that offer plenty of teen-friendly options. Your teenager may act less resistant to the family vacation if she knows there are activities that will appeal or even cater specifically to her interests. Large family resort destinations often offer attractions and activities specifically for teens. For example, many of the Club Med Resorts, located all over the world, have a teen club space where teens can hang out on their own, dance or engage in games and other activities. Most major cruise lines also offer state-of-the-art areas for teens only that include a party or nightclub space, video game lounges, private sun decks and teen-friendly sport activities, such as wave simulators and rock climbing walls.

Ask your teen for input on where to go. Taking your teen's desires into consideration can make all the difference in his attitude toward the family vacation. You don't have to do exactly what he wants, but if he really hates the cold and loves the beach, announcing a ski vacation isn't likely to earn you any cool points. Once you have agreed upon a destination, encourage your teen to do some research on activities and restaurants in the area that might appeal to him so you can make time for it.

Negotiate family time with your teen. Family time likely is not as important to your teen as it is to you, so compromise is the name of the game. Offer incentives for your teen to suck it up and at least try to have fun with her siblings. If your teen is willing to take the younger kids to the kiddie pool for a couple of hours, tell her she can stay up late at the resort's teen club until it closes. If she agrees to go with the family on the "boring" sky tram cable car up a mountain, offer to go ziplining with her afterwards. Don't be surprised if your teen actually starts to have fun engaging in family activities, however -- even if she won't admit it.

Allow a friend to come along, if possible. Yes, it's a family vacation, but if your teen is an only child, or your other kids are much younger, it can be tough for him to have fun without someone close to his age with similar interests. Have your teen choose a close friend whose parents you have a relationship with, and ask them well in advance so you can address logistics and any concerns they may have. You also want to factor the friend into the decision on where to vacation, as the additional person will add significantly to your budget. It may be best to invite friends along only for budget-friendly trips that are just a few hours away, unless the friend's parents are willing to pay for their teen's expenses.