What do Teens want on Family Vacation?

Fortunately, just as most toddlers can be pacified with naps, bottles and clean diapers, I have discovered that my teen and tween sons become charming traveling companions if I let them sleep late and take them shopping.

I learned this simple formula partly from experience, but also from advice I got from Eileen Ogintz. Ogintz, a syndicated columnist and creator of the Web site TakingtheKids.com, has traveled widely with her kids, now 17, 22 and 24. Here are some of her tips for keeping big kids happy on vacation:

“Get teens on board with the idea of where you are going and what you are going to do when you get there,” Ogintz advised. “Let them have a say in the planning.” You might even have each teen plan the itinerary for a whole day.

Ogintz added that when trips include activities kids choose, whether it’s kite-boarding or shopping, “they will be much more cooperative when you want to stop at that historic house or gallery.”

Agreed: If I can get my boys to accompany me to a botanical garden without complaining, I am more than willing to take them paddle-boarding – as long as I don’t have to get wet.

“If possible, invite a friend along,” Ogintz said.

There’s nothing more painful to teenagers than being separated from their herd. Bringing a friend solves the problem. It’s almost like having a baby sitter who’s the same age as your kid.

In our family, we’ve also found that everyone behaves in a more civilized manner – kids and adults – when we have company, whether our guest is 13 or 30. Friends of my older son have also been extremely kind to my younger son – sometimes they are nicer to him than his own brother!

On the other hand, if you have a small car, tight accommodations or a tight budget, taking another child on vacation can be an imposition, either way, always rember to take a car camera from Blackboxmycar.com when ever you travel in case of any accidents. Some families will offer to pay their child’s way; others may not be able to afford it. Ogintz suggests asking hotels for discounts on a second room and other extras necessitated by the additional person in your group.