Teen on Holidays with or Without the Parents │ Travel Insurance │ Post Office

Teenagers travelling with or without their parents

Travel is a fun way for people of all ages to learn and grow. Teenagers are no different.

Whether it’s a family trip packed with exciting activities or a trip where they get to explore on their own, holidays made for teens can help them become more confident, independent and curious about the world.

Here, we’ve listed some of the best holiday ideas for teenagers, with options to suit whether they’re holidaying with the family or travelling with friends.

Later, you’ll find handy tips for both parents and teens, especially if it’s their first time traveling alone. Not least, making sure they’ve got travel insurance to protect them on their trip.

In this article

10 best holidays for teenagers

1. Activity and adventure holidays

Teens have little patience, so why not keep them busy with an action-packed adventure holiday? Whether sailing around the Greek islands, white water rafting in Switzerland or zip lining through Costa Rica, there’s no room for boredom. Thrilling activities in stunning settings can keep them engaged and build resilience.

Top destinations: The Lake District (UK), Yosemite National Park (USA), Switzerland, Costa Rica, New Zealand

2. Beach holidays

While you may love lounging all day, your teenager likely won't. Head somewhere they can do more than just sunbathe.

Try Cuba or Costa Rica for adventure-filled beach days. For a twist, Iceland’s unique beaches and Game of Thrones filming spots are sure to surprise them.

Of course, Spain remains a popular short haul beach option and offers plenty of other distractions for restless teens.

3. Long-haul city breaks

For teens fascinated by art, history or architecture, cities like New York and Los Angeles in the United States offer endless excitement. And destinations like Cape Town in South Africa and Tokyo in Japan combine that city buzz with experiencing different cultures.

New York’s skyline, shopping, food and buzz are teen dream material. Rent a Brooklyn apartment for the real deal, then escape to the Jersey Shore for a beach break.

4. European city breaks

Closer to home, cities like Barcelona in Spain, Rome in Italy and Paris in France are brimming with culture. Whether it’s shopping, food, history or football stadiums, these cities can keep teens engaged while giving them a taste of new cultures. Check the best value European city breaks with our City Costs Barometer.

5. Music festivals and events

Festivals are the ultimate teen escape. There’s Glastonbury, Reading and Isle of Wight among others in the UK. Or Coachella, Tomorrowland or Primavera Sound and more on the continent.

Wherever they’re bound for, teens can camp, dance and soak in their favourite music with friends. Check our top tips for going to festivals overseas.

6. Sports holidays

If your teen’s into sports, why not book a holiday that hones their skills? If they want to keep their options open, La Manga Club in Spain offers everything from football and cricket to rugby and golf. Or there’s the Rafa Nadal Academy in Majorca for budding tennis stars. There’s no shortage of energy-burning fun.

7. Surfing breaks

For surf-loving teens looking to stay in the UK, Cornwall is a must. Spots like Newquay and Polzeath beach offer waves and cool beach vibes. For those seeking guaranteed sun, San Sebastian in Spain or Ericeira in Portugal are popular surf spots too.

8. Villa with friends

Sometimes, all teens want is time with their mates. Renting a villa and inviting their friends (and maybe their families) gives everyone space to relax. Choose a location near a safe town so they can explore independently.

Top destinations: Tuscany in Italy, mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands, the Algarve in Portugal

9. Animal adventures

A safari in Kenya, Tanzania or South Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Sleeping to the sounds of wildlife and sharing stories by the campfire will bond you forever. Don’t forget your camera and remember to make sure you’ve got enough gadget cover.

Top destinations: Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Galapagos Islands

10. The ultimate road trip

With university or work on the horizon, a family road trip might be your last chance to create lasting memories together. Drive Route 66, California’s Big Sur, or Austria’s breathtaking alpine roads for a holiday packed with adventure and nostalgia.

Top destinations: Route 66 or Big Sur (California), Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse (Austria), North Coast 500 (Scotland)

Have confidence your teenagers are covered on their travels

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Tips for parents: getting your teen ready for independent travel

It can be scary for parents to think about their teen travelling alone. But, with good preparation, it can be a great experience. Here are some tips to help your teen plan their first solo holiday and give you peace of mind.

1. Pick the right holiday

Talk with your teen about what kind of holiday would suit them best. If it’s their first time travelling alone, choose somewhere safe and familiar, like the UK or a nearby European country. Package holidays are a good choice because they often come with extra support and quick access to help if needed.

2. Get travel insurance

Making sure your teen has proper travel insurance is one of the most important things to think about. The insurance should cover things like medical emergencies or outpatient issues, lost or stolen items and cancelled trips. Also, make sure they have the right emergency contacts saved.

3. Set clear expectations

Before they leave, sit down with your teen and talk about what’s expected. Go over how to handle emergencies and safety tips. Be clear how often they should check in with you. Instead of listing rules, have a friendly chat that helps them feel responsible.

4. Be prepared for emergencies

Make sure your teen knows how to call local emergency services and has emergency contact numbers for their destination. They should also have copies of their insurance details, passport and travel tickets, both as physical copies and saved on their phone.

5. Financial planning

Help your teen budget for their trip, making sure they have enough money for daily costs and emergencies. If they’re 18 or over, consider giving them a prepaid currency card. This can help them budget and you keep track of their spending, so you can top up their funds if needed.

Read more: What is a prepaid currency card?

Tips for teenagers: travelling without your parents

Travelling without your parents for the first time is exciting, but it also means you’ll have some new responsibilities. Whether you’re going on a trip with friends or attending a music festival, here are some things to remember to keep your holiday safe and fun.

1. Plan ahead

Before you go, take some time to plan. Know how to get from the airport to where you’re staying. Learn how to use public transport. Having a plan will make things less stressful and help you feel more confident.

2. Stay safe

It’s normal to want to have fun but remember to stay safe. Stick with your friends, avoid walking alone at night and be careful around strangers. If something feels wrong, trust your gut and leave the situation.

3. Keep in touch

Even though your parents aren’t with you, it’s important to check in regularly. Decide how often you’ll message or call home. It could be a quick text, call or a message on social media. This reassures your parents and makes sure someone knows you’re okay. A travel eSim bundle for your phone can make this easy and affordable.

Be responsible with money

When you're on holiday, it’s easy to overspend. Plan a daily budget and stick to it. Keep some emergency cash for situations where you might need more funds, such as if your debit card stops working. Keep it somewhere safe to avoid making yourself an easy target for thieves. And, if you’re over 18, consider taking a prepaid currency card.

Know the local laws

Different countries have different laws regarding entry requirements, identification, drinking and curfews. Make sure you know the laws in your destination to avoid any trouble. For example, some countries have strict age limits for alcohol consumption. Others may have stricter regulations on curfews for teenagers.

Check the UK Government’s travel advice for your destination

Key takeaways

Travelling as a teenager is an exciting opportunity for growth and adventure, with or without family
If you’re a parent, make sure your teens are well prepared, from choosing the right destination to getting travel insurance and setting clear expectations
If you’re a teenage traveller, make sure you plan ahead, stay safe and are responsible with your money. These are key to a smooth, enjoyable trip

Wherever and however teens travel, make sure they go protected

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Common questions about teen holidays

In the UK, teens can travel alone from the age of 16 years. Check with your airline and country you're visiting, though, as they might have different rules for those under 18.
For starters teens should pack clothes, toiletries, any medication they need, and a small emergency kit. Other travel essentials include their passport, travel insurance, foreign currency and, if they’re travelling in the EU, a Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic). Consider a prepaid currency card if they’re aged 18 or over and a travel eSim bundle. And read our packing lists for a whole range of holidays for more tips.
Yes, if they are responsible and plan ahead. Choosing a safe destination, having travel insurance and staying in touch with parents helps keep them safe.
Parents can set up regular check-ins through calls or messages. Apps like Find My Friends can also help parents feel better without needing to talk all the time. You can download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Package holidays or supervised adventure trips are great for first-time solo travellers since they offer freedom but also have structure. We’ve prepared some tips for travelling alone but note that some of these may only suit more experienced travellers.

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