Traveling with teenagers is completely different from traveling with little kids. And frankly? I think it can be better. You don't need kids' clubs, character breakfasts or a schedule filled from 8 a.m. until bedtime. But you do need to choose the vacation carefully, because teenagers are very good at letting you know when they're bored.
The goal isn't finding a family-friendly resort. The goal is finding the resort where your particular family will be happy.
Stop planning the trip entirely around the adults
This is probably the biggest mistake I see. Parents choose a gorgeous resort because they love it. Beautiful spa, quiet pool, fabulous restaurant. Meanwhile, their 16-year-old has been staring at the same palm tree for three days.
If you're bringing teenagers, I want to know what there is for them. Can they walk around safely on their own? Is there a beach they'll actually use? Water sports? A gym? Basketball? Pickleball? Other teenagers? Somewhere to grab food without sitting through a two-hour dinner with Mom and Dad? Those details matter.
Give them some freedom
Teenagers generally don't want seven consecutive days of scheduled family bonding, and that's okay. One of the reasons I love certain resorts for families with teens is that everyone can have some independence. Parents can go to the spa. Teenagers can grab lunch, hit the beach or meet other kids. Everyone reconnects later. You're together without being together every second.
Wi-Fi matters. I said what I said.
Would I love for every teenager to put the phone away and stare thoughtfully at the Caribbean Sea? Sure. Am I planning your actual family vacation or a Hallmark movie? Good Wi-Fi matters to teenagers. So does having somewhere to go at night, good food options and enough happening around the property.
Plan a few things everyone will love
You don't need an itinerary for every hour. Give me one great boat day, a snorkeling trip, zip-lining, ATVs, a cooking class or a private tour. Something that becomes the day everyone talks about afterward. Then leave room for people to do their own thing.
Most importantly, choose the right destination
Not every beautiful island is great for teenagers, and not every family needs the same resort. I've been doing this long enough to know that the hotel your best friend loved with her husband may be completely wrong for your family of five. The goal isn't finding a family-friendly resort. The goal is finding the resort where your particular family will be happy. There's a very big difference.