It’s the season for travel and this time of the year many Black families are traveling to attend family reunions. Ayo! Black people are traveling! According to Travel Pulse, African American travelers are a powerful economic force. In 2019, they spent a staggering $109.4 billion on domestic travel alone. This number jumps to $129.6 billion when international travel is included.

When spending your hard-earned money on traveling with your family, preparation, communication, and flexibility are the keys to an enjoyable vacation. Traveling with teens should be part of that rewarding experience, but there are times when the experience becomes stressful and you may find it difficult to keep your cool. This comprehensive guide will show you how to navigate your upcoming journey with family and teens while keeping your temper under control.

Keep Communication Open 

Communicate with your teen and encourage them to share their thoughts on the trip to make them feel valued. Consider the mode of travel and the kind of holiday they would prefer.

A cruise can be a fantastic option for traveling with teenagers as many cruise ships have dedicated activities that cater to teens such as gaming zones, dance parties, and sports tournaments.

One superb destination option could be a cruise through the Norwegian fjords and Europe’s largest glacier where teens can spend quality time marveling at the breathtaking scenery, while parents can relax knowing that they are enjoying themselves.

Stay Calm

Delayed flights, missed connections or lost luggage can create a stressful situation. Your teen will watch how you handle these moments as they can set the tone for the entire trip.

This is the time to show your teen that these setbacks are a part and parcel of any vacation and are manageable to instill a sense of calm. Such moments should be seen as opportunities to learn how to tackle tough situations and teach resilience.

“According to Travel Pulse, African American travelers are a powerful economic force. In 2019, they spent a staggering $109.4 billion on domestic travel alone.”

Allow A Bit Of Independence 

Young adults crave independence, so it is always a good idea, depending on their age and maturity, of course, to allow them some time on their own. This could be spending time at the hotel pool, visiting a museum nearby, or spending some time with friends, if you are traveling in a group. This brief period of autonomy will help them be in control and less resentful of the family dynamics.

Include Plenty Of Teen-Friendly Activities 

Remember to include activities specifically tailored to the interest of your teen to keep them occupied and interested in the trip. Activities to consider are theme park trips, attending a concert, or trying an extreme sport. Once the teens see that their interests are considered, they will feel valued and are more likely to show interest in other activities as well.

Be Flexible 

Flexibility is vital when traveling with a teenager as more often than not, things don’t go according to plan and you may have to adjust the itinerary. For instance, if your teen wants to oversleep or show sudden interest in a new activity, show some flexibility. This sense of adjustment will go a long way to ensure that peace prevails on the trip and everyone has a great time.

Traveling with a teenager doesn’t have to be a stressful experience, provided the preparation is right and communication lines are kept open. When you get frustrated, take a deep breath and remember that you are setting an example for your child. Embrace the whole trip with an open mind, show a positive attitude and you and your teen will create long-lasting memories.

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