So, your parents are planning a family vacation, and you’d probably rather stay in town during the summer with your friends, right?
It’s a tale as old as time. They don’t want you staying home alone, you don’t want to go on the trip, but obviously it’s their way or the highway. It’s okay, you can make the best of it, and you might even have the time of your life… here are some things to keep in mind!
4. Vacationing is a huge privilege
This is the only time we’re going to sound lecture-y, promise, so we’re getting it out of the way first…
Many, many families aren’t able to go on vacations. Chances are, it took a lot of work for your parents to be able to afford it in the first place. It might not be your first choice, but it means a lot to them. That doesn’t mean you have to have a good time just because somebody bought you a vacation that you didn’t even ask for, but try to keep it in perspective.
Staying home with your friends over the summer or other holidays is always great, but creating memories with your family is also very important. This sounds cliche so prepare your eyes for maximum eye-roll, but you’ll appreciate these trips when you’re older. Sorry, I had to say it!
3. Pitch some places you’re interested in traveling to (like a resort!)
You won’t have the final say, but if the trip hasn’t already been booked, maybe there are some places you would be interested in seeing? Check out some travel channels on youtube, some travel websites, and find somewhere that’s interesting.
The best all inclusive resorts for families with teenagers have all sorts of activities, lounges, and amazing experiences just for teens. Of course, a great resort has stuff for everyone in the family, but some resorts go above and beyond to make sure that teens have an amazing trip.
If a fancy resort isn’t quite up your alley, maybe there’s a nice campground somewhere, or historic ruins to explore? Europe is always an option, and so on. The point I’m trying to make is that surely there is somewhere in the world you would love to see, so make sure you express that during the vacation planning process.
2. Put together an itinerary
When you know where you’re going, you can search for some stuff nearby that interests you. There’s bound to be something that interests you in visiting, seeing, or experiencing, whatever your trip is booked. Bring it up to your folks, they’ll probably be glad you found something to be excited about on the trip.
Planning out your trip can help build excitement, and also ensures that you don’t arrive home after the vacation and start realizing all the cool stuff you could have done and seen while you were there.
1. Hold back judgment
When all else fails, the best thing you can do is go into it with an open mind. Sure, your parents are probably big dorks, they’re probably going to be super embarrassing, but at least when you’re on the other side of the world nobody knows you!
Try to put aside any negative feelings about the trip, at least until it’s over. In other words, try to make the best of it, go into it with an open mind, and you’ll probably end up having a pretty good time.
