How to Make Travel with Teens More Enjoyable

Anyone who’s ever traveled knows all about enduring endless security lines, cramping in economy seats, and navigating the chaos of unfamiliar airports that can make parts of your trip less than enjoyable. Throw in a teenager who may or may not want to be there and you’ve added even more stress to your trip.

While we can’t teleport you to your dream destination just yet (get on it, science), we can surely spice up those dreary transit hours. Here are a few ideas that will transform your travel time with your teen from something you have to endure to something that enhances the rest of your trip.

1. Bring a Travel Journal

And no, we’re not just talking about jotting down what you ate for lunch (although food diaries are pretty epic, too). Use some of our favorite travel journals to sketch, write poetry, or record funny overheard conversations. It’s a creative outlet that keeps your teen’s brain engaged and gives you a personalized souvenir from your trip. Years from now, you’ll thank yourself as you flip through and chuckle over your travel musings and doodles.

2. Curate Your Ultimate Travel Playlist

Create a travel playlist that hits differently. Whether you’re into vibing with some smooth jazz or headbanging to heavy metal, the right tunes can set the mood for your adventure. Pro tip: Include songs from artists from the destination you’re visiting to get in the cultural mood. Music not only soothes the soul but can also transport you mentally, far away from the kid kicking your seat.

3. Master the Ancient Art of Mahjong

Forget about mindlessly scrolling through your social feeds and dive into the ancient world of Mahjong. This classic Chinese game is like a workout for your brain with a side of cultural flair. Portable Mahjong apps let you challenge digital opponents or other players from around the globe right from your phone or tablet. It’s a fantastic way to keep your brain engaged and pass the time, especially during those long-haul flights when you’ve watched all the decent movies the inflight entertainment has to offer.

4. Craft a ‘Would You Rather’ Game

Traveling with buddies? It’s the perfect time to break out a game of ‘Would You Rather.’ Tailor it to your trip for added fun—like, “Would you rather swim with sharks or give up seafood for a year?” It’s a great way to stir up some laughs and learn more about your travel companions’ quirks. Plus, it’s sure to distract you from the less glamorous parts of traveling.

5. Indulge in Language Lessons

Heading to a country where you don’t speak the local tongue? Use your travel time to learn a few key phrases. Apps like Duolingo or Babbel can make this process fun and interactive. Not only is it practical, but locals will also appreciate your efforts to communicate in their language. Who knows? Your few words of Spanish, French, or Japanese might just score you that extra scoop of gelato or a friendlier bargain at the market.

6. Plan Your Impromptu Adventure

While having an itinerary is great, spontaneity is the soul of travel. Use your downtime to research a few off-the-beaten-path activities at your destination. Find a local event, a hidden gastro gem, or a lesser-known museum that could turn out to be the highlight of your trip. Having something unexpected to look forward to can make even the longest layover a bit more bearable.

7. Stretch, Yoga, Repeat

Let’s face it, being crammed in a seat with limited legroom isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. Use those spare minutes at the gate or on the plane to do some light stretching or yoga. There are plenty of discreet stretches you can do even in tight spaces that will keep your blood flowing and help ward off travel stiffness. Plus, you’ll be the most limber passenger on the flight.

8. Snack Smarter

Ditch the expensive, bland airport food and pack your own snacks. Think mixed nuts, dried fruits, or those fancy homemade energy bars you’ve been meaning to try making. Not only will you save a few bucks, but healthier snacking will keep your energy levels more stable than the sugar-laden options at the kiosk.

9. Become a Documentary Buff

Download a few interesting documentaries onto your device before you leave home. Choose topics about your destination to get you hyped about what you’ll see and experience. It’s a productive way to kill time and you might discover some fascinating history or cool places to visit once you land.

10. People Watch with Purpose

Airports are melting pots of culture and watching people can be quite the entertaining sociology lesson. Make it a game—guess people’s destinations, the purpose of their travel, or create backstories for them. It’s fun, harmless, and utterly fascinating.

11. Digital Detox Dare

Challenge yourself to a digital detox for an hour or two. Instead of burying your nose in your devices, take this time to disconnect and engage with the physical world. Strike up a conversation with a stranger and share travel stories or play a card game with a fellow traveler. You might just make a new friend or learn some travel hacks from a seasoned wanderer.

12. Engage in Flash Fiction Writing

How about honing your creative writing skills while waiting for your next flight? Grab a notebook and write flash fiction based on something or someone you see. Maybe it’s a tale about the hurried businessman, the harried mother juggling toddlers, or a mysterious backpacker. This can be an amusing and imaginative way to pass the time, and you’ll have your own collection of short stories by the time you land.

13. Knit or Crochet

If you enjoy knitting or crocheting, bring a small project along on your trip. It’s a relaxing way to pass the time and you get to create something cozy like a scarf, hat, or even travel-sized socks during your journey. This activity is not only productive but also extremely portable and perfect for long waits in the airport lounge or lengthy flights.

14. Podcast Power Hour

Create a playlist of podcasts that include topics like travel tips, language lessons, or history shows about the place you’re visiting. Podcasts are a great way to immerse yourself in relevant subjects and they can be incredibly entertaining or educational. You might even find yourself getting lost in intriguing stories or learning something unexpected.

15. Airport Art Tour

Many airports feature interesting art exhibits or installations. Take a walk around to explore these artistic offerings. This little tour can serve as a mini-cultural excursion that enriches your travel experience without ever leaving the airport. Document these art pieces with your camera to add to your travel journal or share with friends and family.

16. Travel-Themed Origami

Learn to fold paper into various shapes like planes, boats, or birds through origami. This is not only a peaceful way to pass the time but also helps in honing fine motor skills and concentration. Use recycled paper to keep this activity eco-friendly.

17. Scenic Photography

Use your camera or smartphone to take artistic photos of the airport, aircraft, or even cloud formations from the window of your plane. This can be a delightful way to document your journey and improve your photography skills. Challenge yourself to find beauty in unexpected places and perspectives.

18. Meditative Coloring

Bring along an adult coloring book and a set of eco-friendly colored pencils. Coloring can be incredibly meditative and relaxing. It’s a perfect way to de-stress and creatively pass the time as you wait for your next flight.

19. Virtual Museum Tours

Many world-class museums offer virtual tours. Download a few before your trip and explore exhibits from around the world right from your airport seat. It’s a culturally enriching way to spend your downtime and gets you excited about the art and history you might experience in person during your travels.