Taking your kids on vacation can be a tricky business as a solo parent when they are young, and it only gets more complicated as they grow up and enter their teenage years. However, a parent/teen getaway has the potential to be incredibly rewarding and it is worth persevering to create magic memories and strengthen your bond.
So, if you are considering hitting the road with your teen and need a helping hand, read on for a few ideas for unforgettable destinations that will appeal to both teens and solo parents.
Greece: History and Adventure
Greece is an incredible destination for both teens and parents. It brings together the excitement and thrill of Ancient Greek myths and legends with gorgeous beaches, spectacular sunsets, and wonderful cuisine. Teens will enjoy being able to walk in the footsteps of legendary gods and heroes like Achilles, Odysseus, and Heracles, while parents can explore archaeological ruins and feast on moussaka and kleftiko. A Greece cruise is a great way to experience everything this wonderful country has to offer, giving you the chance to explore Athens and the mainland before island-hopping your way around amazing destinations like Santorini, Crete, and Rhodes.
Costa Rica: Eco-Adventures
Costa Rica is a great place to visit for teens and parents who love the great outdoors, as well as families looking for a little dash of adrenaline and adventurousness with their vacations.
The Arenal volcano is a great place to start. This majestic peak is an awe-inspiring sight and is a great place to indulge in active outdoor adventures such as hiking, zip-lining, and jungle canopy tours. After a long day of exploration, the natural hot springs are an added bonus.
Another great place to visit in Costa Rica is the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Take a tour across hanging bridges through the tops of the trees to see amazing wildlife, butterflies, and birds.
Costa Rica is a haven for nature lovers and thrill-seekers, offering a range of activities that can bring parents and teens closer together.
Finally, head out to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast for some of the best surf breaks in the world, as well as stunning beaches and whale-watching expeditions.
Japan: Cultural and Modern Marvels
Japan’s unique combination of ancient tradition and cutting-edge modernity makes it an incredible place to visit with a teen, with incredible sights to see and things to do around every corner and amazing contrasts everywhere you look.
In Tokyo, you’ll be able to marvel at the soaring skyscrapers and visit high-tech districts like Akihabara and Shibuya before diving into history and culture in places like the Meiji Shrine or the foodie paradise of Harajuku.
Kyoto is a rather more peaceful experience, full of tranquil temples, traditional tea houses, and gorgeous Japanese gardens bursting with cherry blossoms and bamboo groves.
Finally, head to Osaka if you love food. This vibrant city has one of the best street food scenes in the world and is an amazing place to try the freshest and most authentic sushi and ramen, as well as local delicacies like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
While at first sight, it might seem daunting, exploring the world with your teen as a single parent can be one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences you can have together. It is an amazing opportunity to learn together, share experiences and memorable moments, and to build a rock-solid connection that will make your family bond stronger than ever before. The destinations described above are a great place to start and will help you make memories you will cherish forever.
