Tweens are old enough to have thoughts and opinions on family vacations, and they're also old enough now to enjoy road trips, or extended, more involved trips. That means that you and your child can do more now than when he was younger. Take advantage of your child's interests, passions and more mature behavior when planning your trip this summer. Below are a few ideas to get you started.
Plan a Great Summer Trip with Your Tween
By Jennifer O'Donnell, About.com Guide
A summer trip give you and your tween something to look forward to.
iStockphoto.com
Family vacations don't come around fast enough. So when it comes time to plan your summer trip, you want to make sure you plan the best vacation possible.
Have Your Tween Help Plan the Trip: Tweens are great at planning parties and events, and there's no reason you should take on all the responsibility of planning your family trip alone. Have your tween do a little research on where to go and what to see. You can even ask your child to look into places to stay, and make a list of destinations you shouldn't miss.
Think About Travel Time: If you're traveling by plane, consider how to keep your child busy on long layovers. Give your tween a small backpack to fill with books, magazines, snacks and his music player. A tablet is great for playing games -- you could give him permission to download a few apps before you leave. If you're planning on traveling by car, make sure you have plenty of car games and travel games ready to go. Snacks, too.
Destinations Do Matter: Tweens are usually pretty easy going travelers, if you plan ahead. But make sure you choose a destination that appeals to a preteenager. Tweens love the beach, the mountains and going to amusement parks. Be sure your summer trip destination offers plenty for them to do, as well as options for downtime or relaxed time. For example, if you're planning on going to Disney World, be sure you build a day or two into the trip to just relax beside the pool and read a book.
Be Safe: No matter where you go, your child's safety is more important than anything. If you're considering a trip to the beach, consider booking a resort that has a beach lifeguard. If you're considering a trip to the amusement park, go over safety rules with your tween ahead of time. What should your child say if a stranger approaches him? How should he prevent sun stroke or dehydration. Think about potential problems before you leave home, and prepare your child appropriately.
Engage Your Tween: Now that your child is older, it's time to do some of those educational activities you've been wanting to do. There's no reason you can't include education and learning on your summer trip. Make plans to take a tour or visit a museum that you think your child will enjoy. Consider hands on activities or activities that appeal to them in more than one way. For example, if you're visiting a big city, you and your tween could take a cooking class, or book a tour that allows you to visit a variety of destinations.
Document Your Trip: Children grow up so fast, and before you know it your tween will be in high school, and then beyond. Document your trip through photographs or by creating a blog or scrapbook of your journey. Have your child help you with the project, or put him in charge of it all. When you're back home, you'll be glad that you have the memories, to take out and talk about together.
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