Travel with teenagers is a whole different type of adventure. They’re independent (until they’re not), tech-savvy, always hungry, and usually travelling with more “essentials” than you expected. The good news? With our travel tips for families with teenagers, family travel can be smooth, flexible and surprisingly stress-free. Here are our top tips for travelling with teens in tow.
Give them ownership of the journey
Teenagers value independence. When they feel involved, they’re more engaged and less likely to drift into boredom mode. In the family travel planning stage, encourage teens to do research on the destination and let them pick some places to visit and activities to do.
While you’re travelling, instead of managing every detail yourself:
- Let them track departure times
- Put them in charge of their own digital tickets
- Ask them to navigate signs at the station
- Get them to check the platform number
Pack and plan for tech essentials
When it comes to travel with teens, tech devices are essential companions. Before you leave, ensure all devices are fully charged and any apps or software has been updated to avoid mid-trip meltdowns. Pack charging cables and a power bank, as well as headphones to keep the peace. Empower older teens by having them download boarding passes and tickets onto their own device.
Allow space
Family travel can feel crowded – adults and kids of all ages are in even closer proximity than usual, and then there’s the added crowds and chaos of airports and public transport. It’s important to give teens some space – both figuratively and literally – so that they have time to enjoy some independence, decompress and recharge their energy levels. Allow teens time and space to listen to music, message friends and unwind. Sometimes the best travel tip isn’t about doing more – it’s about creating a little breathing room for the whole family (not just the teenagers!).
Turn travel time into connection time
While travel with teenagers may result in them defaulting to screens, it can also create opportunities for family connection. Try opening up conversation by asking what they’re most excited about, letting them choose a playlist for the journey, or sharing a snack before departure. Even short conversations during family travel can become meaningful memories.
Travel smart with Airtrain
Whether you’re heading off on a holiday or returning home, let Airtrain help your family start and finish the trip on the right track. Airtrain provides a dependable and comfortable way to travel with teens, helping you avoid traffic delays and arrive with less stress. Services run express from Brisbane Airport to Brisbane City stations like Fortitude Valley, Central, Roma Street and South Brisbane stations. From there, simply connect to the Gold Coast via bus or the G:link tram – all covered on the one Airtrain ticket.
Get around with a go card – just touch on at your departure station then touch off when you arrive at your destination. The go card is accepted on all Translink transport throughout Greater Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
Smart Ticketing is also available on Airtrain, making your journey easier than ever before! With the world-class Smart Ticketing system, you can simply tap and travel with Visa or Mastercard.
Our services run every 15 minutes during peak times, and every 30 minutes off peak. With a reliable, safe and comfortable service, Airtrain will help to make family travel less stressful and more memorable.