How to Involve Teens in Planning Your Family Trip (Without the Eye Rolls)

ByEmily
A joyful family of five, with two parents and three teenagers, sits closely on a couch in a bright living room, smiling and laughing together

Let’s be real—teens want to be included, even if they act like they don’t. And when it comes to family travel, involving them in the planning process is one of the easiest ways to avoid the classic “This is so boring” complaints halfway through your trip.

As a mom of 3 (with one in the teen zone), I’ve learned that the more input they have, the less moody they get. Win-win.

Here’s how to actually involve your teen in planning your next family vacation—and make it a trip everyone enjoys:

1. Start with a List of Options

A checklist on a wooden table features three ticked boxes in green. A green marker with its cap off lies next to the paper

Instead of asking “Where do you want to go?” (cue: blank stare), give your teen 3-5 options. Keep it broad: city vs beach, mountains vs amusement parks, Europe vs road trip.

Let them vote or rank their faves. This gives them choice without overwhelming them.

2. Give Them a Job

A father and son sit on a couch at home, sharing a tender moment. The father, in a brown jacket, affectionately holds the son's shoulder

Teens love purpose (even if they don’t admit it). Give them a trip task, like:

  • Researching restaurants
  • Finding the best thrift stores or snack spots
  • Planning one “teen day” of activities
  • Creating a playlist for the car or flight
  • Booking tours or checking reviews

These small roles give them ownership—and something to look forward to.

3. Let Them Pick One Activity

A group of teenagers in a pool, smiling and toasting with drinks.

Everyone in the family should get to choose one must-do. That way, your teen gets excited for their part of the trip and is more likely to go along with someone else’s pick later.

A skate park? A photography walk? A day at the beach with a good book? Let them choose.

4. Talk Budget (Just a Bit)

A boy is writing at a table, accompanied by his parents. The mother gently pats his head, while the father smiles

This is a great teaching moment. If your teen wants to do a pricey excursion or buy fancy souvenirs, explain how budgeting works for the trip. Better yet—give them a set amount to manage.

It gives them a taste of independence and helps with decision-making.

5. Use Tech to Your Advantage

Boy teenager focused on a smartphone and laptop, lying on his stomach on a bed

Let them help research flights, look at Google Maps for neighborhoods, or scroll TikTok for hidden gems. If they’re glued to their phone, you might as well make it productive!

6. Ask for Their Input—And Actually Use It

If your teen suggests something cool and you dismiss it instantly, they’ll check out. Make sure to actually do something they planned. It makes them feel seen and respected (and you’ll be surprised what they come up with).

7. Be Flexible (Within Reason)

A teenage girl with curly hair sleeps peacefully in bed, wearing a gold eye mask. She is nestled under a white blanket

Let them sleep in one morning. Let them skip the museum and hang at the café across the street with Wi-Fi. Building in a little freedom helps the trip feel more like their vacation too.

Final Thought:

Family travel doesn’t have to be a power struggle. When teens help plan, they’re more invested, more cooperative—and often more fun to be around. Letting them shape even just a piece of the trip builds confidence, independence, and (bonus) creates memories they’ll actually look back on fondly.

Need more teen travel ideas?
Check out:

Happy teens lying on grass, smiling at the camera. Overlaid text: "How to Get Teens Excited About Planning Your Next Family Trip"
Smiling family discussing trip plans; text overlay reads, “How to Involve Teens in Planning Your Family Trip.” Below sits another image of a different family embracing at the beach

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