Best Family Vacation Destinations with Teens

Family vacations abroad, learning and experiencing new cultures, sceneries, and lifestyles is an incredible way to bond as a family and broaden your teenagers’ horizons. The key to the best family vacation destinations is finding places that cater to the adventurous spirit and curiosity of teens.

From safaris and animal encounters in Kenya to kilometres of unspoiled nature and pristine beaches in Costa Rica, these vacations offer complete immersion and adventure.

Here is our list for the best family vacations with teens.

South Africa

South Africa is a diverse country with so much to experience. From the breath-taking beaches and activities in Cape Town to safaris and animal encounters further up north.

Begin your holiday in Cape Town, where beaches meet endless opportunities for activities. Take a cable car trip up the iconic Table Mountain, where you will have panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean. The abundance of activities are perfect for family travel, especially with teenagers. Go paddle boarding down the canals around the V&A Waterfront, kayaking with dolphins off Mouille Point or surfing in the cold waters of Muizenberg beach.

The accommodation options in Cape Town are endless but our favourites include Ellerman House in Bantry Bay, with its mesmerising views across the Atlantic Ocean, and More Quarters’ beautifully converted heritage townhouses that feel like a home away from home.

Next, head north for a private safari in Madikwe Game Reserve, situated on the border between South Africa and Botswana. Unwind at Morukuru River House, where your personal chef, butler, private guide and tracker will take care of your every need. Teenagers will be enthralled by the abundance of wildlife and the beauty of the surrounding plains making for a memorable family holiday.

Costa Rica

Travel off the beaten path in Costa Rica and you will be rewarded with kilometres of lush, unspoiled wilderness and an abundance of plant and animal species.

The Sweet Gulf is a stunning tropical fjord and is one of the most biologically diverse places on earth. The dense rainforest, filled with rivers, mangroves, and waterfalls, tumbles out onto palm-fringed beaches. Teenagers can run wild here: spotting whales and dolphins, snorkelling with turtles, and kayaking at night as the magical bioluminescent plankton glows blue.

The best way to reach Pacuare Lodge is by raft, using the river rapids to propel you further into the primary rainforest. Raised thatch bungalows are camouflaged in the dense foliage, making you feel part of the environment.

Soar above the lush greenery on canopy tours or zip lines, trying to spot some of the 850 species of colourful birds present in the jungle. Go hiking in search of waterfalls or embark on an exhilarating canyoning experience.

Kenya

Visit the home of safari, where teens can immerse themselves into the astounding geographical, cultural, and biological diversity present in the country.

Covering over 1,500 sqkm the Greater Maasai Mara is the perfect place to spend your family holiday in Kenya. The vast grasslands are home to an abundance of wildlife: elephants, lions, giraffes, cheetahs, and more. Explore the landscape through game drives, guided walks, and night excursions.

Between July and October, millions of wildebeests and zebras cross from the Serengeti in Tanzania, known as the Great Migration. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that teenagers will retell for years to come.

House in the Wild is situated along the banks of the Mara River, with two-bedroomed cottages and exclusive-use private villas. Here you can relax by the pool, play games on the lawn, or learn more about the culture by accompanying a local Maasai guide to their family home.

Indonesia

Potentially one of the best family vacations with teens, Indonesia offers extensive opportunities for outdoor activities, authentic cultural experiences, and island living.

Set sail on a traditionally styled luxury phinisi yacht, where a full crew and captain will take care of your every need, leaving you to relax and unwind in paradise. Go diving on bustling coral gardens, kayaking into caves, and snorkelling through mangroves. The seas are teeming with marine life ranging from iridescent fish and seahorses to manta rays and turtles.

Sumba Island is magnificent, brimming with unspoiled nature and local authenticity. Home to tumbling waterfalls, picturesque beaches, and cultural richness, teenagers will never run short of things to see and do.

They can try their hand at surfing with the help of the resident surf instructors or get involved in kitesurfing, snorkelling, and paddleboarding that are offered at NIHI Sumba. Spend an afternoon as a family riding horses along the beach at sunset or perhaps a beach-to-bush outing through the local villages.

Looking to plan the best family vacations with teens? Get in touch with our expert travel team on +44 (0) 20 3821 5994(UK), +1 (833) 215 9353 (US) or at explore@niarratravel.com to create family memories that last a lifetime.