Teen Travel: Trips That Trade Screen Time for Real Adventure
From outdoor escapes to hands-on programs, these destinations help teens stay engaged, curious, and connected beyond their devices
On vacation, there's plenty of programming for kids and activities designed for adults, but what about our teenage travelers?
This in-between stage of life often gets overlooked when it comes to travel options that truly engage them. This can be frustrating for parents who want to see their teens engaging in real-life adventures instead of being glued to a screen.
According to the latest government report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of American teenagers ages 12 to 17 spend four or more hours per day on screens, excluding schoolwork. To help your teens unplug on their next getaway, consider these standout travel destinations that are redefining travel for teens.
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort
Big Island of Hawai’i
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort is a historic oceanfront property that reopened in 2023 after undergoing a massive multiyear transformation, thoughtfully restoring its iconic layout while honoring the legacy of the original village.
In keeping with its focus on connection to the land and community, many rooms intentionally don’t have televisions, encouraging guests to engage with nature and each other. The resort offers a weekly teen night complete with sunset bonfire, live DJ, s’mores, and a henna artist. Young staff members circulate earlier in the day, personally inviting teenage guests to come, which makes it feel inclusive and age-specific.
“Teenagers are often at that age where they want a little independence, but like everyone, they still want meaningful ways to connect with each other, with their families, and with the destination,” says Daniel Scott, regional vice president and managing director. “Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, we look to create special moments where teens can feel a sense of freedom while still being part of the shared spirit of the village.”
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort
Fiji
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in the Fiji Islands has long been known for reconnecting young travelers with the natural world through its pioneering and immersive eco-adventure programs. These dedicated teen offerings include activities such as group waterfall safaris, Hobie Cat sailing, night snorkeling, fishing expeditions, Fijian cooking classes, private island picnics, and cultural village visits.
By providing hands-on experiences and fostering a deeper connection with nature, the resort aims to inspire a new generation of environmentally and culturally conscious teens.
“As a resort deeply connected to the local Fijian people and their culture with its unfiltered authenticity—as well as the pristine natural environment on both land and sea—our teen program offers a connection, a sense of place, activities, and adventures that create lasting memories for all, with a deeper understanding of why it all matters,” says General Manager Nigel Fisher.
AKI Family Resort PLOSE
Italy
AKI Family Resort PLOSE is a purpose-built, sustainable family resort overlooking the Dolomites, providing dawn-to-dusk activities for children of all ages, including teens.
E-bikes in a range of sizes are available free of charge, and the wellness and spa experiences include family-friendly saunas, complete with a family steam sauna, hay sauna, and ice fountain.Teens can also enjoy dedicated play and chill areas, indoor and outdoor pools, and adventure zones that encourage exploration and active engagement with the surrounding Alpine landscape.
Self-care and wellness shouldn’t start only when we feel the effects of age—a tenet that’s reflected throughout the immersive, retreat-like resort that blends nature, adventure, and family connection.
Paws Up
Greenough, Montana
Paws Up is an upscale dude ranch near Missoula set on 37,000 acres of classic Montana wilderness, offering more than 70 activities ideal for teens and tweens across its vast property.
From horseback riding and archery to paintball, rappelling, go-karting, and fly fishing, there's truly an adventure waiting for everyone. “Teens aren’t just along for the ride—they’re fully immersed,” says Steve Hurst, managing director.
Also, the resort’s Junior Wrangler and Junior Angler programs, as well as its Trout Whispering experience, are available to teenage guests, with guidance on the skills required for horse wrangling and fly fishing, respectively.
“These new programs are designed to teach not only technical skills, but also patience and awareness; qualities that naturally emerge when you trade screen time for time spent in Montana’s wide-open wilderness,” Hurst says.
Edgewood Tahoe Resort
Stateline, Nevada
Right on the banks of Lake Tahoe, Edgewood Tahoe Resort is a family-friendly property that focuses on keeping all guests engaged in this special lakeside setting. From organized lawn game events and evening s’mores to an herbal salt blending bar to outdoor movie nights, the experiences offered are varied and appealing for families—including teens.
In the summer, the Tahoe Star Tours program invites guests to learn about the region’s night sky and seasonal constellations with an on-site “star guide.” It’s a fun way for teens to connect with nature after dark.
Edgewood Tahoe also partners with local wellness providers such as Sierra Sauna Club to bring a mobile sauna and cold-plunge experience to the lakefront, offering guests ages 16 and up unique ways to relax after a day of adventure.
Of particular interest to teens, the Raptor Flight Experience is an interactive, up-close opportunity to meet and learn about hawks, falcons, and owls alongside expert falconers for 90 minutes. Participants can watch raptors in flight and even have them land on a glove—a memorable experience for teens interested in wildlife.
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Finding a balance between independent exploration and intentional participation can be a delicate dance with parents and teens, but ultimately, the best family trips lay the groundwork for it all to come together with ease.