If you thought tots were tricky, wait until they turn 16! Here, three operators suggest how to please parents and older kids on the same trip.
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Would your grown-up kids ever dream of going on holiday with you? A decade ago, perhaps not, but nowadays, they’re saying “why not?”
For those in their late teens and even early 20s, going away with mum and dad may not seem very exciting but that may be outweighed by the chance of a break abroad – especially if they’re footing the bill. We asked a handful of operators for their top picks to suit parents travelling with children aged 16 and over.
The great US road trip: California
Paula Martin, key account manager, First Class Holidays
“California seems to be quite popular with teens because of the social media aspect, then you’ve got different elements for families who want the national parks.
“Our Western Impressions self-drive tour is one of our most popular. There are lots of photo opportunities in and around LA – Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Malibu and areas like that.
“You’ve got the beautiful Pacific Ocean drive, which is on a lot of people’s bucket lists – there will be mums and dads who have always wanted to drive that route.
“California seems to be quite popular with teens because of social media, then you’ve got elements for families who want the national parks.”
“Then we go over to the Grand Canyon and take in some of the stunning views there, and those seem to be very popular for Instagram hits.”
Top tip: “Book early to take advantage of special air fares. Make the most of some of the early-bird savings and hotels, but definitely include Wi-Fi.”
Book it: First Class Holidays’ 15-day Western Impressions self‑drive tour has a family‑of‑four price of £10,396 based on two double rooms, departing May 6, 2019. The price includes accommodation, flights from Heathrow and an intermediate SUV car hire.”
fcholidays.com
The sporty resort: Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife
Zoe Towers, head of product, Jet2holidays
“As soon as you arrive at the Hard Rock Hotel in Tenerife, you know you’re in for an experience. You’ve got the memorabilia that Hard Rock is famous for.
“Music is a big thing here – you can have a go at DJ sessions, hire guitars, and they’ve got events going on.
“There’s also the bar on the 16th deck with great views over the Mediterranean towards Mount Teide, so you can get all of those great Instagram shots!”
“But they’ve also got sports facilities, a spa and dining. If you’re sporty, you can play a bit of football, or you can just chill out by the swimming pool or the beach club on site. There’s also the bar on the 16th deck with great views over the Mediterranean towards Mount Teide, so you can get all of those great Instagram shots!”
Top tip: “The great thing about hotel holidays is there’s a range of facilities, so the group can break off and do their own thing.”
Book it: Jet2holidays offers a seven-night half-board stay at the Hard Rock Hotel in Playa Paraiso, Tenerife, for £569 per person. The price is based on two rooms for four people, with flights from Stansted on December 6, including 22kg baggage allowance, transfers and free resort flight check-in.
jet2holidays.com
The fun‑filled cruise: Southern Caribbean
Iain Baillie, vice‑president of international sales, Carnival Cruise Line
“Carnival Horizon is packed full of fun activities, entertainment and dining options that all the family will love. This is the perfect itinerary as all the ports of call offer both relaxation and activity, from catamaran trips and beach getaways to zipline adventures and jeep safaris.
“During the three days at sea, the whole family can have fun at SportSquare featuring SkyRide, a ropes course, mini golf, table tennis, foosball and basketball. In the evening, they’ll enjoy stage shows, outdoor movies, the Imax Theatre and the Punchliner Comedy Club.
“This is the perfect itinerary as all the ports of call offer both relaxation and activity, from catamaran trips to zipline adventures.”
“There’s also a huge variety of restaurants and bars, and our Family Harbor staterooms are perfect for large groups.”
Top tip: “Suggest that clients heading for a land-based holiday in Florida add on a three or four‑night cruise.”
Book it: An eight-day sailing on Carnival Horizon from Miami on August 24, 2019, costs from £2,716 for four people in two cabins. The cruise calls at Grand Turk, Dominican Republic, Curacao and Aruba.
carnival.co.uk
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