Therapists Share Advice on Traveling With Teenagers

Licensed marriage and family therapist Soo Jin Lee and author Sapna Radhakrishnan provided recommendations for parents traveling with teenagers this summer. Lee said teenagers need opportunities to make choices during trips. She recommended letting teens select a restaurant or plan one activity each day.

Lee advised parents to ask open-ended questions and acknowledge a teenager's feelings during disagreements without necessarily agreeing. She stated that giving teens space each day reduces irritability. Radhakrishnan said parents should expect disagreements and remain regulated rather than lecture or demand constant gratitude.

Both experts suggested establishing a shared daily ritual, such as morning tea or a phone-free family movie. Lee noted that constant togetherness is not required for connection.

Lee warned against spending time on phones during interactions, making all decisions for teens, comparing siblings or past trips, and taking photos when a teen declines. Radhakrishnan added that treating travel the same way as when children were younger, through over-planning, is less effective with teenagers.