When going on vacation, always include your teen in the planning. They want to be part of the excitement that goes into the process. As an almost adult, they feel they should have some say in what the family does on vacation also. Try to listen to suggestions and consider their wishes as plans are made. Remember a family vacation should include all the family.

Instead of getting angry with some of your teen's suggestions, why not use this as a learning session. When your teen suggests a side trip to a state in the wrong direction or thousands of miles away from the destination, get out a map. Show them where you are heading and where they want to go. Explain time and money factors. In fact this is an excellent time for the teen to be let in on some family financial information. Help them design a traveling budget. Let them use their math skills to help you figure distances and gas mileage.

If you will be camping, why not show your teen how to set up the camper, pitch a tent, make a fire, or cook out. Make it a fun lesson, but use the opportunity to casually teach some life skills. Teens are capable of finding motels in the right location and even making reservations. They can use guidebooks and brochures collected at information centers to plan sightseeing and other fun activities. Ask them to plan a day for you. But remember to check their plans since they still may be having some trouble with map reading. That is another important skill.

Whether you are the teacher or your teen, make historic monuments and signs at overlooks a point of investigation. You will all learn something. Consider having your teen become trip historian, journal keeper or photographer. Give them responsibility and watch them grow up.

Think about learning a new skill while on holiday. Taking up a new sport may be just right for your teen. Sometimes being far from home makes us much less self-conscious. For those of us who like the hunt and acquiring of 'things,' starting a different collection might be fun. Maybe deciding to learn a new song, dance, or language that come about because of your travel experiences will add some enjoyment to the trip. Live a little - try something new!

Don't forget for a teen to enjoy the experience, they must do something that is interesting to them. They need free time to be alone or to enjoy their own age group. They must have a say in the activities and feel like they are an important part of the family. Treat them like adults, relax the rules a bit while traveling, and try to get to know each other better.

Credits: Jo Ann Wentzel