Is your teen a science nerd? Then Darwin will be right up their alley when they spot playful seals and blue-footed boobies on a Lindblad Expedition to the Galapagos, part of a new partnership launched this autumn called National Geographic Global Explorers. The first destination in a series of educational adventures geared toward teens, Ecuador beckoned Lindblad president and CEO Sven Lindblad, who says his dad’s love of adventure-based tourism to destinations like Antarctica inspired him. The family trip commemorated the 50th anniversary of the first citizen explorer expedition to the Galapagos by Lars-Eric Lindblad in 1967, and programming includes volcano hikes, snorkeling with sea turtles and walking among giant tortoises, all the while learning to read maps, use a camera and build storytelling skills.

© Khunaspix | Dreamstime
G Adventures has another message for parents: Just because you’ve settled down and had kids doesn’t mean your adventuring days are through. Its family tours include such classic destinations as the national parks, but if you missed out on that post-grad trip to Vietnam before “settling down,” you can still take it and enjoy time as a family with teen-specific activities. Meant for ages 12 and up, destinations like Costa Rica, for instance, will include all of the wildlife of a standard tour but also appeal to youth with ziplining, caving and rappelling.

© Eden Roc at Cap Cana
Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic may offer up some of the Caribbean’s most best golf courses and beaches, but the island is also an ecological wonderland in its own right. Scape Park includes some of the best caving expeditions in the Northern Hemisphere, accessible by hiking up the slopes of El Farallon Cliff, and trekking through a pristine jungle. When you reach the mouth of the cave, teens can delight in a vast underground network of chambers and tunnels. A waterfall expedition includes village visits, coffee and cocoa tastings, and a plunge in rushing waters; and a zip line adventure meets the need for speed over El Farallón cliff.
Teens can also heed the call of adventure in the Caribbean in Aruba, where the sky’s the limit — quite literally. Opportunities to sky dive abound, along with JetLev, a water-propelled jetpack thrill ride with lift created by the thrust of 800–1,000 gallons of water per minute. There’s also hoverboards, jet-blading, Jeep safaris, wind and kite surfing, parasailing and jet-skiing. A number of activities are part of the all-inclusive package at De Palm Island, which also includes food.
Want to keep it domestic? Tweens and teens can satisfy their flight of fancy at trapeze school at Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Florida. There’s also circus classes, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, a tennis academy and golf school. Club Med Passworld includes spaces set aside for ages 11–17 with artistic activities, too, like makeup lessons, singing and graffiti.
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Dec 4, 2023Head to Sonoma County for the 11th Annual First Day Hike
As the new year quickly approaches, family travelers are busy making lots of plans for a year of great travel and a healthier 2024. And what better way to combine the two than with a beautiful hike through nature at one of California’s most beloved state parks?
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
Destinations / North America
Dec 4, 2023Comfort Hotels Undergoes Transformation, Becomes More Family-Friendly Than Ever
Last month, Comfort Hotels, part of Choice Hotels brand, unveiled its first Rise & Shine prototype, a game-changer for family travelers seeking safe, comfortable and fun stays on the road. The new Rise & Shine was revealed in the opening of Comfort Inn & Suites in Mountain Grove, Missouri, located near Mark Twain National Forest.
Destinations / North America
Dec 1, 2023Now’s Your Last Chance to See Pandas in the United States
When the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., sent its three pandas to China in November, it left only one other U.S. zoo with these fascinating animals. Families now must travel to Atlanta to see pandas, but even those will soon return to China.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Multigenerational
Dec 1, 2023Gifts to Inspire Travel
If you haven’t heard of Light & Nine, you’ve been missing out on great travel gear designed by a mom with kids in mind. The line of duffels with side shoe compartments, roller bags, backpacks and garment bags come in fun colors including Blossom Pink and Bistro Green. Made from easy-to-care-for perforated materials, they also come with Nimix characters and motifs, so your small travelers can customize their travel gear with movable/removable icons ranging from race cars to rocket ships, skateboards to paper dolls, rainbows to unicorns.
ShareThis