Help me plan a solo trip with 13-year-old boy

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If he can’t decide, would 14 or 15 be better?

This. Maybe he needs to mature not knowing himself and his preferences better?

Its not a maturity thing. He has interests but his parents aren't that involved to know his likes or interests. Better to spend more 1-1 time than a 1 time trip.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I told my kids that when they turn 13, they each get a trip anywhere in the world with just DH and me. We have four kids so nobody gets a ton of one-on-one time and I thought this would be a nice memory maker and opportunity to bond in new ways. Our two oldest chose great trips abroad. My 12-year-old doesn't seem to have a lot of interest or know where he wants to go. I'm not a huge travel planner myself. Any great ideas for how to get him thinking and planning? Should I set him an appointment with a travel agent? Any fabulous ideas you have that I could share with him? He doesn't like amusement parks. He's never been to Europe so that could be fun, but only if we can think of young teen-friendly activities. Thanks for any great ideas.

Odd that you would send your own child to a travel agent.

Can’t you brainstorm together? Have fun reviewing websites? Go to a library, where there will by multiple books about great travel experiences?

What does he like (sports, history , nature, art)?

It is sad, TBH, that you bring no creativity or imagination to this fun task.

(It makes me wonder how you planned rainy day activities or family vacations) 🤔

OP. Just wanted to thank you for this kind response. 😘

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I told my kids that when they turn 13, they each get a trip anywhere in the world with just DH and me. We have four kids so nobody gets a ton of one-on-one time and I thought this would be a nice memory maker and opportunity to bond in new ways. Our two oldest chose great trips abroad. My 12-year-old doesn't seem to have a lot of interest or know where he wants to go. I'm not a huge travel planner myself. Any great ideas for how to get him thinking and planning? Should I set him an appointment with a travel agent? Any fabulous ideas you have that I could share with him? He doesn't like amusement parks. He's never been to Europe so that could be fun, but only if we can think of young teen-friendly activities. Thanks for any great ideas.

Odd that you would send your own child to a travel agent.

Can’t you brainstorm together? Have fun reviewing websites? Go to a library, where there will by multiple books about great travel experiences?

What does he like (sports, history , nature, art)?

It is sad, TBH, that you bring no creativity or imagination to this fun task.

(It makes me wonder how you planned rainy day activities or family vacations) 🤔

OP. Just wanted to thank you for this kind response. 😘

OP, you need to spend more time with your kids and get to know them better and not just a 1-1 trip. My parents didn't spend a lot of time with us and if they offered something like this I'd be like why?

[Anonymous]

Since he has no burning desire to do something specific, don’t overthink it. It doesn’t need to be elaborate.

Does he like animals? A dude ranch horseback riding type thing.
A particular band? Pick a fun city or venue where they will be playing.
A sports team? Also pick a city to see them play or a hall of fame.
The beach? Delaware is fine.
Camping? Shenandoah.

What has his favorite family vacation been so far? What does he do for fun in his spare time?

[Anonymous]

Another option is changing the rules to - any time after you’re 13 you get to pick a special trip. May a big idea will strike when they’re 16 and it’s worth waiting for.

[Anonymous]

National Geographic trip to the Galapagos. My son’s favorite trip of all time. He was 13 when he went, and still talks about it. This is a very well traveled kid, and nothing has beat that trip.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:National Geographic trip to the Galapagos. My son’s favorite trip of all time. He was 13 when he went, and still talks about it. This is a very well traveled kid, and nothing has beat that trip.

Not OP, but this is on my short list for 2027 or 2028 with my tween…what time of year did you go?

[Anonymous]

I have friends who started this with their oldest, who is super into cars—they did a UK car-themed trip and had a blast.

[Anonymous]

Dubai or Shanghai. (Just realized I finally stumbled upon two major cities that rhyme, which has been a lifelong goal of mine so thanks for the question Op)

Anyway he can eat Chinese food and see tall buildings or go sand surfing and beach

[Anonymous]

Maybe he’s not a big traveler and maybe he just doesn’t know. I’ve taken both my kids in one on one trips and I’ve found one of mine loves cities and lots of things planned every minute. The other doesn’t. I’ve taken each kid on solid trips more than once.

I second talking about activities rather than places. One year, one of mine even picked a quiet trip to visit his grandparents as his trip after lots of discussion. He’s not into travel. We did that! These trips are about building memories and what the kid wants. I had offered international destinations, beach, several us places…

[Anonymous]

I just did a trip with my 12 year old boy to Mexico. He is not into museums at all but likes outdoor activities. Mexico City + a few locations in the Yucatán (no resorts). He enjoyed the 2 archeological sites, biking around, swimming in a cenote, hiking, learning to kite board at the beach, kayaking in mangroves, a boat trip, and trying a bunch of foods.

Costa Rica and Peru would also be good for outdoor activity enthusiasts. Or a ski trip would be great if you’re skiers.

Agree with others it really depends on what your kid likes.

[Anonymous]

OP, please come back and tell us his interests. I'm invested now and want to weigh in but need this info.