Taking two teenagers on a tour typically taken by retirees is arguably a risky use of precious annual leave and a rare visit to Europe. It could also be a one-time opportunity as teens rapidly adopt independence on travel decisions – depending on who is paying! Albatross Tours Marketing Director JAMES HEWLETT delivers his verdict (and top tips) on touring with teens, without a (inter)net.
Over the years, the essence of travel – to learn and understand different places and perspectives – has been eroded by Insta moments in London, Paris, Rome and Santorini (not that young teens can access socials any more).
So choosing a slow Albatross tour that weaves through the lesser-known islands of Italy and France – Sardinia and Corsica – was a deliberate choice.
“What will we see?” Erm… “the hometown of Napoleon Bonaparte!” was all we could muster that teens, friends and family could connect to.
But venturing to regions of Europe that are off the beaten track is what Albatross Tours is all about.
So, what are the advantages and things to consider when advocating for taking teens on a tour?
- And relaaaaax: Travel can be stressful. Arrive at a hotel before check-in is available? Is the attraction open? How do we get tickets? Where are we eating? The flow and optimum use of precious hours away is an art. These all take energy and occupy our brain if it’s just us and amplified when teens are involved. Remove them and receive the gift of more time to enjoy at the pool or wander the local area.
- Unforeseen cancellations or changes are seamlessly handled: A 3-metre swell on the notorious Strait of Bonifacio cancel the ferry? The expertise of the tour manager can handle that. In our case, nobody needed to change rooms let alone hotel as we added one more stunning sunset in Alghero and cancelled a night in Bonifacio without the cost, stress or admin of refunds and rebooking.
- Learning: Not only do we get the right information at the right time, we learn together as a family, from the ancient Nuraghe culture to Pecorino cheese. And there is expert help for any curly questions.
- Local highlights are automatically included: Speedboat ride to a village only accessible by boat or 2-hour trek for a swim and delicious lunch? Sit back and enjoy.
- Experts have planned and perfected each day…over many years: A train ride to Corte, a local road train to the Citadel, expert guide and free time, before the road train return and onward journey to a hotel with a pool. A day that is perfectly synchronised, down to the minute.
- “All in”: The tour will include items that no independently organised itinerary created by mum and dad will. A visit to the National Archaeological Museum in Cagliari was brilliantly set up as the first experience to get an understanding of the history of people and places in Sardinia. Would the family have “agreed” to include it? Not a chance, but we go and all are enthralled by the exhibits. Ok, so not all of us, all the time, but it worked. A tour will take everyone outside their normal interest and comfort zone and always surprise and delight.
- A designated driver: Linger over lunch in the former bandit town of Orgosolo. With a professional driver at the wheel, you’re free to enjoy that second glass of Cannonau before winding back to the artistic experience hotel of Su Gologone.
Some tips for selecting a tour for a family with teens:
- Consider longer stays. 2, 3 and 4-night + stays allow everyone to unpack and unwind.
- Look for named accommodation. Prior knowledge of exactly which hotel you stay at allows research on facilities (a pool?) and proximity of any inevitable laundry needs!
- Included meals help budgeting. Plus, a good proportion of included meals maintains energy levels for growing teens.
- Multi-country or regional tours? A 15-day tour of seven countries will logically mean a lot of time on the road. Regional or single country, slow-paced tours of Europe equate to far less time on the coach. Less, is definitely more.
- Room arrangements. Triple room or two rooms or interconnecting? Family flexibility is key as all character hotels differ.
- Check those early starts! Rare on Albatross Tours (just two before 8am on our 15-day tour), these are unpopular for most teens!
