Am I crazy? I’m taking my two teens (14 & 17) on the Essential Europe vacation this summer. Has any one traveled with teenagers? I would greatly appreciate any tips or suggestions to make this trip fun for everyone

Dear ConnieLou,
I am thinking of taking the Globus Family Trip "From the Coloseum to Big Ben" It looks like the same trip. I also have two teenagers. I am wondering if the family tour is something new that Globus is trying. I haven't found anyone who has taken this one yet. Could be new? We are looking at July.

Not to be a downer or anything, but we just returned from the Essential Europe trip and absolutely loved it, it was better than I ever imagined. But to be honest I think teenagers would be bored. Judging from my kids which are already grown. It's like a history lesson visiting museums, cathedrals, monuments, alot of listening, etc. Unless they are very intellectual and love this kind of stuff they will probably bug you to death. Unless you have more teenagers on the tour, it's pretty much just adults all the time, this includes the dinners also.

Dear chichi,
Thanks for your input. The tour from the coloseumn to big ben which according to the travel agent is the same as essential europe is a family tour. My travel agent said that in order to book this tour you have to have a child in your party from the ages of 8-18. Hopefully this means that there are other teens on the tour. We have taken our kids all over NYC and they have enjoyed the museums, theatre, and churches so hopefully they'll feel the same about Europe. We are trying to get more info on this particular tour to see if they will be doing any kid oriented things. If not we are looking to book some kid friendly things on our own for the days we have free time. We saw an interesting tour about visiting the catacombs in Rome aimed at kids. I read some of your other posts. Very interesting and helpful information.Thanks

Well it is not surprising no kids on the tours right now as they are still in school. When I have traveled with Globus in the summer there are always kids on the tours.The parents usually skip most of the optionals and use that time to do family things with their children.I would think if you did your research you could come up with some kid friendly stuff in every city.I think it really depends on the kids,ages and their interests if they would be bored or not.
What makes Globus tours a "family" tour besides the special rates for the kids? Do they plan special activities for them? I have a grandson who though I think he is to young now,9,I would like to take him to Europe in the future.

I do think this "family" thing is new for Globus but they do a good job on everything else so I am sure it will also be good.

It's true kids were at school when we went, I'm sure if they do things directly towards kids it will be great! Globus does a great job, so I'm sure they satisfy all ages.

Chichi

Hi All!
I guess I'll come at this from a different viewpoint. I'm now in
my.. .. ."40's" and I took what was about the same tour when I was 16 years old. I can tell you that at that age.. ..I was as most teens
were.. ..very "self" driven. However, I can clearly remember the trip (and some of my more unhappy moments - such as my suitcase popping open and all my clothing poring out all over the parking lot) yet I remember having a wonderful time. Yes, as parents you may have to create opportunities and conversation that get your kids involved in the activities and sights.. ..but if you help them understand things from their level of interest.. ..they too will have a good time. Make sure they bring reading materials, or other activities that will help them pass away the time on the bus. Create "games" that will give them goals to look for along the way.

Have a great time!
Lynn