Teenagers can be notorious for complaining about anything that adults think of as fun. Cut complaints off before they begin by asking their input when planning a vacation to Europe. Because they are minors, there are also some legal issues that need to be taken into account, such as passports and age limits on some methods of transportation and activities. Be open to suggestions what you decide what countries you are going to, and you and your teens will have a great European vacation.
Get passports. In most cases, United States passports need to be applied for four to six weeks in advance. In some cases a rush application is available for a greater charge. Visit a local Post Office or the official government passport website for an application (see Resources). You'll also need a passport photo, which can be taken at a variety of places, like Walgreen's and Wal-Mart.
Decide which countries to go to. Many vacations to Europe involve visiting several different countries, since they are all so close together. Have each teen and vacationer make a list of countries she would like to go to, then meet as a group to decide which countries to visit. Once you have chosen these countries, you can decide on hotels and activities to do in each country. Popular companies for U.S. tourists include England, Scotland, Wales, Germany, France, Greece and Italy.
Choose fun activities. There are many things to do in Europe that are especially targeted to tourists and provide a fun experience for everyone. Some activities that may be fun for teens include rock climbing and deep sea fishing off the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, shopping in local markets and shops like London's Portobello Market and visiting famous landmarks, like the castles in Scotland and museums in major cities like London and Paris. Be sure to get everyone's opinion before deciding the best options for activities during the vacation.
Check on applicable age limits. For some hotels, tours and attractions (like cliff diving Cinque Terre, Italy, scuba diving in Mansell Reef, Santorini), there is a minimum age limit, or some activities are for adults only and require certification. Before booking any of these activities, make sure that teens are able to participate. In most cases where an age limit applies, many teens are accepted if they are with a parent or guardian. It may require a signed form of consent.
Ask for input. The most important part of planning a vacation to Europe with teens is getting their input. When a teen feels that he has had some influence in deciding where to go, he will be more willing to compromise on activities that others are interested in. If teens have different interests, split up activities that will make everyone happy. Visit the Sherlock Holmes museum in London one day, and then take a cruise on the river Thames the next day.
