Traveling with Teens
Families with teenagers often find themselves in the struggle of picking a vacation spot that everyone can enjoy. But it is obtainable, as long as you know what your family enjoys and what travel options you have at your disposal. Before planning your family's next vacation, check out this advice from ASTA. ASTA members know that planning the perfect vacation is easier with time and good advice on your side.

"As a father of two boys, I know how difficult it can be to create a vacation that appeals to everyone, but that's where your ASTA travel agent comes in," said Chris Russo, ASTA president and chair. "Working with a professional travel agent can save you time and money. Travel agents work within your schedule, budget and expectations to produce an incomparable vacation experience."

* Find a Family Specialist. Many travel agents specialize in family travel. They can tell you which cruise line offers the best teen experience, which resort has the most options for teens and what cities have the most family-oriented entertainment and activities.
* Keep everyone involved in planning. This way, your teens will be able to enjoy what they helped plan. Your teen will enjoy sifting through the guidebooks with you or researching activities online. Bring them to your travel agent's office and urge them to ask as many questions as they like.
* Set a budget. This will cut down their incidental spending. One good idea is to make a deal with your teens, stating that they will get a percentage of the money left over at the end of the vacation.
* Let your teens sleep in. Teens love to sleep late, and research has shown that their body clocks demand it. They happily get to sleep in, and you have time for a quick nine holes on the course or a trip to the spa.
* Give your teens a night off. Allow older teens to go out on their own for a few hours to just hang out at the local shops and trust them to be back at the hotel at a designated time. For peace of mind, if you are traveling overseas, have your travel agent set up an international cell phone plan that can keep you and your teens constantly connected.

Regardless of travel plans, using a professional ASTA travel agent can save time and money. For information, visit TravelSense.org. There, consumers not only can find travel tips and advice but an ASTA travel agent in their area who specializes in a particular destination or type of travel on the Find a Travel Agent Directory.

The mission of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. ASTA seeks a retail travel marketplace that is profitable and growing and a rewarding field in which to work, invest and do business.