Colliding Continents

Sunday, December 06, 2009

10 Places to Avoid Traveling to with your Teenager

I traveled the world with my father quite a bit and for that I am eternally grateful because it made me who I am today and sparked my crusade to inspire people to travel. I have always been asked, "Were there any trips you did not like?" and the answer is; sure there was. For me it was the occasional resort and traveling with other families that were truly a drag. It honestly was not that bad, but then again, what would be? What could possibly be the worst place to bring a teenager?

Here, I present to you, ten places to never bring your teenager on vacation. While you are reading this, put yourself back to those days of long drives with mom and dad - this is important, you have to think like a teenager here. Think of teenage road trip essentials & the arsenal of technology; iPod/MP3 player, magazines, Axe and Bliss products, laptop, PSP, iPhone/cell, digital cam, a lot of attitude and maybe a Flip Cam. Now imagine that all those things got all used up/ran out of power during your two week trip through the Steppes. Uh-oh is right.

Before we continue, I know some of these places are beautiful and I understand that there is no chance you would venture to a few of them on your own, let alone with your child. Although, I have to say, that most people would be surprised as to where people bring their children. Honestly.

That being said, hold on to your printed boxer shorts and ponytails here we go on a list starting from "If there is a God please send me home" to "This is sooooo boring my face is melting."

Summering in Santa Clause, Indiana

Kids LOVE Christmas but being in Santa Clause, Indiana where it is Christmas 365 days a year would surely send your teenager through the roof. Not only that, imagine the hours of PR work they would have to clock in after you post that family picture on Facebook and tag them for all their friends to see, ugly sweaters with Santa and all.

A walk amongst former nuclear reactors in Chernobyl, Ukraine

Yes, people actually visit here and yes, people still live around here. Learning the impacts of nuclear catastrophes is an important lesson and seeing a six-legged deer would surely drive that message home. It may also result in not being forgiven for a good semester.

Touring Siberia's last Gulag

Nothing says 'Happy' like a tour of a Gulag. Actually, I can understand your want to visit if you are looking for an appropriate punishment for a teenage son who took the Camero for a joy ride and returned it looking like a Thai Tuk Tuk.

Night walking in Linfen, China

I am certainly not talking about walking around Linfen at night, I'm talking about walking around during the day...which happens to look like dusk because of the dust in the air produced by all the factories. People who live here stay to work in those factories, and that is it.

A fun day at Fantazy Land in Alexandria, Egypt

Theme parks can be fun for everyone, but after reading Dubaidave's review of Fantazy Land on Themeparkreview.com and seeing the pictures he took, I certainly have no idea how anyone could have fun here. Make sure to take a look at his other pictures here.

Christmas in Barrow, Alaska

With about a month of complete darkness and the majority of its residents fleeing for the winter, the novelty of going to the northernmost town in the US for Christmas to try and catch a glimpse of the fat man with presents in the sky would probably wear off quite fast. One thing is for sure, 30 Days of Night would be make for a great family movie during your visit.

The Steppes of Central Asia

The Steppes of Central Asia make for a great adventure but traversing them with your teenager would surely prove to be a curse in his or her eyes. Dust storms, bumpy camel rides, herding goats, donkeys and a healthy dose of goats milk would probably get old very quickly, especially when all of his batteries run out.

Tristan de Cunha

If you are looking for some serious one on one time to talk things over, Tristan de Cunha is the place for it. This is the most remote inhabited archipelago in the world. The primary industry is agriculture and that is primarily for sustenance. In fact, everyone is a farmer and pretty much related somehow (8 surnames and 80 families).

Greenland's Ice Sheet

Seeing Greenland's ice sheet is something I have always wanted to see. In fact I want to hike there and spend a good amount of time taking in the amazing scenery. Unfortunately, the world's second largest ice sheet will be cool for, like, about five seconds (ages in teenage time) and then you have to get creative.

Finally, traveling to the nearest restaurant, mall or in some cases a farm to drop off your teenager at his or her summer gig is really the worst of all. At the end of the day, having true quality time with your son or daughter is all that really matters regardless of the location. Although, it does help to have them interested (and hopefully excited) about going on an adventure with you.

Labels: Barrow, Chernobyl Ukraine, Family Travel, Fantazy Land, Greenland Ice Sheet, Gulag, Linfen, Santa Clause Indiana, Steppes, Traveling with Teenagers, Tristan de Cunha

Written at 11:51 AM by Sebastien.

2 comments links to this post

2 Comments:

Adam said...

haha! I just came across your blog. Did you get to do any really exotic travels as a teenager? My dad took me and my family to the basics—London & Paris—but never the really adventurous ones.

December 8, 2009 12:04 AM

Sebastien said...

Hi Adam,

Yes, I am very fortunate to have a very adventurous father. He never liked resorts and I remember that we spent a ton of time taking the less traveled road...literally, like really bumpy.

Thanks for reading!

Sebastien

December 8, 2009 12:56 AM