Summer vacation can be a cherished family tradition. I have lasting memories from our gatherings on the Delaware seashore; bodysurfing, boardwalk fries (with lots of salt and malt vinegar!) and hanging out with my cousins. Thanks to my parents for packing us in the station wagon and giving us these experiences.

Today, my sister and I live on opposite coasts. 🥹 We intentionally plan vacations together to create these same types of opportunities for our kiddos. We’ve had many successful trips and man does it warm our hearts to have all the kids together. 💕 As our kids grow up, the age gap is becoming more apparent. But we carry on because tradition is important, right?

This summer my son asked to bring his best friend on our vacation and my initial answer was no. I felt a little protective of our time together and was unsure how it would affect the family dynamic. But with further consideration - I guess it’s worth giving it a try - I agreed and boy did that bring a smile to his face. 😁

I’m so glad that I said yes! Bringing my son’s best friend on our family vacation not only made him happier but also enriched the entire vacation experience. It’s not a stretch to say it was a vacation game changer.

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Increased Happiness and Engagement: Teens often seek independence and social interaction, and having a friend along can make them feel more comfortable and excited about the vacation. I loved just sitting around the picnic table for group meals and talking with the boys…and no one slipped away from the dinner table to eat in front of video games.

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A Lifelong Friendship: The bonds formed during childhood and adolescence can last a lifetime. I’m excited that my son and his best friend shared these travel experiences together and made memories that will connect them for years to come.

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Inclusivity and Surprises: One of the most delightful surprises was the inclusivity that occurred with all the kids. The boys allowed my daughter and the little nephews to join in a football game on the beach, a swim out to the dock at sunset, and many FIFA competitions on the XBOX. These unexpected moments of togetherness were such a treat!

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Quality Family Time: Contrary to my concerns that adding a friend to the mix might detract from family time, it actually enhanced it. When teens have a friend along, they are often more relaxed and willing to participate in family activities, leading to a more enjoyable experience for everyone. Having his best friend along definitely decreased his screen time, as he didn’t need to be online to connect. And he was more willing to participate in family activities. A big win!

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Enhanced Parent-Teen Relationships: Saying "yes" to my son's request to bring a friend was a powerful way to strengthen our parent-teen relationship. I think it showed him that I can trust his judgment, value his friendships, and are open to his needs and desires. He truly appreciated the opportunity to vacation with his best friend and was grateful for us for making it possible.

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In the end, the benefits of allowing my son to bring his best friend on our family vacation far outweighed any of the initial reservations I had. I think we may have started a new vacation tradition! If your teen has the same request, I hope you will consider saying yes…I wish I had sooner!

Cheers to better travel with teens! ✈️😍

Mary Beth