Embark on a journey of cultural immersion and personal growth as you travel with teenagers. Get tips on homeschooling on the road and traveling with teens.
We have been traveling with our kids since they were little, which means they were a little more used to traveling by the time they became teenagers and we started combining travels with homeschooling.
However, traveling and homeschooling teenagers can be a rewarding and enriching experience for both the teenagers and their parents, I do feel a little guidance, or handbook can be helpful. Traveling allows for a unique opportunity to explore the world and learn about different cultures, while also providing a flexible and personalized education, regardless if public schooled or homeschooled.
And with all the traveling done the for the last 4 years, I could say I am now a professional when it comes to traveling with teenagers - lol.
Here are some tips for traveling and homeschooling teenagers:
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1. Involve them in the planning process:
Teenagers are at an age where they are developing their own interests and passions. Involve them in the planning process for your travels, and let them have a say in the destinations and activities you will be doing. This will make them more invested in the trip and give them a sense of ownership and working with budgets.
2. Use real-life experiences as learning opportunities:
Traveling provides endless opportunities for learning. Take advantage of these experiences by incorporating them into your homeschool curriculum. For example, if you are visiting a historical site, have your teenager research and present on the significance of the site, we love making powerpoint presentations or lap books.
3. Encourage independence:
Teenagers are at an age where they are seeking more independence. Use this opportunity to encourage them to take on more responsibility during the trip. This could include planning and budgeting for meals, navigating public transportation, or researching and booking activities.
4. Connect with other homeschooling families:
There are many online communities and groups for homeschooling families who travel. Connecting with other families can provide a sense of community and support, as well as opportunities for your teenager to make new friends. I always find the best groups on Facebook, search for homeschool, world school or unschooling near you.
5. Incorporate online learning:
With the rise of technology, there are many online resources available for homeschooling. Take advantage of these resources while traveling to supplement your curriculum and provide structure to your teenager's education.
6. Encourage cultural immersion:
Traveling is a great opportunity for teenagers to learn about different cultures and ways of life. Encourage them to try new foods, learn basic phrases in the local language, and participate in cultural activities. We always search for farmers markets, small local shops and museums and local restaurants.
7. Balance education and leisure:
While it's important to incorporate learning into your travels, it's also important to balance it with leisure time. Allow your teenager to have some downtime to relax and recharge, and also plan fun activities and excursions that they will enjoy.
This is the amazon link of my personal travel items
8. Pack snacks
Always bring snacks, nuts, dried fruits and dextrose, you will go broke of you'll be eating out every day. I am a big fan of meal plan and prepping, but sometimes I need something that stays good and fresh for multiple days, or weeks. With the hormones balancing, I really recommend packing wisely.
9. Connection is okey
Don't be so quick to take screens away from your teen while traveling. They need their gaming and connections to the outside world. Sure it will bug you at times, so setting some ground rules are helpful, when agreed from both sides. We always bring our Nintendo Switch, Link for the Nintendo Switch
this way we have something during travel days, or to connect to the tv on bad weather, jet lagged or just because days ;-)
10. Give them time for sleep and freedom
teenagers will need a lot more sleep and generally enjoy sleeping gin more. Give them time from the tours and trips just to do what they want to do, even if that's just scrolling trough their phone. Downtime isnt the worst thing for a teen. And this gives you time to relax yourself, of visit that shop or site nobody seems to care for.
Overall, traveling and homeschooling teenagers can be a wonderful experience that allows for personal growth, cultural immersion, and a unique education. With proper planning and a flexible mindset, it can be a rewarding journey for the whole family.
Don't forget to check on your insurance. and enjoy your travels.
With homeschooling, learning to work well with other kids their age. The trip is a good way to make homeschooling fun. And yes snacks are a must otherwise there could be mutiny, lol.
With traveling little difficult to know how long next stop would be so yeah games PC etc keeps the minds relaxed. Good post.