Original Travel reports that traffic to its 'Travelling with Teenagers' content is up 28.6%, as results from its recent research reveal that 81.5% of parents give their children more of a say in the family holiday as they get older 

Original Travel has seen a 28.6% uptick in traffic to its 'Travelling with Teenagers' website pages in July 2023-April 2024, compared to the same period last year; an increase which correlates to the results of its recent survey of parents which showed that 81.5% of respondents give their children more of a say in the family holiday as they get older.

The top five most-visited itineraries online are: A 14-day Californian road trip from San Francisco to LA,  which allows plenty of time to shop, sunbathe and visit downtown LA, a popular spot for gamers; a 10-day tour of Rajasthan, where we can arrange for cricket fans to join in a local match or for budding fashionistas to visit a tailor and design their own outfit; a 14-day active adventure in Costa Rica, with rafting, surfing and jungle trekking; an equally active 15-day adventure in Chile, travelling from the hip capital of Santiago, via the Atacama Desert, to the peaks of Patagonia in the south; and the holy trinity of city, jungle and beach in Mexico, taking in instagram-favourite Mexico City and Mayan culture, cenotes and beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula.  

Tom Barber, Co-founder of Original Travel and designated Conde Nast Traveler family specialist, says: 'There is so much family holiday information out there aimed at younger children, with kids clubs, babysitting services and baby equipment for hire, but teenagers tend to get forgotten, even though there are just as many considerations to factor in for that age bracket. As a parent of three teenagers and one tween, I should know! 

'We are in the midst of delving into an emerging trend we have seen of children-led holidays – and no demographic is as demanding as the truculent teen, so it makes sense to take their likes and dislikes highly into account. It may mean forgetting about early morning activities and embracing the evenings instead, but there are plenty of ways to craft a holiday you can all enjoy. Of course I would say this, but give Original Travel a brief of what your family enjoy doing together and what your children are into (and what they're not), and you'll be amazed at how enjoyable a holiday with your teen can be.' 

In response to the demand, Original Travel continues to add to its teenage collection and has just launched two new itineraries, with more to follow: 

Marine Biology Training for teens 

Future marine biologists can cut their teeth on this 11-day Maldivian getaway to the Baa Atoll. Here, they'll dive the bustling coral-encrusted sites, snorkel Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take part in onsite marine biology programs, participating in marine research and conservation practices. The one-day training modules combine lectures with practical tasks and there are six fields to choose from: dolphin, turtle, manta, coral, plankton and aquaculture. 

Prices from £7,158pp, based on four sharing and including return flights, transfers, nine nights' B&B accommodation, 10 dives and the one-day training module. Original Diving, 020 7978 0505, originaldiving.com.  

Nature Reserves & Desert Dunes: Exploring Namibia with Teens 

Designed for adults and teens alike, this 12-night self-drive trip  through the magical landscapes of Namibia starts with a drive to Omaruru and the Erongo region, followed by the famous Etosha National Park. For two days, you'll explore one of the world's largest animal reserves by 4x4, looking out for elephants, black rhinos, lions and more. Evenings are about South African-style braais (barbecues) and cosy nights round the campfire. In the Kunene Region's Palmwag Concession, you'll traverse the desert, home to the largest free population of black rhinos in Africa. Your base here is an eco-conscious camp that delivers on comfort, even here in the desert. Spitzkoppe is your next stop, full of bushmen artwork and spectacular granite peaks, followed by two days by the sea in Swakopmund on the Atlantic Coast. For an extra thrill, go sand surfing in the majestic dunes of the Namib Desert, the oldest in the world. Your last stops are Solitaire, where you'll sleep under the stars in the middle of the desert, followed by Sesriem, whose apricot dunes and red canyons plunge you into another world. Throughout this trip, striking landscapes and wonderful wildlife are all around you, and activities will keep everyone entertained, whether mountain biking in Sandwich Harbour or guided stargazing in the dunes.   

Prices from £3,330pp, based on four sharing and including return flights, car hire and 12 nights' accommodation (four nights' B&B and eight nights' full-board). Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk 

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Notes to Editors:  

Original Travel curates tailor-made itineraries, crafted by destination experts, to 77 countries worldwide from Anguilla to Zimbabwe. Celebrating its 21st anniversary this year, the company has created over 50,000 itineraries since its launch in 2003, each one unique and adhering to the company ethos that “Life is in the Detail”.  

Original Travel also has its own specialist dive division. Original Diving is the world's only luxury dive travel outfit.  

11 of our consultants are recognised as Conde Nast Traveler's 2024 Travel Specialists – more than any other tour operator for the 2nd year running. Our specialists are: Co-founder, Tom Barber (family travel and sabbaticals), Jacqui Brooks (Indonesia) and Oliver Rodwell (Mexico), Ben Williams (Egypt) Kate Little (Romania), Isabel de Galleani (Morocco), Frances Mavor (India), Harriet Harford (European Wine Regions), Holly Barber (Cambodia), James Back (Tanzania), Lucy Bailey (Oman). 

Original Travel clients enjoy a wealth of additional services they would not find with any other UK tour operator, including:  

• Access to a network of 70-plus Concierges who live locally, know their destinations inside and out and are extremely well-connected. They lend fantastic ground support, offering insider recommendations, facilitating any last-minute changes and troubleshooting. 
• A brace of additional services designed to make departure easier than ever. Every Original Travel client, regardless of whether they're off on a city break, or a multi-destination sabbatical, is checked in on all flights – outbound, domestic and inbound - with boarding passes uploaded to the Original Travel app; will have UK airport meet and greet, fast track UK check-in, fast track UK security*, lounge access and pre-booked flight seats. Thoughtful details include wifi routers or e-sims, destination specific book and music lists and children's activity packs. There are also upgrade options to include: a luggage transfer service from your home to the airport; fast track check-in and security and lounge access on your flight home; fast track through immigration on your return to the UK. 
• The knowledge that not only will Original Travel absorb the carbon footprint of their international flights, but also - in an industry-first - car-hire and transfers, and other flights (even if booked independently). 
• The knowledge that they are contributing to Our Foundation, which supports nearly 100 humanitarian projects in 30 developing countries. To date, nearly £1.5 million has been invested to support five key areas: child protection, vocational training, economic development assistance, preservation of cultural and natural heritage and safeguarding the lifestyles of indigenous peoples.