youth travel and events

The essential global youth travel industry event

24 – 27 september 2024, lisbon, 24 – 27 september lisbon.

industry-leading delegates

top-tier international tourism buyers

57 million+

in new business deals closed(EUR)

countries represented

of new industry partnerships forged

satisfaction rate

average new business done per organisation (EUR)

min. business appointments per delegate

female representation

senior management

years of industry leadership

hours of educational content

networking events

What is WYSTC?

The World Youth and Student Travel Conference (WYSTC) is the world’s leading trade event for the for the youth, student and educational travel industry.

Bringing together the leading buyers and sellers of youth travel product, top service providers and industry thought leaders, WYSTC has been the go-to event for the global community of youth travel professionals for more than 30 years.

WYSTC provides an unparalleled international platform for contracting, networking, learning and collaboration, with a diverse range of seminars, workshops and panel discussions covering the latest trends and developments in youth travel.

Join us in Lisbon, Portugal this September for three days of pre-scheduled business appointments, professional development, and networking with the pioneers of the youth travel industry at WYSTC. The perfect place to gain insights, forge new partnerships and expand your horizons.

Meet a few of our 2023 buyers

Why will 600 youth travel leaders gather in Lisbon?

• To forge new business relationships
• To meet the movers and shakers in the youth travel industry
• To learn from and engage with industry pioneers
• To network during coffee breaks, lunch breaks, social events
• To put your brand on the international playing field
• To stay ahead of the competition

Meet some of our previous delegates

2023 Sponsors

5 reasons why to attend

One-to-one business appointments

Build your personalised schedule of up to 40 business appointments with leading industry buyers.

Maximise ROI

Save time and money meeting relevant contacts under one roof and create a sales pipline.

Get your company in front of the right people

93% of WYSTC attendees are C-suite. Network with the best in the business.

Stay ahead of the competition

Ensure you are up to date with the latest industry trends and have the know-how to get ahead of the game.

Put your brand on the international playing field

Position yourself as a leader in the youth and student travel industry and enhance your brand exposure.

”A no-brainer! The Conference covers all our needs; from meeting new partners to cementing relationships with existing contacts, all whilst experiencing a key European destination.”

Marcie Schneider President Intrax Cultural Exchange

President , Intrax Cultural Exchange

“Aside from the many opportunities to do business, the event embodies what youth travel is about: connection, having fun and expanding your horizons.”

William L. Gertz Chairman AIFS

Joseph Parton Partner Relationship Manager Oxford Royale Academy , Oxford Royale Academy

“I really enjoyed how WYSTC brings together the decision makers at youth travel companies from all over the world, meaning a new opportunity is just a few minutes’ chat away. The philosophy of youth travel also means the conference is fun as well, with lots of social events built into the calendar of appointments and seminars.”

Philip Cabra Netherton Managing Director Euroventure Travel Ltd

Managing Director , Euroventure Travel Ltd

“For Travello, WYSTC was a fantastic event, as an emerging company, to make new connections and gain invaluable exposure to potential partners. The connections we made in 3 days would have taken us 3 years to gather without the event. It was a great experience for us at Travello App.”

Ryan Hanly CEO Travello App

Manager Marketing & Sales , Stayokay

“The conference was great! I’ve had many interesting conversations with hostels that wanted to know more about Trip.com Group and were interested in a potential partnership. I am now working out the follow ups, and I already have some good results!”

Daisy Hooper Market Manager Trip.com

Market Manager , Trip.com

“We found the WYSTC event tremendously well organised, and an invaluable opportunity to meet fellow industry professionals and gain new business links. We would recommend this event to any player in the corporate travel industry.”

Joseph Parton Partner Relationship Manager Oxford Royale Academy

Conference partner

• Tips for Successful Youth Sports Travel [2024]

Are you gearing up for a youth sports event or tournament? Whether you're a youth sports parent , coach or event organizer, navigating the world of youth sports travel requires careful planning and coordination. 

From booking accommodations to managing travel logistics and ensuring a smooth experience for participants, there are many factors to consider. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore essential tips and strategies to make your youth sports travel a success.

Benefits of Youth Sports Travel 

Youth sports travel offers a multitude of benefits beyond the thrill of competition on the field. As young athletes embark on journeys to tournaments and events, they not only sharpen their athletic abilities but also cultivate essential life skills. 

Here are some key advantages:

Healthy Competition

Traveling for youth sports exposes athletes to a broader range of competition, providing valuable opportunities to test their skills against diverse opponents. This fosters a competitive spirit and drives athletes to continually improve their performance. 

Moreover, competing in different environments helps young athletes adapt to varying conditions, enhancing their resilience and versatility.

Character Building

The challenges encountered during youth sports travel – from navigating unfamiliar locations to facing tough opponents – contribute to character development. Traveling athletes learn the importance of perseverance, teamwork and sportsmanship. 

They develop resilience in the face of setbacks and learn to handle pressure with grace, laying the foundation for success both on and off the field.

Physical Health

Youth sports travel often involves rigorous physical activity, whether it's training sessions, games or exploring new surroundings. This active lifestyle promotes physical health and fitness among young athletes. Traveling teams have the opportunity to bond through shared workouts and activities, fostering a culture of wellness and camaraderie.

Sports & Life Skills

Beyond the game itself, youth sports travel teaches invaluable life skills that extend far beyond the confines of the field. Athletes learn time management as they balance school commitments with training and travel schedules. They hone communication skills through interactions with teammates, coaches and competitors from different backgrounds. 

Additionally, they develop leadership qualities as they take on responsibilities within their teams, such as organizing logistics or supporting younger players.

Friendships Building 

Traveling with a sports team creates lasting bonds and friendships that transcend the boundaries of the game. Shared experiences on the road forge strong connections among teammates, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie. 

These friendships often extend beyond the duration of the trip, creating a support network that enhances both athletic and personal growth.

Youth Sports Travel Tips 

Whether it’s a baseball invitational or hockey tournament , traveling with youth sports teams requires careful planning and coordination to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. 

From booking accommodations to navigating the physical journey itself, here are some essential tips to make your youth sports travel a success.

How to Book Housing for Youth Sports  

When it comes to booking housing for youth sports events, efficiency and convenience are key. Leveraging event management software like EventPipe can streamline the booking process, allowing you to easily compare hotel options, negotiate rates and manage room blocks. 

Here are some tips for when booking sports event housing: 

• Start early : Research and book accommodations well in advance to secure the best rates and options. Beginning the process early allows organizers to explore lodging options, compare rates and take advantage of early booking discounts or promotions. If your team usually holds fundraising activities to lower trip costs, booking early helps establish a target. It also ensures ample availability, especially during peak travel seasons, reducing last-minute stress and ensuring a smoother experience for all.
• Consider proximity : For a non-Stay to Play event, choose hotels near the event venue to minimize travel time, especially for early morning games or tight schedules. Proximity enhances convenience by providing easy access to amenities and facilities, facilitating quick returns to the hotel between activities. For Stay to Play events, a hotel’s close proximity to the event keeps transport hassle-free, enhancing the overall event experience.
• Negotiate rates : When negotiating contracts with different hotels , you’ll find some are more flexible on terms than others. Negotiating group rates can result in significant savings, especially for larger groups. Additional amenities such as complimentary breakfast or access to onsite facilities enhance the overall experience for team members.
• Leverage event management software : By leveraging platforms like EventPipe organizers can streamline the booking process and efficiently manage all aspects of event housing management, saving time and effort. EventPipe offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies searching for and selecting suitable hotels based on criteria like location, rates and amenities.

With its comprehensive platform, EventPipe empowers organizers to create dedicated booking websites or portals where team members and their families can easily make reservations, view room options and manage their bookings in real-time. Moreover, EventPipe facilitates effective communication between organizers and hotels, ensuring seamless coordination and addressing any issues promptly. 

Its automated capabilities, such as sending booking confirmations and updates, help enhance the overall experience for both organizers and participants. By harnessing the power of EventPipe, you can optimize the accommodation aspect of the sports team management process, resulting in a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience for everyone involved.

Tips for Hotel Stays

When traveling for a youth sports tournament, a comfortable and well-managed hotel stay can significantly enhance your overall experience. Here are some essential tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable hotel stay:

• Team Communication : Create a group chat to communicate with team parents . Choose a platform where everyone can easily share updates, schedules and important information. Staying connected ensures that everyone is informed and can coordinate effectively. This is especially helpful if your stay-to-play hotel allocates rooms all over the hotel property and your child wants to link up with their teammates. It also helps streamline logistics, address any last-minute changes and foster a sense of camaraderie among team members and families. 
• Plan your time: Prioritize attending scheduled games, practices and team events to support your child and the team. However, be mindful of scheduling downtime between activities to rest and recharge, avoiding burnout for both you and your child. Additionally, consider coordinating with other parents to plan shared activities or fun outings during free time. This not only fosters team building but also allows for enjoyable experiences outside of sports-related events.
• Do your research: Before your trip, research the area around your hotel and the sports venue. Find nearby eateries for dining options, grocery stores for snacks or essentials and public transportation options for easy mobility. Identify the nearest hospitals or medical facilities for emergencies, prioritizing safety during your travels.
• Utilize hotel amenities : Make the most of the hotel's amenities such as the fitness center, pool, complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi to enhance your stay and relaxation. Think outside the box and maximize value.

Physical Traveling Tips 

Preparing for the journey ahead is just as important as planning the destination itself. Here are some practical tips to make your physical travel experience smoother and more enjoyable:

• Pack the essentials : In addition to the standard essentials needed for travel (toiletries, chargers, etc.) make a list of all the sports gear your child will need. This may include equipment, uniforms, (including socks, hats, pads, etc.) and things like sunscreen, lip balm and even bug repellant.
• Entertainment for the road : Keep passengers entertained during long car rides by bringing along magazines, books or electronic devices. Consider creating a playlist of everyone's favorite tunes to enjoy along the way or play games that don’t require physical equipment like I-Spy, Would You Rather, etc. 
• Snacks and hydration : Stock up on water and healthy snacks to keep energy levels up during the journey. Avoid sugary or heavy foods that could cause discomfort during travel.
• Comfort essentials : Pack pillows, blankets or travel neck pillows to ensure everyone's comfort during long stretches of travel. Additionally, dress in layers to adjust to changing temperatures along the way.
• Stretch breaks : Plan regular rest stops or stretch breaks during long drives to prevent stiffness and promote circulation. Use these breaks to refuel, stretch your legs or take a bathroom break.
• Safety first : Bring any necessary medications or first aid supplies, including pain relievers, adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes and any prescription medications you or your child may need.
• Navigation and route planning : Use GPS navigation or maps to plan your route, taking into account any potential road closures or traffic delays. Stay updated on weather conditions and adjust your travel plans accordingly.
• Emergency preparedness : Pack a roadside emergency kit containing essentials such as a first aid kit, flashlight, batteries and basic tools. Familiarize yourself and your fellow travelers with emergency procedures and contacts in case of unforeseen circumstances.
• Stay connected : Keep communication devices charged and accessible to stay in touch with other members of your travel party or emergency contacts. Share your travel itinerary with trusted individuals for added safety and peace of mind.

Youth Sports Travel Rules

When embarking on youth sports travel, it's essential to establish clear rules and guidelines to uphold safety, sportsmanship and respect throughout the journey. By setting expectations upfront, parents, coaches and players can work together to create a positive and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

• Code of conduct : Establish a code of conduct that outlines expected behavior for players, parents, coaches and supporters. Emphasize sportsmanship, respect for opponents and officials and adherence to team rules both on and off the field.
• Safety protocols : Prioritize safety by enforcing rules related to equipment use, hydration, injury prevention and emergency procedures. Ensure that players have appropriate protective gear and encourage proper warm-up and cooldown routines before and after games.
• Travel etiquette : Teach players the importance of respectful behavior while traveling, whether by car, bus or plane. Emphasize the need to follow instructions from coaches and chaperones, respect fellow travelers and maintain cleanliness in shared spaces.
• Curfew and supervision : Set curfew times for players during overnight stays and ensure adequate supervision by coaches, parents or designated adults. Establish protocols for check-ins and room assignments to promote accountability and safety.
• Communication: Maintain open lines of communication among players, parents, coaches and event organizers throughout the trip. Provide contact information for key personnel and encourage reporting of any concerns or incidents promptly.
• Health and wellness : Prioritize the health and wellness of participants by promoting proper nutrition, hydration and rest during travel. Encourage healthy eating habits, adequate sleep and regular breaks to prevent fatigue and injury.
• Respect for facilities : It’s easy for children to get wrapped up in the excitement of travel, staying in a hotel and competing in a tournament. Instill respect for sports venues, tournament housing and other facilities by reminding players to clean up after themselves, follow facility rules, keep noise to a minimum so as not to disturb other guests and treat property with care and consideration.
• Compliance with regulations : Familiarize participants with tournament or league regulations regarding eligibility, game rules and conduct. Ensure that all players and coaches understand and abide by these regulations to avoid penalties or disqualifications.
• Conflict resolution : Guide on constructively resolving conflicts or disputes, emphasizing communication, compromise and respect for differing perspectives. Encourage players to address concerns through appropriate channels and seek assistance from coaches or organizers when needed.

Take Your Youth Sports to the Next Level

Elevating your youth sports travel experience requires careful planning, effective communication and streamlined management of accommodations. By implementing the tips outlined in this guide, you’re on your way to ensuring a successful and rewarding journey for your team.

Moreover, to truly level up your event housing management and enhance the overall travel experience, consider leveraging advanced sports event management platforms like EventPipe. With EventPipe, you gain access to powerful tools and features designed to simplify the booking process, manage room blocks efficiently and enhance communication with participants and hotels.

EventPipe's user-friendly interface allows you to research and book accommodations well in advance, securing the best options and rates for your team. Its robust negotiation capabilities enable you to negotiate group rates and additional amenities with hotels, ensuring a cost-effective and enjoyable stay.

Furthermore, EventPipe streamlines room block management , booking and attendee support, saving you time and effort while maximizing housing revenue for your event. Its comprehensive reporting and analysis features provide valuable insights to improve future events, while its accounting and invoicing functionalities ensure accurate billing and seamless financial transactions.

Say goodbye to the complexities of manual processes and hello to a more efficient, streamlined and enjoyable travel experience.

Jeff Porter

Jeff is the Marketing Manager at EventPipe. He brings almost a decade of Marketing experience with a background in social media, events, SEO and content. Outside of work, Jeff is an independent Hip Hop artist who regularly releases and performs his music and loves to golf and play ice hockey in his spare time.

Recent Posts by Jeff Porter:

• 17+ Interesting Youth Sports Statistics to Know [2024]
• 16 Benefits of Youth Sports in 2024

Ready to level up your event housing management in 2024?

Chat with our team today.

THE ONLY STUDENT & YOUTH TRAVEL CONFERENCE IN NORTH AMERICA

The SYTA Annual Conference welcomes all representatives from the global student and youth travel market to join us as we collaborate for a better student travel industry. The SYTA Annual Conference is the only annual conference in North America where anyone who is passionate about promoting, selling, and providing travel experiences for students will find dedicated, insightful and actionable collaboration that will advance their student and youth travel business.

Here’s what you can expect:

• An estimated 1,000 student travel industry professionals to network with.
• A relaxed yet, business-focused setting where tour operators, travel agents, group travel planners and suppliers will meet, learn and connect with each other.
• Over 35,000 pre-scheduled one-on-one business appointments!
• Over 50+ hours of networking opportunities..
• Educational opportunities for you and your staff to learn the latest information impacting your business and the student travel industry.

Don’t miss the 2024 SYTA Annual Conference!

Explore NYC

Become a Sponsor

Register Today

As a first-time attendee at the conference, I was able to learn more about the market, connect with remarkable individuals, and develop a renewed admiration for the collaborative efforts of tour operators and the SYTA Youth Foundation in facilitating students’ exploration of the world.

On a personal note, I am enthusiastic about increasing my involvement with SYTA. Whether through volunteering next year or serving on committees, I am eager to play a more active role. If there are any such opportunities available, I would greatly appreciate it if you could inform me.

Rockefeller Center

We all have been through so much and coming together is going to be a big step in the path of healing. Seeing and re-establishing those partnerships after incurring such a challenging situation for (most likely) more than a year will be important professionally and emotionally. There will be many new faces, and it’s important to welcome them and start building those partnerships as we step forward, out of the aftermath of COVID-19. Coming together as an industry will bring healing, restoration, and hope, in addition to the business appointments and incredible educational sessions.

Travel with Barb

My expectations for the SYTA conference are always high. The week in Winnipeg out performed those expectations. We found ourselves meeting with people in every corner of the trade floor as well as events. This may have been my most productive show ever.

We have to make our own business opportunities at a trade show. The meetings are important for sure, but we have to make every minute count. This year, SYTA provided many more options than simply the  trade floor face to face. I have never been so busy meeting with tour operators. Thanks SYTA, see you next year.

Group Collect

Work with the leader in youth sports housing.

Traveling Teams was founded to help busy parents, coaches and event holders who have more important things to do than to call countless hotels to find available rooms at the right price. We are here to handle that project and provide you with outstanding service. Traveling Teams is the largest full-service housing company in the country, and we specialize in youth sports events. We currently operate in 50 states and more than 800 cities throughout the United States and Canada. “Provide great service and exceed expectations…and success will follow.” Traveling Teams is committed to being the standard bearer for service, value, and technology in the youth sports travel industry. We fully cooperate with event holders, hotels, CVBs, and Sports Commissions to streamline and improve the hotel room booking process. We consistently exceed guest expectations by treating each event like it is our very own.

Top-ranked and committed to staying that way.

Our philosophy.

Traveling Teams is a leading provider of trusted event housing services for youth sports teams and tournament directors that know the value of an easy to use, seamless booking service. Our customer-first approach matches you with an experienced event specialist who ensures your teams have access to the closest and best hotels near your event venues. Our wealth of industry experience gives us the ability to negotiate exceptional rates with major hotel brands across the country, and our real-time technology lets us track and monitor all teams and room nights at all of your event hotels.

Our History

Over 20 years ago in Northville, MI, Traveling Teams was founded on the simple concept of service. Service is and has always been the #1 one priority in everything we do. We decided from the beginning that Traveling Teams will serve only youth sports. No corporate travel…no leisure travel…no other type of travel…only youth sports! Over the years, we have invested heavily in technology to support great service to the tournament; the tournament director, the participants, the hotels, and the CVBs. As Traveling Teams evolves, we will always keep amazing service at the forefront of our vision and model.

Let our team work for your team.

Foundation for Learning & Youth Travel Education

My future goals are to help my community with any of the work that I do. This FLYTE trip helped me achieve that because I have realized how similar my community is with the community of Cartagena, Columbia. We can use other cities from different countries to help each other with the issues we are going through. – Veronica, FLYTE alum

Dear FLYTE Community,

Thank you for all that you’ve done to empower youth, like Veronica, from underserved communities through travel for the past seven years. 

Together, we sent 100 students to travel nearly half a million miles around the world. For many, their FLYTE trip was the first time they had the chance to get on a plane and explore the world. That’s 100 lives opened up to new perspectives and possibilities. 

We have learned a lot as an organization these past seven years. Even though the work of increasing equity in the travel space remains paramount, the unfortunate reality is that the costs and resources required to operate FLYTE trips have increased, causing us to reconsider if the organization’s current model—to serve teachers across the United States and offer trips globally—could be sustained and scaled. 

After much reflection, deliberation, and exploring many other alternatives, FLYTE’s leadership team has made the difficult decision to sunset FLYTE’s operations and close the organization. It was a hard decision but, after turning over every possible stone, we realized it was the only option available to us. 

We made a huge impact during the last few years and we’re super proud of that. After all, we’ve sent over a hundred kids overseas, many of whom are now college graduates, have gone traveling, started their own community initiatives, and all of whom have a passport now. The work we have done as a community has changed lives.

However, this work is far from over: equitable access to travel remains important for building a world where all youth grow into empowered, conscientious global citizens who can be all they can be. One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned from FLYTE’s tenure is the power of the collective to make change happen. 

We invite you to follow, support, and donate to organizations that share a similar mission as FLYTE’s: to create travel opportunities where none currently exist. We have had the opportunity to collaborate with some of the organizations below. There are also many other teachers, community members, and organizations focused on developing leadership in youth through travel, and we encourage you to seek out locally-led initiatives in your community. Immense gratitude to them for continuing to move this work forward. 

• iFly Youth 
• Atlantic Impact
• Teens of Color Abroad (TOCA)  
• Afrika Outbound 
• A Leadership Journey
• Farther Foundation
• Too Culturally Rich  
• Travel Sparq
• Caribbean Minds Exposed Through Travel (CMETT ) 
• B More See More 
• Melanin Missions
• Steam Box RI 
• RISE Travel Institute  
• the Wander Foundation

Our deepest thanks go to you, our FLYTE community, for making a lasting difference in these students’ lives. Because of your support, we fostered deeper human connections in our increasingly divided world and created more access to life-changing travel opportunities. 

We gave them the world. 

In gratitude,

The FLYTE Team

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20 Epic Teen Travel Experiences to have as a Family

Looking to plan epic travel and adventure experiences with teens, tweens and kids? We’ve got you covered with 20 amazing ideas for teen travel to help you put together your next trip. This list has been put together from real travel experiences with our own teens and tweens. Each experience is perfect for building core memories, getting your teens out in the real world and off their phone and making your next trip fun for everyone.

If you are looking for even more adventure ideas, check out 100 Incredible Adventures with Kids: Have Amazing Family Travel Experiences .

How to Select the Best Teen Travel Experience

Not every experience below is perfect for every teen. Whenever possible, include your teen in helping to plan your trips and try to take their preferences into account. We truly think that traveling with your teen is an incredible experience and one of the best ways to build a strong relationship. You can find plenty of information on how to plan the best teen travel experienced on our family travel page of in the articles below:

• 10 Ways to Plan the Best Adventure for Teens
• Why Traveling with Your Teen is One of the Best Things You’ll Ever Do
• Why Getting Your Teens Outdoors is so Important

20 Teen Travel Experiences

Swim in a bioluminescent bay.

Swim or kayaking at night in a bioluminescent bay for a one of a kind experience. In a few places around the world tiny plankton accumulate and when disturbed at night send of a flash of light. Swimming or kayaking in a bioluminescent bay disturbs these little creatures and you will float through a magical world of glowing light.

You can find 5 bioluminescent bays in the world: 3 are in Puerto Rico and other two are in Luminous Lagoon, Jamaica and Halong Bay, Vietnam. There are also many other places that have significant bioluminescence. Take a tour to one of these bays and kayak or swim through the glowing water.

How to Visit a Bioluminescent Bay in Puerto Rico

Hike to a Backcountry Hut

If your teen enjoys hiking, than an overnight hut trip is an amazing adventure. You can find mountain huts around the world, but some of the best are in Europe in the Alps. The best part of hiking to these huts is you can just carry a day pack with clothes and layers and the hut includes bedding and food (you will need to bring a small sleep sack).

Based on your teen’s interest you can find huts with just a short hike or a much longer and challenging walk. In addition to Europe, you can find huts or hostels you can hike to in the United States and South America .

See more about hiking to a mountain hut in the Dolomites of Italy or explore other National Parks in Europe.

Try Local Cuisine

One of our favorite things about visiting another country is trying the food. Our teens love trying the local cuisine and we’ve planned our trips around trying interesting local food.

Some of the best places our teens have been and enjoyed the food include Paris, Rome, Thailand, and Mexico.

You can take this experience even further by booking a food tour or a cooking class. Try making Pizza in Italy or learning to make cheese in France.

Chase Waterfalls

Whether your teen loves to hike or prefers driving to beautiful destinations, planning a trip around finding waterfalls is an incredible adventure. Waterfalls can be found is so many countries around the world so you can make a whole vacation around visiting some beautiful falls.

One of the best countries to enjoy chasing waterfalls is in Iceland. This incredible country has so many waterfalls that you will lose track of the shear number of beautiful falls. You can drive the entire Ring Road of Iceland just going from waterfall to waterfall.

See the Best Waterfalls in Iceland.

Canoe in the Amazon

The incredible and diverse Amazon rainforest is a bit off the beaten path but is an incredible place to visit with teens. Spend a few days canoeing through the Amazon rainforest looking for pink dolphins, monkeys, snakes, sloths, and more. There are some truly lovely lodges in the Amazon to fit every budget.

We visited the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador recently and saw so many animals. Our teens loved this experience.

This is a perfect place to visit if your teens love animals.

See more about finding an Amazon Tour.

If you haven’t snorkeled with kids than this is a must-have experience. If your teens already love to snorkel, consider learning to scuba dive. Open up the entire underwater world and swim with fish, sea turtles, sting rays and more.

You can book a snorkeling tour, rent equipment on your next vacation or purchase your own snorkel gear.

Go mountain Biking

If your teen loves a bit of a thrill, mountain biking is a fun outdoor activity that can be done at many places around the world. There are many mountain biking centers that have ranked biking trails, making it wasy for beginners through advanced bikers. The best way to enjoy a mountain biking experience is to book this as a guided tour, or simply rent bikes for the day.

If mountain biking isn’t your thing, you can also rent bikes in many cities and towns and tour the city on a bike. We did this when we visited Ayutthaya in Thailand .

See more about biking in Italy .

Visit Ancient Ruins

If you,r teen is a history buff, they will love visiting some of the ancient ruins around the world. We’ve taken our teens and tween to visit the Colosseum , Pompeii , Stonehenge, the Mayan Ruins , and more. We love wandering ancient streets and learning about the people who spent their lives here.

While some of the biggest and most impressive sites may be far away, you can often find historic sites and ruins closer to home no matter where you live.

Sleep on an Island

We love to camp with our teens but one their favorite places to camp is on an island. Plan a kayak or canoe trip to an island or take a ferry to an island and enjoy a peaceful night near the water. You can find countless camping places on islands along the coast or in lakes and ponds.

If you don’t have your own boats, many places will rent boats for an overnight trip.

One of our favorite places to camp was on the Maine Island Trail and you can learn more at the Maine Island Trail Association.

Looking for a fun adventure activity – try cliff jumping. My teens and tween absolutely love to swim and jumping off a rock, a dock, a bridge or really anything is one of their favorite things to do. Anytime I book a trip, I always try to find somewhere nearby to swim and cliff jumping is a bonus!

Like many of the adventure activities on this list, always use caution and try the activity at your own risk. If you plan to jump off a rock, make sure to check the water below.

Try Surfing

When I asked my 14 year old daughter what she wanted to do on our next vacation, learning to surf was on the top of her list. Many beach destinations around the world have a surf break and offer surf board rentals or lessons. We spent a few days in San Diego recently learning to surf and not only did my teen love it, but I enjoyed trying to learn something new with her.

Go Horseback Riding

If you’re teens an animal lover, horseback riding is a great activity to try. You can find horseback riding tours at many different destinations around the world. It’s always worth doing a little research to make sure you are going with a reputable and ethic outfit.

Most horseback riding tours are for beginners so you don’t need experience. We’ve enjoyed horseback riding in Idaho , Georgia, Costa Rica, and Ecuador.

White Water Rafting

Your teens will love white water rafting! There are many rivers around the world that offer incredible opportunities for white water rafting. You can plan an entire vacation around a white water adventure or add on a half day tour to your next trip.

You can find a list of some of the best white water rafting trip here , or search on Viator for white water rafting tours near you. You can also find tours that offer white water kayaking or other water sports like paddleboarding and canoeing.

If you are looking for fun winter activities, a ski trip is one of the best adventure trips for teens. Visit a mountain resort and spend a weekend or week enjoying outdoor fun in the snow. Most ski resorts offer more than just downhill skiing. Try cross country skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, hut tub, tubing, sledding, and more.

There are so many excellent mountain ski resorts to enjoy across the United States and around the world. Since we live in New England, we’ve explored most of the best ski mountains in the northeast, but we’re planning a ski trip to the Rocky Mountains next winter and are hoping to make it to Europe to ski the year after.

See more about planning an epic ski trip with teens.

Take a Road Trip

Road trips are one of our favorite ways to explore with our teenagers. We love heading out on the road, camping and stopping at amazing destination. Some of our favorite road trips with teens involve exploring the US National Parks , but we’ve also loved road tripping through Italy and Slovenia and the Yucatan Peninsula.

When you plan a road trip with teens, make sure to get them involved in the planning – let them help with navigating and planning stops along the way.

See more about planning an amazing Road Trip with teens, tweens and kids.

Try a High Ropes Adventure Sport: Rock Climbing, Zip Lining, or Canyoneering

Trying extreme sports is one of out teenagers activities. In addition to white water rafting and skiing above, we often seek out other adventure sports. Some of these you can do on your own (like rock climbing with experience) but you can also book many adventure activities through tours – we usually book our tours through Viator .

Some of our favorite adventure activities have been zip lining in Ecuador, Canyoneering in Costa Rica and rock climbing in Panama.

Check out an Art Museum

Whenever we’re spending time in a city, we love checking out the local art museums. We’ve been to some of the most incredible museums in the world and if your teen enjoys art and culture, this is a great addition to a trip.

While you can find an art museum in most cities around the world, our favorite place to check out the art is in Paris . That said, we’ve also enjoyed smaller art museums, so don’t underestimate smaller, local museums.

Soak in a Hot Spring

If you are planning a visit to a geothermally active part of the world, enjoying a soak in the a hot spring is a top rated activity with teens. This is one of the best teenage travel experiences that involve a bit of relaxation. Hot springs range from public, luxury hot springs (like in the photo above) all the way to remote and natural hot springs that can be visited free of charge (like Fosslaug hot spring in Iceland).

You could easily plan an entire trip around visiting hot springs, or add in a stop during a road trip.

Take a Sailing Trip

If you are looking for a slightly different idea for your next vacation with teens, try going on a family sailing vacation. If you are an experienced sailor, you can bareboat charter or try booking a sailing adventure with a captain. If you and your teen are interested in learning to sail, you can find live aboard sailing trips for learning to sail, or stay in a resort and take sailing lessons.

See more about how to plan a Family Sailing Trip.

Ride in a Hot Air Balloon

This is on our families bucket list and we can’t wait to take our teens up in the air for a hot air balloon ride. The funny part is that of all the things on this list, this is the one that makes me the most nervous! But doing things with your teens that are out of your comfort zone is a great way to connect and build memories- so it looks like I’ll be heading up in a hot air balloon sometime soon.

Other Great Travel Resources for Traveling with Teens

• 20 of the Best Experience Gifts for Teens, Tweens and Kids
• The 10 Best Travel Books for Teens to Inspire Adventure
• 30+ of the Best Travel Gifts for Teenagers

Teen Travel Programs and Solo Teen Travel

We absolutely love traveling with our kids but especially as they get older we want them to try different travel experiences – sometimes on their own. You have two options for encouraging your teen to travel without you. One, you can help them organize or send them off on their own or with friends. If you’ve built good travel habits with your kids this can be an incredible way for you kids to see the world, especially for older kids.

Another option if you are reluctant to send your kids out into the world by themself if to send them on one of the many travel programs for teens. These programs off teen group travel experiencing all around the world. You can find teen travel programs or teen volunteer programs for almost anywhere around the world. These are often on the expensive side but offer incredible experiences for teens.

After working for several year for a teen travel adventure program I strongly encourage you to consider this if it’s within your budget.

About the Author: Gretchen Stuppy Carlson

A passionate adventurer dedicated to getting families outside and exploring. Gretchen is an expert in adventure travel with 15+ years of experience working in outdoor education and travelling with her own family.

View all post by Gretchen Stuppy Carlson | Website

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The near future of tourism is the now future of youth travel. This panel of long-standing professionals serving young travellers under age 35 will discuss the latest findings from WYSE Travel Confederation’s global survey of youth travellers and how this marketplace has a track-record for driving exploration and development of new trends in travel, tourism and hospitality. Join us to find out what the near future holds.

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Prior to becoming Director General, David was an active board member of STAY WYSE and chairman of WYSE Travel Confederation. He brought a wealth of experience in both the youth travel and hospitality sectors, having served for six years as COO and Deputy Director of a London based non-profit social centre with student accommodation. He also worked at some of the best hotels in Europe including Grosvenor House, The Waldorf and the George V in Paris before becoming General Manager of several of the UK’s top country house hotels.

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The 10 best cruises for teens in 2024.

The best cruises for teens provide the right mix of autonomy and time with family.

The Best Cruises for Teens

Amy Smith | Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Teen spaces on cruise ships foster friendships through games, music, events and more.

Cruises make the perfect family vacation, especially when traveling with teens. Teens can mix and mingle with others their age in teens-only clubs, play games, listen to music, or grab a pizza and watch a movie under the stars. If your tweens and teens need more action-packed fun to keep them entertained, some cruise ships act like floating amusement parks with zip lines, racetracks, roller coasters, ice skating rinks, laser tag, waterslides and more.

The following lines offer the best cruises for teens and tweens, along with their parents.

Find your perfect cruise

MSC Cruises

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers plenty of family fun and activities for teens on its ships, including sports tournaments, waterslides and a family disco. On select ships, you'll also find the full-size MSC Formula Racer simulator, an interactive XD cinema, a virtual reality experience, zip lines and an arcade room. The Young Club programming by MSC Cruises offers daily activities for 12- to 14-year-old tweens, while teens 15 to 17 can participate in sports and dance competitions as well as video game tournaments at the Teen Club. Older kids can also participate in fun themed events, karaoke, piloting practice at the Drone Academy and flash mobs – and there's a teens-only disco.

On MSC Seascape , teens can stay busy in three new concept spaces. "Future" features a state-of-the-art technology area with the latest-generation consoles, VR and video screens for hours of entertainment. "Chill Out" is just as it sounds – a place to hang out, chat, and play foosball and pingpong. Meanwhile, "Music" is a dance club where kids can choose their own tunes and dance the night away with cool lighting and sound effects. If all that isn't enough, Robotron, the first of its kind at sea, is an amusement park-like ride that combines the thrill of a roller coaster with personalized music and lighting.

MSC World Europa boasts the largest and most engaging kids area in the fleet with an impressive 8,245 square feet of action-packed space. The new Teens Lab features an immersive area for teenagers with more than 20 of the latest consoles, seven VR stations and dozens of video games. Drone Academy 2.0 is a high-energy relay race for drones. There's even more onboard fun at Z Active, a sports program that offers basketball, football and zorb ball alongside two firsts for the line – pickleball and hoverboards. Teens can also take a spin on the bumper cars at the MSC Sportplex.

MSC Euribia – the line's newest ship, which set sail on its inaugural cruise in June 2023 – has a total of 7,500-plus square feet of space dedicated to kids ages 0 to 17. The new Teens Club Extra Space offers three different areas: the Young Club (ages 12 to 14), the Teens Club (15 to 17) and the Teens Lab (12 to 17). Some of the activities include those found on other MSC ships, such as Z Active, Drone Academy 2.0 and the MSC Dance Crew competition. Teens will also have access to new video games; pingpong; World Quest, an interactive game show based on trivia and geography; and Caravaggio, an immersive spy game show about an art heist.

Compare  MSC Cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line boasts a teens-only venue, Entourage, which caters to young adults 13 to 17 years old. This supervised space – available on 16 of the line's 19 ships – keeps teens busy in an adults-free lounge that's filled with video games, movies, music, arts and sports. Teen counselors on Norwegian Cruise Line plan activities and challenges to keep kids entertained throughout the cruise. A list of detailed activities is available on embarkation day so teens can plan out their schedule for the cruise.

Norwegian Prima , the first vessel in the Prima class, features many first-at-sea innovations perfect for entertaining families and energetic teens, including the three-level Prima Speedway. With cars reaching up to 30 miles per hour, this quarter-mile-long racetrack is one of the highest-rated attractions on Prima. Adventurous teens will also want to check out The Drop and The Rush. Billed as the fastest slides at sea, these chutes offer thrill-seekers a heart-pumping 10-story freefall plunge.

If that's not enough action, teens can also play The Bull's Eye, a classic game of darts that uses a video tracking system, or check out Tee Time for a pumped-up version of mini-golf set against a Las Vegas backdrop. In the Galaxy Pavilion, an indoor gaming complex, you'll find more than a dozen attractions, including immersive simulator experiences, escape rooms and the Topgolf Swing Suite – all of which are unique to Norwegian Prima. When it's time to cool off, the Tidal Wave waterslide is another first for the brand, letting guests ride inner tubes to catch the surf.

Norwegian Viva, the second vessel in the Prima class, is set to launch in August 2023. As the newest ship in NCL's fleet, Viva will also feature these exciting high-tech attractions, including Viva Speedway. If you and your teens are fans of the movie "Beetlejuice," you're in for a treat: The Broadway musical adaptation will debut on the new ship.

The line's Breakaway Plus class – Norwegian Escape , Joy , Bliss and Encore – is also popular with families as these ships offer plenty of activities and attractions suited for active teens, such as go-kart tracks, outdoor laser tag and VR games in the Galaxy Pavilion.

Find  Norwegian Cruise Line deals on GoToSea .

Disney Cruise Line

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line features two cool spaces dedicated to teens and tweens, who can hang out on comfy couches, watch shows or movies, and play video games. These hangouts, called Edge (for ages 11 to 14) and Vibe (ages 14 to 17), are available on all Disney Cruise Line ships.

On Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream , the space at Vibe also features a private outdoor deck with chaise lounges, wading pools, foosball and more. While indoors, teenagers can mingle with others their age, or just kick back and relax in individual nooks. There's a dance club area for karaoke contests, talent shows and dance competitions. The trendy indoor-outdoor space – at almost 9,000 square feet – is accessible with a teens-only card or DisneyBand+. On the new Disney Wish ship, Vibe has a French twist inspired by a Paris artist's loft with neon signs and funk pop art.

For tweens sailing on Disney Fantasy or Dream, Edge is a bright, loft-style gathering spot – located in the funnel – that has individual computer stations for gaming and a massive video wall for screening television, movies and games. There's also a lit-up dance floor for dance parties. Two nifty features of the space – and its location – are views of the pool decks below as well as three portholes that allow for glimpses of the riders on the water coaster, AquaDuck, as they zoom by.

On the first night of the cruise, kids receive information on what activities and events will be available during their vacation so they can curate a personalized entertainment itinerary. Some fun options throughout the week may include "Gotcha," a game of elimination where one teen will become the ultimate victor. For a special treat – and a bit of pampering – guests ages 13 to 17 won't want to miss an afternoon at Chill Spa, located inside Senses Spa & Salon.

Book a  Disney cruise on GoToSea .

Royal Caribbean International

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

The newly updated space for teens 13 to 17 years old on Royal Caribbean International vessels is hidden behind a secret speakeasy entrance. The dedicated venue, which has a gaming lounge and music, is a cozy place to hang out to meet other teens on the ship. There's also an outdoor patio where you can relax in the sun or chill out under the stars. Teens will find planned activities throughout the day at the lounge, including sports tournaments, a nightly teen disco and themed parties.

Social 100 is an exclusive new space for ages 13 to 17 on Wonder of the Seas . The outdoor space sits next to the waterslides and boasts a hot tub, lawn games, cozy seating, a selfie area, and a bar serving zero-proof cocktails and shakes. The indoor part of Social 100 features a gaming area, foosball tables, a vending machine and more comfortable spaces for teens to mingle.

Teens have plenty of activities they can do with their families on Royal Caribbean's ships, especially on the new Icon of the Seas, the first vessel in the Icon class. Slated for its inaugural sailing in January 2024, Wonder of the Seas will be the  world's largest cruise ship .  Cruisers of all ages will have endless opportunities for fun with more venues, activities and attractions than you've ever seen on a cruise ship.

Teens and their parents will appreciate Chill Island, a three-level pool deck with the first swim-up bar at sea. The new water park, Thrill Island, boasts six waterslides, including exciting firsts at sea, such as Pressure Drop, the first open freefall slide. If that's not enough to get the adrenaline pumping, teens can check out Crown's Edge – a combination thrill ride, skywalk and ropes course – or other Royal Caribbean favorites like Adrenaline Peak, Sports Court, the FlowRider surf simulator or the reimagined mini-golf course.

If you're hanging out in the new Surfside neighborhood on Icon, a dedicated space for young families, teens will have easy access to the supervised teens-only club, Social 020, from this open-air space.

When you head ashore to Perfect Day in CocoCay, one of the best  cruise line private islands , teen cruisers will find plenty of fun land-based activities like Thrill Waterpark and 1,600-foot-long zip lines. Be sure not to miss another thrilling experience: Up, Up and Away. The helium balloon ride soars 450 feet above the ground to the highest vantage point in the Bahamas , offering incredible panoramic views of the island and surrounding turquoise waters.

Explore  Royal Caribbean cruises on GoToSea . 

Holland America Line

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Holland America Line

The Kids Club on Holland America Line offers a fun supervised program for 13- to 17-year-old guests in an adult-free zone known as The Loft. The name is in the process of changing to High Score!, and you'll already find the updated concept on Oosterdam and Eurodam . The line's other ships will change over to the new venue throughout 2024. High Score! is a family game room that serves as a secret getaway for teens by day. In the evenings, entire families can come to play skeeball, board games and join in other activities.

The teens-only space (during the day) on Holland America Line resembles a New York artists loft where kids can listen to music, watch movies, play games and meet and hang out with same-age cruisers. Programs and activities at the current space, The Loft, include themed events, karaoke, a teen disco and nighttime activities such as Poker Night and video game tournaments. Youths can also participate in pingpong, basketball and other teens-only sporting events. If they still need more entertainment to keep them busy, the Kids Club offers origami lessons and watercolor painting as well as competitions in "Mario Kart," air hockey, foosball, pinball and more.

The Kids Club is complimentary for guests. The space is open daily, and you'll also find teen events around the ship. When it comes to dining, there are many teen-friendly dining options – where teens can even enjoy mocktails like nonalcoholic mojitos – at venues throughout the ship.

If you're cruising to Alaska with Holland America or other adventure-filled destinations, look for excursions that will appeal to younger family members like zip lining tours, trail hikes, float trips, helicopter tours and wilderness safaris. Alaska is a teen favorite, especially in Skagway (one of Alaska's top destinations ), where travelers can get a thrill out of dog mushing with a team of Alaskan huskies, taking a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, or going on a rock climbing excursion.

Find  Holland America Line cruises on GoToSea .

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Princess Cruises

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

The modern Beach House lounge is the go-to place for passengers ages 13 to 17 to socialize and meet others their age when sailing on a Princess Cruises ship. Fun activities for teens include late-night movies and tournaments where they can challenge their peers in video games or at air hockey, foosball and table tennis. For more energetic activities, join in the fun during indoor dodgeball and basketball games. Or, learn new dance moves from some of the dancers in the crew, then hit the dance floor for one of the competitions. At the "Rock the Boat Party," teenagers can dress up and party the night away with mocktails and new friends on the ship.

"Movies Under the Stars" is one of Princess' signature events. Guests can watch movies, sporting events and concerts while bundled up with cozy blankets on the pool deck outdoors. Teens will enjoy the complimentary snacks – not to mention the special movie nights designed with them in mind, such as "Scary Movie Night." You might even find teen makeovers and glitter tattoos some evenings on the ship.

The line's three newest ships – Discovery Princess , Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess – offer the most activities for teens, but all of the ships in the fleet host youth programs in partnership with Discovery, along with plenty of other family-friendly activities. These offerings include Discovery Family and Animal Planet shore excursions and onboard entertainment like "The Voice of the Ocean," a musical competition.

Parents will be able to keep track of their busy teens anywhere on the ship with the state-of-the-art Princess MedallionClass system. The quarter-size wearable medallion and accompanying app allow guests to personalize their itinerary and locate family members and friends on board.

When Sun Princess launches in February 2024, as the first vessel in the line's Sphere class, it will feature Park19. This top-deck family activity zone boasts many outdoor adventures, including Sea Breeze – the first Rollglider at sea. The ADA-accessible seated ride offers a hang-gliding experience with panoramic views of the ocean and ports of call. Families and teens can also check out the climbing obstacle course, cargo nets and lookout points. The ship also has a recreational court – which offers pingpong, shuffleboard, fitness classes and more – and a splash zone where you can cool off after all the outdoor activities.

Inside Sun Princess, tweens and teens will find two centers just for them: Neon Grove and The Underground. Both spaces offer cozy and colorful areas for young adults to hang out, socialize, and play video games on the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. They'll also find foosball, skeeball and air hockey on top of planned activities like movie nights, dance parties and scavenger hunts.

Explore  Princess Cruises on GoToSea .

Adventures by Disney

Adventures by Disney offers river and expedition cruises for the whole family; the itineraries span many choices and experiences for tweens and teens with a focus on culture, history, gastronomy and adventure. The river cruises are operated in partnership with AmaWaterways, while the expedition cruises are a collaboration with luxury French cruise line Ponant.

If you're sailing on the Adventures by Disney Rhine River Cruise itinerary, for example, guests can choose between various exciting excursions. While you're docked in Strasbourg, France , for the day, teen-friendly options include a tour of the Black Forest, complete with a toboggan run and a visit to a woodworking museum. Another choice here is to visit Germany's Europa-Park, a one-of-a-kind theme park located between the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains. In Melk, Austria, on the Danube itinerary, families can go for a bike ride along the Danube River, hike to the castle in Dürnstein or visit a family-run apricot farm.

Another great feature of these cruises is that teens can opt to have dinner and evening get-togethers with same-age cruisers, so they don't have to dine with their parents or younger siblings every night. Adventure Guides also curate special activities for teens like game shows and pool parties.

In destinations like Antarctica, the Adriatic and the Galápagos Islands , expert naturalists lead tours during these bucket list trips. You might even find a bit of Disney storytelling woven into the presentations by the Adventure Guides.

Keep in mind if you have younger kids as well as teens that children need to be 5 or older to sail on the river cruises. For the Galápagos Islands expedition cruises, the minimum age for Junior Adventurers is 7, and for expeditions to the polar regions, kids need to be 10 years of age or older.

Read: The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Carnival Cruise Line

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Celebration, which launched in November 2022, is the line's newest Excel-class ship. It features an expanded family and youth program, including its offerings for teens. The line also rolled out the new program fleetwide in spring 2023.

The Carnival Cruise Line teen programming at Circle "C" is for tweens ages 12 to 14, while Club O2 is for ages 15 to 17. In these venues you'll find entertainment like themed dance parties – and even a Carnival prom – as well as video games, movies and karaoke. Circle "C" stands for "Cruise, chill and connect," and that's what teens can do in this colorful, contemporary space with engaging counselors. New activities include anime drawing lessons and pop culture games at Circle "C." Older teens can foster new friendships while engaging in Japanese crafts and authentic tea ceremonies at Club O2.

Teens will appreciate Carnival's onboard water park, Waterworks, which includes a splash park and slides. Carnival Panorama even has the trampoline park Skyzone. Teenage passengers won't want to miss the first roller coaster at sea, BOLT, on Excel-class ships: Mardi Gras , Celebration and the upcoming Jubilee, scheduled to launch in December 2023.

For even more action, Vista-class ships feature Skyride. This two-lane, bike-like ride is suspended above the top deck of the ships and extends out over the ocean. More indoor fun can be found at Thrill Theater (on Horizon and Vista ), an immersive cinematic experience where you'll feel the seat rumble, the wind blow through your hair and even a spritz of water during the action-packed video.

Book a Carnival cruise on GoToSea .

Celebrity Cruises

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

This line's Teen Club features activities focused on kids 13 to 17. Some of the events offered for teens in the Camp at Sea program on Celebrity Cruises range from video game tournaments and sports competitions to culinary classes and silent disco parties. Teen cruisers can even book glass-blowing classes on Celebrity Solstice , Equinox and Eclipse . The offerings for young passengers are similar at either The Basement on Edge-series ships ( Edge , Apex , Beyond and Ascent, set to launch in November 2023) or at X Club on Solstice- and Millennium-class ships. Note, however, the line's three Galápagos expedition vessels do not have the teen venues. Families who need accessible accommodations, activities and programs will also find autism-friendly cruises on Celebrity.

When it comes to pampering, Celebrity's spas offer spa menus for 13- to 17-year-olds. Teens can book facials that are designed for young sensitive skin or have express pedicures and manicures. When you're ready to relax, schedule a two-by-two massage, where parents and kids can have a side-by-side treatment.

Celebrity also offers family-focused excursions that highlight cultural attractions, wildlife sightings and adventure. Some of these tours include seeing gentoo, king and Magellanic penguins in the Falkland Islands; taking an aerial tram through the treetop canopies of a rainforest in Costa Rica ; and going on a small culinary or sightseeing group excursion in Europe and other destinations around the world. On Caribbean sailings – especially when school is out for summer or on holidays – Celebrity has additional family-friendly shore excursions on its five- and seven-night sailings.

Find a  Celebrity Cruises deal on GoToSea .

Cunard Line

Cunard Line offers programs and activities for passengers ages 13 to 17 years old in its Teen Zone. This dedicated space is a place for teens to hang out with cruisers their own age and play video and team games, table tennis, and more. On the first day of the cruise, you'll find an activity program for young guests delivered to the stateroom so your teens can plan out their vacation experience, which may include entertaining theme days, deck sports, quizzes and dancing at the disco.

Teens on Cunard Line can participate in the activities around the ship, hit the pool for a dip, practice their putting or try their hand at croquet. If you're sailing on Queen Mary 2, those interested in science, wildlife and the solar system can watch up to four 3D films a day (on sea days) in the largest planetarium at sea.

Compare  Cunard Line cruises on GoToSea .

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She's sailed to destinations around the globe on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, traditional masted sailing ships, and expedition vessels in Antarctica and the Galápagos. Pratesi covers the travel and cruise industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

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Russia Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945

In May 9th Russia celebrate the day of victory of Soviet troops over Nazi Germany. On this day, parades, commemorative events, and festive fireworks are held solemnly throughout the country. The main military parade of the country takes place in Moscow on Red Square. Throughout the city, at special concert venues, art groups perform, songs of the war years are heard everywhere. People dance, relax. Many older people cry, remembering the horror of years gone by.

Night of museums

Museum Night is an annual project that will take place in Moscow 15 times. Most of the city’s cultural institutions traditionally take part in it. Most of the city’s museums and exhibitions are free to visit. In parks, country estates, thematic performances and entertainment cultural events are held. About 200 museums, exhibition halls and art spaces take part in the festival. Many sites prepare special projects on the topic for visitors.

Christmas Festival

This is the most favourite festival of Muscovites and guests of the city. Interesting events take place at 80 venues throughout the city. Numerous ice rinks, food zones, hockey courts, slides, a children’s snowboard park are open. Every day, in special chalets around the city, puppet shows and fairy tales are read. Concerts and master classes await visitors, where you can try yourself in Gzhel painting, clay modelling, decoupage. You can make jewellery, toys and gifts to loved ones, as well as send a letter to Santa Claus. On Red Square, everyone is interested in not only skating on the rink themselves, but also enjoying the colourful ice show from the famous Russian skaters.

Festival “Moscow Maslenitsa”

One of the brightest, longest events in Russia, dedicated to the seeing off of winter and the meeting of spring. Everyone will be able to learn how to cook pancakes, attend a lot of creative and craft workshops. Take part in traditional Shrovetide fun. Build a huge stuffed animal from straw and burn it, ride on crusts, take part in a masquerade parade. At numerous venues it will be possible to see street performances and performances by the best vocal ensembles and folk artists.

New Year on Red Square

The festive concert begins at 20.00. Then everyone lights the New Year tree together. At midnight, guests will be surprised by festive fireworks. Tickets are on sale in advance at the expected symbolic price of 2,025 rubles.

International exhibition NEFTEGAZ-2022

Neftegaz (Oil and gas exhibition) is the largest exhibition in Russia, which is one of the ten most significant in the industry. Lots of business meetings. Sighning of contracts. Experience exchange. The exhibition is attended by over 500 companies from around the world.

Moscow International Film Festival

The film festival has been held since 1935. Second oldest after the Venice Film Festival. Moscow International Film Festival is one of the most important events in the film industry. This is not only an influential professional venue, but also an interesting event for muscovites and guest of the city.

Easter Gift Festival

Easter festival is one of the most striking and major events of the city in April. Guests and residents of the city will be able to learn about the traditions of Easter, taste various options for Easter cakes, try other holiday treats. And also take part in charity events.

The solemn ceremony of the changing of the guard at the walls of the Moscow Kremlin

The ceremony is held every on the Cathedral Square of the Kremlin. This is a colourful sight introducing Russian military traditions. Every year, the organizers introduce new elements into the program, preserving the classic part. To enter the territory of the Kremlin, an entrance ticket is required.

Fish Week festival

This year the festival will be held in Moscow for the sixth time. Everyone can taste a variety of seafood dishes, as well as purchase fish, shrimp, caviar «take away”. Every day, gastronomic shows and various master classes for both adults and children will be held at the festival venues.

A cappella Moscow Spring international festival

Bright and talented performers and bands from different countries come to Moscow to demonstrate all their singing a cappella skills. The show takes place at different open-air scenes in the center of Moscow. Everyone can visit any city concerts, creative workshops, music, theatre performances.

Horse racing events

In Moscow, the racing season lasts from May to September. Purebred racehorse competitions are held at the Central Moscow Hippodrome. Throughout the entire period, horses demonstrate all their power, beauty and strength. By tradition, in the spring a big holiday is held, dedicated to the opening of the race.

Day of Russia

On this day, all cities of the country host ceremonies, entertainment programs, holiday concerts with the participation of popular performers. Everyone can participate in sports and youth flash mobs, visit museums and improvised fairs. And the culmination of the holiday will be a big fireworks.

Flower Jam Festival

Within the framework of the festival, the international competition of urban landscape design of the same name takes place. The task of the contestants is to come up with gardens, compositions that will beneficially affect the emotional and physical condition of the city residents. Across the city will appear compositions of fresh flowers. The city is blooming.

International Festival "Russian Cuisine"

This year the festival of Russian cuisine will be held for the forth time. Guests will be able to taste a wide palette of dishes from multinational Russia. Appreciate the skills of the best chefs in Russia. Taste ready-made dishes according to old Russian recipes. The largest outdoor food court in Moscow will open. Performances of famous pop singers and folk artists will complement the holiday atmosphere.

International Fireworks Festival Rostec

The largest festival of pyrotechnic art in Russia. The strongest pyrotechnics from different countries gather to show the audience all their highest skills and compete for the title of best. A diverse program is provided for guests and residents of the city: creative and sporting events, thematic spaces, quests and games, performances by musical groups and much more.

International Military Music Festival Spasskaya Tower

This holiday festival takes place on Red Square. This is one of the most ambitious and vibrant events of the year. Spectators are waiting for the parade of military bands, musical groups from around the world. Music from classical to pop sounds in the city center. Military bands from many countries demonstrate entire dance performances, performances with weapons. Colorful laser and pyrotechnic shows decorate this event. The grand fireworks on the closing day are unforgettable.

Moscow City day

Bright, large-scale and spectacular holiday. In 2022, Muscovites will celebrate the 875th anniversary of their city. Moscow greets this day on a grand scale. The whole city is seething. At various venues there are concerts and live music. Sports competitions for families, fairs for all are held. Everywhere – an atmosphere of joy and emancipation.

Moscow Balloon Festival

The festival will be held at the Expocentre on Krasnaya Presnya. This is the largest festival in Europe in terms of the number of participants, guests and sponsors. The best professional graphic designers from all over the world compete here. The program includes: an air show, master classes, an exhibition of sculptures from balloons, as well as exciting seminars from professional aero designers.

XI Moscow International Festival Circle of Light

One of the largest light festivals in the world. Grand multimedia shows await guests and residents: 3D mapping, pyrotechnic effects using high-altitude fountains, fire flames, laser projections. Many light installations of fireworks with musical accompaniment.

XVIII Moscow Gastronomic Festival

Hundreds of restaurants in Moscow present a signature tasting menu. It offers new tastes, unusual food combinations, bold culinary experiments. Special brunches take place all month. The city has a lot of thematic entertainment, promotions from the partners of the festival. At the end of the festival, a magnificent ball is held at which members of the international jury will choose the winner.

National Unity Day of Russia

In Moscow, the program of this general public holiday is especially solemn and vibrant. A variety of patriotic events, rallies, parades are held. In the evening, festive concerts of pop stars and musical groups will take place.

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Break-dancing busts into the Olympics for the first time. Here’s what to expect in Paris.

Get ready for plenty of how-did-they-do-that moments when the Paris Games introduce break-dancing as an official Olympic sport.

Bodies will be contorted, gravity will seemingly be defied, and athletes will be showcasing “headspins,” “windmills” and “freeze” moves — and it will all be set to music.

The sport, also known as breaking, made its successful debut at the 2018 Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where it topped 1 million viewers, according to NBC Olympics, far outpacing audiences for many other sports. The Olympics declared it an "outstanding success," and now both the organizers and the athletes hope to translate that magic to the biggest stage in sports.

“This is a chance for us to grow and educate people on breaking,” Jeffrey Louis   (B-Boy Jeffro), told NBC Olympics . Louis, the fifth-ranked B-boy in the world, is considered a favorite for one of the remaining spots on the U.S. Olympic team.

Breaking joins other newer sports, including three that were added to the Olympic program for the first time at the 2020 Tokyo Games — surfing, skateboarding and sport climbing.

Adding those sports to the official Olympics roster is an attempt by the International Olympic Committee to reach a younger audience, given that “all four are easy to take up and participants form communities that are very active on social media,” according to the Paris Olympics .

The committee, known as the IOC, hopes millions of kids worldwide will be inspired to take up the sports themselves.

“If we get it right, we can create something unstoppable,” Louis said. “We can’t let it pass us up again, because the first time breaking blew up, it fizzled out.”

What is breaking?

The dance-battle sport is “characterised by acrobatic movements, stylised footwork and the key role played by the DJ and the MC (master of ceremonies) during battles,” according to the Paris Olympics.

Some of the moves will have audiences wondering where the halfpipe is as athletes twist and turn like they should have boards under their feet.

The sport’s techniques include top rock (standing footwork) and down rock (moves on the floor), power moves (twists and spins) and the freeze, when breakers freeze in poses while using their heads or hands for support.

How will it work?

The breaking competition in Paris will be divided into two events — one for women and one for men — and they will take place Aug. 9 and 10 at La Concorde Urban Park.

In total, 16 B-boys or 16 B-girls will “go face to face in spectacular solo battles,” according to the Paris Olympics.

The competitors will show off their best moves as they try to keep up with the beat of the DJ's tracks, improvising to stay alive in the dance battle with a combination of "power moves," including windmills, the 6-step and freezes, according to the Paris Olympics.

Judges will then vote, paving the way for the first breaking medalists in Olympic history.

Who is on the U.S. Olympic breaking team?

The U.S. will be represented by four breakers — two B-boys and two B-girls — who will compete in solo battles for the gold medal.

So far, two U.S. breakers have qualified : Sunny Choi (B-Girl Sunny) and Victor Montalvo (B-Boy Victor).

From the Bronx to Paris

It has been a decades-long battle to get breaking to the main stage.

The dance style, which has roots in hip-hop culture, originated at block parties in New York City in the 1970s, according to the Paris Olympics.

Louis said the sport originated in a rec room in the Bronx, where “a legendary DJ named Kool Herc debuted a new technique that centered around percussive ‘breaks’ in songs. During these breaks, the crowd would start dancing, which became known as breaking, or breakdancing.”

By the 1980s, it was hitting the mainstream with groups like the Rock Steady Crew, the Dynamic Rockers and the New York City Breakers, who innovated new — and more complex — moves.

It gained wider visibility thanks in part to the 1983 movie "Flashdance." While the film included only a few short breaking scenes — featuring the Rock Steady Crew — USA Dance said it inspired people around the world to try breaking. But the end of the ’80s, it had fizzled.

Breakers invited fellow dancers out of early retirement to jump-start the scene once again, according to USA Dance . International Battle of the Year, the first large-scale, formally judged breaking event, began in the ’90s, which helped with the sport’s revival and ushered in a new era of interest. Other international competitions also began in the decade, some of which remain active today.

International resurgence

Since then, "breaking has evolved into a global cultural art form with many elements of sport," according to USA Dance.

The national organization says a number of breaking schools have opened across the U.S. in the last decade, providing spaces for a new, young generation of breakers to learn and hone the craft.

The World DanceSport Federation now governs the sport internationally and is recognized by the IOC as such.

Whitney Carter, director of internally managed sports at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, helped form Breaking for Gold USA, a group dedicated to getting breakers in the country ready for the world's biggest games, NBC Olympics reported.

"Now, the USA is a front-runner at the Olympics," Tyquan Hodac, USA Dance's breaking communications director, told NBC Olympics. "We’re the powerhouse. Every other country is looking up to us."

Rebecca Cohen is a breaking news reporter for NBC News.

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New York Today

353 ballet dancers set a record.

Youth America Grand Prix, a student ballet scholarship group, wanted to make its mark by having the most ballet dancers on pointe at the same time.

By James Barron

Good morning. Happy to be back after vacation. Today we’ll look at how 353 ballet dancers spent a minute breaking a record that had stood for five years. We’ll also get details on the arrests of pro-Palestinian activists at Columbia University.

Larissa Saveliev was working the phone like a commander redeploying troops. She wanted a platoon’s worth of young, able-bodied people sent to where she was, pronto.

She was calling for ballet dancers, not soldiers.

Saveliev, the founder of Youth America Grand Prix, which she describes as the world’s largest student ballet scholarship organization, had organized a stunt: capturing the record for the most ballet dancers on pointe at the same time. She needed at least 307 to beat the mark set in 2019.

But only about 290 dancers had shown up.

So Saveliev put out calls while the dancers on hand, some as young as 8, lined up in a ballroom-size space at the Plaza Hotel and waited. A sea of tutus rippled and fluttered as they practiced pliés or put their arms over their heads and moved into what is known as the fifth position.

Some talked about appearing in “The Nutcracker,” “Sleeping Beauty” and “Swan Lake,” or hoping to. Some talked about the reason they were there, which was to be recognized by Guinness World Records for the “most dancers ‘en pointe’ simultaneously.” Bianca Vezzali, 12, from San Diego, called it “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Under Guinness’s rules, once enough dancers were there, they would have to stay on pointe for 60 seconds. Bianca was not worried. “One minute isn’t that hard,” she said. “I’m so used to doing it for longer.” Kendall Morgan, 13, from Los Angeles, said it took practice and strength to stay on pointe “and make it look good.” But like Bianca, she said she was ready. “This is something we’ve worked on since we were little,” she said.

The record they were trying to break was set in 2019 on the morning television program “Live with Kelly and Ryan.” One of the hosts, Kelly Ripa, took part after saying it was the first time she had danced on pointe in 33 years. She lasted the minute.

This time around, the rules were the same. Tina Shi, the adjudicator sent by Guinness, was clear that everyone had to stay on pointe for a full minute: “If they drop, they will be disqualified.” Ashley Bouder, a principal dancer of the New York City Ballet , was on hand as an expert, as required by Guinness, to confirm that the dancers were on pointe correctly.

Saveliev, who danced with the Bolshoi Ballet until she defected in 1993, timed the stunt to coincide with the 25th anniversary of Youth America Grand Prix and the final rounds of auditions that it holds each year. She started Youth America Grand Prix after moving to New Jersey and realizing there was a need to connect dancers of diverse backgrounds with ballet schools. Youth America Grand Prix has since awarded more than $5 million in scholarships.

Before long, young dancers who responded to Saveliev’s calls began arriving from Lincoln Center, where they had been rehearsing for an appearance at a gala for Saveliev’s group.

But it still looked like a squeaker as far as smashing the record was concerned, so others were recruited. Among them was Lola Abigail Koch , a former Bolshoi dancer who said she stopped performing in 2010 and now teaches at the Joffrey Ballet School. She also runs the nonprofit Ballet Support Foundation .

“It’s still in my DNA,” she said, strapping on ballet shoes.

Would they make it to 307?

Katya Orohovsky, a dance teacher from Hattiesburg, Miss., signed on as No. 293 after squeezing into size 3 toe shoes. “I was like, ‘How desperate are you?’” said Orohovsky, who wears a size 6.

Bouder rushed in with a batch of ballet shoes. Marcella Guarino Hymowitz, a former dancer who was the creative chair of the annual gala for Youth America Grand Prix, took a pair, stuffed in tissue as makeshift toe pads and signed on as No. 294.

The other chair of the gala, Lesley Thompson Vecsler, signed on as No. 295. “My toes are not used to this anymore,” said Vecsler, who studied with the Washington School of Ballet and danced as an undergraduate at Duke University.

Finally, it appeared that there was the equivalent of a quorum — enough dancers to beat the record from 2019. “You cannot touch each other,” Shi told the crowd. “You cannot lean on others.”

She counted down: “Three! Two! One!”

The room seemed to ascend as the dancers rose on pointe. A snippet of Tchaikovsky, slightly longer than a minute, played over the public address system.

When the music ended, Shi conferred with volunteer witnesses around the room who had kept watch. Then she made it official: With 353 dancers taking part, a record had been set.

It’s a partly sunny day in the mid-50s. Prepare for a chance of showers at night, with lows in the high 40s.

ALTERNATE-SIDE PARKING

In effect until Tuesday (Passover).

The latest New York news

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Adams’s top aide was sued (again) : One of Mayor Eric Adams’s closest confidants was sued over accusations that he had harassed and retaliated against a Police Department sergeant he oversaw .

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Capturing New York’s party scene : In the 1980s and ’90s, Dafydd Jones’s party shots captured Manhattan’s rich and powerful .

Meet the Met book doctors : Here’s a look inside the book conservation lab at the Metropolitan Museum of Art .

What we’re watching : Grace Ashford, a New York Times reporter who covers Albany, will discuss New York’s state budget on “The New York Times Close Up With Sam Roberts,” which airs at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. [ CUNY TV ]

Police arrest pro-Palestinian demonstrators at Columbia

The president of Columbia University called in the Police Department on Thursday to empty an encampment of pro-Palestinian demonstrators and arrest dozens of defiant students.

“I took this extraordinary step because these are extraordinary circumstances,” the president, Nemat Shafik, wrote in a campuswide email a day after she told a Republican-led House committee that Columbia was prepared to punish students for unauthorized protests.

Shafik’s decision sharpened tensions on Columbia’s campus, the scene for months of demonstrations in support of Palestinians — demonstrations that some Jewish people considered antisemitic. My colleagues Sharon Otterman and Alan Blinder wrote that it was not clear whether the harsher tactics would provide a model for officials on other campuses, or would mostly infuriate and inflame.

Shafik sent the email as New York City police officers in riot gear marched on an encampment of about 50 tents that had gone up on Wednesday, just as Shafik was getting ready for her congressional appearance. She testified that she had been frustrated “that Columbia’s policies and structures were sometimes unable to meet the moment.”

The top leaders of Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania lost their jobs after appearing before the same committee last year. There has been no indication that Shafik, who took office last July, has lost the confidence of Columbia’s board.

On Thursday, a voice on a loudspeaker repeatedly told those in the encampment that “since you have refused to disperse, you will now be placed under arrest for trespassing.” The protesters responded with their own cry: “Columbia, Columbia, you will see — Palestine will be free!”

Police officers began taking protesters into custody and putting them on buses as other students chanted “Shame!” Officers later took down the tents as demonstrators gathered in front of Butler Library and called for amnesty for those who had been arrested.

Isra Hirsi, the daughter of Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, was one of several students from Barnard College — whose campus is across Broadway from Columbia’s — who were suspended for participating in the encampment at Columbia. Hirsi, 21, said on social media that she was an organizer with the student coalition that has been pushing the university to cut ties with companies that support Israel. She is also involved with the Columbia chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine, one of two student groups suspended in November for holding unauthorized protests.

METROPOLITAN diary

Dashboard delight

Dear Diary:

I was driving down Broadway and I stopped at a red light.

A sanitation truck pulled up next to me. The driver leaned out of the truck and pointed at the large hula dancer figurine on my dashboard.

“Hey,” he said. “That’s awesome.”

I yanked it off the dashboard and tossed it to him.

— Kevin O’Keefe

Illustrated by Agnes Lee. Send submissions here and read more Metropolitan Diary here .

Glad we could get together here. See you on Monday. — J.B.

P.S. Here’s today’s Mini Crossword and Spelling Bee . You can find all our puzzles here .

Melissa Guerrero and Ed Shanahan contributed to New York Today. You can reach the team at [email protected].

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An earlier version of New York Today misstated the number of ballet dancers who set a record for standing on point for one minute. It was 353, not 333.

How we handle corrections

James Barron writes the New York Today newsletter, a morning roundup of what’s happening in the city. More about James Barron

Stepping Into the World of Dance

As Harlem Stage’s E-Moves dance series turns 25, Bill T. Jones and other major choreographers discuss its impact on Black dance  in New York.

“We the People,” Jamar Roberts’s first dance for the Martha Graham Dance Company, finds the rage and resistance  hidden in an upbeat score by Rhiannon Giddens.

In “Nail Biter,” a New York City premiere, the exacting choreographer Beth Gill explores her ballet roots  and how to be in her body now.

The choreographer Emma Portner, who has spent her career mixing genres and disciplines , comes to ballet with an eye on its sometimes calcified gender relations.

A childhood encounter with an American soldier in Iraq led Hussein Smko to become a dancer. Now the artist performs on New York stages .

“Deep River” is in many ways an apt title for a dance work by Alonzo King, a choreographer fixated on flow .

StarTribune

Minnesota beach makes travel and leisure's top beaches in the country list.

DULUTH — Kathy Cargill might soon have some real estate competition on Park Point.

Travel and Leisure magazine put the point's seven miles of beach, the longest freshwater sandbar in the world, on a list of the 25 best beaches in the country.

Citing its "ocean locale" feel and views of the hillside city and Lake Superior, the magazine also praised the area's spectacular sunrises.

The popular neighborhood has been a major topic of conversation in Duluth and beyond in recent months, with Cargill's string of property acquisitions along the point.

For more than a year, a limited liability company run by Cargill has purchased property after property on the sandbar that separates Lake Superior and the mouth of the St. Louis River. The home purchases number more than a dozen and parcels nearly two dozen.

Cargill is the wife of an heir to the global Cargill company's fortune. Her purchases led to a public squabble with Mayor Roger Reinert , as he attempted to learn of her plans for those properties.

Several of the homes have been torn down, many bought well over market price. Duluthians and residents of the point worry about losing access to the public beach, increases to property values and further erosion and damage to the delicate sandbar.

It's not the first time the magazine has given the city love. Park Point was on a 2022 list of best beaches, and the city was ranked as having one of the best adventure experiences nationwide last year.

Jana Hollingsworth is a reporter covering a range of topics in Duluth and northeastern Minnesota for the Star Tribune. Sign up to receive the new North Report newsletter.

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