Cruise (Caribbean; Mexico/ Europe and more)
The Place: Carnival Cruise Lines
What’s in it for Them: Besides unlimited ice cream, French fries, pizza, and lemonade? Try teen-only excursions, rock-climbing walls, basketball court, bingo, and exotic ports of call. Not to mention a certain level of freedom.
What’s in it for You: The fact that everyone can do his or her own thing and then meet up later in the day. Lynn A. of Boise, Idaho, has been cruising with her three boys (now 12, 14, and 17) ever since the youngest was 8 and loves it for the simple reason that “you get a lot of bang for your buck.”
Inside Tip: Pack walkie-talkies; that’s how Lynn and her family communicate through the day.
Expect to Pay: Rates vary widely depending on departure city, destination, and how many days. Short cruises (3, 4, or 5 days) start at $249 per person, double occupancy.
Details: 888-CARNIVAL or www.carnival.com
Volunteer
The Place: Variety of offerings through Global Volunteers, a nonprofit organization based in St. Paul, MN.
What’s in it for Them: Feeling good about helping people. Opt to teach conversational English to children and adults from immigrant families in Pelican Rapids, MN or help build new homes and repair old ones in Fayette County, WV. Other programs available in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
What’s in it for You: Same!
Inside Tip: You may never take a “regular” vacation again!
Expect to Pay: U.S. prices start at $795 for the week and all costs are tax-deductible.
Details: 800-487-1074 or www.globalvolunteers.org .
Sam Hannigan 11/12/07
If teens are so fussy that they can’t enjoy a vacation—free food, nice scenery, no homework or chores, then we have reached a sad state. This is just bending over backwards for kids and kids should be grateful for what they get.
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