Want Your Teen to Unplug on Vacation? These 11 Ideas Actually Work

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This tricked-out list will get your kid’s phone out of their hand—without a single argument.

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Vacations should feel like a break from the usual chaos, but these days, teens tend to bring their screens with them everywhere. You plan an epic escape, only to watch them scroll through TikTok while ignoring the ocean, mountains, or even a castle. It’s not that they don’t care. It’s just that their online world is sticky—always updating, always pinging—and unplugging feels more like punishment than freedom.

Instead of fighting it, you can gently outsmart it. The trick is to make the real world just a little more captivating than their screen. These aren’t forced “family bonding” moments or scheduled tech breaks that feel like detention. These are activities that naturally pull teens in, engage their curiosity, and nudge them back into the moment without them even realizing it. If you’re craving a vacation where your kid looks up and actually sees the world around them, these 11 ideas genuinely work.

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Why Everyone Should Do a Cross-Country Road Trip Once—13 Things That Make It Worth It

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It opens your eyes in ways a plane ticket never could.

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There’s something raw and beautiful about hitting the road with no TSA lines, flight delays, or rigid itineraries. The long stretches of highway, unexpected roadside attractions, and small-town diners offer a kind of freedom that’s hard to explain until you’ve felt it for yourself. Cross-country road trips aren’t just about reaching a destination—they’re about how the journey unfolds, who you meet, and what you learn about yourself in the in-between moments.

This kind of travel slows you down in the best way. You find yourself noticing more, listening more, and caring less about what’s trending and more about what’s real. You gain a sense of perspective that doesn’t come from a guidebook. It’s not just the changing landscapes outside the window that shift—it’s something internal, too. If you’ve never taken a cross-country road trip, there are a dozen reasons why it should be on your list. Here are thirteen that stand out.

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Traveling Abroad with Food Allergies? These 11 Survival Tips Could Save Your Life

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You can’t afford to wing it when your health’s on the line.

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Traveling abroad with food allergies is a unique mix of thrill and anxiety. You’re excited about the adventure, the culture, the new sights—and yet, you’re hyperaware that one wrong bite could turn a dream trip into a medical nightmare. The risks are real, and the stakes are high, especially when unfamiliar ingredients, language barriers, and varying medical standards come into play.

It’s not about being overly cautious—it’s about being prepared in a way that gives you peace of mind while you explore. These survival tips aren’t just practical; they’re born from real experiences and smart planning. They’ll help you stay safe, reduce stress, and still fully enjoy your journey. Think of them as your travel insurance for living well with allergies, even when you’re far from home.

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The Ultimate 12-Item Family Carry-On Packing List You Didn’t Know You Needed

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You’ll be glad you packed these when your kid’s snack explodes or your flight gets delayed.

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You can breeze through airport chaos and still keep your cool—if you’ve packed the right stuff. Most family travelers overpack what they don’t need and forget the simple items that actually make the trip bearable. It’s not just about what fits into a carry-on. It’s about choosing what keeps your kid entertained, your partner calm, and your hands free while you juggle boarding passes and juice boxes.

This list goes beyond the basics. These twelve carry-on must-haves solve little problems before they snowball into full-blown meltdowns. You’ll find yourself patting your own back when your neighbor’s kid is crying, but yours is quietly drawing on a mess-free tablet. Whether you’re facing delays, missed meals, or cranky toddlers, these items earn their space and then some. Forget neck pillows and travel guides—you’re about to pack like a seasoned family travel ninja.

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10 Weird But Brilliant Packing Hacks That Start with a Ziplock Bag

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You’ll never look at a Ziplock bag the same way again.

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There’s a quiet genius to the humble Ziplock bag that most travelers overlook. While others scramble to pack every item just right, those in the know reach for this simple tool and unlock a world of order, space-saving, and sanity-saving potential. It’s not just about holding snacks anymore—Ziplocks are your packing MVP, quietly solving problems you didn’t know you had.

These packing hacks are for the bold, the curious, and the brilliantly lazy. If you want your suitcase to make sense, your toiletries not to explode, and your socks to pull double duty, you’re in the right place. These aren’t your average Pinterest tips—each of these starts with a Ziplock and ends with your travel life getting just a little easier. Weird? Absolutely. But weird works. Here’s how to pack smarter, not harder, with ten unexpected Ziplock hacks.

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