10Best: Cities to take teen travelers for spring break
Traveling with teens doesn't have to be an ordeal. The key is finding the right city, says David Evans, president of Summerfuel.com, which organizes educational travel programs for young adults. If you're making family spring break or summer vacation plans, look for a safe, walkable destination with a broad appeal, offering museums, street life, shopping and natural beauty, he says. "Being able to walk out the door and stroll around gives a great sense of freedom, and there's a sense of discovery and empowerment that comes with that." He shares with Larry Bleiberg for Paste BN some favorite cities for teen travelers.
Amherst, Mass.
This quintessential New England college town makes a good match for teens. "You have this natural academic hub, which brings a really diverse group of people into the town, consequently you have lots of things that appeal to the broad base of residents: great restaurants, cafes, cinema, a summer jazz festival, Shakespeare in the park," Evans says. There's also hiking in the surrounding countryside. 413-253-0700; amherstarea.com
Berkeley, Calif.
While close to San Francisco, Berkeley remains a city in its own right, with its distinct history, quirks and culture. "It has a reputation as a city of protest, which has created a very opened-minded and interesting environment," Evans says. Teens will love wandering the shops on funky Telegraph Avenue or exploring city parks with views of San Francisco Bay. 800-847-4823; visitberkeley.com
Chicago
From street festivals to world-class museums to pizza, the mid-continent metropolis is a sure hit with young visitors. "It's a very vibrant urban environment that's really exciting for students and families alike," Evans says. It's easy to attend a professional sporting event, or just walk along the Lake Michigan beaches and parks. choosechicago.com
Miami
South Florida's Latin flavor gives visitors an exotic, international experience here at home. "You're opening yourself to a whole new range of music, food and restaurants," Evans says. Teens love the scene of South Beach with its street performers, the color of the Little Havana neighborhood and the engaging modern art galleries and exhibitions. 800-933-8448; miamiandbeaches.com
New York
Whatever a teen's interest–art, architecture, sports, theater, film or history—there's something to engage them in New York. "There are tremendous opportunities in the most dynamic city in the United States," Evans says. And some visitors are just happy walking the streets, taking the subway and absorbing the city's frenetic energy. nycgo.com
Oxford, England
Evans once lived in Oxford, and knows the spell the city and its dozens of colleges can cast on visitors. "It's really a magical place. You walk through the gates to the colleges and you're in a different world and it's great fun." Some teens marvel that they're wandering the grounds where some of the brightest minds in Western culture were trained, he says. Others love to find film sites from the Harry Potter films. Evans also suggests renting a small boat (or punt) and seeing the River Cherwell. visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com
Florence, Italy
It's hard to beat the cradle of the Renaissance for inspiration, Evans says. "Topics any teen would have studied in high school or middle school come to life in a place like Florence, home to the Uffizi gallery and the David statue, and much more," he says. "It's a very walkable city. Every 20 yards, there's another famous museum. And people love to sample the gelato." firenzeturismo.it
Nice, France
The sun-splashed city wows visitors with its beaches, food and history. "The old town is picture postcard France with cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings and fresh croissants," Evans says. "You have access to all the city has to offer, but it's always fun to have the option to just chill out, catch your breath. And what better place to do it than on the Mediterranean?" en.nicetourisme.com
Cadiz, Spain
While Madrid, Barcelona and Seville get most the attention, Evans is partial to this historic port city on the Atlantic coast, with a great open air market. "You're truly immersing yourself in Spanish culture as opposed to being a tourist," he says. "And it has some of the finest beaches in Europe with kilometers and kilometers of white sand." cadizturismo.com
Istanbul
A visit to one city allows teens to set foot in two continents, Evans says. "If you go across one of the bridges you'll see signs saying 'You are Entering Asia'. And kids go 'Wow, this is really cool'," Evans says. But that's just part of the experience. Sites like the Blue Mosque, the treasures of the Topkapi Palace and the stalls of the Grand Bazaar are certain to expand a visitor's world view, he says. goturkey.com