Travelling with #teenagers can sometimes feel impossible. One child wants adventure, the other wants WiFi, and the parents just want one peaceful moment without hearing, “Are we there yet?”. Still, last summer my family decided to go on a #fly & drive holiday through #Central Europe and, surprisingly, it became one of our favourite vacations ever.
Instead of staying in one place for two weeks, we wanted the #freedom to explore different countries and landscapes at our own pace. We flew to Munich, picked up a #rental car and started our road trip through Austria, Slovenia and northern Italy.
First impresions
At first, I honestly was not excited. As a #teenager, the idea of sitting in a car for hours with my family sounded boring. I imagined traffic jams, arguments about music and endless sightseeing. However, after only a few days, I completely changed my mind.
One of the best things about a #fly & drive holiday is the #freedom. Every day felt different. One morning we were having breakfast while looking out over the Austrian mountains, and the next day we were walking through the colourful streets of a Slovenian town. Every country had its own atmosphere and traditions, which made the journey even more special.
The challenges and unexpected fun
Of course, travelling with family also brought #challenges. Long car rides could be stressful when everyone wanted something different. My younger sister wanted snack breaks, my dad focused on navigation, and I cared mainly about music and mobile data. Looking back, those frustrations became some of our funniest #memories.
Technology also played a major role during the trip. My sister and I used #TikTok and #Instagram to discover new places, while my parents relied on travel apps and Google Maps. One afternoon, we visited a hidden lake in Austria after seeing it on #Instagram, which became one of the highlights of our holiday. Research shows that #social media strongly influences tourists’ decisions about destinations and activities (Liu et al., 2019).
Creating lasting memories
What surprised me most was this: the moments we remembered best were not the ones we planned. During the #road trip, we spent more time together and shared new experiences every day. Even simple things like eating freshly baked pizza in a small Italian village, smelling the wood-fired ovens and hearing people chatting on the terrace became unforgettable moments. Studies suggest that shared #travel experiences help families create lasting #memories and strengthen relationships over time (Jepson et al., 2019).
Why i would do it again
I also realised that this type of travel feels more #authentic than staying in one hotel. We experienced local food, smaller villages and different cultures instead of only visiting tourist attractions. From Austrian cafés to family-owned restaurants in Italy, each destination offered something unique.
Looking back, I would absolutely choose a #fly & drive holiday again. It gave us adventure, flexibility and valuable time together as a family. Research shows that memorable family vacations often occur when the wishes and well-being of all family members are taken into account (Chevtaeva & Guillet, 2023).
If you are looking for adventure, flexibility and family bonding, why not plan your own #fly & drive through #Central Europe? It offers new experiences, different cultures and lasting #memories. Just bring snacks, a good playlist and plenty of patience.
