The year is 2008. Gone are the days when mere board games and magazines could entertain your teenager. Here are some essentials that should keep the modern teen happiest when holidaying.

Usually we concentrate on the baby, toddler, and child, pre-teen and adult. But it’s the teens that we tend to forget about. Keeping teens happy on holiday can really perfect that family vacation you always wanted.

 Plan that perfect family vacation with these great deals.

• The next time you want to book at a holiday, make sure you do it at a large resort. These tend to offer a higher probability of them meeting other teens their age and creating friendships. Teens have a fast way of communicating and networking, so getting hooked up, via communication of course, will ensure that they stay in contact long after the vacation is over.

• Grant them space. Just because you’re on holiday, it doesn’t mean that you have to cramp their style. Allow them to roam and be free. Let them scope out the area and see what they like about it. Remember that just like you’re on holiday, so are they.

• For all the adventurous types: teens love anything that will scare the pants off their parents. So they will never decline to do something adventurous whether its scuba diving, snorkeling or even shark cage diving, the resort will have trained staff members who will always ensure the safety of your teens.

• Separate the kids. Having your teens and pre-teens mixed, is asking for a chaos and mayhem to occur. Different age groups require different needs. So allow your kids, no matter what the age, to mix with people their own age.

• Take a friend along. Let your teen bring a friend along. That would be the best part for both you and your teen. They will be happy and you can rest assured that everyone is having a great time.

• Technology for all: all teens of today can’t be without their cell phones, IPODS, MP3 players, laptops and any other form of technology. Instead of banning these things on the holiday trip, embrace it and use it your advantage. Have them take photos and create digital albums; or if need be, put a technology time limit in place. This will ensure that they get out and enjoy the place you're visiting.

• On the technological front: take advantage of what the resort has. Inquire about whether the resort has a wireless connection so staying in touch for your teens will make the vacation less painstaking for all.

We’re launching the latest Parent24 soon. So why not keep your eyes open for more advice for your
children.