Family-Friendly Travel by Age

5 Tween-Approved City Getaways

Trips to big cities where tweens can lean into their interests are a great way to make travelling with parents less, as they might say, cringe.

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Tweens have plenty of opinions and aren’t shy about sharing them. Savvy parents are taking note and letting their kids help shape the vacation itinerary. No wonder, as giving tweens a say can make them more engaged.

From centuries-old capitals to trend-setting urban hubs, these destinations tap into the passion points of many tweens and can help expand their worldview. Read on for our recommendations and learn about the benefits the whole family can enjoy when booking through American Express Travel on your Platinum Card®.

Platinum Cardmembers get access to exceptional benefits at over 3,000 hand-picked hotels around the world with Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection. Representative 685.3% APR variable. Annual fee and terms apply.

American Express® Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Cardmembers can enjoy elevated benefits at more than 1,300 hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection. Representative 85.8% APR variable. Annual fee applies after the first year and terms apply.

Explore our series of family travel recommendations by age:

Children| Teens | Young Adults

Cities for International Travel with Tweens

Berlin, Germany


Berlin is a great intro to Europe for families with tweens – full of history, edge, and easy ways to get around. The city's walkable neighbourhoods, efficient public transit, and rich mix of museums, street art, and cultural sights keep things interesting without being overwhelming.

The Hotel Collection

Grand Hyatt Berlin

This centrally located luxury hotel makes sightseeing easy; it’s walking distance from Tiergarten Park and the Spy Museum, ideal for curious tweens with energy to burn. Bonus: it’s also pet-friendly, in case your family travels with a four-legged sidekick. The hotel itself appeals with spacious suites, an indoor pool, and family-friendly restaurants.

Fine Hotels + Resorts

Waldorf Astoria Berlin

In bustling City West, this upscale hotel has spacious family suites, a top-tier spa for parents, and easy access to the Berlin Zoo and the shopping of Kurfürstendamm and Museum Island. It’s a solid pick for families who want to balance culture and comfort. Don’t miss high tea service, paired with sweeping city views over Berlin, at the Library on the 15th floor — and the indoor pool, where children can enjoy dedicated swim hours.

Rome, Italy

 

For tweens obsessed with mythology, gladiators, ancient ruins – or all the above – Rome is essentially one giant field trip. From the Colosseum’s underground chambres to the Pantheon’s epic dome, every stroll feels like time travel. Bonus: authentic gelato and pasta-filled dinners are always within reach.

Fine Hotels + Resorts

Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel

This elegant property near the Spanish Steps is known for its lush gardens and family programming. Expect spacious suites, kids age-appropriate amenities, and a concierge who can help tailor the Roman adventure to your crew’s interests.

The Hotel Collection

Aleph Rome, Curio Collection by Hilton

This hotel is a great value, with a rooftop pool, roomy suites, and a prime location near historic landmarks. A Cardmember favourite hotel, its location makes it easy for families to dive into the city’s ancient wonders – without sacrificing modern comforts.

Athens, Greece

 

Athens serves up a medley of ancient ruins and modern street life. Whether your tween is scaling the Parthenon, graffiti-spotting in trendy neighbourhoods, or cooking gyros with a local, there’s no shortage of hands-on history and vibrant culture.

Fine Hotels + Resorts

Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

Set on a quiet coastal stretch, this resort blends beachy downtime with access to the city centre, 30 minutes away. Suites are spacious, pools are family-friendly, and the setting gives kids room to unwind between cultural outings.

The Hotel Collection

NEW Hotel

This design-forward art hotel near Constitution Square is a Cardmember favourite, offering select suites with separate living areas for families to spread out, a cool aesthetic, and proximity to the Acropolis and a number of top museums.

New York, USA

 

NYC is a dream for tweens. From Broadway musicals and iconic skyscrapers to thrift stores and street food tours, there’s something for every type of young explorer.

Fine Hotels + Resorts

The Peninsula New York

If your tween appreciates the finer things, they’ll dig this refined sanctuary in Midtown. The landmark hotel offers residential-style rooms and suites, a heated indoor pool, and access to Central Park and the eye-catching designer windows of Fifth Avenue. Add the Camp Peninsula package for a scavenger hunt, in-room tent set up, and welcome amenities for up to two kids.

The Hotel Collection

Lotte New York Palace

Lottie New York Palace is an excellent choice for families with tweens, offering spacious rooms and a prime Midtown location just steps from Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, and Fifth Avenue shopping. Tweens love the Insta-worthy city views and treats from Pomme Palais, while parents appreciate the convenience and comfort. It’s the perfect blend of fun, ease, and NYC magic for all ages - the kind of stay that practically signs off with a little XOXO.

Tokyo, Japan

 

If your tween’s into anime, gaming, or neon cityscapes, Tokyo might be the ultimate destination. From cosplay-friendly shops in Harajuku to themed cafes and interactive museums, there’s no shortage of sensory overload (in the best way). Check out our 4-day Tokyo itinerary for an overview of neighbourhoods, temples, and local treats.

The Hotel Collection

The Tokyo Station Hotel

A landmark with over a century of history, conveniently connected to JR Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. The hotel is also close to the Imperial Palace Gardens, and the Marunouchi area offers a wealth of shopping, cafés, and art museums. The hotel's breakfast buffet features over 100 items, you can enjoy an authentic Japanese dining experience without leaving the hotel as much as you like.

Fine Hotels + Resorts

Grand Hyatt Tokyo

After a day of sightseeing, wind down as a family around the red granite pool at Nagomi Spa and Fitness or keep spirits high with an evening at the hotel’s 10 dynamic restaurants and bars. The connecting Roppongi Hills complex offers captivating entertainment options, with over 250 shops and restaurants, an observatory, and an art museum to explore.

 

As a Platinum Cardmember, enjoy a complimentary suite of benefits when you book through American Express Travel.

Fine Hotels + Resorts

 

12pm check-in, when available

Room upgrade upon arrival, when available1

Daily breakfast for two

U$100 credit to use towards eligible charges2

Guaranteed 4pm check-out

Complimentary Wi-Fi

The Hotel Collection *,3

 

  12pm check-in, when available

  Room upgrade upon arrival, when available1

  US$100 credit to use towards eligible charges2

  Late check-out, when available

American Express