Spotlight Hotel
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 traveling with parents less, as they might say, cringe.
Link copied!
August 06, 2025
Link copied!
Tweens have plenty of opinions and aren’t shy about sharing them. Savvy parents are taking note and, according to our 2025 Global Travel Trends Report, 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 Amex TravelTM on your Platinum Card®.
Explore our series of family travel recommendations by age:
Babies & Toddlers | Elementary-Aged Kids | Teens | Young Adults
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 neighborhoods, efficient public transit, and rich mix of museums, street art, and cultural sights keep things interesting without being overwhelming.
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.
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 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, at the Library on the 15th floor.
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 chambers to the Pantheon’s epic dome, every stroll feels like time travel. Bonus: authentic gelato and pasta-filled dinners are always within reach.
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, kid-friendly tours, and a concierge who can help tailor the Roman adventure to your crew’s interests.
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 Card Member favorite hotel, its location makes it easy for families to dive into the city’s ancient wonders – without sacrificing modern comforts.
Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens
Set on a quiet coastal stretch, this resort blends beachy downtime with access to the city center, 30 minutes away. Suites are spacious, pools are family-friendly, and the setting gives kids room to unwind between cultural outings.
NEW Hotel
This design-forward art hotel near Constitution Square is a Card Member favorite, 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. Our NYC Travel Guide is full of tips and can’t-miss stops to help you plan it out.
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.
Lotte New York Palace
With a prime Midtown location, this family favorite puts you in striking distance of Rockefeller Center, American Girl Place, and Times Square attractions – and without breaking the bank. There’s a variety of room categories, and babysitting services can be arranged on request.
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 neighborhoods, temples, and local treats.
The Tokyo Station Hotel
It's a landmark building, conveniently connected to JR Tokyo Station Marunouchi and next to the Imperial Palace Gardens. Six restaurants appeal to varied tastes and, if you've reached the “I need my space” era, connecting rooms are available.
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 one of the sleek hotel’s 10 restaurants and bars. The surrounding Roppongi Hills complex ups the ante with 200 shops and restaurants, an observatory, and an art museum all vying for your attention.
*
12pm check-in, when available
Room upgrade upon arrival, when available1
Daily breakfast for two
$100 credit to use towards eligible charges2
Guaranteed 4pm check-out
1Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.
2Eligible charges vary by property.
*,3
12pm check-in, when available
Room upgrade upon arrival, when available1
$100 credit to use towards eligible charges2
Late check-out, when available
1Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.
2Eligible charges vary by property.
3The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
Alaska CruiseTours: Celebrity Cruises
For tweens who’d gladly trade skyscrapers for glaciers, an Alaskan cruise† could be just the thing. Families can hike wild trails, watch whales breach, and take in the kind of remote landscapes most kids only see in science class.
For those contemplating cruising, the Cruise Privileges Program* offers up to $300 in onboard credit per stateroom, plus earn 2X Membership Rewards® points, per eligible cruises of 5-nights or more bookings through American Express Travel on your Platinum Card.4
Learn more about how to find the cruise that suits your style.
†Ships' Registry: Malta
4Ship and stateroom exclusions apply, please see full terms and conditions.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways
Qatar’s Quad Qsuite offers forward- and rear-facing seats, giving parents a clear view of their tweens while still giving everyone some personal space. For longer flights, the option to convert two adjacent Qsuites into a shared setup is a smart way to make the journey more comfortable.
Emirates
Families flying through Dubai International Airport (DXB) can take advantage of complimentary strollers and an airport trampoline playground before boarding. Onboard, more than 150 kid- and tween-focused channels help keep young travelers entertained.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines keeps things family-friendly: no seat selection fees to sit together, Priority Boarding for those traveling with kids under two and infants fly free.
International Airline Program*
Enjoy access to savings on select first class, business, and premium economy tickets with participating airlines on designated international flights booked through Amex Travel™. Extend your savings to loved ones and extend the memories. You may book up to seven additional travelers (8 total travelers maximum) on the same itinerary.
When planning international travel, Platinum Card Members can book through the International Airline Program, which offers lower fares on some of the world’s finest airlines to destinations around the world. For solo travel or up to eight tickets, enjoy more choices with exclusive savings on a variety of premium cabins booked through your Platinum Travel Service.
Recommended Flights offers Platinum Card® Members access to lower fares on select routes with participating airlines such as Alaska, American, and Delta.
Platinum Cards can add even more value, with access to lower fares on select routes with Recommended Flights. You can earn 5X Membership Rewards® points* on up to $500,000 in airfare purchases per calendar year when you book through Amex Travel or directly with the airline. Or use Membership Rewards® Pay with Points* to cover all or part of your flight.
Get more out of your getaway with American Express
Recommended Flights offers Platinum Card® Members access to lower fares on select routes with Delta.* Plus, Platinum Card Members earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on up to $500,000 per calendar year on flights booked through American Express Travel® or flights purchased directly from airlines.*
Get more out of your getaway with American Express
Refuel in comfort thanks to the American Express Global Lounge Collection®. It enables Platinum Card Members to enjoy complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges in over 500 airports around the world. Terms apply.
Get more out of your getaway with American Express
Global Dining Access by Resy* gives eligible Card Members special access to sought-after restaurants across the globe when you add your eligible Card to your Resy profile. Access to exclusive reservations, premium dining experiences, Priority Notify, and more, all from the Resy app.
Get more out of your getaway with American Express
Make your trip unforgettable through unique tours and activities booked at gyg.me/amex. Terms apply.
Get more out of your getaway with American Express
When you Shop Small®, you’re not just supporting neighborhood favorites – you’re investing in the community. Whether you’re a local or visiting, explore our map to find small businesses near you.
