One of the best holidays you can book for teenagers

I am already decked out with the must-have accessory, a Power Up Snap Band (priced separately at $40 per band). These clever wrist gadgets allow you to take on small challenges around the land, an innovative take on the theme park format. This generation’s teens are often guilty of being too gadget obsessed, but this opportunity to play games and compete is designed to bring the whole family together. Scores are collected via the free Universal app.

The main attraction, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, is a life-sized version of the much-loved game. The ride incorporates an actual playing element using augmented reality visuals, viewed through a daft “Mario cap”

visor. The karts have hand-held consoles you control as you ride, throwing turtle shells and navigating the luminous rainbow road. It’s a great feat by Universal – I can’t think of seeing attractions like this anywhere else.

A CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE

If your clients’ go-to for theme park fun is usually Orlando, they could be swayed by Universal’s West Coast park and its star-studded location. Zoomers captivated by celebrity culture will be in their element. Los Angeles is an eclectic city with plenty to keep visitors busy and a good chance of the odd celebrity sighting.

Unlike younger kids, teenagers are better suited to the 11-hour flight from the UK to California. Older families tend to be less reliant on the theme park bubble to keep everyone entertained, with more interest in exploring further afield. The teens will likely want to help create the itinerary, too.

“LA is one of my favourite places to recommend for families with teenagers,” says Natalie Stacey, independent travel agent at Designer Travel.

“Theme parks like Universal cater for even the most ‘teenage’ teenager and I challenge even the most sceptical guests not to get excited by what’s on offer.”

Capturing the attention of the 12+ crowd is high priority for parents, and Los Angeles’ appeal is wide-reaching if you’re a Zoomer in the know.

Natalie adds: “Seeing celeb mansions close up, the Walk of Fame and hip attractions such as the Grammy Museum are ideal for this age group.”

YOUNG AT HEART

I feel like a big kid myself playing whomp-aturtle, then taking on the challenge of deactivating a series of alarm clocks to prevent them waking up the giant, toothy piranha plant that looms over the park. Universal have gone to town with the classic Nintendo theming, which extends to the eclectic Toadstool Cafe, serving a cartoonish menu including Mario burgers, soup in elaborate mushroom bowls and a piranha-shaped Caprese salad. Drinks serve up extra 1980s memories as I gulp down a nostalgic cream soda – just like my nan used to make.

Somewhere to go in the evening without straying far from the hotel is extra-appealing for families, and Universal Citywalk is ideally placed. A shuttle bus runs between our hotel, The Sheraton Universal, and the park in only five minutes. There is a range of restaurants including Johnny Rockets, LA’s famous “Pinks” hot dogs and the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. We opt for the latter, which has an excellent menu that stretches further than cocoa-based dishes, although I imagine kids of any age would be delighted with the giant freak shakes on the menu.

Tomorrow, after one last wacky race on Mario Kart, we’re off to watch break dancers on Venice Beach, find a food truck that went viral and get selfies by the Hollywood sign. La La land is undoubtedly a teenage dream, but it might just be mine too.

Book it: US Airtours offers five nights at the Sheraton Universal Hotel, Los Angeles, with Virgin Atlantic flights and a Universal Studios Hollywood: Buy a Day, Get a 2nd Day Free ticket, from 1,189pp, based on two adults sharing. usairtours.co.uk