Your first padel holiday does not need to be a week of serious training. You might want to try a new sport, improve a few shots or have something to do between swimming and exploring. Before anyone books, make sure the programme matches the trip you want.

The useful questions are practical. Who will you play with? What happens if the group is too advanced? Will you have time away from the court, and do your parents need to stay during lessons? Getting those answers is more helpful than being told that a holiday is “perfect for teenagers”.

Try padel before you decide

If you have never played, an introductory session near home can help you work out whether you enjoy it. Padel is usually played in doubles on an enclosed court with a net. The walls are part of the game, but you do not have to understand every rebound before your first lesson.

Tell the coach you are new and ask what equipment the venue supplies. LTA Padel’s junior guide explains that many venues offer rackets and balls to rent or borrow. Check with the holiday club separately; a rental arrangement at home does not tell you what is included abroad.

Describe what you can do

Give the organiser a short description of your experience. Perhaps you have played three times, can keep a gentle rally going or attend lessons every week. Those details are more useful than choosing “beginner” because you do not feel confident.

Tennis or squash experience may be helpful, but it does not automatically establish your padel level. Ask how the club groups players and whether the coach can move you if a session is unsuitable. If you want a relaxed introduction, say so; if you want challenging matches, explain that too.

When comparing padel holidays, ask the provider to confirm the programme for your age and experience before paying. A specialist such as Padel Holidays can be part of that comparison, but the particular club, dates and sessions matter more than a general description of the trip.

Find out who will be on court

A family-friendly hotel does not guarantee that other teenagers will attend your lessons. Ask whether there is a confirmed junior or teen group, what ages it accepts and whether it requires a minimum number of bookings.

If the only option is an adult group, your parent or carer should check whether the venue permits you to join and what safeguarding and supervision arrangements apply. There should be a clear answer about who is responsible for you before, during and after the session. A coaching booking is not automatically childcare.

You may prefer learning with a sibling, joining a group or taking a private lesson. Each arrangement has different costs and social opportunities. Explain your preference rather than assuming your parents or the organiser will guess it.

Choose a timetable you can enjoy

Look at the whole morning, including travelling to the club, collecting equipment and returning to the hotel. A short lesson can take a larger chunk of the day when the courts are elsewhere.

Start with the amount of organised padel you want, then protect time for other things. If you are travelling with people who have different interests, agree when you will meet for meals and which activities you would like to do together. There is no need to turn every free hour into another court booking.

For example, a four-night break could include an arrival afternoon, an introductory lesson on the first full day, a day exploring and another session before departure day. That is an illustrative pattern, not a recommended training schedule. Travel times, weather and the people involved should shape the actual plan.

Ask about the ordinary parts of the club

Find out where you can refill water, leave a bag, use a toilet and wait between sessions. If you need step-free access, adapted equipment or a quieter learning environment, explain the specific requirement and ask the club to confirm what it can provide.

For outdoor play, check the session times, shade and arrangements for unsuitable weather. Tell the coach or responsible adult if you feel unwell and stop playing. Your parent or carer should check relevant travel-health advice for the destination before departure.

Pack for the confirmed programme

Ask the venue what footwear it requires and whether rackets and balls are included. Our active-holiday packing guide can help you organise the basics: comfortable sports clothing, spare socks, a refillable water bottle and something dry for the journey back. Take suitable sun protection for outdoor sessions and leave room for the kit you need away from the court.

You do not have to buy an expensive racket just because you are going on holiday. If you plan to borrow or hire one, confirm its availability and cost in advance. If you take your own equipment, check airline baggage rules and the booking’s insurance arrangements.

Agree what independence means on this trip

Talk to your parent or carer about what you can do on your own, where you can go and how you will stay in touch. Base that conversation on the actual destination and your circumstances, rather than assuming the same rules apply everywhere.

Agree meeting places and times, what to do if plans change and who to contact if you cannot reach each other. Being able to choose an activity or spend time with another teen can make a difference, but it needs to fit the supervision arrangements.

Have a say before the booking is made

Our guide to having a say in family holiday planning starts with one thing you want from the holiday and one thing you would rather avoid. Share both while there is still time to change the plan. Our family holiday ideas guide compares padel with other types of break if you are still deciding.

Before paying, your parent or carer should confirm the complete price, cancellation terms, travel documents and insurance. The FCDO’s travel insurance guidance explains why cover should include the activities you intend to do.

A useful first padel holiday gives you an appropriate introduction to the game and a holiday you would enjoy beyond the lessons. You should know what is booked, who will help if something is unsuitable and where your own choices fit into the week.