No disrespect to the Disney people ... I just figure we'll wait on that until kid(s) are a little older than 18 months.
Does anyone have any vacations planned, or have you gone somewhere with a toddler that you enjoyed? We're just starting to plan a vacation for late winter/early spring next year. Ideally we'd go somewhere warm, with V, and low-key but where we could do a few things besides just sit around at the beach all day -- easy hiking, birdwatching, I dunno. I've been staring at some of the AI resort/spa/wellness websites a lot lately, which sounds like heaven these days, if I can find one that lets you bring small children.
We're on the West Coast, so Hawaii, California, the Southwest, and Occidental Mexico are probably the best locations ... but I'm fine with looking elsewhere too
Puerto Rico would be a bit far for you maybe but it is pretty easy since there is no monetary exchange, no passports, etc. and its really kid-friendly.
We went to San Diego when DS1 was a toddler. We went to the zoo and Balboa park. We picked it as a destination because of the good weather and the fact we could get a short <3 hr direct flight, but it was a really good vacation.
South Lake Tahoe. You can either road trip it or possibly fly into Reno, NV.
Lots of outdoor activities, hiking, some nice kid friendly "beaches" along the lake (I've been to one with a playground/park right along the water). Very laid back. And Red Hut Cafe for breakfast - amazing diner food!
Post by karinothing on Jul 31, 2014 9:02:25 GMT -5
We rented a cabin on a river last summer ( so DS was just shy of 2). It was awesome. We could just relax all day, go on small hikes, and swim in the river (it wasn't fast, and only 1-2 feet). Not that that is any place fancy like everyone else is recommending lol.
We also went to playa del carmen in Mexico and rented a friend's condo for our baby moon. I think it would work out well with kids. There are day trips you can do or you can relax on the beach. Plenty of restaurants to walk to. Enough street life that the kid would be captivated. You could walk to the beach and get a lounge chair and waiters would bring you food/booze all day long. It was great. Water is calm enough for kids to go in. If you want to go there I could always give you the website for the condo. It is great.
We took DS to Mexico when he was about that age. We stayed at an AI that was family friendly. It was perfect. Lot's to do but also lot's of relaxing too (as much as you can w/ a young kid, but hanging out in the pool was fun for DS).
I like a combo beach/ small city vacation. We do this in Maine with 2 days on shore and than one morning we drive into Portland ( abotu 45 minutes from the Beach) and do the Children's Museum and grab lunch and check out shops. We have also done this with Providence RI.
Obviously Maine is really really far for you, but maybe there is a way to combine the two types of vacation
Post by carolinagirl831 on Jul 31, 2014 10:48:26 GMT -5
We went to Grand Cayman for DDs first Birthday. It was great. Very family friendly island. We stayed in a beachfront condo, with two bedrooms. Our condo door literally stepped onto the beach. The ocean was perfect for a toddler, no waves, crystal clear water. We had a great time.
We are taking DD to NYC in two weeks and florida for labor day.
Ditto the recs for the Beaches resorts with kids - we had a very relaxing vacation with DD at their Turks & Caicos resort last Thanksgivng. If all of the Beaches locations are in the Caribbean, however, that might be a hike for you from the West Coast.
We did Club Med in Punta Cana and it was great. I would recommend the Tiara (5 trident) portion, which had 2 bed 2 bath suites and a private pool. That's probably far for you, though. It was great with kids and the childcare facilities were very well organized and vetted.
Post by shellbear09 on Jul 31, 2014 12:55:09 GMT -5
We are planning a trip to San Diego soon. We have always loved going there as a couple but I think there is lots to do with kids plus great weather. The zoo is awesome and Balboa Park too.
We've taken out kids: Black hills, South Dakota San Juan and rincon, Puerto Rico Orlando (Disney) and cocoa beach, FL Oahu and Maui Durango and alamosa, CO Galveston and San Antonio, TX Duck, NC (outer banks)
Every single trip has been different and awesome! I don't think you can choose wrong.
Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, England, France, Scotland, Jackson Hole, Seattle/Vancouver (if you don't live there), Iceland, NYC, DC, SF, Nashville, Charleston, Savannah, Chicago, Boston, all places we have taken our kids to since they have been born and enjoyed.
San Diego is a great option. I have family and friends down there, so it's really easy for us (we stay with my aunt), but even without those factors I think we'd enjoy it. We went down in February when E was nearly 17 months. He LOVED having so much outside time, since back home it was still cold enough that we just didn't want to be out that much. We went to the zoo (full disclosure, we always get in free, but I still think it'd be worthwhile even if you had to pay), explored Balboa Park (E loved the fountains and ducks), hung out at playgrounds, visited family in the L.A. metro area... we could have found more to do if needed. We plan to do this trip annually, since airfare's pretty cheap, the flight's short, and there's no time change. When E's older, we'll probably tack on a day at Disneyland.