Is it possible to have a great, Carribean, resort vacation with an 18 month old toddler in tow?
September 29, 2008 8:58 AM Subscribe
Is it possible to have a great, Carribean, resort vacation with an 18 month old toddler in tow?
We're thinking about doing a Carribean resort style trip in February, and would be bringing our (at that time) 18 month old daughter along. We would plan to have her spend a little bit of time at the daycare/with babysitters provided by the resort, but wouldn't want to dump her off all day long every day. She is fun and easy-going, not all that picky about her food, naps well, and enjoys the pool and sandy beaches. As perfect and darling as she is, she *is* a toddler. I'm really wondering if we should just skip it and save the trip for next year when she is 2.5. Any parents had successful trips? Anybody have horror stories to share with me that will solidify my decision?
We're thinking about doing a Carribean resort style trip in February, and would be bringing our (at that time) 18 month old daughter along. We would plan to have her spend a little bit of time at the daycare/with babysitters provided by the resort, but wouldn't want to dump her off all day long every day. She is fun and easy-going, not all that picky about her food, naps well, and enjoys the pool and sandy beaches. As perfect and darling as she is, she *is* a toddler. I'm really wondering if we should just skip it and save the trip for next year when she is 2.5. Any parents had successful trips? Anybody have horror stories to share with me that will solidify my decision?
I think it's pretty easy and possible. Just work out an hour-by-hour itinerary and make sure you do some things the kid would like. Most islands have zoos.
If you don't trust the local help, pay for your mom or your spouse's mom (or cousin or family friend or whoever) to come along and babysit while you enjoy some much-needed time alone. February is a great month to travel there since you get some fantastic deals in the off-season.
I've been tossing around this very idea with my wife. Our baby just turned one, so we're not sure yet but are considering it. I've also looked at cruises which have activities and daycare staff for little kids as well. Side note: most cruise companies will not allow a child under 12 months of age onto the ship.
posted by camworld at 9:11 AM on September 29, 2008
If you don't trust the local help, pay for your mom or your spouse's mom (or cousin or family friend or whoever) to come along and babysit while you enjoy some much-needed time alone. February is a great month to travel there since you get some fantastic deals in the off-season.
I've been tossing around this very idea with my wife. Our baby just turned one, so we're not sure yet but are considering it. I've also looked at cruises which have activities and daycare staff for little kids as well. Side note: most cruise companies will not allow a child under 12 months of age onto the ship.
posted by camworld at 9:11 AM on September 29, 2008
Are you interested in spending every vacation at Disneyland, Disneyworld, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Hong Kong, and maybe Sea World?
No? Then you need to teach your child to be a good traveler. It won't be the vacation you'd have had before your daughter arrived, but it can still be a awesome trip. Go and learn something from your kiddo. Naps are a great way to enjoy a beach vacation.
posted by 26.2 at 9:29 AM on September 29, 2008
No? Then you need to teach your child to be a good traveler. It won't be the vacation you'd have had before your daughter arrived, but it can still be a awesome trip. Go and learn something from your kiddo. Naps are a great way to enjoy a beach vacation.
posted by 26.2 at 9:29 AM on September 29, 2008
We don't have kids but I remember Round Hill in Jamaica had a nanny service.
I don't know what your budget is, but this is a five-star resort. You would fly into Montego Bay.
posted by Zambrano at 9:47 AM on September 29, 2008
We have taken our toddlers on many vacations, and any day on vacation is as hit-or-miss as any day at home. Go for it.
posted by poppo at 10:31 AM on September 29, 2008
posted by poppo at 10:31 AM on September 29, 2008
The key is this:
Plan your entire schedule around naptimes. If a toddler misses naptime, it can be a very unpleasant experience. A well-rested toddler is much more fun to be around!
Go for it! Just be flexible.
posted by Ostara at 12:58 PM on September 29, 2008
Plan your entire schedule around naptimes. If a toddler misses naptime, it can be a very unpleasant experience. A well-rested toddler is much more fun to be around!
Go for it! Just be flexible.
posted by Ostara at 12:58 PM on September 29, 2008
It's just as "easy" as a US trip to visit relatives or any other trip, i.e., not so easy, but it can be done. Can the local daycare substitute for parental care? Only you know, and it might not work, but you know that too.
One specific recommendation, from hard experience: Fly non-stop and avoid as many endless car trips (e.g., from airport to resort with everybody tired and distance unknown) as possible.
posted by JimN2TAW at 3:17 PM on September 29, 2008
One specific recommendation, from hard experience: Fly non-stop and avoid as many endless car trips (e.g., from airport to resort with everybody tired and distance unknown) as possible.
posted by JimN2TAW at 3:17 PM on September 29, 2008
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We took him and had an awesome time. No regrets. Yes, there will be some moments of misery. However, when you stop doing stuff you love because you've got a kid, you start to become a bitter, resentful parent...and that's no good for anyone. ;)
posted by paanta at 9:10 AM on September 29, 2008