TarheelsInNj

Hello! I'd love some help deciding where to go on a family vacation with our toddler (he'll be almost 3). I know September's not the most ideal time to visit the Caribbean, but that's when we can go so we'll make the best of it!

Our other limitation is that we're traveling with American Airlines frequent flier miles. So, we're looking at non-stop options from NYC, but it must be on AA. Looks like our options could be Mexico, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands or maybe Antigua.

We'd like to keep the budget under $300 a night. Ideally, we'd love a small resort that has some services, has a kitchenette, and is family-friendly. My son will be too young for the large Club Med "kids club" places. A little splash pool or children's pool would be great. But ultimately, we're just looking for a nice place to relax, that will welcome our toddler.

I've found some places in Mexico that look great and reasonable, on Isla Mujeres or Akumal. But how is Mexico in September?

We've also considered a cruise, maybe Disney. We've never been so I'm not sure if we're "cruise people," but the low-hassle nature is very intriguing!

Thanks for any advice!

PatrickSch

On St John the Westin might fit your demands- it may be larger than you want but it isn't a big mega resort either. Across the street are the Virgin Grand Estates- condos which grant you the right to use the Westin facilities- or they did a few years ago. I'm not sure about prices but September will be low season. Caneel Bay is an exclusive resort that is probably out of your price range but check it out- very beautiful. Otherwise St John doesn't really have resorts. We are renting a villa with my family next month which includes a 20 month old-if you don't need a resort a villa might be a good alternative. Good luck.

qwovadis

weather2travel.com rain will be least in Cabo
bookit.com for good AIs Pueblo Bonito nice
Hyatts all have great childrens programs Aruba
out of the storm belt Hyatt Palm Eagle Beach
there one of my fav.
Konaweb.com princeresortshawaii.com nice in fall
less than 1 inch of rain per month around Kona Kohala.
Usually where I go... Happy Hunting!

wliwl

Personally I think that St. John is a poor choice when traveling with a young child. To get to the good beaches involves driving - which means a lot of packing, unpacking and lack of amenities once you're at the beach. Yes you could plunk down at the Westin, but it's a lot of money to not really take advantage of the whole island.

suze

Unfortunately September is simply not a good month weather-wise in any of the places you are asking about.

I know Mexico best and it is HOT, humid, and rainy season in Aug/Sept. With even a chance of hurricane on the Caribbean side (less so in Cabo or PV on the Pacific side but those are longer flights from NY and still it's hot and raining).

KVR

I would suggest the Divi in Aruba. They have kids stay and eat free plan. There is a kids club, but your child will be to young for the program, but it does show it's a family friendly resort. The resort offers an AI plan, but I would not recommend. There are no kitchenettes, but restuarants are quite easy to get to. September is a good month for Aruba. The weather is typically good. We went in a September and the weather was perfect for us.

The Sands on Turks and Cacios would be a good choice also. They do have kitchenettes and is very child friendly. Not sure about the weather in September since that is prime hurricane season.

Many of the resorts in Barbados are actually condos with kitchenetts. We are looking for August.

Sorry, don't know about flights on AA from your area.