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September vacation with toddler: Mexico? Puerto Rico? St. John?

September vacation with toddler: Mexico? Puerto Rico? St. John?

Old Jan 18th, 2012, 06:29 AM
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September vacation with toddler: Mexico? Puerto Rico? St. John?

September vacation with toddler: Mexico? Puerto Rico? St. John?
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!
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Old Jan 18th, 2012, 11:15 AM
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Unfortuately September IS the rainy season in the Mexican coastal resorts too. Hot, very humid, and with a good chance of rain. Isla Mujeres and Akumal are both wonderful destinatinos but I wouldn't go that time of year myself.
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Old Jan 18th, 2012, 11:44 AM
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I hate to be Debbie downer, but that is also hurricane season. You will probably find great deals but be aware of the reason why.
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Old Jan 19th, 2012, 02:10 PM
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Is there a reason you've chosen the Caribbean? As suze and Michelle pointed out, you're looking at the 3 H's~heat, humidity, and hurricanes.

Check cruisecritic.com about the Disney cruises. I haven't been on one myself, but friends have, and they've enjoyed them.
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Old Jan 19th, 2012, 02:42 PM
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We loved St. John - really beautiful, nice beaches, and good snorkeling, but yes, it's hurricane time. I've been in the Carib. on vacation in September, and we did get hit by a hurricane - but just a minor one luckily.
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Old Jan 19th, 2012, 03:57 PM
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We've been thinking Caribbean/Mexico because the goal is to relax and just enjoy each other, but in a place that still feels like "travel." We've thought about California, but I feel we'll be too tempted to "go go go" the whole time. I also have these two free FF tickets, so we'd like to use them for somewhere interesting! We've explored the East Coast pretty extensively.

For those who have been in Mexico in September, how hot/humid are we talking? Like, August in North Carolina? We can handle that Or is it more, total misery the moment you step outside?

A cruise is still in consideration, but a Disney cruise costs more than a flight AND week at a really nice AI in Mexico... ($2300 or so for 5 nights). Granted, it's low hassle and no weather risk, so there are pros too.
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Old Jan 19th, 2012, 05:11 PM
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I don't know that it would be any worse than "the south" in the summer, but most people are hoping for plenty of beach time and sun when they go to Mexican resorts not getting rained on every day.
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Old Jan 19th, 2012, 05:12 PM
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With your little one, you should consider San Diego. Legoland, San Diego Zoo, Seaworld plus the beaches.
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Old Jan 20th, 2012, 07:13 AM
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Thanks, MichelleY! I'd love to hear more alternate suggestions if others have them. We actually have family in San Diego so that's on the list... though I'm hoping this vacation can be more of a "just the three of us" trip.
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Old Feb 28th, 2012, 05:36 PM
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Not sure if you are still seeking feedback, but we stayed in Rincon, Puerto Rico during our honeymoon several years ago, in mid- September. Even though it was hurricane season, we typically had nice weather for the beach and pool in the morning with some rain in the afternoon. (Right about nap time for a toddler, I'd say?) As honeymooners, it suited us just fine too. it also made for a very quiet, peaceful resort. The beach was empty! It did get very busy on the weekends though, when lots of Puerto Rican families came out to the resort. We stayed at the Rincon Beach Resort: http://www.rinconbeach.com/

We also used hurricane season to our advantage in booking. We waited until last minute (kept checking weather) and then found some good last minute deals. We also had our room upgraded when we got there. The room we checked into hadn't been thoroughly cleaned by housekeeping- there was a dirty wine glass by the bed! But we got moved to a beautiful suite with a kitchen so that made up for it!
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