CanadianRNinDublin

Hello,
Hubby and I used to travel a lot pre-baby (lived in Dublin, Paris, and traveled around Europe, scuba dived in Galapagos and Indonesia etc...) Now we have an almost 6 month old and some frequent flyer points but whether it's the sleep deprivation or the extra planning that goes along with baby, I just can't for the life of me get it together to plan a trip. Hubby has time off in September (about a week) and I"m on Mat leave. We'd be leaving from Toronto airport.

Looking for some inspiration of places to go - We were thinking Nice, but with the connecting flights, time change etc and only for a week, we decided it's too much of a hassle. Looking for something in North, Central or South America. I've looked into somewhere like Banff lake Louise as that would be great for hiking, and very scenic but the little guy rules out other activities (ie. biking - too small for a trailer, kayaking, etc). I love good food, historical sites, some hiking, beaches and hopefully not too hot (not expecting ALL those things in one destination though).

Any suggestions/inspiration for a fun and interesting getaway? Any experiences to share with traveling with a 6 month old?

Thanks!

janisj

Two areas jump to mind . . .

Seattle area and/or the islands

California Coast - maybe based out of Carmel. Wonderful food, easy hikes in the Redwoods/Point Lobos/Big Sur, beaches, Cannery Row, an 18th century mission, AMAZING scenery.

thursdaysd

Nova Scotia? Maybe by train?

CanadianRNinDublin

Thanks for the the ideas.... I took a look at Carmel and it looks amazing, thanks so much, never would have thought of staying there before I'll check out Nova Scotia, I didn't realize you could get there by train.

WVUGrad1990

Can't argue with Carmel and the strip from Monterrey, CA to Morro Bay, CA - Big Sur is beautiful.

Vancouver to Seattle would be my suggestion - there are a lot of side trips and hidden enclaves. Bellingham, Leavenworth (Bavarian style village), Vashon Island, Mount Raineer are a couple that spring to mind. Vancouver and Stanley Park are one of my favorite places on earth. Seattle is great - lots of different things to include Pikes Place. This is mostly car based so easy with a 6mo.

Don't give up - you and your husband deserve to spend some time with the little one.

thursdaysd

Train to Halifax, see: http://seat61.com/Canada.htm#Oc%E9an - you'd need the train from Toronto to Montreal, but I think they are pretty frequent. I did Vancouver to Montreal a couple of years back and really liked sleeper class.

CanadianRNinDublin

thank you WVUGrad1990, thrusdaysd and janisj. I feel like I'm getting my mojo back! We're going to sit down and hash it out tonight but we're both really feeling Carmel (though all the suggestions were great ideas for us) - love this forum as I never would have known to check that place out!

janisj

OK -- once you do decide on the Carmel area . . . be sure to ask on the US Forum for suggestions. There are many Northern California Fodorites including at least one living IN Carmel.