looking for vacation spot with toddlers
 

I'm interested in a warm location anytime this winter - the shorter the plane trip the better (leaving from NYC). I've got two young toddlers. I'd love a place with a young kids club - maybe a club med, or a beaches? The only thing is, with kids this young we probably won't take advantage of most of the facilities, so am I wasting my money at an all-inclusive? (My biggest concern is - I want to relax, which is why I need a place with a kids club that takes young kids - many places only take them after three)

Club Med takes kids as young as three months (!). Also, you are not paying as much at Club Med as other true all-inclusives because alcohol is not included. So if you are not planning on drinking to excess you will definitely come out ahead financially with Club Med. <BR> <BR>I went with a friend and her three-month old to Club Med Sandpiper in FL. She flew out of Newark and it was a really quick trip. She only used the Baby Club for two hours each day--sometimes not even that much--but it was nice to have the facilities available. <BR> <BR>On a side note, I have read many bad things about the standard of childcare at Beaches (particularly at the Turks location) so you might want to research that in a lot more detail. <BR> <BR>Good luck!

I suggest that you either leave the kids with family or go somewhere much closer until they are older. Travelling by plane with toddlers, much less to the Caribbean, is unwise. <BR> <BR>There are fine places to vacation with spectacular scenery right here in NY state. <BR> <BR>(Consider the Montauk, L.I., Hudson Valley, Catskills, Adirondacks, Finger Lakes, etc.) <BR>

I do realize that you specified a warm location during the winter and anywhere near NY state obviously doesn't meet that criteria. <BR> <BR>I also understand that nowhere in FL is predictably really warm during the winter. <BR> <BR>I certainly understand your wanting to go to the Caribbean but it is unwise to travel to most of the Carib. w/ young children. <BR> <BR>The Caymans, USVI and BVI are probably your best choices. <BR>

We have been to Beaches Turks and Caicos and it was wonderful. There is a great kids program - not sure of the age groups but you could easily call 1-800- Sandals and find out. Food and service was great, wonderful kids pool area and kids friendly restaurants and the most unbelievable beach.

If you are determined to do this, please consider the following: <BR> <BR>what happens to your children if & you and/or hubby are injured or ill, perhaps unable to speak? <BR> <BR>what happens if one of your little ones needs serious medical attention? even the BEST medical facilities are light years less than you're accustomed to in NYC. American Express told me an air ambulance averages 16,000 just to evacuate the patient back to the US --- not inc charge for one parent to ride along. <BR> <BR>if you're constantly arranging for, caring for, worrying over the babies, how are you going to relax & enjoy? <BR> <BR>the kids won't remember much if any of their Caribbean adventure <BR> <BR>you're not going to be popular with fellow travelers. not on the plane, not in the airports, not in the hotel, not in the restaurants. no one wants to hear a crying toddler or see diaper changing or spit up. the staff probably will likely feel the same. are you prepared for disapproving stares, rude comments, complaints? <BR> <BR>how are you going to relax (you said it's your main concern) & enjoy & make the most of your hard earned (& I assume much needed) vacation? <BR> <BR>two words: heat, sunburn <BR> <BR>you're going to have a ton of baggage, all that paraphenalia to pack, plus whatever they eat. what if it gets lost? <BR> <BR>even if a resort or AI accepts children so young in their kids program, how do you feel about putting them in the hands of strangers in a foreign country, whose standards of childcare may not be as high as you're accustomed to? <BR> <BR>what if you want to embibe a little? or have romantic moments? <BR> <BR>If you can't leave them with someone you trust, please for your sake & theirs, postpone the trip until you can leave them or until they're older. Then choose either the USVI, the Bahamas, Cayman, Aruba or (if you speak Spanish) Puerto Rico. Those are the best islands to visit with younger children. There really aren't any appropriate for toddlers unless you can afford to stay in a villa & take along a nanny. <BR> <BR>

Club Med does not have infant/toddler care available at all their resorts so check with your travel agent. As mentioned above Club Med Sandpiper does. Also FDR in Jamaica has assigned nannies and reviews have been very favorable. Speak with your travel agent as there are few other resorts that would fit your criteria and your agent will be the expert and can make recommendations.

You know what, some people like beong with their kids. You anti-kid people are insane. I would be worrying a hell of a lot more if they were in another country!

Jeremy..from what I have read no one seems to be "anti-kid" just extremely practical. Do you have young(1-3yrs old) children? What Marie had to say makes a whole lot of sense. I would rather leave my children with Grandma and Grandpa and if that is not an option just wait a couple of years until they are older. Being a good parent does not mean you have to be with them 24/7.

It's nice to see a post as sensible and reasonable as Marie's. <BR>

You said it Jeremy! Marie, I"m sorry, but you're INSANE! I took my then 18-month old twins to Puerto Rico last year and they LOVED it! They swam in the kiddie pool, ate great food with us at the restaurants, and played on the playground. They may not remember it when they're 30, but they loved it when they did it. Now I'm just looking for another spot to do that in. <BR> <BR>Plus, I LIKE BEING WITH MY KIDS! Maybe I don't want to be with them 24/7 on my vacation, but I don't want to leave them half way across the world. THen I *really* wouldn't be able to relax. <BR> <BR>As for getting disapproving comments and dirty looks, that's why I asked for recommendations for kid friendly pleaces. <BR> <BR>geez. . .

I HAD young kids before, and I remember.

Jane: <BR>Unfortuntly I dont have a suggestion, other then cruises but I am on your side on this one. I was a nanny for 3 children,(twins from the time they where 2 weeks old to 3 and a 6 year old) and they where amazing children. We did go on cruises together and that was fun. They where great on the plane and EVERYONE had a great ,relaxing time. Mostly because they where used to traveling, eating in restaurants, and had where well behaved. <BR> <BR>Now that I am not a nanny and I can travel alone on my last trip we flew with 3 horrible children who where in there early teens who had pillow fights, threw paper and food over the seats, painted there nails, and yelled at each other constantly. Meanwhile we had 3 other toddlers on the plane who where fast asleep.....who would you rather travel with? <BR>I hope you have a great time. Obviously you wont let people discourage you. <BR>JK <BR>

<BR>I am most certainly not anti-kid. I am extremely concerned about the well being of children AND their parents. If you'll reread my post you'll find no slander, no comments about being insane. It's not me who is being rude here. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Marie its unfortunate but people will read what they want into any statement. Like I said earlier your post was not "antikid" just very practical. And if that offends people..well so be it!

I think she asked where to take a kid, and youi said leave the kid home, so you dont have to worry about it.

Golly, Jane, you sure are getting a lot of advice on how to be a mother! Assuming you're a responsible parent, my suggestion is Frenchman's Cay in the BVI, a very small, very quiet resort in the BVI. (BTW, good hospital there in case you knife the kids or drop one over a cliff!) You ought first to do a search here on FC here to see what's been said about it. I can tell you in advance that it is the most popular small resort in the BVI and Travel & Liesure has said as much. <BR>Now, regarding kids, everytime we've been there, there have been 3 or 4 toddlers there and (as a father) they have a very nice little kiddy pool. There is no day-care facility, but there seems to me to be a good option. First, if you call Pam, the lady that co-manages the place, I'll bet she can line you up with one of her very reliable staff or an island lady to be on hand for a number of hours/day to care for the kids at the pool or in your villa. There ph # is 284-495-4844 or e-mail them by going to their website found at bviwelcome.com. I suggest you seriously consider this even if you presently feel skeptical.

Traveling to the Caribbean with a baby or toddler, much less twins, (ESPECIALLY without a nanny) is a selfish thing to do. <BR> <BR>What's this defensiveness about liking to be with your children? That's no excuse for doing something unwise. You sound like very young parents, unable to conquer separation anxiety. It's amazing to me that when some people become parents they lose their objectivity & ability to see the bigger picture. Everything Marie & the others posted was logical & true & in the best interest of anyone considering Caribbean travel with a tot. <BR> <BR>Jane, you may have had a successful trip, that does not mean it was a wise thing to do. Interestingly, your first post reads like someone who's never been to the Caribbean. All of a sudden you went to Puerto Rico?

Jane, <BR>Go somewhere else for your info. There are many boards over the internet where people wont tell you what to do with your kids. <BR>Imagine sitting on the beach in the caribbean taking videos of your kids in the shallow ocean! People like that.

<BR>This, from Jane's post: <BR> <BR>"My biggest concern is - I want to relax, which is why I need a place with a kids club that takes young kids - many places only take them after three)" <BR> <BR>Her BIGGEST concern is wanting to relax & she NEEDS someone else to TAKE & be responsible for her little ones. (No mention of concern for quality care, only that it's there.) If the under 3 crowd is too much trouble or liability for the resorts, that should tell her something about the appropriateness of their presence. <BR>That's why all the advice. She sounded like a young mother badly needing a break. A rational person who's calm & in control would not fly off the handle the way you have. <BR> <BR>I have no doubt you love being with the children, but you said it yourself, Jane, you don't want to be with them 24/7. Give yourself permission to go have some private time. It will be wises choice for them, it will be healthy & stress relieving for you. They'll be fine & they'll get a vacation too. Stay a few days less if you don't want to be away from them for a week or so. <BR> <BR>Sidebar: Marie is right about speaking Spanish in PR if you're traveling with kids. My father fell ill in Italian, my Mom did not speak Italian & they had a terrible experience at the hospital. I would certainly want to be able to communicate with people providing emergency care for my child. <BR> <BR>Donna Lynn <BR>

<BR>Jane, come to south Florida. It may not be hot but chances are it'll be a heck of a lot warmer than NY. Easiest on you & easiest on the kids. Beautiful beaches, great atmosphere & much cheaper too. Think of what you'll save in air alone. <BR> <BR>Mars <BR> <BR>

I love FDR Reort in Ocho Rios. Every family gets a Nanny that takes care of the whole family. She will stay with the kids while they are napping so Mom and Dad can go on the snorkeling trip. They have elegant family dinners so no one feels left out. EVERYONE at the resort watches out for the kids. You make friends with your kids friends parents. Every rooms has a full kitchen, that you probably won't use but it is nice to have snacks in your room, cheese, milk, cereal etc. We have stayed there three times and my children love it. Everyone we talk to staying at the resort love it and go back again and again. <BR>IF you like to travel with your children don't let anyone talk you out of it! At FDR you can travel with and enjoy your children AND enjoy time for your selves as a couple too. Each room either one or two bedrooms has at least one private bedroom. In the one bedrooms there is a living room/bedroom with a day bed and they can bring in a crib, then a separte bedroom. The 2 bedrooms have a kitchen/dinning room/living area with a 1/2 bath downstairs, and a large balcony. Then upstairs there are 2 full bedrooms with 2 full bathrooms with tubs. One room will have a king bed and the other room 2 twins with a day bed. My kids love the extra space and so do we.

Jeremy, what are the forums where people won't assume the worst about you as a parent AND give good advice? Seriously, I'm new to the forums and I've been flamed for my own requests for information about traveling with a baby. (Dixie: What's FDR in Ocho Rios? More specific about it's name!) <BR> <BR>Also, people should realize that leaving a child behind on vacation isn't always an option -- we have no volunteers in my family! <BR> <BR>I do suggest, Jane, that you take only direct flights. And that you travel first thing in the morning as congestion in the NYC airports builds during the day. <BR> <BR>Does anyone really object to a parent who is doing his best to care for a child on an airplane, even when that child is not having the greatest trip? Would you also say those children should not be allowed on trains until the age of reason? How about city buses and subways? Must children really not be seen or heard by anyone but their parents? <BR> <BR>As for the safety issue -- that's a biggie. I hope every parent puts it first every time he walks out of the house. But who, pardon me please, are you to judge another parent's choices about the risks she's willing to take? She didn't ask for your advice on parenting!

Marie is right. <BR>But Jane really needs a break. <BR>Solution: Stay in the U.S. and <BR>Bring grandma on trip. <BR>Go as far south as possible. Give Grandma (and Grandpa?) their own room, and don't expect them to babysit constantly. But if they go out for an earlier dinner, they could babysit at night (after kids asleep) and for breakfast duty. Family sits by beach/pool all day with lots of sunscreen and hat for baby. Stay in the states for emergency medical care, purchase of bulky diaper bags, etc., and in general less expense and more convenience. <BR>Have a nice trip!

Sure let's go on vacation and leave the little darlings in the care of a total stranger in a foreign country! Makes sense to me!

Go to FDR in Runaway Bay. You'll love it. Spring for a two bedroom unit in building # * directly on the sea. <BR>Your nanny will do it all and you can hire her after hours for very little $$. <BR>She and you will be very happy. If you really want a day of quiet, you can buy a day pass to Breezes resort which is next door. We've been to FDR 3 times in 4 years and love it each time. <BR>It's not extremely fancy, but it's clean, well run and safe for all. <BR> <BR>Have fun!

RTODD, That is it's name FDR Resort in Ocho Rios. There is another FDR Pebbles in Trelawny but it is not as nice as the one in Ocho Rios. I do believe this would be a great place for your family!

'FDR'= 'Franklyn D. REsort

There is NO FDR resort in Ocho Rios. <BR>The original (which is the best for now) <BR>is located 15 miles West in Runway Bay. <BR> <BR>Paul

Jane: We are taking our 1 and 1/2 year old on a vacation this March, and are trying to decide between Club Med Sandpiper (which I fear may be too cold to swim) and Club Med Punta Cana. I am told that both are fabulous resorts for children, and while I personally don't intend to drop my baby off with resort staff- it sounds like the opportunity for a breather is there if you wish. <BR> <BR>As for the all the people who are advising you on how to parent- ignore it. All you asked for was where to go on a trip, and if they don't have anything constructive to add, they shouldn't be responding. <BR> <BR>We have been traveling with our daughter since she was 4 month old (OH GASP- I can hear people judging us as terrible parents from afar), and we have had wonderful, safe, enjoyable family time everywhere we have been. <BR> <BR>Good luck Jane! <BR> <BR>As an aside, if anyone has heard anything about the Club Meds we are considering (that actually relates to the resort and not my choice to travel with my child) I'd love to hear it!!! <BR> <BR> <BR>

good for you Kim! Jane, let me know what you decided...I'm curious...as I too am going to the Carribean with my 2 1/2 y.o. this winter - have fun!

mary

Oh, I can't resist. Take the kids. Enjoy your life, and let them share it. To be a good parent you don't have to keep them in a padded all-American closet. People abroad have kids and health care too.

A villa is a good suggestion if you are the independent sort; if you can afford the resorts mentioned, you can afford a villa. We are fortunate to have a nanny to take along sometimes (since we'd pay her anyway, it's just an extra plane ticket) but have done trips alone and with grandparents. So our 21-month-old has been to Canada, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, St. Kitts and Nevis, and 12 or so states. He clearly remembers aspects of the trips, as I do of my foreign travels as a toddler. Happy trails.

Jane, I hope you can ignore the nutty (and wholly unsolicited) advice you are getting and enjoy your trip with your kids. FDR gets mixed reviews but people seem to like the nannies - I know one of them gets better reviews than the other but can't help you there. It's ashame you are so far from Club Med Ixtapa - I was very impressed with what I saw of their baby club. My daughter was older when I took her but we saw the toddlers and babies about and they were very well taken care of.

Jane - I'm with you. Take the kids, teach them how to enjoy life and learn about the world. Sharing your life, interests and experiences with them from a young age is critical to their development as people.

As for me, we've been travelling with our son since he was 3 months old - he's great on planes and spending that kind of intense time with him brings us closer together as a family.

We took our five month old son and four year old daughter to the Ritz Carlton in Jamaica last winter. It was a direct flight from NYC (less than 4 hours) and we never left the resort, other than dinner at the White Witch Golf Club one night (quite nice). The Ritz Carlton did have a Kids Club but they only take kids who are 5 or 6 and older.

That being said, we were able to book an all-inclusive suite for a reasonable price. We knew it would not be your typical relaxing vacation, but that it would be enjoyable family time in a warm climate.

The resort was VERY family friendly and there were many families there with young children. They provided a crib with linens, a cot for my daughter as well as sand/beach toys etc. We ate dinner on the early side (all but one of the resturants at the hotel is child-friendly)and after putting the kids to bed (we all slept in the same room) were able to enjoy a few hours of peace, sitting on our terrace, listening to the ocean, talking and reading. It was a wonderful week. I highly recommend that you look into this as an option!