Hi,

I'm trying to plan a trip for July when my twins will be 20 months. They are changing so fast at this age it is hard to anticipate what to expect (they are now about turn 1). I don't know if they will still be taking 2 naps a day at that point (they do now), what their eating habits will be like or what type of bedtime they will have (they now go to bed around 6:30 or 7:00).

We live in the San Francisco Bay Area and want to go someplace relaxing and family friendly. I don't know if we will want to fly or just drive. I have no idea where to start. Any suggestions? Thank you!

Congrats on the twins - I hope they sleep at night.

I would drive somplace, and being on east coast can not help with specifics of geography. Too much stuff to lug on plane for 2 kids.

But what is even more important than location is style. You want at least a microwave and refrigerator, preferrably a mini-kitchen. Eating out with rugrats that age 3 meals a day gets very old fast. Doe not have to be condo or house - could be Residence Inn type place.

You also want separate room for kids to sleep in - 2 room suite would work.

Every kid loves the beach at that age - so head south.

Have twins in the family and remember it. You don't want to fly until they can sit still for longer than 5 min., which ISN'T at 20 months, and use crayons and small hand-held games.

They will almost certainly be down to one nap (if you're lucky -- some give them up altogether), will be eating "dumbed-down" grown-up food, although you may find yourself with one who'll try and eat just about anything and the other one refuses to eat anything but hot dogs and corn.

They will be eager to RUN (so find a place they can run around and get tired so they'll sleep) and on the verge of the "Terrible Twos" (so find a place you won't be embarrassed if one suddenly goes into meltdown in public).

A National Park? Mountain resort?

Explanation: yes, they'll have to sit for more than 5 min. in a car, but you have more control over the situation (videos, frequent stops, driving during naptime, etc.). Imagine yourself in an airport, with a cancelled flight and a long wait just to get help rebooking, and no flight seems to have 4 seats available ....

I have not been, but how about a cabin in lake tahoe? It looks like a lovely place to vacation. I would imagine, there are plenty of condos and homes to rent on the lake.


San Diego is nice for a vacation. It is warm and they have attractions, although you would be more interested then them. We visited San Diego from the east coast when our kids were 1 and 3 (my DH was on business). We stayed in La Jolla, rented a car, brought my mother in law and had two rooms. We visited Disney for an overnight. We also went to the zoo, I think or maybe it was Seaworld. (a long time ago). The La Jolla area was nice to stroll around in. The big resort The Coronado would be a nice place to relax. We stayed at the Hyatt. (it was about 12 years ago!).

At that age, we found beach vacations to be best. There is really very little your kids will be able to do/want to do -- even "kiddie" stuff like mini golf, etc will be too old for them. They will be content to run along the beach, play in the sand, etc. A place with a playground and pool is a bonus. Tahoe could be an option. Frankly, so could Vegas (I'm thinking pool here).

But, I wholeheartedly agree with Gail. Be sure that you get some kind of kitchenette setup. You will definitely need 2 rooms (unless you want to go to sleep at 8 when the twins have lights out!!). Pick a place with lots of family-friendly restaurants, even if they are chains. If you go to the beach, I insist on oceanfront. After all, I spend the hours from 2-4 pm inside the condo while the kids are napping, I should at least be able to see/hear the ocean!!

No help here on WHERE to go, but just wanted to strongly agree that you really want to stay in a condo or house. I also agree that for a least another year skip the flying.

Hotels are not what you want (for now, maybe in 3 years).

Also, at this age, eating at restaurants 3 times a day (once a day may be OK) sounds like "no fun".

A oceanside beach house always worked well for vacations when my two (16 mos. apart) were about that age. When they got to be 4 and 5, we graduated to big cities (but still rented apartments).

A beach house is certainly the way to go. Of course, I reside on the East Coast but my kids even napped on the beach. Pitch a little tent & umbrella & they are good to go.

Paging OWJ! Her twins are about that age!

Agree a beach vacation and you need a condo rental or a house. Don't even think about a hotel room or you will be miserable.

I would plan a driving vacation at this stage. San Diego would be wonderful and there is always the zoo.

I live on the opposite side of the country, but we also have twins in the family and I remember vacations when they were that age. I don't know what the West Coast equivalent of a cottage by the lake is but that is what is called for at this stage. I know the IDEA of a civilized meal at a fine restaurant is appealing: the REALITY is more like throwing yourself down with relief on the front porch with a big glass of something once they are asleep. It is nice to have natural beauty to look at in that moment.

I also suggest a house on the beach. Since you are in S.F. - maybe Santa Barbara or a Pismo Beach?

I wish I had suggestions on destinations for you, but the only place I have visited is where you live! So I suppose you want to get away from the SF area for vacation. Having an 18 month, definitely drive somewhere. My little one has lots of gear just to see the grandparents, I cannot imagine doubling that for twins. My son has really loved running lately so we have been taking him to a local park to run around. Whether it be beach, national park or state park, find a place that your little ones can have some to time to run and explore. I think you will find that they will be happy (and so will you) and getting rid of all that toddler energy helps them rest better!

check out this place in san diego
http://www.paradisepoint.com/Paradise_home.aspx
i'm not sure if it gets great reviews so check those out first but, for a family with small kids, this is a nice place. there are several pools around the grounds, lots of areas to walk/run for kids and a sandy beach to play on (i would not go in the water). it also has a tower you can climb up and down on. individual units which works good for families. i don't recommend this place for a lot of tourists because you have to drive everywhere but with small kids, i think it is ideal. only a 10 minute drive to mission beach and 5 minutes to sea world.

ltt, no offense but at Paradise Point, daria would have to go with at least a suite which I'm sure would run at least $300 a night.

While it is lovely, it would be better when her kids are older.

She'd be better off renting a condo or a house and they are usually cheaper.

Thank you all very much! I really appreciate your advice!