Family Travel - Q and A - What you need to know!

Honeymoon Ideas With Kids

2006-01-18T17:00:00.000-08:00

Q - My partner and I would like to go to caribbean in June and would like to take our 3 year old, any ideas where best to go caribbean wise, would like some couple time if possible as this will also be our honeymoon?
Submitted by Jo, United Kingdom

Hi Jo,

I'm not sure if you came across our page that recommends resorts that provide programs for babies and toddlers, but it has some great resorts listed for the Caribbean that I know will meet your needs. These resorts will allow your little one to spend time playing in a supervised environment so the two of you can have some couple time alone.

The Beaches chain is highly recommended as are the FDR resorts in Jamaica,
there are other great choices listed also.

The page is:
http://www.best-family-beach-vacations.com/traveling-with-toddler.html

Resorts That Are Nut Free?

2006-01-18T16:51:00.000-08:00

Q - Are there any resorts in the Carribean that offer a Peanut/Nut free
facility???
Submitted by Pam, London, Ontario

Hello Pam,

I am not aware of any resorts that are nut free. You need to take precautions when someone with allergies is travelling but many people do it and manage it well. The key is to be well prepared and always be sure to have out of country medical insurance.

I came across this article that may be of use to you:
http://www.vaccinationnews.com/DailyNews/2003/April/14/PracticalTraveler14.htm

Destination Wedding With Kids

2006-01-12T19:22:00.000-08:00

Q - My fiancé and I are considering having a destination wedding. We are thinking Puerto Vallarta, Dominican Republic, or Jamaica. A lot really nice 4/5 star hotels are Adults only and so would not be a good idea to have our wedding their since kids would not be allowed. Do you know of some 4/5 star hotels in these areas that are really beautiful locations for weddings that would allow kids to attend?
Submitted by Erica, Texas

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! We are actually working on another website for romantic vacations (www.best-romantic-vacations.com) but as it is still in the early stages, it may not yet have the information you need.
Here are some names of resorts that offer weddings and accept children to get you started:

Puerto Vallarta
Melia Puerto Vallarta
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita

Dominican Republic
Casa de Campo/LaRomana
Breezes Puerto Plata Resort Spa & Casino /Puerto Plata
Melia Caribe Tropical /Punta Cana

Jamaica
Coyaba Beach Resort & Club - Montego Bay
Half Moon Club - Montego Bay
The Ritz-Carlton Golf and Spa Resort Rose Hall - Montego Bay

Also be sure to check with each country’s tourist board websites, most will provide information about wedding requirements for that country.

How Do I Nurse a Baby While Traveling?

2006-01-09T16:53:00.000-08:00

Q - We are planning a family vacation this summer to visit family in Europe and our oldest is 4 but the baby is only a few months old. I am still nursing him, how can I manage at the airport or in restaurants without upsetting anyone.
Submitted by Giselle, Vancouver

Well it is unfortunate that something so natural becomes intolerant for some people but we know it does happen. The good news is that Europeans and most other countries around the world are more relaxed about breastfeeding than North Americans. But even so, the more discreet you can be, the more comfortable some of those around you will be too. Wear looser tops that make it easy to undo, bring a blanket to cover over the baby if you are uncomfortable.

A great tip is to bring along a special toy for the older child to play with only during the times you are feeding the baby so that you are not interrupted too often. Once the baby is finished, the toy goes away until the next time!

Also, you can ask assistance of female flight attendants, waitresses etc. A lot of them are mothers too and have probably dealt with the same issues and can recommend the best quite spots for you.

The best advice however is for you to be relaxed about it and that way, those around you will feel more relaxed too.

Best Beach Vacation for Kids 9, 10, & 12

2005-12-19T19:13:00.000-08:00

Q - I was wondering what you'd recommend in the way of a beach vacation for our family. We have a 12 year old, a 10 year old and a nine year old. We own a business and very rarely are able to get away so we are willing to splurge a bit when we do manage to escape.
Submitted by Stacey, WI

Without knowing more information such as what you enjoy doing on vacation, when you wish to travel and your budget, it is difficult to recommended something very specific. I can however make some suggestions to help you narrow down your choices. That's why www.best-family-beach-vacations.com exists, we know it can be difficult to plan a vacation when you don't know where to start!

The top three vacations I would recommend for your family would be:

1) An all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean
2) Hawaii
3) A family cruise

Have a look at our Family of Five vacation page where you will find recommeded resorts that accept 5 people in a room. Other options are to book adjoining rooms (most resorts offer this option). Pick some you like and go from there.

For Hawaii, there are some great family resorts, we have some recommendations at the bottom of our F&Q page.

A family cruise is also something the whole family will love. Lots for the kids to do, great food, different locations to visit and you will feel very pampered. Check out our page on cruises with the best kids programs to help select the best cruise for your family!

Looking for Hotels with Kids Programs

2005-12-19T18:56:00.000-08:00

Q - I am looking for a hotel with a kids program for a 2 year old in Puerto Vallarta (preffered), Los Cabos or Cancun. Do you know of any?
Submitted by Ed, CA

I am not sure if you saw our page on recommended family resorts for babies and toddlers but you will find recommended resorts for Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Mayan Riviera, Ixtapa and Manzanillo.

As for Los Cabos, the only hotel I am aware of that has a kids club for the young ones is the Melia Cabo Real All-Inclusive Beach and Golf Resort which offers a seasonal toddlers program for ages 0-4. You would need to contact them directly to know of when they offer this program.

The property's amenities include the freeform swimming pool, children's pool area, Jacuzzi, two tennis courts, fitness center, climbing wall and zip line, complete activity program, and nightly entertainment with shows, karaoke, and disco. Activities for children are offered year round at the kids club (5-12 years old)

Although the Hilton Los Cabos and the Dreams Los Cabos Resort and Spa do not have children's programs for the under 3 group, both are recommended family friendly resorts in Los Cabos.

Flying with a toddler

2005-11-03T15:17:00.000-08:00

Q - How can I keep my toddler amused on the flight?

Submitted by Jane - Texas

Bring a long a small carry on bag just for them. Pack lightweight entertaining toys that they like and some new ones to keep them surprised. Keep some toys hidden and bring them out throughout the flight to keep their interest. You may also walk with them in the aisle a little to let them burn off some energy and save yours!

Check out our page on kid travel games for more ideas on how to keep the kids of all ages amused while traveling.

Best Family Beach Vacations

How young is too young for Disneyland?

2005-11-02T19:32:00.000-08:00

Q - How young is too young for Disneyland? I have a 6 year old and 22 month old. I know the older one will love it but is the baby still too young?

Submitted by Sandara - Chicago

My son was two when we first took him to Disney and he loved it. Kids are all different however, some will take to it like fish out of water and others will be overwhelmed by it all. The key is balance.

Some tips for Disneyland with toddlers:

- Stay in a resort close by so it is easy to get to for naps and rest breaks.

- A stroller is a must for tired legs and a place to rest.

- Bring your own snacks juice and water.The park can be expensive for nibblers and sometimes nutritious snacks are hard to find.

- Plan for lots of breaks, don't try to do too much in one day.

- Spilt up the visits and attractions into several days if you can and avoid the kids getting over tired or hungry - this will save lots of grief for everyone!

- Try to balance activities for each age group so each is occupied.

- Have fun!

Jolana

Best Family Beach Vacations

Club Med - New perks for kids

2005-02-23T11:40:00.000-08:00

Club Med is announcing new services and activities at its villages for next winter. Some of the changes include upgraded accomodations, new and unique dining experiences, sports and leisure programming and activities for kids. The villages included are located in the US, Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexico.

For example, Club Med Sandpiper Florida has new family suites with connecting upgraded rooms. Amenities include baby bathtubs, turn down service with fresh baked cookies, stocked mini-fridges with kid friendly snacks and drinks and a DVD player equipped with family movies.

If that does'nt make the kids happy, I don't know what will!

Calling all girls!

2005-02-08T13:25:00.000-08:00

Did you know the family freindly Starfish Trelawny resort's "Jamaica Playtime" program for girls features weekly themed parties where the little ones can play house on the beach and participate in activities with other kids.
Five night packages start at US$1130 for a family of two adults and one child under 14.

Read about this resort and other family freindly resorts at http://www.best-family-beach-vacations.com/family-all-inclusive-resorts.html

There is nothing like staying at resort with a great kids program. Kids love other kids and you will be able to get in some down time

Welcome

2005-02-07T17:20:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Best Family Beach Vacations - THE BLOG

Here we will post the latest family travel news, share tips with you and observations about family travel. You never know what kind of information you might pick up. It might lead to a great place for a vacation. It might save you money. It may keep you from going insane after days of travelling with the little ones!

Who knows, stay tuned, stay in touch and we will keep blogging

Jolana
www.best-family-beach-vacations.com