Maldives, Thailand or Barbados with a tween

[Bedroomdilemmas113]

I’m going round and round in circles.

She wants to do Barbados. I’m struggling to find a hotel that makes me want to go and book.

The cost is in line with the Maldives and it just feels more ‘wow’, I feel like the cost is more justified but I equally can’t explain why.

The outlier option is Thailand.

Can anyone help me unpick this to come to a decision? Please note tongue is firmly in cheek, she’s not being a brat or ruling the roost or anything else. We are just attempting to come to a decision and not succeeding.

If everyone comes along and tells me Barbados is amazing even if I don’t think I fancy any of the hotels particularly, I’ll give in gracefully 🤣

In general I’ve had nicer experiences in the far east than the Caribbean.

What does she enjoy doing?

Maldives is breathtaking. But unless you're going to a bigger resort (like Sun Siyam World) I wouldn't take a tween, there's nothing to do as the entire island is the hotel.

What’s your budget? Been to all 3. Kind of agree about the hotels in Barbados. The ones in Thailand and the Maldives are more wow for me. But if your budget was crazy high I’m sure you could find something pretty spectacular in Barbados.

I’ve got the Maldives booked in November and still waiting to finalise a decision on which hotel to go with. Current favourite is Cheval Blanc.

Thailand. Nothing much to do in the Maldives.

There's plenty to do in the Maldives for a tween (snorkelling, surfing at some resorts, games rooms, dolphin cruises etc) BUT - I'd say the food and atmosphere is better in Thailand and it is very child friendly. You can meet elephants, go ziplining etc, too (depending on how active she is). Disclaimer - I haven't been to Barbados but I've also never had much of an urge to! Another alternative could be Singapore - they have a Universal Studios with rollercoasters but also a great beach area and things to see such as the SkyGardens. And you can get cheap flights to Borneo or Bali if you want to explore.

I’ve been to all three. Most recently Barbados with 2 kids, 8 & 7. We rented a villa, with pool, surprisingly reasonable price, and hired a car. Loved it. Enough to do, felt safe.

Maldives very pretty but little to do and loads of couples in hotels. My highlight was swimming in phosphorescence.

Thailand I’ve visited twice. I think that might suit you best as you’re going to get way more for your money and can do a night or 2 in Bangkok before you head to a beach. I think the more exciting adventure of these options.

I'd book a caravan in skegness, cheaper by far

Thailand.

Nothing wrong with Maldives but there's not much to do other than water sports.

Thailand is so much fun for kids. There are markets, temples to visit, lots of animals - you can do a day out at an elephant sanctuary. The Thai people love children.

Never been to Barbados so can't comment on that.

Haven’t been to Thailand. But unless she would be happy to spend all day snorkelling or reading on the beach, there’s not much to do in the Maldives for a teenager. There might not be anyone her age to hang around with. Barbados is a lot more vibrant, there’s Oistins and the Gap, and the bigger beaches have watersports and lots of kids hanging out.

We don’t have a budget to work to (maybe why it’s harder?).

She loves water, swimming, snorkelling. Most of all loves animals of every kind - she’s seen lots of animal related excursions in Barbados.

Thailand has lots that sounds amazing but I haven’t heard wonderful things about the way animals are treated and that would utterly ruin the holiday if it was true. She is absolutely passionate about animal welfare, and would be heartbroken.

My husband would be happy with any of the destinations and we both agree we want to go wherever is ‘best’ for her - but as someone has said upthread, she’s not old enough to make a fully informed choice on her own and it has undoubtedly been sparked by friends’ holiday stories and pictures she’s seen online so we still have to be the adults and do the option weighing up.

I read about the elephant sanctuary and it sounds wonderful - but I am worried that it’s just a more PC sounding name for an elephant zoo….I have seen some awful pictures when I was younger and my peers did gap year travelling of photos sitting on elephants, elephants chained up etc. I’m terrified of turning up and the reality being more along those lines.

Can you define ‘more vibrant’ for me?

I think this is what I am struggling with - the hotels don’t look great. There isn’t a load of fancy resorts. But it costs a fortune and it’s such a popular destination and I don’t really get it.

I think I’m missing something but I’m not sure what! What would be the difference? It looks to me like both would be swimming/snorkelling/water sports and not much else holidays?

Could I add the suggestion of the Philippines? It has the stunning beaches of the Maldives, the cultural variety of Thailand and the big resort fun of Barbados. Plus your money will go a lot further.

We did a caravan trip this summer and I think it was the actual highlight of her life, so you might not be wrong.

Look at Elephant Hills in Thailand. Very much about animal welfare and it was a total highlight for my two DC (8 and 10) when we travelled around the country.

Bangkok sounds like my idea of hell - why would I want to take her there (or go myself)?

Serious question because if you’re suggesting it, there must be something I’m missing!

Why did you think it would be OK to say this? It makes you look bitter.

We went to an elephant sanctuary in Thailand. As I recall it was pretty ethical.

I think it was the one in Phuket.

We also went to elephant hills which was great but it’s a bit out of the way.

Barbados every time. So much to do and see. Shorter flight time. They speak English, drive on same side as us, you can drink the water. Lovely people.

I've been to all three but would always go back to the west coast of Barbados.

I've got the same issue OP. I wondered if the Maldives would be a bit boring but I've recently discovered you can island hop.

I'd say Thailand would have more in the way of variety.

Nooooooo!

I thought I had a pretty solid winner in Thailand and was good to clear out the head space this has currently been swarming and you’ve mixed it all up again!

I’m kidding obviously.

Why specifically the west coast?

Out of your choices I’ve only been to Barbados which I didn’t like as much as St Lucia. To echo a previous poster, I’ve recently heard great things about the Philippines, so that’s now near the top of my list.

I agree with the Philippines suggestion. Great place to visit. Maldives would be my choice out of the OP's list, then Barbados.