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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

First holiday with toddler - here or abroad?

27 replies

rallytog1 · 21/05/2014 09:05

Dh and I are thinking about taking our dd on holiday for the first time in September but are totally stuck on where to go. She will be 16m then. Can anyone suggest where might be good or share any pearls of wisdom about whether we might be best staying in the UK or going abroad?

Dh thinks we should stay in this country and is thinking of somewhere like bluestone or a forest holidays lodge.

I'm more of the mind that it would be good to go abroad for a bit of sun, as I suspect that by next year our dd will need a bit more in the way of entertainment and activities. Currently she's happy as long as there are things to look at and people to chat to, so she's happy in cafes and restaurants etc. Generally she is quite flexible and isn't too thrown by changes in routine etc.

What I think we are hoping for is:

  • nice places to eat out during the day, and maybe even during the evenings (we would take dd, not looking for babysitting services etc)
  • self catering, so happy to cook a bit but don't want to be in the kitchen all holiday
  • a pool, near a beach or a hot tub
  • space for our dd to run around
  • not a big resort
  • not AI

Can anyone suggest somewhere that might keep us all happy?!

OP posts:
Trooperslane · 21/05/2014 09:08

Shameless place marking. Wink

(I was just about to post exactly the same thread about dd who will be 12.5 months old, op)

lazypepper · 21/05/2014 09:15

i took DS abroad at just about that age.

It was mid May - he was 17 months. We went to Fuengirola in Spain. The weather was just nice- warm but not stiflingly hot. Short flight - lots of English spoken, medical facilities etc. an easy holiday.

We went on a half board basis, which was ideal for a toddler- as there was enough choice from the breakfast and dinner buffet for him. The staff were lovely and seemed to actively enjoy having a bouncy toddler around.

We took him in the pool, and on the beach during the day. Also took a coach trip out.

it was really easy actually - because of the guaranteed nice weather we weren't ever stuck for something to do.

The buggy was a godsend. He could sleep whenever he wanted to. Especially on a warm afternoon - or on an evening if we wanted to stay out late to have a drinkie (later than DS' usual bedtime of 7pm).

noramum · 21/05/2014 09:18

If you want to go abroad Majorca is great. We went twice and really liked the area Port de Pollensa and Port d'Alcudia (more the second one). Long sandy beach, shallow warm water, lots of things to do and see, great restaurants.

We had a villa a bit isolated, I wouldn't do it again, we now look into small complexes so DD has company but when we went the first time she was 23 months and happy as a bunny.

We also did UK holidays and will do them again. But I must admit I was glad for some sun as it was four years between the last sunny holiday and our Majorca trip.

Original poster
rallytog1 · 21/05/2014 09:19

Thanks lazypepper - do you mind me asking where you stayed?

Welcome troopers! Wink Let me know if you come up with any good ideas Grin

OP posts:
lazypepper · 21/05/2014 09:32

Yes, we stayed at here

las Piramides

not particularly child orientated actually, as in no playground or anything. But it was okay.

i will say that DS is now 16 - so it was quite a while ago ;)

ShineSmile · 21/05/2014 09:34

I would probably go for an all inclusive package, that way it'd be cheaper and much less stress.

OneLittleToddleTerror · 21/05/2014 09:41

I think you should go to wherever you like, as long as you don't expect it to be very activities packed. I've done long haul with my DD at that age and it's not a problem. They are so adaptable, only problem being my DD napped a lot at that age!

How about a villa or apartment complex?

That said, I did do an AI in Mallorca and I loved it. (It's my first AI). DD was eating 3 meals + 2 snacks at that point. And it's good there was food on tap all the time. The resort is right on the beach front and we just went to the beach a lot. We did join a all day tour of the island and also went to the nearest town on the bus twice ourselves. I wouldn't do AI when DD is a bit older but at this age, it's actually quite relaxing given we are pretty much tied to the accomodation anyway.

(We also went to Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. But I don't think you are looking that far afield).

OneLittleToddleTerror · 21/05/2014 09:44

Oh and we went to Port d'Alcudia in Mallorca too. This is where we stayed
www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g580312-d500402-Reviews-Iberostar_Ciudad_Blanca-Port_d_Alcudia_Majorca_Balearic_Islands.html

specialsubject · 21/05/2014 09:45

go where you both want, child won't care as long as there is room to toddle and your company.

Med is very pleasant in September, past peak heat and peak UV (although still full coverup for your child).

AI always seems such a waste if you don't have to do it - get out and see the place!

Original poster
rallytog1 · 21/05/2014 09:46

Thanks for all the tips and ideas! I should add that we're not really keen on Brits abroad type places - we like to eat local food, meet local people etc.

The one place that keeps coming back to my mind is Dalyan in Turkey - it's a bit commercialised but the fact that the hotels are all small and there are no high-rises is a big attraction - just not sure about keeping hold of my water baby dd near that river, which is why I hesitate to book something there!

OP posts:
lazypepper · 21/05/2014 09:55

Just remember that a flight to Turkey is 4 hours - plus the transfers are often an hour or so?? (i haven't actually been though)

This is why Spain or the Balearics might be a good choice - a wriggly toddler on your lap for 2 hours is much easier than for 4! Trust me (after a memorable flight to Tenerife with a very large almost 2 yo on my lap!)

OneLittleToddleTerror · 21/05/2014 10:01

rallytog have you looked at toddler reins? We have one that's also a backpack.

lazypepper DD didn't sit at all for the flight. She preferred wondering up and down the aisle. It's about 12 hours to Hong Kong and she slept one way (the overnight flight) and then was awake most of the time the other way. I found the short haul flight to Spain more of a problem. Flybe flights were so cramped and no one actually leaf their seats! In long haul, there are a lot of people walking up and down and it's not a problem hanging around the toilet blocks. We are from NZ and many would have done the 24+ hour trip back home with babies and toddlers too.

lazypepper · 21/05/2014 10:12

Yes onelittletoddleterror they are funny about sleeping on flights.

I took DS as a LP to California when he was almost 3. So, he had his own seat which was good - and more space for all than on a short haul plane. He did not sleep a jot. 12 hour flight - no sleep. Grrr.... I was hoping for a relaxing flight :)

Original poster
rallytog1 · 21/05/2014 10:20

Good point on flight times pepper - I think the plane is one reason why dh is leaning towards staying in this country!

I went to Spain and Menorca quite a bit as a child, but I imagine the places we visited have changed beyond all recognition in the last few years. Is there anywhere left that's relatively quiet?

OP posts:
lazypepper · 21/05/2014 10:24

If you go in September then most places will have calmed down a little anyway.

Menorca is generally quieter and not so built up. But - my last trip there was even longer ago - when I was pregnant with DS! ;) I am certain that it must still be quite laid back though.

Will be lovely weather in September if that is when you decide to go.

SooticaTheWitchesCat · 21/05/2014 10:42

We have always taken our children abroad, since they were tiny babies. Mainly Turkey but also Italy and Portugal.

Bitez in Turkey is lovely, small, relaxed with a nice beach and very child friendly as the whole beach front is pedestrianized. It is 45 minutes from the airport. Dalyan looks lovely but I have only been for a day many years ago.

Preciousbane · 21/05/2014 10:50

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

OneLittleToddleTerror · 21/05/2014 11:06

We went in June and it was actually fairly quiet in Port d'Alcudia. We have no problem with finding a sunbed on the beach to put our stuff on. And the old town was almost deserted. Obviously it's no where as quiet as a beach in parts of NZ Grin. My DH is from New Plymouth and most of the time you will not find anyone else on the beach.

Original poster
rallytog1 · 21/05/2014 12:55

Thanks everyone. We travelled lots before dd came along but just haven't had the finances to do so since and I'm feeling a bit rusty with my organising. There are some great ideas and tips on this thread - I am going to do some proper investigating tonight! Very much appreciate all your input.

OP posts:
wigglesrock · 21/05/2014 13:49

We've been to both Mallorca & Ibiza with children of that age. Have a look at some of the smaller resorts in Ibiza. We usually go AI, we have 3 children but there are obviously self catering options, including within the AI complexes.

MillyMollyMama · 21/05/2014 13:52

We took ours to Brittany. Self catering and near beaches. Easy ferry ride from Portsmouth and not too far to drive at the other end if your go via St Malo. You can stop where and when you want and you have the car to go out in if you want to. The French are welcoming of families in local restaurants. Majorca was another favourite. We did long haul, Carribean, when my younger child was 5. I did not relish long flights before that. We went to France in June and July and Majorca in May so not too hot.

idontlikealdi · 21/05/2014 13:59

I was going to suggest France - avoid flying. We took DTs at 12mo, 18mo and 2yo. (I have an irrational fear of taking the small people on a plane, I do not want to be THAT family for a four flight or even a 2 hour, or one hour flight...We are going long haul this summer and I am dreading it!). Driving is perfect, chuck all the stuff in the car, no need to hire a car at the other end etc.

We went to Dorset when they were about 16mo in the October half term to a holiday park - they absolutely loved it - swimming pool / ball park / soft play /all on site and we took them to the little disco in the evening. Not really MY idea of a holiday pre DC but it suited them.

OnIlkleyMoorBahTwat · 21/05/2014 14:01

Spain (including Balarics or Canaries) would be great for a toddler. Balarics especially have aparthotels, where you can choose any board you like from SC to AI - I often go for B+B in these places as I like to eat a lot for breakfast and then lunch in the mid afternoon and tapas at night. I wouldn't say AI would be cheaper unless you drink a lot of alcohol.

The rooms have fridges and basic cooking equipment so you can make snacks and buy drinks at the supermarket. A couple of Euros would buy you a bottle of cava to drink on the balcony after the LO has gone to bed. Smile.

Lots of hotels have toddler pools and it is perfectly acceptable to take children out with you in the evening so you can go for a stroll and tapas or a meal and they will sleep in the buggy when they get tired. Lots of play parks etc around as well.

Hebburnisaplaceonearth · 21/05/2014 14:06

Somewhere like bosinver in cornwall?

Cakebaker35 · 21/05/2014 14:06

We went to France (Normandy) when dd was a similar age. Was great, took the ferry, shortish drive then onto a lovely self catering cottage. Plenty to see and do, very child friendly attitude in restaurants etc and a beautiful part of France.

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