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Holidays

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

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Original poster

Caribbean - Good or Bad Idea?

27 replies

Alibobster · 14/01/2007 16:07

We're thinking of maybe going to Caribbean on holiday in September, when ds will be 15 months old. I'm not sure this would be feasible though and I wondered if anyone had done this. I assume I would have to take all nappies and milk with me, although by that age I'm guessing he won't be have too many bottles per day. Any advice or suggestions would be really appreciated

OP posts:

LittleHarrysMum · 14/01/2007 16:15

Haven't got any advice but will be watching this thread as me, DP and (by then) 10 month old DS will be travelling to the carribean. Too be honest I'm not too worried if we have milk etc. but as you say will be eating more by then anyway....

spudmasher · 14/01/2007 16:18

I have been to Barbados when my dd was 18 mnths.She found it very hot at first but soon settled. Barbados is a real home from home with everything you expect here, so I can highly recommend that island! Where abouts are you going?

MarsLady · 14/01/2007 16:20

Good good good good good!

belgo · 14/01/2007 17:03

it really depends on where you are going in the Caribbean, and it might take you a couple of flights to get there.

And what sort of holiday - all inclusive or more independant?

If you're used to travelling and have a rough idea of what to expect, then I don't see why not.

Original poster

Alibobster · 14/01/2007 20:06

We were thinking of going all-inclusive to Dominican Republic, as we can fly directly from Glasgow. Would you belive that you can actually go for 1 week all inclusive to DR for the same price as 1 week self catering to Majorca, it's absolutely crazy! Also, does anyone know if my ds would need any vaccinations to travel there?

OP posts:

wotzsaname · 14/01/2007 23:19

Sorry you have decided on DR, apparently not one of the nicest places in the Caribbean - maybe thats why cheap. www.fco.gov.uk

Will have more details on "know before you go" campaign and you can search "Travel Advice by Country".

Before travelling you should seek medical advice about the malaria risk in the Dominican Republic.

Also for Jabs see www.traveldoctor.co.uk/tables.htm

Good luck.

CountessDracula · 14/01/2007 23:22

We never take dd as can't be arsed with the time difference just for a week (ie her waking at 2am)

CountessDracula · 14/01/2007 23:23

oh no not DR

go to Tobago or Grenada or Margarita or somewhere else nice!

wotzsaname · 14/01/2007 23:23

CD where have yoou been to?

wotzsaname · 14/01/2007 23:55

FWIW going from Glasgow you dont have many options for direct non-stop Caribbean flights do you.? I wounder why they have a Glasgow and Manchester service to DR and not to other poplular islands in the Caribbean. Which airline?

I think you can do Mexico, not sure though. That might be more money but worth it.
Or domestics through London to lovely Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia, Tobago, Grenada etc. more dosh but hey ho its a long way to go.

happynewme · 28/01/2007 09:35

Haven't read the other replies but we took DS, then agesd 1 to Barbados and was not much of a sucess. Virgin holiday to Almond Beach Village, was then 5 star but seen it is 4 now. He just didn't take to the heat really, had to see nurse "don't cry lovie, you got credit card?", then doctor "its ok, don't worry, you got credit card?" then peadeatricain on other side of island.. yep, "you got credit card?". I would go back now that he is older as of course its fab there. Thank goodness for travel insurance as the credit card got caned!!

Bettinni · 25/02/2007 13:27

Hi, first time writing on mums net! We are taking our 9 month old to Grenada in April. Very worried about all aspects i.e, flying, eating, sleep patterns, heat rash etc etc. Can anyone help? Have you experienced this kind of heat with a baby? Do I really need to sterilise bottles? - can I just wash well and rinse with boiling water before making up? Do I need a mosquito net? Should I have him immunised.ANy advice is well received!....Thanks Bettinni

nappyaddict · 25/02/2007 13:32

at 15 months he will be drinking cm so no need for milk. nappies i am assuming you will be able to buy them out there so just take enough for the journey and incase you get delayed.

nappyaddict · 25/02/2007 13:34

also no need to sterilise bottles - just wash in hot soapy water.

Judy1234 · 25/02/2007 13:40

We took the twins and the 3 older children. They were 18 months or so. I think they had virtually finished breastfeeding but I may have fed them on take off and landing.

I am afraidon the night flight back one or other of them was continuously crying for the entirety of the 8 hours (we were surrounded by a plane of everyone else sleeping). I had delegations of kind mothers sitting near us taking a twin to the back of the plane for 20 minutes. It wasn't fun because you know you're stopping the whole plane sleeping all night. Once we were there it was great. We went back quite a few times - this was Antigua. We were with Sunsail holidays and they were in air conditioned nursery during the day most days and with us the rest of the time which if you're managing 5 children is very helpful and they kept them out of the sun so no sun burn. These were twins used to a nanny so they fitted in fine and the people were so lovely.

No mosquitos. Lots of lovely normal food - veg, meat etc. For me the secret was having the days free without the child but that won't be everyone's cup of tea of course.

nappyaddict · 25/02/2007 13:41

oh forgot to get some water purifying tablets.

babydales · 26/02/2007 14:59

Antigua every time, been to the carribean lots and this is the best by far.

PestoMonster · 04/03/2007 20:02

Bettini, we got back from Grenada on Wednesday. Met 3 other couples with babies the age of yours whilst there and asked them how they were coping. All were doing fine. It was our 2nd time on the island in the last 6 months. Really nice there. Lovely people. Take lots of insect repellant though for the mozzies which come out once it gets dark. At our hotel (the Rex) the chef will cook up stuff on request for children. VERY accomodating. Good luck!

paulaplumpbottom · 04/03/2007 20:03

You want either Antigua or St.Lucia

You do not want barbados or Aruba

PestoMonster · 04/03/2007 20:10

The thing with St Lucia though, is the 1 and half hour transfer on very winding roads through the rainforest. Our dd2 was so so sick. We could not bear the thought of the same happening on the return journey (before the 8 hour flight home) that we forked out for helicopter transfers back to the international airport on the way home. These were sensational. Well worth it for the views and took only 15 mins and neither DD1 or DD2 got sick. However, it was expensive and we wouldn't go back to St Lucia again with the DDs.

PestoMonster · 04/03/2007 20:11

PS. Rex Grenadian only has a 2 minute transfer from airport and NO aircraft noise.

ash6605 · 06/03/2007 13:48

does anyone actually like dom.rep?
iv'e wanted to go for ages but no-one on here seems to rate it.whats wrong with it?

LadyOfTheFlowers · 06/03/2007 13:50

vaccinations!
thats why we went b4 we had kids, twice!
i didnt feel it would be fair.

LadyOfTheFlowers · 06/03/2007 13:53

ive been, throughly enjoyed it tbh.
maybe i am common?!

Original poster

Alibobster · 12/03/2007 16:08

Hi ash6605

My mum has been to DR twice ad loved it (and she is quite fussy!)

Went to Jamaica on honeymoon and that was fabulous - would like to take ds there when he is a bit older

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