Mad with a toddler?

[Familytravelnovice]

Would we be mad to book a holiday to Mexico (Maya Riviera) when our toddler will be 23 months?

We've taken her on two holidays, shortish 4.5 hour flights but I'm dying to go somewhere a little further afield.

We have some money saved and would like to splash out a little on something special, mexico is appealing because of the family oriented hotels, the wildlife, climate and its a destination neither me or dp have visited.

I'm just torn on whether it would be mad to take a toddler, and whether it would be wasted on her at that age? Would it be better to wait until she's older for example?

I think a lot of people will tell you you're crazy but I don't think so!

We took our son to Florida when he was 25 months and he was an angel on the flights there and back (a lot of prep needed)

Sleep went to shit, but there's a 5hr time difference so bare that in mind if you go further! Also before the age of 3 they're quite often free for hotels aren't they? We did pay for a seat for toddler to Florida too, made it easier

I think go for it, you only get one life and whilst your toddler may not remember it, you'll have the memories!

I am not at all adverse to travelling long haul with a toddler, but having been to Mexico I would say that the flight really does feel like it takes an age, and I'm not sure that there is enough there to make it worthwhile?

The hotels etc are absolutely lovely and I know what you mean about being family oriented, but you would get similar without such a long flight if you went to somewhere like Turkey for example?

If you do go to Mexico whatever you do don't accidentally go during spring break like we did 🤦‍♀️

Of course it's wasted on your toddler - they won't remember any holidays before they're ~5 in later life. But that's not a reason not to go if you love Mexico! :)

I’d traveled long haul with that age, it’s fine so long as you get them a seat or go business. Found out the hard way once when our flight got cancelled and we got downgrade how absolutely awful with them in your lap in economy because a bassinet isn’t an option and on your lap they do not fit either- you can’t get your tray down, you can eat unless you tag team with a partner, forget about sleep or seeing your screen.

I’ve also been to Mexico with a just 2YO, again fine, but we flew 4 hours from the US, on miles so it cost $0. If I’d paid long haul flight money I would have been bitterly disappointed. It’s just very bleh and generic, could be anywhere.

Thanks for the helpful replies everyone.

@febbabies2023 yes it's definitely free under age 2 which is why we're considering it because it makes a huge difference to the cost 🤞🏻

@NoItsStillNighttimeDarling I hadn't even thought about spring break! Thanks for the heads up 🤣

@KentishMama I love your way of thinking ❤

@InTheRainOnATrain yeah totally hear you about the toddler on lap situ. It's not ideal at all.

Does anyone have any suggestions for other destinations?