First Holiday Abroad with very active 19 month old - advice needed!

[CJMommy]

DH and I are looking to book a holiday in sept. DS will be 19 months then. We would like to go abroad, somewhere warm, canaries/Lanzarote looking a favouite but have no idea what the best option will be regarding food. Would you recommend self catering, half board, All Inclusive etc? I'm open to all ideas from hotels to camping so if any of you have any tips or can make recommendations of specific places, we would be really grateful .

I don't really subscribe to the notion of specai lplaces for certain age groups. Anything will be fine as long as you accept it won't really be a holiday, merely a change of scenery.

You obviously need to be careful about balconies, pools and the sun but other than that, anything will do. I've done all kinds with little kids from backpacking around Malaysia to all inclusives in Turkey and as I said, it's all exhausting!

Thanks Moondog. We're under no illusions but yes, the change of scenery, not having to work, time together and, of course, some sun, will all be a bonus!

I think if you need a break, an all inclusive can release yuo from the chores then. Half board much cheaper thoguh and you can relax a bit if your dd kicks off occasionally, knowing noone is watching and tutting.

Think about evenings. If she sleeps in a shared room, it reduces your chances of relaxing. We used to put the travel cot in the bathroom (on the nights she wasn't out and about with us in the pushchair) so that we could relax without worrying about waking her.

BUMP! Anyone else?

self catering with a washing machine. I have 2 children and swear by it. It may not seem like a total 100% chill out holiday (having to do washing but its worth it.). Check out www.ownersdirect.co.uk/spain/S11637.htm.
In Spain, 1 hour from Alicante airport or Valencia (2 hour flight) All the equipment you need, highchair, playpen, todder cutlery, crockery, toys, DVDs, change mat, cot etc etc. Close to beach.

We own a holiday rental property near Malaga see www.chilledlemon.com

We used to live here with our son when he was the same age as your boy will be. moondog is right, not necessarily always a holiday with children, but we love going to our place with our boys. The pool is fenced and it is in the middle of an olive farm. Lots of exploring and outdoor fun.

We always go self-catering because you just get more room! Hotels are rubbish when you have only one room for a family you can get so cramped so quickly. We have spent loads of time sitting in the corridor outside hotel rooms waiting for children to go to sleep, then when you go in there you are padding about and whispering in the dark all evening - not much of a holiday!

Thanks, will check out those websites