best holiday ideas with an almost 2yo

[sharond101]

Energetic DS will be 2 at the end of May. We plan on holidaying at the beginning of May. We live in Scotland and last year hired a cottage in the Lake District and took our dog. It was good but I missed the sunshine. Had thought about FLorida this year but DH had an operation on his spine and the walking around would be too much for him. What does experience teach you when it comes to holidays with toddlers? Is it enjoyable having a toddler abroad where they want to run around all the time and be in the freezing cold pool when all you want to do is lie back with your book? Is there any recommendations of great places for this age? Are we better just doing a UK break again and hope for better weather? Opinions on a postcard from your chosen destination please.

We have had a great time by staying in places that I found on child friendly holiday websites - google 'toddler friendly holidays' and you'll get a selection of different sites. They can be at home or abroad, but they generally have a ton of facilities, games, toys and play areas to keep lo's happy so that you can relax and enjoy yourself too. When ds1 was 2yo we stayed in a fantastic little cottage in Devon, with a playroom, pool, swings and climbing frame, and when he was 3yo we stayed in a gite in Brittany. There were 4 gites that opened onto a field with a playground, fenced off pool, ride on toys, a tennis court, and also an indoor playroom. It was ideal as there were a couple of other children there the same age and they ran around together kicking a football and playing while we could sit in the sun, read a book and keep an eye on them. I am all for child-friendly boltholes as it makes it so much easier for the parents too. They also have stair gates, blenders and anything else you might need for lo's. This year we are considering camping in the South of France however, with ds1 5yo and dd2 15mo... we'll see how that goes in comparison!

we had a brilliant time at [http://www.glynnbarton.co.uk]] but that's prob too far for you as it's in Cornwall?!
Have a look through though because that sort of set up is absolutely brilliant and you may find the equivalent somewhere easier for you to get to.

sorry www.glynnbarton.co.uk

I'd go abroad while you still don't have to pay for a seat for him :) depends on the toddler really. We went to malta for a hotel beach holiday when ds was just about to turn 2; he hates water and sand. And I was early pregnancy with horrific sickness, so that was a successful holiday!

We've learnt that holidays with your own space (I.e. Not just a hotel room) are best, where there's lots to do for everyone (because our primary activity pre children was eating, and ds will allow 10mins if that for food!) and don't go when it's too hot if you're not sun bunnies we don't like heat but still went to malta in August. Stupid

At that age they're still pretty much entertained by whatever you enjoy, so take the opportunity to go somewhere you've always wanted to, before the expense of paying for them :) our friends trekked around Costa Rica with their 18mo!

Glynnbarton looks great but yes bit too far. i fear the going abroad thing will leave not much for him to do as he is very active and wants to be doing something all the time.

Why can he not play on a beach? Early May would indicate Turkey as a possibility. Personally I never flew with a toddler on my lap. Several hours of hell to save not a lot really. Egypt would be ok too or maybe a Greek Island fairly far South. I also would not do a long flight unless you are certain he will not be a horror on the flight. If he is energetic, he might be!

Ds will be 2 in October and this summer we are staying in a mobile home in France with Eurocamp. The site is La croix de vieux pont which is a 'toddler paradise parc ' so all kiddy equipment eg cots safety gates free and lots of activities on site for little ones. Plus Northern France so not too far to travel.

thank you been looking all night but still unsure.