Holiday with 18 Month Old

[Paris1986]

Hi! Hope it’s ok to post here - tried the travel forum but no response 🙈 We’re trying to decide on a holiday later this year - thinking Autumn 2020, and avoiding school holidays. DH wants to go to America (his sister lives there so we could see her too), and as much as I’d love to see SIL as we get on very well and she adores our DD am thinking a holiday in the UK or a bit closer to home might be a) cheaper and b) more relaxing; as relaxing as a holiday can be with an 18 month old! Do you lovely people have any places to recommend that are baby-friendly? So as not to drip-feed, we went to Florida and Disney in November just gone so DD was only 9 months. It was fine and we both loved it, so the distance doesn’t worry me but I’d just like somewhere a bit closer this time!

TIA xx

If you want something in the UK I would do a butlins type holiday! I've done abroad and UK. I enjoyed both of them the same but the UK was so much easier and less stressful in terms of getting there. Will be sticking to UK until both children are around 8!

Cornwall is fantastic for young children. Lots of different beaches, harbour towns, family days out etc. We’ve been every year since DD was born (now 2.5) and we all absolutely love it.

Thank you both. I was thinking UK and looked into HoSeasons as they have various places (I think). MsChatterbox, how old were your two when you first did a Butlins-type one? I’m a little concerned there won’t be enough to do for an 18-month old and us!

I've only got one atm pregnant with the second. I took my son to haven in Mablethorpe when he was about 1yr7months. It was great! There was an indoor pool which we went in every day. There was a soft play. Outdoor parks. There was activities and kids entertainment too but I didn't bother with these as preferred the laid back approach but he was really happy there! Stayed in a caravan. I mentioned butlins because it would probably be a bit more luxurious but I've never been to one myself!

P.s. Mablethorpe is a beach so there is that option too 😊

Oh thank you! Now to persuade DH staying in the UK is a good idea. I used to go to my grandparents (static) caravan when I was small and loved it. He’s used to holidaying abroad

If you want somewhere Butlins-like, have a look at Bluestone in West Wales. Loads for toddlers to do (although unlikely to be a relaxing holiday for you!). If you can go outside of school holidays it's pretty cheap as well - we've just booked a Monday to Friday in April for £275.

Great, thank you - I’ll have a look at that too. Yep, planning on avoiding school holidays while we still can