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My husband and I are thinking of doing a 5 day vacation in Dec/Jan to some warm place... So far, we have Aruba, Bahamas (Atlantis) or maybe a cruise on the list.
The main consideration is, we would like to be able to do things with our kids (ages 5 and 2). Aruba sounds nice in this regard with its butterfly farm, ostrich farm, the caves etc. But we are really open to suggestions.
We live on the East Coast, and are looking at destinations that are not more than 8 hours away. We have already been to the Florida Keys and are looking for a different place this time. It need not necessarily have beaches, as long as it is warm enough for the kids to do something outdoors.
How about the Tampa area? Easy to get to, nice beaches and plenty of stuff to do w/ little ones. They have a great zoo there and also the Clearwater Marine Aquarium where Winter the dolphin (from the movie Dolphin Tale) is housed along with other marine animals.
We stayed at St. Pete Beach in March with our two kids (ages 7 & 2) and had a great time. We did both the zoo and aquarium and also rented a speedboat one day to ride around the waterways and hang out on Shell Key. All in all it was a great trip and much easier logistically than the Caribbean.
Thanks for the replies. Tampa is a good suggestion, but we have already been to most parts of Florida - Tampa, Miami, Orlando etc.
How is Cancun? I have been reading on previous posts where families with kids have been to Cancun and enjoyed it. I do get the feeling that Cancun is more "American" than the rest of Mexico, but that's okay...
Also, this is a celebration of our ten year anniversary. So we would like to pick a place that is, at least the teensiest bit exotic
My husband and I are thinking of doing a 5 day vacation in Dec/Jan to some warm place... So far, we have Aruba, Bahamas (Atlantis) or maybe a cruise on the list.
The main consideration is, we would like to be able to do things with our kids (ages 5 and 2). Aruba sounds nice in this regard with its butterfly farm, ostrich farm, the caves etc. But we are really open to suggestions.
We live on the East Coast, and are looking at destinations that are not more than 8 hours away. We have already been to the Florida Keys and are looking for a different place this time. It need not necessarily have beaches, as long as it is warm enough for the kids to do something outdoors.
Thanks!
AJ
Hi, I have a 2 and a 5 year old too and if I were you and had the money, I would do Atlantis. It's set up for families and has two very important requirements, especially if you have a toddler 1) lots of fun options to keep everyone entertained (pools, beach, aquariums etc.) and 2) it's all right there and requires little effort on your part -- in contrast to other vacation options -- to make those activities happen. And if the little one needs to nap in the afternoon, you can go take a snooze with him/her and your husband can hang at the beach/pools with the 5 year old.
Having the 2 year old in the mix means you need to be flexible and make it easy on yourselves so you actually have a chance to enjoy your time together... that's the biggest lesson I've learned when traveling with our 5 and 2 year old.
Atlantis gives you many choices for accommodations to which is nice.
Thanks for the replies. Tampa is a good suggestion, but we have already been to most parts of Florida - Tampa, Miami, Orlando etc.
How is Cancun? I have been reading on previous posts where families with kids have been to Cancun and enjoyed it. I do get the feeling that Cancun is more "American" than the rest of Mexico, but that's okay...
Also, this is a celebration of our ten year anniversary. So we would like to pick a place that is, at least the teensiest bit exotic
I'm not much of a fan of the big AIs or the Cancun scene, but things mellow out nicely as you head south into Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen & Tulum. I have 2 kids who will be 3 & 8 in the spring and we're considering a condo rental in Playa with a rental car to explore the area. My wife and I did Tulum sans kiddos a few years back and loved it. The beaches there are second to none!
Thanks everyone for all the replies. Hubby and I are discussing, and all your advice is much appreciated Thanks again!
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