Best vacation options with an infant

[kscherer]

What are some good vacation destinations for traveling with a 6-12mo old? Looking for somewhere that has direct flight options from DCA. We're flexible on timing, but likely spring or fall of this year, and open to any mild to tropical climates (not really into cold places unless it is AMAZING).

Have you been on any vacations from DC with your infant(s) that you'd recommend? Where'd you stay? What worked for you? What would you avoid?

[Anonymous]

When ours was that age, we visited Walt Disney World and stayed at the Polynesian. It was such a perfect, relaxing vacation.

We took it SUPER easy. We actually only visited Epcot because baby couldn’t have cared less and it had more to do that interested us, plus the World Showcase area is less congested for stroller walking. We went during a food festival and so we snacked, walked, had cocktails, and just enjoyed our time.

We would Monorail hop to other resorts for dinner, drinks, and exploring. We visited Disney Springs a couple times, too.

The rest of the time we hung out by the pool, played in the sand by the beach, and enjoyed the resort—LOTS to keep baby’s interest. Our room had a patio so when baby napped, we sat out there and didn’t have to bang the door if one of us wanted to come or go, we’d just walk across the grass.

[Anonymous]

That’s a pretty easy time to travel with a baby, assuming they can take naps on the go. Do what you want to do, you don’t have to worry about being kid friendly, finding playgrounds etc. when my child was that age we went to Mexico City and it was perfect. People love babies there!

[Anonymous]

The first vacation we took with our infant we paid for my parents to come with us. It worked out great. We rented a beach condo. They were happy to help and we got some date nights and sleep.

[Anonymous]

That's such an easy age to travel with a baby! The world is your oyster! If you want to take a stroller with you, some destinations would be out, but if you're ok with using a carrier, you can practically go anywhere.

We went to places like Germany, Czechia, and Denmark. Domestically, we went to several Delaware beaches, NYC, Philly. All with a stroller or a double stroller.

You don't have to worry about playgrounds, kid-friendly activities or food, kid running into the street, or anything else that could complicate a vacation with a kid.

[Anonymous]

The only thing I would warn against is somewhere extremely hot (e.g. Caribbean June-Aug) b/c your baby will be miserable!

[Anonymous]

We did Denver/Boulder and the Rockies at that age. So, not what you’re looking for at all, probably, but if you like hiking or being in nature, those trips are actually easier with a baby in a carrier than in the next few years when they are older but can’t walk as far and will want to quit and turn back. So, that’s the argument for doing something active. But otherwise pick a resort with the shortest direct flight possible and have an amazing time.

[Anonymous]

If your baby enjoys being outside in a carrier, this is a great age to do some outdoor adventures (good hiking) before kiddo gets older and can't walk/hike very far and are also too heavy to be carried.

I would say focus on what you want to do, and just how to bring baby along. I would prioritize trips that are harder with pre-school and elementary aged kids: cities, nature, wineries?

You'll have plenty of time for beach resorts and family resorts when your kid is a toddler/pre-schooler