Traveling with 1.5 to 2 year old-where to go?

[Anonymous]

Hi,
DH and I are trying to plan a family trip. We think we'd like to go when DS is about 2 to 2.5 yrs old.
Ideally this trip would be a fun spot where there would be lots of activities to keep DS happy(like parks,wadding pool, beach) as well as hotels with balconies where DH and I could drink a bottle of wine and look at the ocean once DS has gone to bed.
Obviously, we're thinking we'd like to go somewhere tropical/beachy. The time of year is flexible.
Price is flexible-we don't want to cheap out
Thanks in advance for any suggestions!!!
We're really excited about the prospect of taking a vacation-it's been so long!

[Anonymous]

At first, I was going to suggest Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, PA because of your child's age -- but that's definitely NOT what you want if you want tropical, romantic... As an aside, I took my kids when they were little and they enjoyed it immensely. But it's a pretty low-rent good time

My friends recently went to Beaches in the Caribbean and did the Sesame Street thing. They enjoy the finer things whereas we are more the budget travelers. They raved about the resort and having a little time to themselves for dinner while their daughter was completely entertained by the shows/Sesame characters. It's all inclusive and low stress.

http://www.beaches.com/general/sesame.cfm

[Anonymous]

Consider a cruise! Lots of activities, nice restaurants and often, some type of child care is available.

[ipsabio]

We went to Sanibel, FL this past summer for a week with our then 2.5 year old and 9 month old. It was fantastic and we plan on going back this coming summer. The ocean was not cold and was so calm that even the 9month old could sit in the shallows at low tide while his brother "surfed" and searched for crabs. We rented a private condo so we could prepare our own meals and spent a bit more to be right on the ocean. After the kids went to bed, hubby and I could sit on the balcony and enjoy the view. The place we stayed also had a pool but we never made it there b/c the beach was too fantastic to miss. The town is cute with some fun shopping while the kids sleep and restaurants at all price/family style levels. I really cannot say enough about it!

[Anonymous]

We're big fans of Hilton Head, SC. Price varies depending on time of year and the accomodations you choose. But we chose a place that was walking distance to the beach, had a nice pool, had an indoor pool (in case of rain), and had a 2 bedroom suite with a kitchen. We prepared our breakfast and lunch in the room sometimes, so it was nice to have the kitchen. Our son was 16 months old and it was great! There are parks to take him too. We played a little mini-golf. In the morning we'd walk to the beach. Every evening before dinner we'd go to the pool (when it wasn't as hot but the pool is at its warmest). And at night we had a family member who was with us watch him so we could eat at one of the many nicer restaurants or just go out for drinks. You can also sit on your balcony and share the romance of the balmy SC weather and ocean. Plus it's close to Savannah (one hour) for a side trip. Not too far from Charleston (2.5 hours drive) if you want to go there too.

[Anonymous]

I love Kiawah Island in SC. We stayed in a cute 3 bedroom cottage. It was a 10 minute walk from the beach which was completely uncrowded. On the island there is also a resort but we preferred the rustic cottage. It was so quite which IMO considering all the hustle bustle here it was a change which I loved!

It is only about an hour from Charleston.

[Anonymous]

i love kiawah as well. very kid friendly. and, if you wanted to you could even drive (10-12hours). when we have traveled with our 2 year old, we have REALLY enjoyed having a kitchen so we can do some meals low key. eating out 3 meals a day is more stress than i want on vacation. I think Kiawah Kamp starts at 3 years old, but regardless there is plenty to enjoy for the little ones. They even have jogging strllers and bikes with the buggies for rent.

[Anonymous]

I was just about to suggest Kiawah when I saw all the recemendations--it's wonderful. Also, if you are willing to spend a little bit--Sea Island is beautiful and has great babysitting options. Some other places are Bermuda-Elbow Beach resort is beautiful and also has babysitting options and since you can eat at several places right at the resort, it's great for nervous parents. FYI--I am a really nervous parent but was comfortable. Hmm I am told Nevus has a great Four Seasons that is family friendly. Hey Kelly Ripa loves it

[Anonymous]

I always recommend the same two places, but they are sooooo wonderful, especially with children. Charleston South Caroline, we always stay at Folly Beach or Coronado California. Given the choice, I would go to Coronado. The drive to Folly is 8 hrs from here. There are many places to stay in SC besides Folly. Kiawahh was already mentioned, Ise of Palms, Sea Brook, Pawleys. All are wonderful. Kiwahh is out there a bit, as is SeaBrook. Folly is just a short drive (10 min's) from downtown Charleston. Ise of Palms is maybe 15 minutes. Coronado is the absolute best place on earth. I lived there for years and like many of us that had to move, no matter where you are moving, it is a down grade. There are so many things to do and see. I would stay at the Hotel Del, 5 star, on the beach. Go to Seaworld, or drive 1 1/2 hours to disney. Have fun where ever it is you choose, I love vacations!!