Spinoff - Xmas holiday recs somewhere warm!

[Anonymous]

I didn't want to hijack the other query but am looking for any input on family friendly locations for a week-long holiday with 1yo and 5yo. I'm a New Englander who has always celebrated the holidays at home but after a terrible summer with no vacation my family needs a beach this time around. Someplace with facilitites for childcare, even for an hour or two, would be ideal. I've seen recommendations for Club Med Sandpiper and FDR Jamaica here which both seem good but not perfect (Sandpiper doesn't have a beach???) Any other ideas? Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

Tell us more about what you like to do on vacation...

some quick ideas (assuming basic desire for beach, seeing a bit of nature and possibly some foreign culture, resort amenities with child care):

Costa Rica: eco vacations with volcano, jungle, rainforest and extensive beach opportunities
Mexico: not the safest place on the planet these days, but reports from friends who've visited recently are low prices, amazing service, uncrowded. Club Med Cancun is surprisingly family friendly, on the quiet end of town far from the party scene

[Anonymous]

OP - our only priorities are stress free; someplace with help/activities for the kiddos; and a beach. Culture is totally optional for this one. We never splurge on vacations (this may be the first without inlaws present since our honeymoon) but need something really relaxing after a disastrous and difficult year. Simple travel would be preferable as our kids are rambunctious. Thanks for any suggestions!

[Anonymous]

What about Disney World? I know there are Disney haters on this site but I love it. We were there just before xmas about 10 years ago and it was beautiful weather and really fun. You don't have to do the Disney death march if you don't want to. Stay at the Grand Floridian or the Wilderness Lodge and relax by the pool.

[Anonymous]

Disney is a MADHOUSE at Christmas (even the hotels.) it is great the first week or so of Dec (before school lets out) but the week before Christmas-new Years it is ridiculously crazy/busy/packed.

(and this is from a die hard Disney fan - and definitely not a hater!)