I'd do Montreal or just stay in the US. 5 hours just gets you across the country. Even Costa Rica is probably more than 5 hours since there aren't direct flights. What about Arizona. It's pretty different from DC and can be fun for kids. Some of the hotels in Scottsdale/Phx have decent size waterparks as part of the pool area. San Francisco is fun for kids. You could drive up the CA coast. The added bonus of CA is that it's much more likley to be vegetarian friendly than Europe.

I don't think you will be able to do Europe for $2000/person, unless you are just there for a few days which I wouldn't recommend for a toddler. And obviously you can't even get to London in under 5 hours.

All inclusive resorts and culture don't really go together. Seems like you need to pick one or the other.

OP again. I wanted to clarify that the main reason we were agains an all inclusive wa that they are often secluded with little access to
local activities.

If an all inclusive were close to attractions and in a safe city where we could explore on our own, we might prefer the all inclusive because of the convenience of having food and drink paid for and readily available.

I apologize for the typos. My phone does not seem compatible with this forum.

OP here. Maybe a Caribbean island would work better for us.

We last went to an all inclusive in Jamaica, where tourists are discouraged from traveling alone due to crime.

Where can we go that is safe to explore on ou own but still has nice and affordable all inclusives?

Costa Rica?

London is bad for kids - they don't like them in any eating establshments there except for bars - go figure.

Barcelona is a big late night city that requires much walking to see things -- and restaurants do not open until 10 PM - would not be fun with 3 year old.

I would say something like Puerto Rico - direct flight, my 3 year old loved it at a resort - beach, wave pool, etc.

Mexico is dicey. There was a recent thread on it. My friend travels the world for work, and their insurer won't let them go to Mexico.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I was also thinking Iceland or Barcelona. Will be going in late spring or summer.

longer than 5 hour flights.

Barcelona is a pricey flight and will blow your budget.

iceland is pretty, but involves lots of driving and wouldn't be all that fun for a 2 yo.

what exactly do you mean by cultural anyway?

i'd say mexico fits your criteria.

Montreal or Quebec City are enjoyable and kid friendly.

OP, Barcelona is way more than 5 hours. Finding a direct flight from here is not easy either.

How many days?

Airfare to Europe is crazy expensive, OP, and you'll be paying for a seat for your child, too. $1,000 RT per person is common, maybe higher in the summer. Not sure how Barcelona works for vegetarians. I was just there for five days.

Mexico, Quebec

OP here. I was also thinking Iceland or Barcelona. Will be going in late spring or summer.

"International" vacation with a flight under 5 hours limits to Parts of Canada, Parts of Caribbean. I guess if those are the parameters, and you are looking for "culture," then I'd suggest Montreal. I totally understand the flight limit parameter - my suggestion would be to stay in the USA & direct flight. What time of year? With a toddler my rec would be to rent a house/condo somewhere so that you have a fixed home base.

Key West or New Orleans?

DH and I would like to take our 2YO with us on vacation somewhere that requires a flight of 5 hours or less, safe, has cultural activities, and is relaxing. No more than $2k per person, but really would prefer to stay far below that.

All-inclusives can be fun but are too sterile for our tastes. We want to experience some of the local culture. At the same time, having to walk a ton and other "adventure"-type travel is out too. We're all vegetarian (no red meat, no poultry, no seafood, dairy and eggs ok), so a veggie-friendly locale would be preferred.

Any ideas?