Anonymous wrote:In a place that's walkable. Id rather not deal with the headache of car seats but maybe willing to forgo this. This is a trip for me and my kids to get away from the holidays and do something different since we have had some very stressful times this year. I want it to be relatively easy. I want to fly somewhere (direct) get a taxi to a spacious hotel or suite, walk right outside to cute cafés and shops, wander back to the hotel where we'd all take naps and then back out for dinner later.... Does this place exist?
Thanks,
Mom and kids needing a break!

If you are willing to do west coast, the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego would fit the bill. Resort property with pool (outdoor, though, so not usable in Dec), walk right out of the property to cafes, shops; if you want to go into S.D. proper you can take a bus and a water taxi (or walk to water taxi).

For location, if I were you, I'd look at maybe Fort Lauderdale. Easy, short direct flights. I don't know that area well, though, so can't point to a good property with easily walkable amenities nearby. Having stayed there a couple of times in the past, I think that you probably need a car to get to places.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Children like Christmas at home.

I guess it depends on the age of your toddler.

You make a huge assumption that everyone celebrates Christmas.

OP, I'd take a Disney cruise. They have child care on board so you can get a break and lots of kid activities. Or, Disney. We took our toddler as friends were going after saying we'd never take a toddler and had a blast.

I thought about suggesting Disney because it's so easy to be car free there, but the restaurants will be booked at this time of the year. A Disney Cruise would be a lovely alternative, and I suspect quite doable with a baby and toddler.

Sure, your kids are easy going, but that's within the comforts of home. Putting your toddler down for the afternoon nap in a hotel room is wholly different than putting him/her in the crib and closing the door. At home you have the kid's favorite toys and sippy cup and anything else. Same goes for baby.

Sounds like you need a break.

Anonymous wrote:Children like Christmas at home.

I guess it depends on the age of your toddler.

You make a huge assumption that everyone celebrates Christmas.

OP, I'd take a Disney cruise. They have child care on board so you can get a break and lots of kid activities. Or, Disney. We took our toddler as friends were going after saying we'd never take a toddler and had a blast.

Go to the Greenbrier

Went to a wedding in Aruba once, if there are still direct flights that could fit the bill- shops area near the airport, kid friendly beaches right near the hotels, etc. Although it would add the hassle of customs, which might not be worth it.

Spent a few days in Puerto Rico and think that could also be a great option - we were at the La Concha Renaissance in Condado, which while a Miami style hotel actually seemed like it could work well with kids (1 bedroom suite, pool and beach access, etc.).

[wmv]

Anonymous wrote:Children like Christmas at home.

I guess it depends on the age of your toddler.

LOL! Yes, toddlers definitely have a firm opinion on this! Whatever...

Not exactly what you were thinking of OP but I enjoyed Great Wolf Lodge when my child was young. We went just the two us several times.

Pp again - san diego is another idea.

Op - please ignore everyone. You know your kids best and are lucky to have two easygoing little ones. My kids were too much of a handful to ever do this, so i envy you and hope you have a nice time.

I like the idea of Miami or a nearby city like ft lauderdale or bar harbor. You can taxi to the hotel, and theres lots of shops and places to eat nd people watch. And theres nothing cuter than spending an idle day watching a baby and toddler explore the beach.

For somewhat warmer, how about puerto rico?

OP, is there a budget you have in mind? Christmas can be such an expensive time of year for travel.

Some suggestions, going on the very general criteria you've given:

Grand Cayman. Not cheap, and not direct from DC. You can get a taxi direct to a nice hotel - the Ritz is great but extremely pricy. Cars are not a must if you're staying in Georgetown. There are a several restaurants on site.

La Jolla, CA. I think there's no way to get out of renting a car. However, once you get to La Jolla, depending on where you're staying, you may not need it much. There are beaches, tide pools, seals, a cute very upscale town.

San Francisco. You can do this without a car. Off the top of my head, I'd recommend staying in Union Square. You can take the bus to the Wharf - it's cheesy and touristy, but there are sea lions. The food is great in many places in the City (but not in the cheesy touristy areas). It fills the cute cafe quotient, but it could also be less than ideal with small children. Also, it can be very rainy during the winter.

Miami or another Florida destination could be nice, or maybe even a Delaware beach for a few days. What about a nice hotel in Philadelphia? Good luck, OP - I hope you find what you're looking for.

Are you looking for a warm place? I don't really see what the big deal is. I'm a single mom to 2 kids and I frequently travel with them. It's about as big of a deal as you make it. These responses are from moms who have help. If you don't have help, it is not a big deal to travel with kids who are used to it.

Anonymous wrote:Children like Christmas at home.

I guess it depends on the age of your toddler.

Children like tradition at Christmas, and presents. And they like being with the people they love most, which in this case is their mom, the OP. If she builds a family tradition around travelling they will enjoy this just as much as gathering around a tree in the living room, or visiting Grandma.

OP, are you looking to "escape" the holiday, or would someplace decorated for the holidays, with a holiday atmosphere but also things like room service and a nice hotel, seem equally nice?

Are you looking for someplace warm, or would you rather stay closer to home?

Anonymous wrote:I don't mean to be unkind, but being away from home with two very small children could have an awful lot of downsides.

I know your feeling, but as my toddler has gotten older he's gotten worse at traveling.

Children like Christmas at home.

I guess it depends on the age of your toddler.

I don't mean to be unkind, but being away from home with two very small children could have an awful lot of downsides.