There's nothing wrong with AI or cruises (flame away). Ever since my kids were born, we alternated between these two. Otherwise, it's way too much work for me. I really enjoy not worrying about where/when to eat or what to do with down time. Now that they are finally older (6 and 8), we are ready for more adventures.

If you go with the AI route, just know that most of their kids' club are for ages 4+, only a handful are open to younger kids. It's nice to drop off the kids there for a couple of hours while you lounge on the beach or have dinner with DH.

Re: Disney, my kids enjoyed the animal kingdom more than I'd expected. Not character driven at all.

Many resorts have restaurants on site, you don't need AI for that. Hilton Sandestin is really nice, and has great pools and lots of space for your kids to run around. You could take them to Baytowne Wharf for more running around and fun activities, including rock climbing, a big playground, and zip lining.

Anonymous wrote:I also have a SN kid and I would recommend minimizing the time change if this is your first trip with kids. It will make life easier.

I don't quite understand why you need an all-inclusive. I would recommend a place that has a playground, pool, and reasonably kid-friendly places to eat...but there are a ton of places that meet that criteria. I'd look at Florida options because they are an easy flight.

OP here...my main reason for an all inclusive is that it is contained and all restaurants are on-site. DS1 is really picky about food and both kids are bad at formal sit down places where you have to wait for your food. I figured the all inclusive is convenient and I wouldn't have to do much planning. Ever since having kids, we have not really had any chances to relax and so we want a carefree vacation. I kind of figured Iceland is out for foreseeable future. However, Disney World or Disney cruises are still on our bucket list in the near future.

How about Lake Tahoe, or a nice national park out West? Or check out a nice beach area like Sarasota+Lido Key in Florida, with a day trip to ride airboats in the Everglades. Maybe they'd enjoy the sights and sounds of NYC and running around Central Park and up the steps of the Statue of Liberty.

You're seriously overthinking this OP. Since this is the first trip with the kids, maybe start with something simple to see how they do, then you'll know what to expect the next time and can plan something bigger. That's how I'd approach it.

I also have a SN kid and I would recommend minimizing the time change if this is your first trip with kids. It will make life easier.

I don't quite understand why you need an all-inclusive. I would recommend a place that has a playground, pool, and reasonably kid-friendly places to eat...but there are a ton of places that meet that criteria. I'd look at Florida options because they are an easy flight.

Stayed there 3 days once . Now will only use it as a stopover for trips to other places--it has freat airport shopping but shite food.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Iceland is very overrated. It's also very expensive once you arrive.

Here's how we approach trip planning for our family (of six): what would the kids enjoy doing? Then we pick a location that checks the boxes for the kids and for us.

City-based vacations can be tricky for some families. Our family actually enjoys touring cities (as long as I do my research and build in off the beaten path fun activities), but most of our friends have commented that they would never be able to take their kids on similar trips. Instead, they tend to take their kids to all inclusives in Mexico, DR or the Caribbean. Disney and other theme parks are also popular.

So, what do your kids enjoy?

OP here...both kids enjoy activities they can actively engage in. So things like going to museums are usually out unless they can touch the displays and it is interactive. DS1 is suspected of having ADHD and high functioning autism by the child developmental pediatrician so quiet activities or large group activities are out. They don't seem to like nature stuff (i.e. hiking) that much either (or if they do, it is mostly for the sensory stuff such as rolling in mud). We thought an all inclusive would be good because it is contained (DS1 tends to run off) and DS1 is really into the ocean and aquatic animals. Something in the US is fine too but I don't know if there are all inclusive in the US geared towards children or other places that would be contained with easy dining options. We thought about Disney world but I thought half the fun about going to Disney are for the characters which neither of them are interested in for some reason.

Please know that Disney has gone well above and beyond to accommodate kids with special needs. That doesn't mean it will be the right choice for your kids or kids, but I was realy impressed when I found this out.

[webpage is labelled] Autism & Cognitive Disabilities Services

In particular, the Disability Access Service is designed for Guests who are unable to tolerate extended waits at attractions due to a disability. This service allows Guests to schedule a return time that is comparable to the current queue wait for the given attraction.

To learn more about the Disability Access Service—in addition to other accommodations that might be available based on the Guest with a cognitive disability’s individual service needs—please visit the Guest Relations Lobby at the theme parks.

Break Areas
Should the Guest with a cognitive disability become over-stimulated or need some down time, dozens of areas are available throughout the parks where a Guest can “take a break.” To locate the nearest area, please ask a Cast Member for assistance.

For a complete list of locations, please download our Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities.

The more general page of Services for Guests with Disabilities

I would not do this. As PPs have said, there's not much about Iceland that would interest little kids -- the fun things to do are definitely more adult-oriented (or at least older-kid oriented.) I went in winter, and there was ~4 hours of daylight. Don't underestimate this.

The main things to do in Reykjavik in the winter, from what we saw, are sitting in bars, eating, and shopping, none of which are particularly kid-friendly. The main tourist attraction, Hallgrimskirkja, is a church. There are also a few museums, but again nothing especially kid-friendly (we went to the penis museum and an art museum.) The really fun stuff is primarily geared towards adults. Northern lights tours go from 8 or 9 PM to well past midnight, so you'll either have to drag cranky/sleepy kids along, or one of you will have to miss it. Hot springs/spas are another fun thing to do, but again inappropriate for kids, so one of you will probably have to skip it. Glacier tours and the Golden Circle are fun and really beautiful, but a 3-year old and 5-year old probably won't be allowed on the interactive tours.

If you subscribe to a cheap flights website (Scott's Cheap Flights, Airfare Spot, etc.), you can frequently find tickets to Europe that are within the range of flights to Iceland. I would recommend somewhere like Barcelona (I've seen tickets for around $400 RT) instead, especially at that time of year.

Anonymous wrote:I have traveled extensively with children and Iceland in Thanksgiving would be last on my list. It's uncomfortably wet and cold in August. There are no activities that would interest 3-5 year olds. It's better for 7+ if they like outdoors, hiking, and long car rides. Its all nature.

For my suggestion - all inclusive, all the way! Beach vacations are way better for kids.

I have traveled extensively with children and Iceland in Thanksgiving would be last on my list. It's uncomfortably wet and cold in August. There are no activities that would interest 3-5 year olds. It's better for 7+ if they like outdoors, hiking, and long car rides. Its all nature.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here...thanks for all the suggestions. So our travel budget is between 3000-5000 and thought we could do Iceland, an all inclusive, or something else within the continental US. One of our criteria is that it has to be enjoyable for the adults (or if not at least relaxing) and children, which is more difficult than we had thought before having kids (given the special needs of DS1). The main reason for our desire is if we are going to focus on what the kids enjoy, why not stay at home (i.e. we have season passes to six flags which keeps the kids very entertained without spending lots of money). Before having kids, we were world travelers and would like to go back to that someday. Right now, we just want some balance. San Diego sounds nice (I have been there before for work). I have been to most big cities in the US for work and I probably wouldn't go back to most of those places for vacation, but San Diego is a place I definitely would go back to.

One of our favorite places we hope to take the kids one day is Thailand (e.g. Phuket). We went during their water festival and it was really fun. Lots of culture activities as well as water sports activities would keep all of us engaged. But I don't think my kids are ready for that yet.

Where else have you been, and what else did you like? Might give some ideas.

DH and I have been to Toronto, Niagara Falls, China (all over), Thailand (Bangkok and Phuket), London, Paris, a few cities in Germany, Rome, Venice, Athens, Istanbul, Malta, Cancun, and Barcelona.

I have also been to Japan, South Korea, and Finland for work. DH has been to Vancouver and Vienna for work.

US cities are too many to count because we both travel a lot for work, but most memorable ones are Seattle, Dana Point, and San Diego.

Of the places that are most memorable are Thailand, Niagara Falls, Japan, and Malta. The reason is because of the culture and activities and of course overall cleanliness.

Anonymous wrote:OP here...thanks for all the suggestions. So our travel budget is between 3000-5000 and thought we could do Iceland, an all inclusive, or something else within the continental US. One of our criteria is that it has to be enjoyable for the adults (or if not at least relaxing) and children, which is more difficult than we had thought before having kids (given the special needs of DS1). The main reason for our desire is if we are going to focus on what the kids enjoy, why not stay at home (i.e. we have season passes to six flags which keeps the kids very entertained without spending lots of money). Before having kids, we were world travelers and would like to go back to that someday. Right now, we just want some balance. San Diego sounds nice (I have been there before for work). I have been to most big cities in the US for work and I probably wouldn't go back to most of those places for vacation, but San Diego is a place I definitely would go back to.

One of our favorite places we hope to take the kids one day is Thailand (e.g. Phuket). We went during their water festival and it was really fun. Lots of culture activities as well as water sports activities would keep all of us engaged. But I don't think my kids are ready for that yet.

Where else have you been, and what else did you like? Might give some ideas.

OP here...thanks for all the suggestions. So our travel budget is between 3000-5000 and thought we could do Iceland, an all inclusive, or something else within the continental US. One of our criteria is that it has to be enjoyable for the adults (or if not at least relaxing) and children, which is more difficult than we had thought before having kids (given the special needs of DS1). The main reason for our desire is if we are going to focus on what the kids enjoy, why not stay at home (i.e. we have season passes to six flags which keeps the kids very entertained without spending lots of money). Before having kids, we were world travelers and would like to go back to that someday. Right now, we just want some balance. San Diego sounds nice (I have been there before for work). I have been to most big cities in the US for work and I probably wouldn't go back to most of those places for vacation, but San Diego is a place I definitely would go back to.

One of our favorite places we hope to take the kids one day is Thailand (e.g. Phuket). We went during their water festival and it was really fun. Lots of culture activities as well as water sports activities would keep all of us engaged. But I don't think my kids are ready for that yet.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Iceland is very overrated. It's also very expensive once you arrive.

Here's how we approach trip planning for our family (of six): what would the kids enjoy doing? Then we pick a location that checks the boxes for the kids and for us.

City-based vacations can be tricky for some families. Our family actually enjoys touring cities (as long as I do my research and build in off the beaten path fun activities), but most of our friends have commented that they would never be able to take their kids on similar trips. Instead, they tend to take their kids to all inclusives in Mexico, DR or the Caribbean. Disney and other theme parks are also popular.

So, what do your kids enjoy?

Yikes. I'll take northern lights, natural geysers, lava fields, water falls, and gas vents over any Disney artificial stuff any day.

Oh please, Iceland and Disney are one and the same. Talk about a fad that needs to pass already!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Iceland is very overrated. It's also very expensive once you arrive.

Here's how we approach trip planning for our family (of six): what would the kids enjoy doing? Then we pick a location that checks the boxes for the kids and for us.

City-based vacations can be tricky for some families. Our family actually enjoys touring cities (as long as I do my research and build in off the beaten path fun activities), but most of our friends have commented that they would never be able to take their kids on similar trips. Instead, they tend to take their kids to all inclusives in Mexico, DR or the Caribbean. Disney and other theme parks are also popular.

So, what do your kids enjoy?

Yikes. I'll take northern lights, natural geysers, lava fields, water falls, and gas vents over any Disney artificial stuff any day.

I'm the pp, and I wasn't suggesting Disney (although I do think it's fun...and perhaps one of the best trips from a kids perspective). Like I said, we've taken a lot of trips that don't involve typical kid-friendly destinations (theme parks or beach), and our kids still enjoy it...but you have to be prepared and build in kid-friendly stuff. Think: visiting a city and finding the best playground, fun ice cream shop or cool theme restaurant. Or finding the hip sneaker shop or music store for your tween/teen. The op posted back that her kids wouldn't enjoy museums or hiking, so I was right (my kids aren't really into that stuff either---they tolerate it for a short time, but then I need to be prepared for what's next).

And more to the point: Iceland is very overrated...particularly for kids. It's fine for a weekend, but I can think of a million other places I'd rather spend my time and money.