November 02, 2009
Presidents' Week or Spring Break Vacation with the Kids
My sons were 3 and 4 when we rented a villa in Jamaica. We could not have had more fun, been more comfortable or safe, or gotten better value for our dollar. Read all about why.
Where should a family with three young boys go during the Presidents' Week school holiday in February, or for Spring Break in April, that won't be an overcrowded headache? That's the question that's come in from reader miloryan:
"We are a Mom and Dad and three boys, ages 5, 3, and 1, and we love to travel. My oldest son has entered Kindergarten this year. Therefore, I now have to battle vacation time with the rest of the school-age groups. Any suggestions for a sunny Presidents' Week Vacation or Spring Break in April to avoid the crowds? This is painful for me because I usually love finding the "deals" at the off-peak times. I do have plenty of AAadvantage miles to use. Thanks!"
I can relate because my two sons are now 5 and 7. For the past three winters we've rented a house, twice during the Presidents' Week holiday. You can read about our Caribbean villa rental last February on the island of Sint Maarten/St. Martin, and about our villa in the Spanish countryside near Granada the February before. A vacation rental could be just the ticket for you, as it affords uncrowded privacy . . . although I've gotta warn you that taking a 1- and 3-year-old to a European villa brings its own set of challenges, as I discovered when my children were toddlers and we rented this villa in Tuscany.
If you're located on or near the East Coast, I might suggest the Caribbean because, given all the American Airlines service there, you could probably use your AAdvantage miles. Should you go the Sint Maarten/St. Martin route, book through Marilyn Pulito of Villas in Paradise. She's the Sint Maarten specialist on Conde Nast Traveler's list of top villa rental agents published annually in the June issue. (Be sure to check out all my additional Sint Maarten tips here.)
If you go the Jamaica route, book through Linda Smith of Jamaica Villas by Linda Smith. For other Caribbean islands, use Hunter Butler Paterson of Blue Escapes: I know for sure she has many great villas available for both Presidents' Week and Spring Break next year.
I've got two more toddler-friendly spring break ideas for you, after the jump:
If you're yearning for something a little more foreign than the Caribbean, think April in Paris. You could rent an apartment through Gail Boisclair of PerfectlyParis, who lives there with her 5-year-old and can advise you about all the parks, carousels, child-friendly museums, and other activities for kids five and under. Personally, I can't wait to take my boys to Paris.
On the other hand, if you're seeking a more conventional toddler-friendly vacation, how about a Disney cruise? The Disney theme parks are too crowded during Presidents' Week and Spring Break, but a Disney cruise ship only holds so many people. Disney specialist Susan Kelly of Travel Magic says that kids sail free on certain three- and four-night sailings in April. (Kids also sail free on Disney's 10-night Mediterranean sailing on April 24.) "A Disney cruise is an easy way to get a Disney vacation in without the work required to get through the parks," Susan points out. "The kids' club is the best at sea, and there are plenty of opportunities to meet the Disney characters. And they have staterooms that comfortably sleep five."
Last but not least, check out the plethora of savvy Spring Break vacation suggestions offered by Perrin Post readers this time last year.
I'd love to hear from more parents: Where would you advise miloryan's family to go for Presidents' Week or Spring Break 2010? Please click on "Comments" and share your advice!
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Praia do Forte Eco Resort located 1 hour North of Salvador da Bahia - Brazil is a fantastic resort that has a wonderful ecological program for children. It includes the Tamar Sea Turtle program and even includes visits to a local castle. Read more about the program here: http://www.praiadoforteecoresort.com.br/ing/criancas_educacao_ambiental.asp
Praia do Forte is located on the pristine coastline and is considered one of Brazil's best family resorts.
Jill Siegel
www.SouthAmericanEscapes.com/blog
Posted by: jsananda | November 03, 2009 at 09:22 AM
The Vineyard Hotel & Spa in Cape Town is great for families. Set in beautiful gardens, populated by several giant tortoises, at the foot of Table Mountain, they offer five 2-bedroom, 2-bath garden cottages, each with full kitchen - and 4 of them can be combined to provide 2 x 4 bedrooms. There are 4 dining options on site and several restaurants, as well as a shopping mall, within walking distance. Plus the hotel provides complimentary shuttle service within 5 kms. Total rooms and suites 175. Website www.vineyard.co.za
Posted by: jeanwalden | November 03, 2009 at 11:36 AM