Best vacation with infant
Booking a vacation can mean many things. Spending time with your family and children, relaxing in the sun and getting away from the daily hustle and bustle. For those that travel with infant children, it can be a little extra challenging. Understanding what is and isn’t possible when traveling with infants, is just one of the things to consider when you plan your travel. You may have dreams of conquering your bucket list while making sacrifices along the way to ensure everyone has fun, but this doesn’t mean you can’t do both!
The first time my husband and I took our daughter out of state, it was over a long weekend. A long weekend with a child who was not yet a year old can be quite an experience! What to pack? What not to pack? What do babies need anyway? Was I really going to do this all by myself?!
If you’re a new parent, planning for vacation may seem like it’s the last thing on your mind. But having some kind of plan in place (even if it’s just a loose one) is way better than showing up to the airport or train station with no real idea where you’re going. I hope you find this blog post helpful because doing it with a toddler can be daunting. And stressful. And overwhelming. I would know—since I’m now a mom!
The best vacation with your infant is one that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
It should be relaxing, convenient, and safe.
If you’re planning a trip to visit family or friends, consider visiting during the off-season. This will help you avoid crowds and save money on lodging and activities.
Consider staying at a hotel with a kitchenette so you can prepare meals for your family in your room. This will save money on dining out and give you more control over what goes into your children’s bodies.
If you’re going somewhere warm and sunny, consider renting an air conditioned tent or camping at an RV park that has showers and laundry facilities available so you can keep up with the routine of bathing and changing diapers while traveling!
The best vacation with an infant is one that keeps you relaxed, happy, and stress-free.
It’s hard to relax when you’re worried about your baby’s needs, so consider these tips for a stress-free vacation with your little one:
- Avoid long flights and long car rides
- Find a hotel with a playroom or kids’ club
- Bring along some toys or books that are your baby’s favorites
- Keep the diaper bag stocked with essentials like diapers, wipes, extra clothes, and snacks
- Pack lightly and don’t forget essentials like sunscreen and bug spray
Beach vacations
Beaches are one of the most popular destinations for all travelers. When tot-friendliness — not ocean views — is your prime concern, look for beach spots with plenty of family attractions and services.
Where to go:
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Why parents will love it: “Prompt Response Line,” allows parents to order anything they need to care for their baby; custom meals for severe food allergies; Johnson & Johnson Gentle Travel Kits; Atlantis Kids Adventures (AKA) and Sea Squirts interactive marine animal program and feedings for kids ages 3 and up; CPR certified babysitters; luxurious Mandara Spa.
Why kids will love it: 141 acres of water attractions including Splashers, a waterplay area just for tots; 50,000 fish and sea creatures; make-your-own stuffed animals at Atlantis Pals; free nightly family movies.
Cost: $$$$
When to go: Year-round with great rates during fall months
Best for: Families who love water activities, particularly those with at least one school-aged child.
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Explore a national park
A national park is the perfect place to cultivate a lifelong love of nature. Toddlers will be wide-eyed and wondrous at the towering trees, blue sky and curious critters they encounter in these great green spaces — best seen from the stroller, child carrier or bike trailer.
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Why parents will love it: With mountain vistas, tropical rainforests, and coastal tidepools, it’s got three eco-systems to discover; there are several bike paths and stroller-friendly hiking trails (get suggestions from the visitor’s center); East Beach has a shallow swimming area with sandy shore for digging and castle making; has a toasty mineral water wading pool (and day use rates), so you can soak with your little one safely beside you; picnic areas are scattered throughout the park for alfresco meals; and there’s lodging in and outside the park.
Why kids will love it: In the forest they’ll discover bright yellow banana slugs and skittering salamanders, and glow worms after sunset; the tidepools are filled with sea stars, crabs, snails and tiny fish; the Discovery Room in the park’s main visitor center has interactive touch tables and a pint-sized Ranger Station playhouse, with puppets, dress-up clothes and more.
Cost: $ – $$
When to go: Summer and Fall
Best for: Outdoorsy families
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Visit a farm
Little kids love feeding baby animals and helping to bake homemade cookies, two of the many activities that are often part of farm stays. In addition, visiting a family-friendly farm can be a fun, economical getaway for your whole gang.
Where to go:
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Why parents will love it: Escaping the hustle-bustle of the city for a relaxing change of pace; enjoying warm hospitality and delicious food; teaching kids about farm life.
Why kids will love it: Feeding baby animals; milking cows and goats; playing with kittens; hay rides; fall corn mazes; bonfires and s’mores; fishing; kite flying.
Cost: $ – $$
When to go: May through October
Best for: Families who enjoy animals, nature and home cooked meals — particularly those who need an escape from the big city.
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RELATED: How two families traveled the world with kids — and how you can, too
Amusement parks
With their tot-tested appeal,, and(now in Florida as well as California) are often seen as the standard bearers. Families visitingcan stop at Seuss Landing for tot-friendly rides.
Where to go:
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Why parents will love it: Many creative opportunities for young kids, all rides and attractions are designed for kids ages 2 to 7; and a special 10,000-sqare-foot pool for babies and toddlers.
Why kids will love it: Sesame Street characters; nine tot-sized water rides; Elmo’s World, a 21,000-square-foot playland with cute character shows; the rockin’ daily Neighborhood Street Party parade.
Cost: $ – $$
When to go: Daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, weekends from early May through late October.
Best for: Families with little ones looking for a day of fun outdoor activity.
RELATED: 5 ways to save money on your next family vacation
Lounge at the lake
With their calm waters and family attractions, lakes are popular vacations for families with babies or toddlers. Lakes can also be great spots for family road trips, saving big bucks on travel costs.
Where to go:
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Why parents will love it: All-inclusive resort with lots of opportunities for “me” time; nine unique programs for newborns to kids up to 30 months of age; kids camp program for toddlers; Parents’ Night Out — whenever you wish; parents’ only candlelight cocktails and dining; one caregiver to every one to two children; special activities for families with young children; art and water sports activities, bikes with baby seats; parents’ helpers and evening sitters available for extra charge.
Why kids will love it: Playhouse Playground; fishing for perch; Splash Pad and indoor/outdoor water play areas; theme parties; campfires; storytelling; teepee and tree house.
Cost: $$$ – $$$$
When to go: Open late May through mid-September. Special rates are available in May, June and September.
Best for: Water-loving families, parents of little ones seeking some romantic time alone and families who prefer all-inclusive vacations.
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Ranch time
What kid doesn’t love pony rides, cowboys and sing-a-longs?
Where to go:
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Why parents will love it: All-inclusive resort vacation; childcare nursery for kids under 4; in-room babysitting; and custom meals for severe food allergies.
Why kids will love it: Over 100 indoor and outdoor activities; pony and wagon rides for kids ages 2 and up; interactive playground for babies and toddlers; new Big Splash indoor waterpark; tubing and ski programs for toddlers; a comprehensive nursery program.
Cost: $$
When to go: Open year-round.
Best for: Families who love all-inclusive resorts, a wide variety of family activities and lots of good old-fashioned fun.
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All-inclusive family resorts
It’s comforting to know exactly how much your vacation is going to cost before you go, especially when you have picky eaters and other little kid issues to consider. Family-focused all-inclusives — hands down — offer the most extensive family amenities of any type of destination, including nannies, suites with separate kids’ rooms, baby meal programs and more.
Where to go:
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Why parents will love it: Special Toddler & Baby Inclusive program; Gourmet Gerber meals; Fisher-Price Little People themed family suites; Mom’s Morning jogging/yoga program; anytime babysitting and nanny services for extra fee; baby equipment and a toy loan program; personalized Family Friends Vacation Planner; beach and pool butlers; private beach dinners; and new spa and seaside massages.
Why kids will love it: Azulitos Play House Kid’s Club with Fisher-Price toys; Mini Mayans cultural program; My Gym Fitness Center equipment; Kids’ Spa Suites with Strawberry Ice Cream manicures; in-room family movie nights.
Cost: $$$ – $$$$
When to go: Best temperatures in winter and spring, best rates and family packages in the fall.
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Best for: Families who want to be pampered and enjoy lots of amenities like yummy fruit smoothies without the constant worry of how much things cost on vacation.