Dubai or similar for a family winter holiday

[dtmpower]

I don't normally like family travel/holidays far too stressful and like my home comforts.

I do however like Far East Asia and would rather explore on my own and intend to get back to Japan early next year.

However in December my wife is 30 and I'd like to try and get some winter sun for a week. Our daughter will be 2.5 years.

I like the idea of a beach front hotel in Dubai or similar. Can anyone suggest some places to look at that will be child friendly and reasonably quiet (I don't want loud music and/or Russian prostitutes hanging about the place)

Also any recommendations for taking a toddler on what will be a 5/6 hour flight ?

[PhillT]

Dubai's hotels are very family friendly. Choose any of the places on the beachfront and you should be fine. Personally, I like the Westin but I'm sure others will have other recommendations too. How quiet they'll be, I couldn't say - it's prime tourist season. But it won't be 18-30 style.
Weather in December will be excellent, but could get a trifle chilly in the evenings (as in, sub-20).

Hope that helps.

[6th Gear]

Another vote for the Westin. Great family hotel right on the beach.

The flight from the UK to Dubai is just under 7 hours.

[ChasW]

We did Royal Mirage in November. Would tick most of the boxes. Can't do much about Russians though. Booked through Best at Dubai and agents were really knowledgeable.

Metro system in Dubai is excellent. Taxis are cheap too. You don't need airport transfer. Just get a taxi.

[dtmpower]

My wife is putting the pressure on to book this now - 5 nights before Xmas.

Other than Dubai, she has suggested Vegas or closer to home such as the Canary Islands.

Anyone have any other suggestions ?

[ChrisBMW]

Wouldn't go to vegas with a 2 year old, 11 hour flight for a start and the weather will not be as good as Dubai at that time of year. With a 2 year old most of the things Vegas offers would not really appeal to you in anyway I would suspect

[Cheib]

Cape Town.....it's a 12 hour flight but there's only one hour's time difference and the flights are at very good times 9 or 10 pm at night so great for travelling with a little one.

There's loads to see and do there....it's absolutely stunning.

You can have a fantastic week there....much more interesting than going to Dubai IMHO.

[dxbtiger]

^ stload cheaper as well if that is a factor.

[Shnozz]

John, I'm not sure I would be looking at Vegas, Dubai etc for a quiet family break? I'd have thought Maldives, Mauritius or similar. If you did want the states, what attracts you as a family to sin city? As a family I would be tempted to hire a houseboat on Lake Powell

http://www.lakepowell.com/

[Viperzs]

It depends WHERE you want to be really.

The best beach front hotel I have been to out there is the Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa. It is fairly far out from the centre though.

Just seen you want it as a Christmas holiday. Be VERY careful and look out for hidden costs and added extras you don't get a choice about.

Christmas meals, extras etc. You might get stung by that.

[dtmpower]

Shnozz said:

John, I'm not sure I would be looking at Vegas, Dubai etc for a quiet family break? I'd have thought Maldives, Mauritius or similar. If you did want the states, what attracts you as a family to sin city? As a family I would be tempted to hire a houseboat on Lake Powell

Looks good - but not sure I'd want my daughter on a house boat for a few days until she can swim.

Viperzs said:

It depends WHERE you want to be really.

That's the issue, I don't really like holidaying so don't know WHERE to go really. Especially for the first time taking my daughter with us.

[Viperzs]

The comment on where was related to Dubai as I know it fairly well.

If you're likely to be fairly contained within the hotel complex the I would certainly recommend the Royal Meridien. Even if you want to go out to explore it's not too far out.

If, however you like to be right in the middle of everything then it will probably be too far out from the centre.

If you're not 100% on Dubai, then I hear Scarborough is nice that time of year. They have a beach too!

[Shnozz]

dtmpower said:

Shnozz said:

John, I'm not sure I would be looking at Vegas, Dubai etc for a quiet family break? I'd have thought Maldives, Mauritius or similar. If you did want the states, what attracts you as a family to sin city? As a family I would be tempted to hire a houseboat on Lake Powell

Looks good - but not sure I'd want my daughter on a house boat for a few days until she can swim.

Viperzs said:

It depends WHERE you want to be really.

That's the issue, I don't really like holidaying so don't know WHERE to go really. Especially for the first time taking my daughter with us.

I guess my point being that neither Vegas nor Dubai are cheap and I wouldn't have thought them to be justified in price as a holiday with a toddler. I'd be tempted to hire a villa on an island in the med somewhere and a hire car and do a vibrant city holiday when either your child is older.