First family holiday 2022 - 2 year old

[Jcwjosh]

Good Morning Everyone,

I am keen to book a holiday for my family, my son will be 2 next May.

Wanted to go around July time and wondered if anyone had any recommendations for a first holiday with baby in tow.

Usually we go to cyprus and as much as i would love to take him as i know the area we stay well, im not sure a 5-6 hour flight would be much fun for him or us for a first time.

We like sandy clean beaches, self catering is preffered but not essential. We like to hire cars and explore a little and we like good local/traditional food.

Does anyone have any recommendations at all of places they really enjoyed with their children ? I would be looking to go somewhere for 14 days so there would need to be at least a few things for us to do besides boat trips/beach/pool etc.

All the best

Josh

[Amateurish]

Plane travel with a toddler is a nightmare. Have you thought about driving somewhere? Personally, I would not yet book a foreign holiday.

[Jcwjosh]

Amateurish said:

Plane travel with a toddler is a nightmare. Have you thought about driving somewhere? Personally, I would not yet book a foreign holiday.

In all honesty i havent thought about a drive, the longest amount we have driven with baby so far is probably an hour and a half and we dont really have a decent sized family car for a holiday. Doesnt rule out maybe hiring a car for this kind of trip though

[Amateurish]

When my kids were this age I used to drive overnight while they slept.

Anyway I'm sure a short flight would be tolerable.

[PurpleTurtle]

We took our young 'un to Sardinia at this age and had a wonderful time. Beautiful island, amazing beaches, clear seas, lots to see and do, great cuisine.

For the inner PHer, you can go and lie on this beach: Spiaggia Capriccioli at Costa Smeralda and imagine a white Lotus Esprit emerging for the sea.

https://huntingbond.com/spiaggia-capriccioli-james...

There is a lovely beach club/bar there to relax at.

We found it to be a beautiful island. much bigger than expected, great to explore in our hire car.

Do not use Noleggiare car rental at the airport though. Cheap but massive queues (90 mins) on arrival to get a car. On return I caught the woman doing the damage checks actively trying to scratch an unmarked alloy with a rock whilst I was distracted unloading the buggy and cases. Unfortunately for her, I had videoed all four wheels and indeed the rest of the car on my phone on arrival back at the airport , so was able to suggest she call the Police if shw wanted me to pay for it. That changed the dynamic somewhat and I was able to leave without charge. Absolutely scandalous, but I won't let one bad apple spoil it, all the other Sardinian people we met were absolutely lovely.

[Jcwjosh]

PurpleTurtle said:

We took our young 'un to Sardinia at this age and had a wonderful time. Beautiful island, amazing beaches, clear seas, lots to see and do, great cuisine.

For the inner PHer, you can go and lie on this beach: Spiaggia Capriccioli at Costa Smeralda and imagine a white Lotus Esprit emerging for the sea.

https://huntingbond.com/spiaggia-capriccioli-james...

There is a lovely beach club/bar there to relax at.

We found it to be a beautiful island. much bigger than expected, great to explore in our hire car.

Do not use Noleggiare car rental at the airport though. Cheap but massive queues (90 mins) on arrival to get a car. On return I caught the woman doing the damage checks actively trying to scratch an unmarked alloy with a rock whilst I was distracted unloading the buggy and cases. Unfortunately for her, I had videoed all four wheels and indeed the rest of the car on my phone on arrival back at the airport , so was able to suggest she call the Police if shw wanted me to pay for it. That changed the dynamic somewhat and I was able to leave without charge. Absolutely scandalous, but I won't let one bad apple spoil it, all the other Sardinian people we met were absolutely lovely.

That is definately an idea ! Does look a lovely island and a family member has recommended it to me also.

My partners not big on italian food but maybe a few photos of the beach could persuade her.

Cant believe the cheek of the car rental lady, would love to have seen her face when confronted with the prospect of calling the police and video evidence.

[malks222]

Ok not a beach holiday, but would you consider a ‘lake’ holiday instead? One of my current plans/ thoughts is to head to lake annecy in france (we went when wife was pregnant) and stay self catering in a lake side property.

fly to geneva (short flight) and then 1.5hr drive to annecy itself. plenty options for self catering accommodation around the lake. lots of water activities round the lake, it’s awesome to swim in! really safe bike lane round the lake. annecy itself a lovely little town to walk around. close by you have mountains etc…. to explore.

[alorotom]

Flying with toddlers is very easy - those who say otherwise failed to adequately prepare for it.

We have flown long-haul with our daughter several times a year since she was 9weeks old (pre-pandemic) with only one issue, which was an airline problem - the heating/cooling system was stuck on full blast so the plane was like an oven for everyone.

We found Thailand to be very good with a small child, lots of food and exploration options, lots of new experiences that are quite different from 'normal' beach holidays

[acd80]

I'd recommend Eurocamp sites. We took our little one on a road trip from South Wales to Venice when she was 18 months old in 2015 and the following year to Lake Garda.

We've stayed in this one a couple of times when doing road trips and can highly recommend it. We've stayed in the chalets and the bungalows. Loads of stuff for little ones to enjoy (and grown-ups - you've got all of Lake Garda on your doorstep) and there's a nightly kids disco to wear them out. The music is 'questionable' but kids love it.

https://www.eurocamp.co.uk/campsites/lakegarda/il0...

This one is easily reachable by airports and we flew into Bologna airport and drove down in just over 1 1/2 hours. Again, loads to do with little ones and Florence is right on your doorstep (with plenty of organised tours available on the site).

https://www.eurocamp.co.uk/campsites/tuscany/in017...

[PurpleTurtle]

Jcwjosh said:

PurpleTurtle said:

We took our young 'un to Sardinia at this age and had a wonderful time. Beautiful island, amazing beaches, clear seas, lots to see and do, great cuisine.

For the inner PHer, you can go and lie on this beach: Spiaggia Capriccioli at Costa Smeralda and imagine a white Lotus Esprit emerging for the sea.

https://huntingbond.com/spiaggia-capriccioli-james...

There is a lovely beach club/bar there to relax at.

We found it to be a beautiful island. much bigger than expected, great to explore in our hire car.

Do not use Noleggiare car rental at the airport though. Cheap but massive queues (90 mins) on arrival to get a car. On return I caught the woman doing the damage checks actively trying to scratch an unmarked alloy with a rock whilst I was distracted unloading the buggy and cases. Unfortunately for her, I had videoed all four wheels and indeed the rest of the car on my phone on arrival back at the airport , so was able to suggest she call the Police if shw wanted me to pay for it. That changed the dynamic somewhat and I was able to leave without charge. Absolutely scandalous, but I won't let one bad apple spoil it, all the other Sardinian people we met were absolutely lovely.

That is definately an idea ! Does look a lovely island and a family member has recommended it to me also.

My partners not big on italian food but maybe a few photos of the beach could persuade her.

Cant believe the cheek of the car rental lady, would love to have seen her face when confronted with the prospect of calling the police and video evidence.

I'd heard of this kind of stuff going down (off PH, as it goes) so thought it worthy of doing. The car was brand new (50kms on it when rented to us) so I was uber careful about parking it anywhere and looked after it as if it was my own. Anyway, I digress.

Travelling with a 2yo you will ideally want:

Somewhere with shade so they can sleep in the buggy
Self-catering, perhaps, so you can prep your own meals/have a high chair for the baby
Somewhere that doesn't mind young kids in restaurants, really not a problem there.

This is the place we stayed at, it is across the road from a lovely beach and has a number of bars and restaurants in the vicinity, free parking, an excellent mini market at the rear if you want to self-cater (we love Italian food, but if you cater for yourself then you don't have to go with that).

http://www.booking.com/Share-jsCcQQ

We had a two bed apartment with terrace and balcony so that we could sit out and watch the world go by as our son slept. Bear in mind he/she will be sleeping for 12hrs of the night (hopefully!) There is also a fabulous little park in the ornamental gardens in front of the hotel, was very popular with families in the early evening, our son loved it.

It was really relaxing, as a family we all really enjoyed it and would love to go return, post-Covid.

I should add that Easyjet have an excellent 'travelling with kids' policy - buggy carried for free, priority boarding etc .... done it many times, am a big fan. The staff are trained to really make it easy for you. Also allow loads of time to get through Security with a toddler.

Edited by PurpleTurtle on Wednesday 9th June 14:30

[Jcwjosh]

malks222 said:

Ok not a beach holiday, but would you consider a ‘lake’ holiday instead? One of my current plans/ thoughts is to head to lake annecy in france (we went when wife was pregnant) and stay self catering in a lake side property.

fly to geneva (short flight) and then 1.5hr drive to annecy itself. plenty options for self catering accommodation around the lake. lots of water activities round the lake, it’s awesome to swim in! really safe bike lane round the lake. annecy itself a lovely little town to walk around. close by you have mountains etc…. to explore.

Does look very picturesque bit like a lake bled stye holiday by the looks of it, i would be very tempted to spend my time fishing though ! definately keep that one for the future though looks like a good place to make some memories

[Jcwjosh]

alorotom said:

Flying with toddlers is very easy - those who say otherwise failed to adequately prepare for it.

We have flown long-haul with our daughter several times a year since she was 9weeks old (pre-pandemic) with only one issue, which was an airline problem - the heating/cooling system was stuck on full blast so the plane was like an oven for everyone.

We found Thailand to be very good with a small child, lots of food and exploration options, lots of new experiences that are quite different from 'normal' beach holidays

Before the little one was born we were looking at going to indonesia to tick off some of the bucket list but thought it too risky now. i travelled to thailand twice as a child and they were some of the best holidays i had for sure. Would love to visit again not sure how much it has changed now. Any recommendation on where you stayed ?

[Jcwjosh]

acd80 said:

I'd recommend Eurocamp sites. We took our little one on a road trip from South Wales to Venice when she was 18 months old in 2015 and the following year to Lake Garda.

We've stayed in this one a couple of times when doing road trips and can highly recommend it. We've stayed in the chalets and the bungalows. Loads of stuff for little ones to enjoy (and grown-ups - you've got all of Lake Garda on your doorstep) and there's a nightly kids disco to wear them out. The music is 'questionable' but kids love it.

https://www.eurocamp.co.uk/campsites/lakegarda/il0...

This one is easily reachable by airports and we flew into Bologna airport and drove down in just over 1 1/2 hours. Again, loads to do with little ones and Florence is right on your doorstep (with plenty of organised tours available on the site).

https://www.eurocamp.co.uk/campsites/tuscany/in017...

Thank you i will take a look at these too, at first glance they look pretty full on but i have no idea what a 2 year old will be like so may suit us down to the ground when he is walking and talking a lot more !

[Jcwjosh]

PurpleTurtle said:

I'd heard of this kind of stuff going down (off PH, as it goes) so thought it worthy of doing. The car was brand new (50kms on it when rented to us) so I was uber careful about parking it anywhere and looked after it as if it was my own. Anyway, I digress.

Travelling with a 2yo you will ideally want:

Somewhere with shade so they can sleep in the buggy
Self-catering, perhaps, so you can prep your own meals/have a high chair for the baby
Somewhere that doesn't mind young kids in restaurants, really not a problem there.

This is the place we stayed at, it is across the road from a lovely beach and has a number of bars and restaurants in the vicinity, free parking, an excellent mini market at the rear if you want to self-cater (we love Italian food, but if you cater for yourself then you don't have to go with that).

http://www.booking.com/Share-jsCcQQ

We had a two bed apartment with terrace and balcony so that we could sit out and watch the world go by as our son slept. Bear in mind he/she will be sleeping for 12hrs of the night (hopefully!) There is also a fabulous little park in the ornamental gardens in front of the hotel, was very popular with families in the early evening, our son loved it.

It was really relaxing, as a family we all really enjoyed it and would love to go return, post-Covid.

I should add that Easyjet have an excellent 'travelling with kids' policy - buggy carried for free, priority boarding etc .... done it many times, am a big fan. The staff are trained to really make it easy for you. Also allow loads of time to get through Security with a toddler.

Edited by PurpleTurtle on Wednesday 9th June 14:30

Looks pretty ideal i must say, i checked the availability and they seem to be fully booked up most months going ahead so that must say something about it ! will keep playing with the dates and see what pops up.

[Petrus1983]

alorotom said:

Flying with toddlers is very easy - those who say otherwise failed to adequately prepare for it.

We have flown long-haul with our daughter several times a year since she was 9weeks old (pre-pandemic) with only one issue, which was an airline problem - the heating/cooling system was stuck on full blast so the plane was like an oven for everyone.

We found Thailand to be very good with a small child, lots of food and exploration options, lots of new experiences that are quite different from 'normal' beach holidays

Couldn’t agree more. I’ve done circa 6 transatlantic flights a year since my son was 10 weeks old, he’s now about to turn 7. I’d say it’s harder now than when he was a toddler. But proper planning for the flight really helps - have lots of snacks, don’t take drinks, an iPad/screen and some extra time at the airport to get to the gate etc all makes things easier. Usually the cabin crew are great with kids too.

If it concerns you I’d head towards the Canaries - easy 2.5 hour flight with lots of options when you get there.

[alorotom]

Jcwjosh said:

alorotom said:

Flying with toddlers is very easy - those who say otherwise failed to adequately prepare for it.

We have flown long-haul with our daughter several times a year since she was 9weeks old (pre-pandemic) with only one issue, which was an airline problem - the heating/cooling system was stuck on full blast so the plane was like an oven for everyone.

We found Thailand to be very good with a small child, lots of food and exploration options, lots of new experiences that are quite different from 'normal' beach holidays

Before the little one was born we were looking at going to indonesia to tick off some of the bucket list but thought it too risky now. i travelled to thailand twice as a child and they were some of the best holidays i had for sure. Would love to visit again not sure how much it has changed now. Any recommendation on where you stayed ?

We usually stay in the gulf around Hua Hin - we used to have a house there a few years ago and it’s still a nice little place but growing and more commercial but still nice.

The beaches aren’t amazing there but head slightly further south down into and past Pran Buri (30-60mins in the car) and there are some outstanding and deserted beaches

Driving is super easy too both in/around Bangkok (much easier than many other major western cities) and in the provinces.

[Stockman14]

I've travelled with a 1,2 and 4 year old (not all mine) and had no issues. You have to plan a bit more, but it's really not a massive drama.
Longest flight was a couple of hours, but with the right toys and snacks everything was fine.

[Amateurish]

Ive done loads of travelling with kids and in my experience the toddler years are the worst for plane travel.

[Sheepshanks]

Stockman14 said:

I've travelled with a 1,2 and 4 year old (not all mine) and had no issues. You have to plan a bit more, but it's really not a massive drama.
Longest flight was a couple of hours, but with the right toys and snacks everything was fine.

Hmm...travelled with my own children and with grandchildren. I would say they're all at the well behaved end of normal.

They can be great - or not. Our usually effortless oldest granddaughter was a complete nightmare on an overnight flight from the US which was a surprise as we weren't expecting any issues. Be careful of seats, common in PE / Business, that don't have liftable armrests - during turbulance the crew insisted she sat in her own seat.

Both our own kids and grandchildren have been sick al over somebody at one time or another so take a spare set of clothes! We've needed adult romper suits from First a couple of times.

[Jcwjosh]

Amateurish said:

Ive done loads of travelling with kids and in my experience the toddler years are the worst for plane travel.

As someone who was lucky enough to have quite a few holidays growing up i seem to remember toddlers causing all sorts of stress for their parents.

My son doesnt keep still and is constantly on the go so im thinking an evening flight might be the best option in the hope he would nod off after a few hours, and if thats the case my cyprus trip may still be suitable..