Winter sun with a one year old. Where and how?
Discussion
We have not a had a proper holiday for about two years now, so I have said we should go away in December.
Critera:
About £2k budget
Sunny
Near the Beach
Baby friendly (he will be 18 months in Dec)
Nice hotel or room, as I guess we won't be having too many late evening out. Which also means a more day focused holiday than evening.
Ideas so far:
Thailand is in the lead, we have been before and loved it, so our thoughts mainly revolve around this.
Based on the following perhaps you could suggest a good alternative?
-Its very far but with a night flight baby could sleep through the majority of it. (hopefully)
-Flights only get you to Bangkok, You then need to travel somewhere else. Perhaps we could have a couple of days in Bangkok then onto Ko Samui and/or Ko Tao (we've been to Ko Samui, and have heard excellent things about Ko Tao.
-Would you squeeze all the travelling into one day? or break it up? as Ive suggested?
-Also but less important I like to have something to do, with a baby that will limit our options. I have boxed for quite few years now, and I know in Thailand I could find a local gym to train in every morning. Which would be a great experience also. (if you are in to that sort of thing of course)
Never been to the Caribbean so not quite sure what to expect. But would be put off if it is americanised in any way.
What would you do?
Where have you been with a young baby?
Who is best to book with these days?
Critera:
About £2k budget
Sunny
Near the Beach
Baby friendly (he will be 18 months in Dec)
Nice hotel or room, as I guess we won't be having too many late evening out. Which also means a more day focused holiday than evening.
Ideas so far:
Thailand is in the lead, we have been before and loved it, so our thoughts mainly revolve around this.
Based on the following perhaps you could suggest a good alternative?
-Its very far but with a night flight baby could sleep through the majority of it. (hopefully)
-Flights only get you to Bangkok, You then need to travel somewhere else. Perhaps we could have a couple of days in Bangkok then onto Ko Samui and/or Ko Tao (we've been to Ko Samui, and have heard excellent things about Ko Tao.
-Would you squeeze all the travelling into one day? or break it up? as Ive suggested?
-Also but less important I like to have something to do, with a baby that will limit our options. I have boxed for quite few years now, and I know in Thailand I could find a local gym to train in every morning. Which would be a great experience also. (if you are in to that sort of thing of course)
Never been to the Caribbean so not quite sure what to expect. But would be put off if it is americanised in any way.
What would you do?
Where have you been with a young baby?
Who is best to book with these days?
Been to Thailand many times over the years with the family.
The kids were about the same age as yours when they first made the journey.
In itself, the flight is not an issue. however, it all depends on how well the child travels, which can vary wildly, from one end of the holiday, to the other!
We never had any real issues, but I have seen plenty of parents who look destroyed after a 11 hour flight with an unhappy child. Granted, by 18 months, you should be through the most difficult times.
Youngsters can find it difficult to cope with cabin air pressure changes and 11-12 hours with a 18 month old on your lap is a long time! I've spent many hours "touring" the plane, to combat the boredom/discomfort felt by the kids.
EVA is our airline of choice for Bangkok. There is limited choice of carriers who fly direct and non stop. BA/Qantas, Thai and EVA are the choice from LHR. Not sure about other airports.
EVA fly out at 21.30 Hrs and back at around 13.00 Hrs. This always works great for us.
I would suggest that flight availability may be your issue. Christmas is a busy time for Thailand bound flights. Not only the holiday makers, but it's also a popular stop off for the UK-Oz route. You may be luccky if you're not bound by school holiday dates.
In terms of where to go, both Koh Samui and Koh Tao are, as you know, on the South China Sea side of the Thai peninsula and as such pick up the tail end of the monsoon season at that time. They expect around double the rainfall that is usual for the Andaman Sea side (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi and Khao Lak)
I love Samui and return most years in April. Christmas is not the best time to be there.
However, if you are set on that side, consider that where you stay will have a big influence on how occupied your child is. Choosing somewhere that is quiet, idylic and like "The Beach", is not going to entertain a little one. A larger hotel in a more mainstream location, with lots of other families and things to entertain a youngster will mean happy child, which as we all know equals relaxed parents. Lots of other kids to play with is a great thing for children, IMO.
I think that you may find the added bonus of having amenities around you appealing. The presence of Boots and Tesco, are not truly Thai, but are a welcome bonus when you want that certain cream/food/nappy/medicine for your child. Samui and Phuket will offer you this, but doubtful that the smaller island will.
In terms of transit at BKK, we tend to push on through. There is little of interest in BKK city to entertain a child of 18 months. You will spend a significant amount of time getting in and out of the city, waiting at aiports etc.
Book a connecting flight, ideally with Bangkok Airways and you can spend the waiting hours (2-3) in their lounge. This is available to all customers and has free snack, drinks, kids play area, internet points, books, mags etc etc. Easy to while away the time in there. Suvambhuni is a huge and modern airport, with limited seating. Bangkok Airways lounge is a welcome facility.
EVA flights, then connecting on, means that you will arrive in your hotel between 22.00 and 21.00 Hrs, the day after departure. If you allow your child around 5-6 hours sleep at the beginning of the EVA flight, they'll be ready for bed by the time you have checked in and gone for some late supper.
If you can stretch to it, EVA Premium Economy gives you a fir bit more room in the seat and makes having a child on your lap more comfortable. Not sure on the restrictions for sky cots - it's probably age and/or weight related.
PM me if you want anything more specific - but in a nut shell - go for it, but book quickly!!
The kids were about the same age as yours when they first made the journey.
In itself, the flight is not an issue. however, it all depends on how well the child travels, which can vary wildly, from one end of the holiday, to the other!
We never had any real issues, but I have seen plenty of parents who look destroyed after a 11 hour flight with an unhappy child. Granted, by 18 months, you should be through the most difficult times.
Youngsters can find it difficult to cope with cabin air pressure changes and 11-12 hours with a 18 month old on your lap is a long time! I've spent many hours "touring" the plane, to combat the boredom/discomfort felt by the kids.
EVA is our airline of choice for Bangkok. There is limited choice of carriers who fly direct and non stop. BA/Qantas, Thai and EVA are the choice from LHR. Not sure about other airports.
EVA fly out at 21.30 Hrs and back at around 13.00 Hrs. This always works great for us.
I would suggest that flight availability may be your issue. Christmas is a busy time for Thailand bound flights. Not only the holiday makers, but it's also a popular stop off for the UK-Oz route. You may be luccky if you're not bound by school holiday dates.
In terms of where to go, both Koh Samui and Koh Tao are, as you know, on the South China Sea side of the Thai peninsula and as such pick up the tail end of the monsoon season at that time. They expect around double the rainfall that is usual for the Andaman Sea side (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi and Khao Lak)
I love Samui and return most years in April. Christmas is not the best time to be there.
However, if you are set on that side, consider that where you stay will have a big influence on how occupied your child is. Choosing somewhere that is quiet, idylic and like "The Beach", is not going to entertain a little one. A larger hotel in a more mainstream location, with lots of other families and things to entertain a youngster will mean happy child, which as we all know equals relaxed parents. Lots of other kids to play with is a great thing for children, IMO.
I think that you may find the added bonus of having amenities around you appealing. The presence of Boots and Tesco, are not truly Thai, but are a welcome bonus when you want that certain cream/food/nappy/medicine for your child. Samui and Phuket will offer you this, but doubtful that the smaller island will.
In terms of transit at BKK, we tend to push on through. There is little of interest in BKK city to entertain a child of 18 months. You will spend a significant amount of time getting in and out of the city, waiting at aiports etc.
Book a connecting flight, ideally with Bangkok Airways and you can spend the waiting hours (2-3) in their lounge. This is available to all customers and has free snack, drinks, kids play area, internet points, books, mags etc etc. Easy to while away the time in there. Suvambhuni is a huge and modern airport, with limited seating. Bangkok Airways lounge is a welcome facility.
EVA flights, then connecting on, means that you will arrive in your hotel between 22.00 and 21.00 Hrs, the day after departure. If you allow your child around 5-6 hours sleep at the beginning of the EVA flight, they'll be ready for bed by the time you have checked in and gone for some late supper.
If you can stretch to it, EVA Premium Economy gives you a fir bit more room in the seat and makes having a child on your lap more comfortable. Not sure on the restrictions for sky cots - it's probably age and/or weight related.
PM me if you want anything more specific - but in a nut shell - go for it, but book quickly!!
We took our son to Spain when he was 6m old. Regrettably they can't do anything when their ears pop and they scream the plane down. We did take our 2 year old to Florida in 2008 and that went better than I thought and maybe bigger aircraft give less pressure problems, I don't know.
My sons are now 2 and 5 and I wouldn't dream of taking them further than the Canaries. Even Mallorca found them bored within the 2 hours and the little one had ear issues on the descent.
Exotic destinations tend to be avoided due to the jabs etc required to stave off malaria and so forth.
the good thing about Florida is that Disney forgives you everything...
My sons are now 2 and 5 and I wouldn't dream of taking them further than the Canaries. Even Mallorca found them bored within the 2 hours and the little one had ear issues on the descent.
Exotic destinations tend to be avoided due to the jabs etc required to stave off malaria and so forth.
the good thing about Florida is that Disney forgives you everything...
Nobby Diesel said:
Been to Thailand many times over the years with the family.
The kids were about the same age as yours when they first made the journey.
In itself, the flight is not an issue. however, it all depends on how well the child travels, which can vary wildly, from one end of the holiday, to the other!
We never had any real issues, but I have seen plenty of parents who look destroyed after a 11 hour flight with an unhappy child. Granted, by 18 months, you should be through the most difficult times.
Youngsters can find it difficult to cope with cabin air pressure changes and 11-12 hours with a 18 month old on your lap is a long time! I've spent many hours "touring" the plane, to combat the boredom/discomfort felt by the kids.
EVA is our airline of choice for Bangkok. There is limited choice of carriers who fly direct and non stop. BA/Qantas, Thai and EVA are the choice from LHR. Not sure about other airports.
EVA fly out at 21.30 Hrs and back at around 13.00 Hrs. This always works great for us.
I would suggest that flight availability may be your issue. Christmas is a busy time for Thailand bound flights. Not only the holiday makers, but it's also a popular stop off for the UK-Oz route. You may be luccky if you're not bound by school holiday dates.
In terms of where to go, both Koh Samui and Koh Tao are, as you know, on the South China Sea side of the Thai peninsula and as such pick up the tail end of the monsoon season at that time. They expect around double the rainfall that is usual for the Andaman Sea side (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi and Khao Lak)
I love Samui and return most years in April. Christmas is not the best time to be there.
However, if you are set on that side, consider that where you stay will have a big influence on how occupied your child is. Choosing somewhere that is quiet, idylic and like "The Beach", is not going to entertain a little one. A larger hotel in a more mainstream location, with lots of other families and things to entertain a youngster will mean happy child, which as we all know equals relaxed parents. Lots of other kids to play with is a great thing for children, IMO.
I think that you may find the added bonus of having amenities around you appealing. The presence of Boots and Tesco, are not truly Thai, but are a welcome bonus when you want that certain cream/food/nappy/medicine for your child. Samui and Phuket will offer you this, but doubtful that the smaller island will.
In terms of transit at BKK, we tend to push on through. There is little of interest in BKK city to entertain a child of 18 months. You will spend a significant amount of time getting in and out of the city, waiting at aiports etc.
Book a connecting flight, ideally with Bangkok Airways and you can spend the waiting hours (2-3) in their lounge. This is available to all customers and has free snack, drinks, kids play area, internet points, books, mags etc etc. Easy to while away the time in there. Suvambhuni is a huge and modern airport, with limited seating. Bangkok Airways lounge is a welcome facility.
EVA flights, then connecting on, means that you will arrive in your hotel between 22.00 and 21.00 Hrs, the day after departure. If you allow your child around 5-6 hours sleep at the beginning of the EVA flight, they'll be ready for bed by the time you have checked in and gone for some late supper.
If you can stretch to it, EVA Premium Economy gives you a fir bit more room in the seat and makes having a child on your lap more comfortable. Not sure on the restrictions for sky cots - it's probably age and/or weight related.
PM me if you want anything more specific - but in a nut shell - go for it, but book quickly!!
Thanks very useful. The kids were about the same age as yours when they first made the journey.
In itself, the flight is not an issue. however, it all depends on how well the child travels, which can vary wildly, from one end of the holiday, to the other!
We never had any real issues, but I have seen plenty of parents who look destroyed after a 11 hour flight with an unhappy child. Granted, by 18 months, you should be through the most difficult times.
Youngsters can find it difficult to cope with cabin air pressure changes and 11-12 hours with a 18 month old on your lap is a long time! I've spent many hours "touring" the plane, to combat the boredom/discomfort felt by the kids.
EVA is our airline of choice for Bangkok. There is limited choice of carriers who fly direct and non stop. BA/Qantas, Thai and EVA are the choice from LHR. Not sure about other airports.
EVA fly out at 21.30 Hrs and back at around 13.00 Hrs. This always works great for us.
I would suggest that flight availability may be your issue. Christmas is a busy time for Thailand bound flights. Not only the holiday makers, but it's also a popular stop off for the UK-Oz route. You may be luccky if you're not bound by school holiday dates.
In terms of where to go, both Koh Samui and Koh Tao are, as you know, on the South China Sea side of the Thai peninsula and as such pick up the tail end of the monsoon season at that time. They expect around double the rainfall that is usual for the Andaman Sea side (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi and Khao Lak)
I love Samui and return most years in April. Christmas is not the best time to be there.
However, if you are set on that side, consider that where you stay will have a big influence on how occupied your child is. Choosing somewhere that is quiet, idylic and like "The Beach", is not going to entertain a little one. A larger hotel in a more mainstream location, with lots of other families and things to entertain a youngster will mean happy child, which as we all know equals relaxed parents. Lots of other kids to play with is a great thing for children, IMO.
I think that you may find the added bonus of having amenities around you appealing. The presence of Boots and Tesco, are not truly Thai, but are a welcome bonus when you want that certain cream/food/nappy/medicine for your child. Samui and Phuket will offer you this, but doubtful that the smaller island will.
In terms of transit at BKK, we tend to push on through. There is little of interest in BKK city to entertain a child of 18 months. You will spend a significant amount of time getting in and out of the city, waiting at aiports etc.
Book a connecting flight, ideally with Bangkok Airways and you can spend the waiting hours (2-3) in their lounge. This is available to all customers and has free snack, drinks, kids play area, internet points, books, mags etc etc. Easy to while away the time in there. Suvambhuni is a huge and modern airport, with limited seating. Bangkok Airways lounge is a welcome facility.
EVA flights, then connecting on, means that you will arrive in your hotel between 22.00 and 21.00 Hrs, the day after departure. If you allow your child around 5-6 hours sleep at the beginning of the EVA flight, they'll be ready for bed by the time you have checked in and gone for some late supper.
If you can stretch to it, EVA Premium Economy gives you a fir bit more room in the seat and makes having a child on your lap more comfortable. Not sure on the restrictions for sky cots - it's probably age and/or weight related.
PM me if you want anything more specific - but in a nut shell - go for it, but book quickly!!
We flew with EVA when we went and found them very good. Also agree about Bangkok Airport, it puts Heathrow and Gatwick to shame, and Samui Airport is virtual bliss.
We were thinking of going around the 8th Dec and returning on the 23rd so we can still spend christmas at home, and hopefully the flight might not be in such high demand?
So the South China sea side might pick up the last of the Monsoon, or the Andaman Side gets the rain. When we went before in the last two weeks of December to Koh Samui the weather was great, so I think we will take our chances with that.
How would you describe the difference between samui and ko tao? We have heard mixed reviews.
Perhaps we could split the holiday between the two islands? Picking up the supplies we need in samui before going to tao. Wouldn't like to pack two weeks worth of nappies!
We did fly for a short weekend away earlier in the year, and our little one was totally fine and he is a very good sleeper, so we are hopeful the flight will be reasonable for him.
Ok, so you know what you're getting in Samui.
Koh Tao is a different world. Not better, not worse, just different.
The main activity on KT is diving. If you don't dive or snorkel, you will have a hard time finding anything else to do in the daytime, apart from enjoying KT and it's beautifully clear waters and clean beaches.
It's far more of a "tropical" island.
Transfer is by ferry or Express boat from KS and takes anything between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the currents and winds. Be mindful of the fact that transfer back to KS to make your homeward bound flights will need a factor of safety building in, as the crossings are frequently cancelled at that time of year, due to rough conditions.
If you went KS first, then KT second, your journey home will fell a bit like "Planes, Trains and Automobiles"! If you do fly home with EVA, it'll mean getting the early flight from KS to BKK at 08.00 in time to catch the EVA flight home. So that means transfering back from KT to KS at least the day before. Another round of unpacking, checking in/out at hotels etc.
However, if you are set on KT, keep it in mind that the island is very small. If you think of Samui and drw a line from the north end of Chaweng to Big Buddha, the area north of that line is about the size of KT; small.
IMO, you could do 2 centres on Samui and get a very similar experience. Have a look at The White House in Choeng Mon - http://samuithewhitehouse.com/
I've stayed there a few times and its lovely. In particular, look at the Thai suites http://samuithewhitehouse.com/accommodation/thai_s...
You get more than enough room for you and you little one, with a little courtyard, with a lockable door, for the childs security.
As an alternative, you could look at places on the the north or west coast for a more relaxed face of Samui.
Koh Tao is lovely, but for me taking youngsters, a little limiting. Plus, a bit of a faff.
Koh Tao is a different world. Not better, not worse, just different.
The main activity on KT is diving. If you don't dive or snorkel, you will have a hard time finding anything else to do in the daytime, apart from enjoying KT and it's beautifully clear waters and clean beaches.
It's far more of a "tropical" island.
Transfer is by ferry or Express boat from KS and takes anything between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the currents and winds. Be mindful of the fact that transfer back to KS to make your homeward bound flights will need a factor of safety building in, as the crossings are frequently cancelled at that time of year, due to rough conditions.
If you went KS first, then KT second, your journey home will fell a bit like "Planes, Trains and Automobiles"! If you do fly home with EVA, it'll mean getting the early flight from KS to BKK at 08.00 in time to catch the EVA flight home. So that means transfering back from KT to KS at least the day before. Another round of unpacking, checking in/out at hotels etc.
However, if you are set on KT, keep it in mind that the island is very small. If you think of Samui and drw a line from the north end of Chaweng to Big Buddha, the area north of that line is about the size of KT; small.
IMO, you could do 2 centres on Samui and get a very similar experience. Have a look at The White House in Choeng Mon - http://samuithewhitehouse.com/
I've stayed there a few times and its lovely. In particular, look at the Thai suites http://samuithewhitehouse.com/accommodation/thai_s...
You get more than enough room for you and you little one, with a little courtyard, with a lockable door, for the childs security.
As an alternative, you could look at places on the the north or west coast for a more relaxed face of Samui.
Koh Tao is lovely, but for me taking youngsters, a little limiting. Plus, a bit of a faff.
We went to Hurghada with Mark Warner when ours was a year old or so and apart from the Russians it was great, we did regret not booking full time childcare though as he enjoyed it so much. The four hour flight was getting a bit much though and is the limit of what we'd do with a young one.
ETA Just remembered we all fell asleep on the flight and miniBill rolled over and fell off the seat
ETA Just remembered we all fell asleep on the flight and miniBill rolled over and fell off the seat
kentmotorcompany said:
We have not a had a proper holiday for about two years now, so I have said we should go away in December.
Critera:
About £2k budget
Sunny
Near the Beach
Baby friendly (he will be 18 months in Dec)
Nice hotel or room, as I guess we won't be having too many late evening out. Which also means a more day focused holiday than evening.
Ideas so far:
Thailand is in the lead, we have been before and loved it, so our thoughts mainly revolve around this.
Based on the following perhaps you could suggest a good alternative?
-Its very far but with a night flight baby could sleep through the majority of it. (hopefully)
-Flights only get you to Bangkok, You then need to travel somewhere else. Perhaps we could have a couple of days in Bangkok then onto Ko Samui and/or Ko Tao (we've been to Ko Samui, and have heard excellent things about Ko Tao.
-Would you squeeze all the travelling into one day? or break it up? as Ive suggested?
-Also but less important I like to have something to do, with a baby that will limit our options. I have boxed for quite few years now, and I know in Thailand I could find a local gym to train in every morning. Which would be a great experience also. (if you are in to that sort of thing of course)
Never been to the Caribbean so not quite sure what to expect. But would be put off if it is americanised in any way.
What would you do?
Where have you been with a young baby?
Who is best to book with these days?
http://www.uniquehomestays.com/unique/calendar.asp?action=6month&startdate=01-10-2011&ID=1360Critera:
About £2k budget
Sunny
Near the Beach
Baby friendly (he will be 18 months in Dec)
Nice hotel or room, as I guess we won't be having too many late evening out. Which also means a more day focused holiday than evening.
Ideas so far:
Thailand is in the lead, we have been before and loved it, so our thoughts mainly revolve around this.
Based on the following perhaps you could suggest a good alternative?
-Its very far but with a night flight baby could sleep through the majority of it. (hopefully)
-Flights only get you to Bangkok, You then need to travel somewhere else. Perhaps we could have a couple of days in Bangkok then onto Ko Samui and/or Ko Tao (we've been to Ko Samui, and have heard excellent things about Ko Tao.
-Would you squeeze all the travelling into one day? or break it up? as Ive suggested?
-Also but less important I like to have something to do, with a baby that will limit our options. I have boxed for quite few years now, and I know in Thailand I could find a local gym to train in every morning. Which would be a great experience also. (if you are in to that sort of thing of course)
Never been to the Caribbean so not quite sure what to expect. But would be put off if it is americanised in any way.
What would you do?
Where have you been with a young baby?
Who is best to book with these days?
1 week £1,750
kentmotorcompany said:
-Its very far but with a night flight baby could sleep through the majority of it. (hopefully)
We're off over half-term with a five year old, a two year old and a nine month old - 12 hour flight. We've been doing it since the first was born. Sometimes they sleep. Sometimes they don't.kentmotorcompany said:
Thanks very useful.
We flew with EVA when we went and found them very good. Also agree about Bangkok Airport, it puts Heathrow and Gatwick to shame, and Samui Airport is virtual bliss.
My bog puts Heathrow to shame, complete sWe flew with EVA when we went and found them very good. Also agree about Bangkok Airport, it puts Heathrow and Gatwick to shame, and Samui Airport is virtual bliss.
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