holiday with 1 year old

irishgirl19

Looking to go on our first family holiday next May if anyone can recommend very child friendly hotels. I have a budget of 1200 for 3 of us ,maybe a bit of wiggle room.
We were looking at Portugal, salou or Majorca. Open to other suggestions though. Thanks in advance

ncmc

irishgirl19 wrote: »

Looking to go on our first family holiday next May if anyone can recommend very child friendly hotels. I have a budget of 1200 for 3 of us ,maybe a bit of wiggle room.
We were looking at Portugal, salou or Majorca. Open to other suggestions though. Thanks in advance

I think you will find most hotels in those areas are very child friendly, but at 1 years of age, they will really only require a kiddies pool. I know you didn't mention Costa del Sol, but Sunset Beach Resort in Benalmadena is fab and very family friendly, I have also heard good things about the Sea Club Alcudia. Is that budget for flights and accomodation? How long are you hoping to go for?

irishgirl19

Thank you ncmc. A colleague and friend recommended sunset beach too so ill have a look at them. Would there be much in costa del sol for us to do?

ncmc

irishgirl19 wrote: »

Thank you ncmc. A colleague and friend recommended sunset beach too so ill have a look at them. Would there be much in costa del sol for us to do?

Oh absolutely, Benalmadena is between Fuengirola and Torremolinos so you really have the ammenites of three resorts on your doorstep. There is a bioparc in Fuengirola which your baby might enjoy and an aquariam in Benalmadena. To be honest, with your baby being so young, you'll prob find you'll just spend most of your time on the beach or by the pool. Anything else might go over their head a bit!

Sunny Dayz

Went to Salou a few years ago. Short flight and quick taxi ride from the airport. Stayed in the H10 Med Village which is in Cap Salou, just outside Salou. Little train brings you into Salou during the day and evening til about 10pm. Nice little beach across the road but there were steps down to it.

Deise Vu

Don't. Do. It.
Seriously.

Taking a baby on a flight is a nightmare. Packing all the gear, the air pressure making the child scream in agony, the daggers looks from the (childless) on board. Then when u get there trying to find the correct baby formula etc.

Your idyllic dream of a laughing baby and photos of a lifetime will evaporate when you see how cranky a child becomes in the heat.

Really, a week in an Irish child/friendly hotel is a way better idea. Anywhere with a pool and child minders on tap.

from_atozinc

Is the 1200 euro to cover flights for 2 adults and hotel and spending money etc for a week ?

ncmc

Deise Vu wrote: »

Don't. Do. It.
Seriously.

Taking a baby on a flight is a nightmare. Packing all the gear, the air pressure making the child scream in agony, the daggers looks from the (childless) on board. Then when u get there trying to find the correct baby formula etc.

Your idyllic dream of a laughing baby and photos of a lifetime will evaporate when you see how cranky a child becomes in the heat.

Really, a week in an Irish child/friendly hotel is a way better idea. Anywhere with a pool and child minders on tap.

I'm sorry, but I can't disagree with this enough! I have been flying with my daughter since she was 4 months old, and I have never experienced what you are describing. We have never had an issue with her on the flight itself and she has always loved being away. A week in an Irish hotel is grand unless you get a week of sh*te weather and you're desperately trying to keep yourself and the baby entertained. Plus at one, there's a good chance the baby will be on regular cows milk and not need a steriliser any more, so there isn't that much stuff to bring. I always bring nappies, purely because I find them expensive abroad and also basic medicine like calpol, teedex etc. Other than that, there's not that much stuff to bring.

Don't listen to scare mongering OP, you will have a great time! Of course holidays are different with a baby, not worse, just different!

irishgirl19

Thank you everyone for the advice.

I have to admit I am worried about the flight. She hates sitting on our laps as it is and id imagine that part will be stressful
The 1200 would be budget for flights + accommodation

Dodge

Brought our little one to Salou when she was one. Flight was fine. She slept for most of it. Have cartoons or similar downloaded on your phone for her. Even a couple of treats. 2 hours in the air is no time at all.

Reus airport is very close to Salou. Plenty to do during the day and if you stay off the main strip it's lovely and quiet in the evenings. Kids are welcome everywhere

We loved our week away being able to relax with her and it was certainly less stressful than a week at home trying to keep her occupied.

Tigerandahalf

Re the budget of 1200 are you going for 1 or 2 weeks? Accommodation can be quite cheap in May. And flights can be reasonable. A lot depends on whether you need to overnight in Dublin on way out/back. That can be dearer than accomodation costs abroad.

Eating out will be your biggest expense. If you eat out 3 times a day plus treats and drinks it gets expensive. Even having just breakfast in will save a good bit over the holiday.

Then things like car rental. If you are not renting enquire about the need for baby seats in getting a lift from the airport.

Getting away is great and a bit of sunny warm weather can do the world of good. Just get things well organised as small little things can catch you out. Tripadvisor is very handy for local info on shops, restaurants etc.

Enjoy

irishgirl19

Thanks tigerandahalf. 1 week would be enough! We aren't renting a car but was wondering about car seats alright

Eponymous

Deise Vu wrote: »

Don't. Do. It.
Seriously.

Taking a baby on a flight is a nightmare. Packing all the gear, the air pressure making the child scream in agony, the daggers looks from the (childless) on board. Then when u get there trying to find the correct baby formula etc.

Your idyllic dream of a laughing baby and photos of a lifetime will evaporate when you see how cranky a child becomes in the heat.

Really, a week in an Irish child/friendly hotel is a way better idea. Anywhere with a pool and child minders on tap.

Wrong on so many counts.

Of course everyone's experience may vary, but my own experience, having taken both children on sun holidays when each was three months old and then at various ages up to (now) seven years of age. Other than the initial 10 minutes of getting the baby used to the idea of staying put for a while for boarding and take-off, I've never experienced much bother with either of my kids on flights.

And to be honest, I think in all my flights I think I've only ever been on one where there was a kid screaming throughout and that was a flight from Frankfurt in winter...

You can do things to prepare for being at your resort too, like finding out what the equivalent of your formula is called locally, what can I use if they don't have pampers (it's Dodot, by the way). You can buy nifty bits like the fabled baby burkha to protect from sunlight and provide a cooling effect.

Like anything else you do with your young children, you prepare for it. Luckily for us, we have prepared and we've had many brilliant holidays with our kids. Long may they continue.

irishgirl19

ncmc wrote:

I think you will find most hotels in those areas are very child friendly, but at 1 years of age, they will really only require a kiddies pool. I know you didn't mention Costa del Sol, but Sunset Beach Resort in Benalmadena is fab and very family friendly, I have also heard good things about the Sea Club Alcudia. Is that budget for flights and accomodation? How long are you hoping to go for?

Ncmc, looking now at benalmedena because our friends are going there at that same time.
Have you any experience of los patos park apartments? Bit cheaper than sunset beach
Also is benalmedena away from all the trouble. You know the way the media calls it costa del crime

ncmc

I don't know that apartment I'm afraid. God, I've never heard anything about Benalmadena being unsafe.

cml387

irishgirl19 wrote: »

Ncmc, looking now at benalmedena because our friends are going there at that same time.
Have you any experience of los patos park apartments? Bit cheaper than sunset beach
Also is benalmedena away from all the trouble. You know the way the media calls it costa del crime

Benelmedena is totally safe.

God knows where people get their ideas from (well I know it's the tabloids:rolleyes:).

Vyse

Okay, I agree and disagree with some of the sentiments above. Have gone on a number of holidays with our small ones and as every child is different I can only comment on my own experiences.

With just one child, at a young age, it was fine. You are restricted in a number of things you can do i.e. we loved doing trips but found out quite quickly this was not feasible with a 7 month old. However we were able to pop him in the buggy in the evening and go for a walk. He would sleep and we could go in and get some dinner and relax.

We have more than one now and the holidays are a tad more stressful:o

One thing to bear in mind. The child doesn't care where they are. They will have as much fun at home out the back garden as they will have abroad.

Balmed Out

I went to coralejo in fuerteventura with a 15 month one easter. Rented a car well in advance, good deal on flights and booked accommodation privately for 1100 total for two weeks. The accommodation was probably fifteen minutes walk to the centre of the town but with the car it didn't matter so definitely doable. Baby wasn't too happy on the return journey but we had a great holiday.

Spanish Eyes

Could I just ask in a friendly way why anyone would take a young baby away abroad?

Just wondered, if it is for the parents? Because the child won't give a hoot.

Surely a stress free baby seat in a car, to a nice hotel with a pool or something in Ireland is preferable until the child is able to appreciate the sun, the heat, the plane, and the pool.

Of course I will be castigated here, I accept that. But a child under three will not know where the heck they are going, so why I often ask?

My kids only 14 months apart in age and when they were tiny we did Club Med
2 years running, once in Turkey and once in Sicily. Absolutely brilliant, and also excellent child care so you can have a break yourselves even for a couple of hours a day. And with 2 tinies, you really need a break!

It is pricey though, but worth checking if they have any deals for May

Anne_cordelia

Deise Vu wrote: »

Don't. Do. It.
Seriously.

Taking a baby on a flight is a nightmare. Packing all the gear, the air pressure making the child scream in agony, the daggers looks from the (childless) on board. Then when u get there trying to find the correct baby formula etc.

Your idyllic dream of a laughing baby and photos of a lifetime will evaporate when you see how cranky a child becomes in the heat.

Really, a week in an Irish child/friendly hotel is a way better idea. Anywhere with a pool and child minders on tap.

Rubbish. We have been flying since our daughter was tiny. She has enhanced our holidays and made them better.

Spanish Eyes

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

Could I just ask in a friendly way why anyone would take a young baby away abroad?

Just wondered, if it is for the parents? Because the child won't give a hoot.

Surely a stress free baby seat in a car, to a nice hotel with a pool or something in Ireland is preferable until the child is able to appreciate the sun, the heat, the plane, and the pool.

Of course I will be castigated here, I accept that. But a child under three will not know where the heck they are going, so why I often ask?

I do see your point, and you are absolutely right that the child doesn't know where it is.

However for us we both love travelling and we always brought the kids abroad. We tailored the holiday more to them when we had them obviously, and always prepared really well for the flight. So we never had a screaming fit on a flight, thankfully, as we were always prepared with food, toys, blankies etc

We had great holidays abroad and all managed to enjoy ourselves. For the first couple of years you have to bring the kitchen sink and all, but it gets easier...

Spanish Eyes

Deleted User wrote: »

I do see your point, and you are absolutely right that the child doesn't know where it is.

However for us we both love travelling and we always brought the kids abroad. We tailored the holiday more to them when we had them obviously, and always prepared really well for the flight. So we never had a screaming fit on a flight, thankfully, as we were always prepared with food, toys, blankies etc

We had great holidays abroad and all managed to enjoy ourselves. For the first couple of years you have to bring the kitchen sink and all, but it gets easier...

Yep, the kitchen sink and all is right!

Each to their own, glad it worked out, and I wasn't being a nasty person, I just wondered why!

Each to their own and all that.

Anne_cordelia

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

Could I just ask in a friendly way why anyone would take a young baby away abroad?

Just wondered, if it is for the parents? Because the child won't give a hoot.

Surely a stress free baby seat in a car, to a nice hotel with a pool or something in Ireland is preferable until the child is able to appreciate the sun, the heat, the plane, and the pool.

Of course I will be castigated here, I accept that. But a child under three will not know where the heck they are going, so why I often ask?

Well of course it's for the parents. I think a child will benefit from being in a different environment experiencing different languages and cultures even if they aren't able to remember it fully. They will absorb some of it. Our daughter was just starting to speak on holiday last year and she learned 8 words while we were away having only 3/4 going. The change in environment definitely contributed to her development.

Also it's nice to take 2 weeks away from reality, away from cooking and cleaning and having 2 weeks of 100% parental attention on the child. Complete relaxation and fun for all with no normal day to day stresses.

Senna

Last year we took our wee girl on the first holiday, we booked a private apartment and delt directly with the owner, it might have been shear luck, but we were able to find an apartment that suited us perfectly, very secure (wife was worried), beside a Lidl, with a huge veranda, which could be completely closed over, even had one of the blow up paddling pools, she loved it, didn't like the kiddies pool in the complex. Spend most afternoons out on the veranda with the cover over half of it and her staying in that half.
The apartment owner was able to organise us a lift from airport with a baby seat. There was stuff like baby monitors, high chairs, kids toys etc, and seems like they are common in private rentals.

Balmed Out

Spanish Eyes wrote:

Could I just ask in a friendly way why anyone would take a young baby away abroad?

Spanish Eyes wrote:

Could I just ask in a friendly way why anyone would take a young baby away abroad?

Spanish Eyes wrote:

Just wondered, if it is for the parents? Because the child won't give a hoot.

Spanish Eyes wrote:

Surely a stress free baby seat in a car, to a nice hotel with a pool or something in Ireland is preferable until the child is able to appreciate the sun, the heat, the plane, and the pool.

Spanish Eyes wrote:

Of course I will be castigated here, I accept that. But a child under three will not know where the heck they are going, so why I often ask?

I wouldn't do it at the height of summer but I have at easter. Two weeks with every day being early 20's and able to spend it all day dipping in and out of the sea or outdoor pool is fantastic.

Dodge

Of course it's for the parents. If you think the one year doesn't care, why suggest a holiday in Ireland for them?

irishgirl19

Spanish Eyes wrote:

Could I just ask in a friendly way why anyone would take a young baby away abroad?

She will be 21 months at the time so hoping old enough to enjoy the pools and beach. Of course its for us too :-)

Spanish Eyes

irishgirl19 wrote: »

She will be 21 months at the time so hoping old enough to enjoy the pools and beach. Of course its for us too :-)

Hope you have a great time!

Spanish Eyes

Dodge wrote: »

Of course it's for the parents. If you think the one year doesn't care, why suggest a holiday in Ireland for them?

Ah I wasn't having a go at anyone at all.

I mentioned Ireland because there are no airport hassles involved. That's all.

When Centre Parcs is open in Longford, I already know lots of parents of babies and toddlers who will jump at it. It is expensive, but easy, with all the benefits of being abroad it seems.

ncmc

I think holidays are for parents right up until a child is 4/5, I mean realistically any younger than that and the child would be as happy sleeping in their own bed and just doing day trips to the pool or playpark or whatever. But I personally don't think parents should have to forfeit holidays abroad for 4/5 years.

I genuinely have never had a problem with my daughter on a plane. In my experience, they love the novelty of it. I think the key is to be prepared. A few cheap new toys or books from Dealz, some cartoons loaded on the iPad etc. In fact, I find her harder to entertain on a long car journey. At least on a plane, you can walk around a bit if needed.

happyoutscan

Go for it OP and have a great time.

I'd suggest the Algarve as it's easy to get to and the Portugese are extremely child friendly. Mid 20's this time of year with a nice breeze. Car hire very affordable from this crowd www.zestcarrentals.com, formerly economycarhire.com (I've used them on many occasions). Stay away from the big car hire companies when visiting Portugal as there are better deals to be had.

Also keep in mind on the journey over that everyone is in holiday mode so no one will be that bothered if you're little one is acting up! Might be a bit different on the return when the end of holiday blues are sinking in but worry about that later!

Enjoy!

JCX BXC

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

When Centre Parcs is open in Longford, I already know lots of parents of babies and toddlers who will jump at it. It is expensive, but easy, with all the benefits of being abroad it seems.

Assuming of course that they can install a massive sun to radiate the park to 30c daily!

Moreilly

We have travelled the kids from when they were under 1 year of age and never had a problem, the key is to be relaxed yourself as the will pick up on your anxiety, pick up two or three new toys or colouring books and give them to the kid at various times through the flight, movies ext on a phone is grand when the kids are older but it will just stress younger kids out. I have found if you are chilled, the kid is chilled and all is well. we have two kids now and have taken them on a lot of flights from a very young age everywhere even to the states a couple of times, never been a problem and now they are 6 & 10 and the love it. A holiday in Ireland is ok, just ok... but when you are in your hotel room that you know you paid too much for and are looking out the window at the rain you will regret not getting away, and kids are far more likely to get bored / cranky in the back seat of a car compared to a plane where everything is new to them