Affordable family vacation?

orangehills · March 2016

So, my husband and I are wanting to do a beach vacation sometime between next summer (2017) and spring 2018. We are already doing a Disneyland trip another time. Our daughter will be 2 this December. Any vacations you all have done that you think would be fun with a kid that age? That won't break the bank? We were thinking Maui..

smerka · March 2016

If you aren't planning on getting pregnant anytime soon, I'd look into the Caribean. They have to be cutting prices with all the Zika talk

hoffse · March 2016

Where are you coming from? Maui is at least a 4 hour flight from the west coast. Longer if you are coming from anywhere else. That sounds rough with a 2 year old.

Northern Florida actually has some of the best beaches on the Gulf Coast. I actually think they are better than most of the islands I've been to in the Caribbean, though snorkling isn't as good and obviously there are no AI's. But for a family vacation, renting a beach house or condo on/near Hwy 30A is the way to go. H and I always go to a house right outside of Seaside, FL. We are close enough to drive in to Seaside, but the beach where we go is completely empty.

Other perks - you have a house or condo where you can spread out. There's a Publix where you can buy groceries. There are also some fab restaurants if you want a night out. H and I are really fortunate that a family friend owns this house we visit, and we go for free. But I mean, there are many rental options for all budgets.

Now if you are on the west coast, then Maui might be easier to get to. I would be surprised if the beaches are that empty though.

I've attached some photos.

hoffse · March 2016

So compare the beach (and lack of people) above to where we went for our honeymoon, below. This is from Jamaica. It was nice, but the beach in Florida is nicer. I tried to include some photos where you can see how many beach chairs the resort lines up. Believe me, they are FULL during the day, and people are fighting for a good spot.

Obviously the perks to something like this is that everything is prepaid with an AI. You won't get that in Florida or Hawaii. There are no AI's in the US.

I'll be the first to say that I enjoyed the prepaid/AI experience a lot, and I think there's a time and place for it. We will probably do it again at some point. But it's a very different experience than going to a beach house in Florida where you spread out, cook, etc. If I could only pick one place to visit again, it would definitely be Florida.

hoffse · March 2016

One other thought - if budget is the driving concern, then Mexico is usually the cheapest. You can get to Mexico pretty easily from anywhere in the US, as there are beaches on both sides.

After Mexico is the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. Those are both developing countries though, and I think some people are surprised by that on their first visit. Actually, one of the most offensive things I've ever read on TripAdvisor was about the drive from the airport to the resort where we honeymooned. This person said that "the poverty totally ruined their vacation because they thought the whole experience would be luxury." FFS, seriously? I wanted to reach through my screen and shake them.

We were in Jamaica while all the violence was happening in Kingstown. We were on the other side of the island, and it was fine, but there was some palpable tension.

Anyway, just make sure you have appropriate expectations if you leave the country. And obviously, your child would need a passport to go with you.

short+sassy · March 2016

I'm not sure how budget friendly it is, but San Diego is a great place to go, especially with a young child. Sure, there are good beaches. But there is also Sea World and the San Diego Zoo (considered one of the best zoos in the world). There is also Balboa park which has numerous museums, with a couple of them specifically designed for children.

Though if you're already planning a trip to Disneyland, maybe that is too much CA?

Is there such a thing as too much CA, lol? But then I'm biased.

kmurphy2131 · March 2016

I second Florida, if you are on the east coast (or willing to travel to it). We live in NE but this is the first year in 5 that we arent taking 5-7 days down on the beaches in Florida. We actually got married on the west coast of Florida we love it so much.

lbonga1 · March 2016

I was just looking into Tulum, Mexico. It's a bit south from Cancun. It seems like it would be doable with a child that age. The beaches look gorgeous, and there's Mayan ruins to see. I've definitely added it to my list of places to go soon,

emily1004 · March 2016

short+sassy said:

I'm not sure how budget friendly it is, but San Diego is a great place to go, especially with a young child. Sure, there are good beaches. But there is also Sea World and the San Diego Zoo (considered one of the best zoos in the world). There is also Balboa park which has numerous museums, with a couple of them specifically designed for children.
Though if you're already planning a trip to Disneyland, maybe that is too much CA?
Is there such a thing as too much CA, lol? But then I'm biased.

I second San Diego. I also really loved Grand Cayman. IMHO, there is nothing budget friendly about Hawaii.

vlagrl29 · March 2016

I would not do a Hawaii flight with a 2 year old. I also agree with FL - we went to Sanibel when DD was 3 and she had a great time. We rented a beach house very close to the ocean.

JoanE2012 · March 2016

I head south for beaches - I love North and South Carolina - Outer Banks, Myrtle Beach, etc. The beaches are beautiful and the water is actually warm (I NEVER go in the water in NJ, not to mention, the beaches are crazy packed). Can't go wrong with Florida, either.

Where are you located and how long are you willing to fly? I don't think Maui is a bad idea. I have seen good flight deals there from the west coast, and you could save money by renting a condo. Maui has been my favorite Hawaiian island so far.

Depending where you're from, the east coast can be a 4+ hour flight! My SIL did an 8 hour flight to Europe with my not quite 2 year old niece and did fine. But I'm sure if the child is not good, every minute on that plane will seem like an eternity!

Erikan73 · March 2016

What about southern California? You could do the San Diego Zoo, go through San Fransico, and still spend time at the beach

KatieCutie05 · March 2016

Define "budget friendly" because obviously we all have very different ideas as to what that means. i mean if Maui is budget friendly then i want your budget!

julieanne912 · March 2016

I think you live in northern CA, yes? If you're worried about a flight, then what about looking into Central Coast CA? That's where we would go when I was a kid for a beach vacation, along with San Diego. I grew up in the central valley. Anyway, there's Pismo, Cayucos, Cambria, Morro Bay. I had a great time visiting when I was a kid. There aren't as many big "attractions" that are typical in touristy areas but it's beautiful there with plenty of things to do. We usually split a house rental in Cayucos about 2 blocks from the beach with some family friends.

For a kid that's only 2-4 years old, they're not going to remember much of anything, so I think spending tons of money going to attractions is sort of a waste. So, I'd pick a place that would be enjoyable for you and your H but is also kid friendly.

orangehills · March 2016

hoffse said:

Where are you coming from? Maui is at least a 4 hour flight from the west coast. Longer if you are coming from anywhere else. That sounds rough with a 2 year old.

Northern Florida actually has some of the best beaches on the Gulf Coast. I actually think they are better than most of the islands I've been to in the Caribbean, though snorkling isn't as good and obviously there are no AI's. But for a family vacation, renting a beach house or condo on/near Hwy 30A is the way to go. H and I always go to a house right outside of Seaside, FL. We are close enough to drive in to Seaside, but the beach where we go is completely empty.

Other perks - you have a house or condo where you can spread out. There's a Publix where you can buy groceries. There are also some fab restaurants if you want a night out. H and I are really fortunate that a family friend owns this house we visit, and we go for free. But I mean, there are many rental options for all budgets.

Now if you are on the west coast, then Maui might be easier to get to. I would be surprised if the beaches are that empty though.

I've attached some photos.

Sorry- went home and didn't look at this! I'm coming from CA, so we have nonstop flights from here to Maui.

orangehills · March 2016

So, budget friendly as in, our budget is about $3500 for 6-7 days. So decent amount. We live in Northern California, so unfortunately Florida/Caribbean is the same flight length as Maui. So if we want to go anywhere besides SoCal, we have to fly. It'll suck I know.. San Diego is a thought though! There is a lot to do down there with a toddler aged kid that's for sure.. and we could just drive, it only takes a work day amount of time.. Hmm..

Though those Florida beach pics are beautiful! We want to go there, it's on our list, so that's a thought!!

orangehills · March 2016

julieanne912 said:

I think you live in northern CA, yes? If you're worried about a flight, then what about looking into Central Coast CA? That's where we would go when I was a kid for a beach vacation, along with San Diego. I grew up in the central valley. Anyway, there's Pismo, Cayucos, Cambria, Morro Bay. I had a great time visiting when I was a kid. There aren't as many big "attractions" that are typical in touristy areas but it's beautiful there with plenty of things to do. We usually split a house rental in Cayucos about 2 blocks from the beach with some family friends.

For a kid that's only 2-4 years old, they're not going to remember much of anything, so I think spending tons of money going to attractions is sort of a waste. So, I'd pick a place that would be enjoyable for you and your H but is also kid friendly.

This is what I'm thinking! In reality, it's a trip for me and husband.. with a kid along lol. And I love Cambria!! I just stayed there a year and a half ago. We are prob doing a long weekend somewhere along the central/northern coast soon.

brij2006 · March 2016

If it's a trip for you and your H, but with your child along. Then I would do Maui. There's beach, hiking, you can watch surfing, or drive the roads to see things (while baby naps in the car, maybe). We just got back from Maui last month so I may be a bit biased, but we said we'll go again and next time we'll bring DD (she's 1).

Things are expensive there though, so that's one thing to keep in mind. You can definitely do it on that budget since your flight is short. But maybe look into an airbnb rental so you can have a little kitchenette and cook. It would also make it easier to have a separate space for baby as well.

als1982 · March 2016

I stayed at the JW Marriott on Oahu in 2014, which is next door to the Disney resort Aulani. My mom and I snuck in to check out the pool, which is absolutely incredible. Even now, H and I frequently check out their pricing since the Carribean is out because of Zika. They pretty regularly offer deals. For family meals, drinks and supplies, it's located in a quiet area on the island next to a shopping center with grocery and other stores, plus IMO there really wouldn't be the need for a rental car. There's also a great luau within walking distance.

orangehills · March 2016

My husband mentioned the Disney resort, but it just seems so expensive. We were pricing out Maui in February, and we could get 3 round trip seats for $1200ish and a condo on the ocean (with a kitchen) for 6 nights for $1000. cheaper if we went farther away from the ocean. So Maui is def. budget friendly doing it that way! Though food is expensive. We spent a lot when we were on the big island Hawaii. I haven't been to Maui since I was 16 and my husband hasn't been so that's why Maui was on our minds. But since it's an easier place to go to for us in the future, that's why we are looking into other places too

**i don't know why this is quoted..

blondie42107 · March 2016

@hoffse I like that you mentioned empty beaches! With two younger kids (5 and 3) we love this and consider it a huge perk! It would allow for our kids to have more play room without us freaking out about how many people were nearby, etc.

orangehills · March 2016

Ha, I just priced out the Disney Oahu resort- just the hotel stay is about as much as our budget.

hoffse · March 2016

blondie42107 said:

@hoffse I like that you mentioned empty beaches! With two younger kids (5 and 3) we love this and consider it a huge perk! It would allow for our kids to have more play room without us freaking out about how many people were nearby, etc.

If you guys ever want more details about exactly where it is, just let me know. We've been going there for years, and outside of a small family wedding, we have literally never seen more than a dozen people on that beach at any given time, regardless of time of day. It's a few hours' driving distance and free for us (outside of the cost of gas/groceries), so we have a hard time justifying beach trips anywhere else.

Their house is for sale, so we know that gravy train is going to end soon (sad face), but we'll keep going back to that same general location, even if we have to start renting. The closer you get to Seaside the more crowded it is, but there are plenty of beachfront or beach view options on the outskirts. Staying a few miles away drastically reduces the number of people.

@orangehills, since you guys are west coast and the flights to HI are the same distance as FL, then I'd probably do HI or San Diego as the others mentioned.

brij2006 · March 2016

orangehills said:

My husband mentioned the Disney resort, but it just seems so expensive. We were pricing out Maui in February, and we could get 3 round trip seats for $1200ish and a condo on the ocean (with a kitchen) for 6 nights for $1000. cheaper if we went farther away from the ocean. So Maui is def. budget friendly doing it that way! Though food is expensive. We spent a lot when we were on the big island Hawaii. I haven't been to Maui since I was 16 and my husband hasn't been so that's why Maui was on our minds. But since it's an easier place to go to for us in the future, that's why we are looking into other places too

**i don't know why this is quoted..

There are villas/cottages with kitchenettes in Kannapali at the Royal Lahaina resort. The beach there is pretty calm and not very populated at all. May be a good one to look into for your needs.

The south/western side of the island is going to be your best bet for beaches with calm water. Especially in February.

Be sure to factor in a rental car as well in Maui, since there isn't much public transportation.

ETA: Just south of Kannapali is "baby beach" in Lahaina. It's a little rock sheltered alcove of the beach where water comes in. It's small child friendly and has some shade. So that's a good area to maybe look at staying in as well. If you want to make sure the kids can get a ton of beach time in calm water.

MommyLiberty5013 · March 2016

smerka said:

If you aren't planning on getting pregnant anytime soon, I'd look into the Caribean. They have to be cutting prices with all the Zika talk

So, about Zika...DH is a commercial pilot. And, the CDC has been advising the airlines for their employees who are traveling to Zika-troubled nations or areas.

DH is actually in the Caribbean right now for about 24 hours on a lay-over (I'm grumpy about this).

Anyway, when he returns HE will have to wear protection whenever we have sex because I am currently pregnant. And, the CDC believes there is a high chance Zika is transmittable through semen. If this is the case, in the OP's situation of wanting to get pregnant soon, I might actually avoid the Caribbean right now altogether. If her DH got it, HE could transfer it to her while TTC. Also, the CDC does not yet know how long the virus remains in a carrier's body.

Zika is a BIG deal for pregnant people and/or people wanting to get pregnant. I think it's El Salvador that has banned women from getting pregnant for the next two years!

MommyLiberty5013 · March 2016

I would actually look into Sanibel Island, Florida but not during their in-season rates. There are great beaches, with the best sea shelling in the nation. Also, there is a wildlife preserve. Many hotels offer bike rentals (some places even have free umbrellas, beach chairs, and/or bikes). It's a very relaxing and quaint sort of place with a variety of restaurants. You could even rent a room that has a kitchen and do some of your own cooking to save money.

orangehills · March 2016

MommyLiberty5013 said:

smerka said:

If you aren't planning on getting pregnant anytime soon, I'd look into the Caribean. They have to be cutting prices with all the Zika talk

So, about Zika...DH is a commercial pilot. And, the CDC has been advising the airlines for their employees who are traveling to Zika-troubled nations or areas.
DH is actually in the Caribbean right now for about 24 hours on a lay-over (I'm grumpy about this).
Anyway, when he returns HE will have to wear protection whenever we have sex because I am currently pregnant. And, the CDC believes there is a high chance Zika is transmittable through semen. If this is the case, in the OP's situation of wanting to get pregnant soon, I might actually avoid the Caribbean right now altogether. If her DH got it, HE could transfer it to her while TTC. Also, the CDC does not yet know how long the virus remains in a carrier's body.
Zika is a BIG deal for pregnant people and/or people wanting to get pregnant. I think it's El Salvador that has banned women from getting pregnant for the next two years!

Oh heck no, I don't want to get pregnant again!!! lol not an issue here!

vlagrl29 · March 2016

MommyLiberty5013 said:

I would actually look into Sanibel Island, Florida but not during their in-season rates. There are great beaches, with the best sea shelling in the nation. Also, there is a wildlife preserve. Many hotels offer bike rentals (some places even have free umbrellas, beach chairs, and/or bikes). It's a very relaxing and quaint sort of place with a variety of restaurants. You could even rent a room that has a kitchen and do some of your own cooking to save money.

We went in the month of July which was their off season. I absolutely HATED those stinking sand fleas - it was horrible.

MommyLiberty5013 · March 2016

vlagrl29 said:

MommyLiberty5013 said:

I would actually look into Sanibel Island, Florida but not during their in-season rates. There are great beaches, with the best sea shelling in the nation. Also, there is a wildlife preserve. Many hotels offer bike rentals (some places even have free umbrellas, beach chairs, and/or bikes). It's a very relaxing and quaint sort of place with a variety of restaurants. You could even rent a room that has a kitchen and do some of your own cooking to save money.

We went in the month of July which was their off season. I absolutely HATED those stinking sand fleas - it was horrible.

We were there in April and didn't experience that problem. That stinks!

AprilZ81 · March 2016

Yeah, summer is NOT the time to go to Sanibel. Hot, humid and "no see ums" (sand flee type bugs) aren't worth the savings. June-October is not a good time to go there at all. It is absolutely beautiful any other time!

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