Holiday Ideas for Couple with 2.5yo

Wampus on 25/11/2019 - 12:20

Hi all

Does anyone have any experience with a great location to take a 2.5yo on a holiday, preferably SE Asia?

We may have the option of taking 2-4 weeks off from late Jan, and my wife's had a lot going on lately, so I'd like to take her someplace where she can relax. This means entertainment for the little one, like a kids club or something like that. I think you get more bang for your buck going to SE Asia, and a plane ride isn't an issue for the little one, as long as it's not tooooo long. Wife has flagged Bali, am also looking at Malaysia and Thailand etc.

We are both experienced travellers, but looking for advice on a location to help entertain kids whilst still being enjoyable by the adults. We've travelled (domestically) quite a bit with the little one but I feel like the other half could really use the down time. May consider multiple locations?

We're from QLD so anywhere local doesn't really interest us. A cruise is out because she's too young for the pool and would want to go in.

TIA

Travel Holiday

Comments

  • HardlyCharly on 25/11/2019 - 12:28

    I always say this, but hire a full-time nanny for the time you're gone and leave the kid/s at home when they're under 5 or so, it's worth it and they never would have remembered anyway.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 25/11/2019 - 12:32
    -7

    Leave the kid at home with family/friends/nanny.

    I may be reading too far into this, but someone who refers to their child as 2.5 years old vs just 2 years old, I'm guessing the above suggestion isn't an option.

    • Wampus on 25/11/2019 - 12:35
      +1

      Just wanted to be accurate, not precious.

      • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 25/11/2019 - 12:52
        +1

        Apologies. I obviously read too far into it then.

        So my suggestion an option? I'd recommend it. Then you'll actually get some R&R.

    • Skramit on 25/11/2019 - 12:35
      +1

      someone who refers to their child as 2.5 years old vs just 2 years old, I'm guessing the above suggestion isn't an option.

      Harsh….

      I think you're referring to the type of parents who say "31 month old"… :P

      My 3 year old is 3 and a half and I say "3 and a half" when somebody asks me how old he is? Is this considered weird in your world? I thought the halves were often stated up until about 4 or 5.

      • onetwothreefour on 25/11/2019 - 12:40

        Agreed, at that age there can be a big difference in what the baby is able to do so it's worth saying "2 and a half", or "nearly 3" etc.

    • Archi on 25/11/2019 - 14:01

      if the OP was precious he would of said 30 month old. hahaa

  • Skramit on 25/11/2019 - 12:33
    +2

    Many of the Fiji resorts have a nanny service which is not too expensive. E.G. Outrigger.

    It's not Asia but it's not too long a flight for a 2.5 y.o. Having recently done 9 hours to asia with my 3 y.o. I can recommend a shorter flight :)

    • GG57 on 25/11/2019 - 12:41

      Resorts in Fiji (and other Pacific countries like Vanuatu and Cook Islands) all have great kid's clubs, and are perfect for relaxation.
      Some of those would be a shorter flight as well.

      The only downside to the Pacific locations, but equally the Asian locations, is the weather from late January can be pretty steamy.

  • Wampus on 25/11/2019 - 12:37

    Haven't really thought about a Nanny, don't know what the costs would be like. Don't think the little one could do an extended time away from Mum either. Family aren't really an option because they've got their own fish to fry right now

    • Skramit on 25/11/2019 - 14:25

      I meant a nanny service inside the resort. It's usually around $70 PER DAY and they do everything i.e. nappies, play time, feeding etc. It's not like you need the nanny every day. But if your wife and you want 6 hours of child free bliss by the pool drinking cocktails one afternoon, its a very good option.

  • onetwothreefour on 25/11/2019 - 12:37

    We took our girls to Bali when one was about 8 months and the other about 4. I can't really comment on kids clubs and nannies as it's not something we did but we didn't have any issues taking them out with us wherever we went.

  • aussie bargain on 25/11/2019 - 12:54
    +2

    It depends on what you want to do and what you like doing.
    If your goal is to find a beach/resort somewhere that you can leave your kid with a nanny, then any place in SEA would probably be good.

    Personally, I have always taken my kids with me to holidays everywhere from a very young age (i.e. 6 months).
    Some might argue it's not a holiday, they wouldn't remember it, etc.
    However, the way I look at it is that your kid is your responsibility so you need to learn having them in your life (including holidays).

    From my experience, bringing the kids along is still refreshing anyway as the stuff that is really tiring on a daily basis are all your daily chores (e.g. cleaning, cooking, washing, etc). As long as you stay in a nice hotel, get room service, etc., any places in SEA is probably good enough.

    If you like modern convenience and a more orderly place for a holiday (especially if you are venturing out of the hotel/resort a lot), I would recommend Singapore. The only downside is that it is relatively more expensive compared to other SEA countries.

  • admira on 25/11/2019 - 13:01

    Recently went to Fiji and it was awesome for looking after kids. Sofitel and Radisson Blu I can recommend. Have also stayed in resorts in the Philippines which were also quite good - Shangri-la in Cebu is worth looking at.

  • Seraphin7 on 25/11/2019 - 13:05
    +1

    Fiji. Kids' Clubs and nannies all over the place.

    I feel like the other half could really use the down time

    As someone who's in a similar boat, you seriously need to target joints with these sorts of arrangements on tap. It really is the only way you get true R&R when you're taking kids.

  • OhPee on 25/11/2019 - 13:38

    I would go Fiji first Go to Nadi and make sure you stay on one of the resorts on Denarau Island (only an Island by a few metres) Pros: short flight, good deals available, short transfer from airport, most resorts have good Nanny/kids club, Bulla bus allows you to go to other resorts and to the shopping area easily with a toddler.

  • Archi on 25/11/2019 - 14:05

    my son came with us twice to japan at 1.5 and 2,5 years old… he doesn't remember the first but does remember bits and pieces when we show him photos of the second trip.

    its a different type of holiday when you bring your kids along, its satisfying in a different way

    • Skramit on 25/11/2019 - 14:26

      It's just sad they will never remember it at that age. :P

      • Archi on 25/11/2019 - 14:29

        maybe its not about them… and maybe its about sharing the time with them.

        different parenting styles mate

        • Skramit on 25/11/2019 - 14:31
          +1

          Haha settle….. I was agreeing with you….. but genuinely meant its sad they wont remember the epic holiday and spending time with you.

  • Wampus on 25/11/2019 - 19:51
    +1

    Thanks everyone for your input so far!

  • brad1-8tsi on 26/11/2019 - 09:03

    A cruise

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