Favorite vacations with toddlers

[lauras]

I've really enjoyed renting private homes, apartments and condos through various websites like VRBO.com and homeaway.com,, but I don't think I'd want to stay in one with toddlers. These private homes usually aren't childproofed at all and they can tend to have a lot of stuff in them - which means more for toddlers to break or get into. Hoever, I guess it can't hurt to ask about the childproofing in a place and if the owners are comfortable having small children stay. They are a great value for the price because of the spaciousness and kitchen, but I would probably be more comfortable in a condo resort because they would be easier to protect from busy little ones who love to touch, climb and meddle.

[linda]

We try to talk the grandparents into vacationing with us. The grandparents stay iin a separate condo or hotel room so they have their privacy, but they love hanging out with the grandkids during the day and sometimes babysit for us at night which gives us a break. it's kind of a win-win. Luckily my husband and i are fond of each other's families, so it works pretty well.

we have been to Florida and Hawaii so far and have gone away for a couple of weekends. We have the only grandchildren, so that may be another reason why this works!

[linda]

I think the Gulf Coast is the perfect place to go with toddlers as you don't get much surf! We have always liked the Gulf Coast of Florida, like Ft Meyers and Sanibel. Sanibel has so many shells and so does Marco Island, another good place. Just settle on down with a good umbrella, beach blankets and towels and a portable crib so the toddler can nap and enjoy yourselves. if you can afford it stay beachfront so that when you forget the sunscreen you can go back to your room.

And freeze some water bottles and containers of juice for a cold afternoon treat.

[JimDoors]

Definitely would include leshiboux gites in western france for the array of fun and games on offer and also villa san raffaello in marche italy with climbing frames, pool, games DVDs and a fantastic lively medieval town nearby