Overseas destinations suitable for 2yo?

[Indadhanu]

We want to go on a holiday maybe around Jazzy;s birthday or afterwards (somewhere between August and October/November). We really do want to go overseas maybe?

But we have NO idea where?

We've been online, and pretty much everywhere says its family friendly... but I wanted some experiences!

Ok our criteria for this particular trip is ...
- preferably an English speaking country, or a primarily English speaking country. Neither of us know a second language, and being our first overseas trip we'd be more comfortable not hitting the language barrier!
- We aren't 'swimmers' so beaches and pools aren't a must.
- We like to do 'stuff' and aren't into sipping ****tails and reclining in a lounge. Obviously it has to be toddler friendly stuff.

Ummm, yeah so any ideas?

Oh, and we considered NZ in winter, for snow, but decided to wait until she was old enough to really enjoy it.
We're considering NZ in either mid-spring this year as our this year holiday, or late summer/early autumn next year as our next year holiday. Has anyone been at either times? What do you think?

[Artechim]

I think NZ is great no matter what time you come!

The North Island ski field is open usually until the end of October so you could come mid spring and it isn't too cold but there is still a bit of snow to play in on the mountain.

If planning a summer trip, I would say go for February - seems to have the most reliable weather.

I am happy to help with any questions of places in NZ you are considering.

[Indadhanu]

Ohhh! I got excited when I saw you had replied!!!

I have no idea where would be best to go! Suggest me! What has some fun activities for toddlers? She'll be 2.5yo next February ().

[thepixie]

We went to NZ last April with DD (she was 8 months) and it was awesome! Can't recommend it highly enough! Lots to see and do, and on the south island things are pretty close to each other so it's only a short drive to the next cool place. We do like to swim and there are heaps of hot pools which DD loved. Lots of walking, sightseeing and adventure stuff. We hired a camper and drove around the south island and then up then up to Auckland. It was a great way to travel, we got a really good deal and there are lots of camper parks with great facilities that are really family friendly.
Anyway I could go on and on but HTH!

[Indadhanu]

Ohhh ok hiring a camper, thats a great idea! Don't like the idea of public transport everywhere, she's wild enough as it is hahaha

Did you hire a car seat with it, or take it on the plane with you? I saw somewhere you can use a car seat in a plane seat (when you buy a seat for the child obviously), is that right? Is that something people would suggest when flying overseas?

[Smoke Jaguar]

Even without skiing, there's heaps to do in NZ that's kid friendly, either island
We went to Ireland with DS when he was 18 mo and that was ace. London was a bit boring for him because we walked a lot and didn't have time to do the fun stuff like Thomas land, or whatever that is. Barcelona is said to be ace for kids.
Fiji I'm told is great for families, as they also have childcare facilities in the resorts and they LOVE to look afer kids.
Costa Rica is predominantly English speaking and kid-friendly, as is Mexico and the Bay Islands of Honduras.
Hmmmm, let me think. Vietnam is supposed to be good.
Tell ya what, go to your local library and they should have the Lonely Planet book about travelling with children and that gives you great ideas for countries with kids of varying ages.
NZ is great, though, my sister lives in the North Island and we always find something nice to do - beach walks, farm stays, taxi boats to little islands, forests (Kauri forest up north is just lovely!), Waiwera hot springs just out of Auckland, Taupo hot pools, Rotorua and the buried village nearby. Sth Island has the train across Arthurs Pass, the sounds and beech forests, the fjords in Canterbury, Dunedin. Just STACKS!
Have fun

[skybie]

not sure about overseas but when u hire a car in aus, sometimes the car seats are free, sometimes u need to pay for them, but theyre only about $3 a day, and u only need to pay a week.

dnt have any info on NZ or overseas in general, we've only been to thailand and wouldnt reccomend that for a toddy! just wanted to say OMG how exciting!!! holidays rock!

And we took the DD's on a plane in feb and DD1 who's normally got ants in her pants and cannot physically sit still for more than 2 mins, was an angel on the plane and only got up once to go to the loo!! was very suprising, and her ears didnt bother her at all!
just take lots of activites for her to do on the plane to keep her occupied! i spend about $80 on a range of things because we all know how long one colouring book can last!

[nickle730]

We've travelled extensively with kids, through Asia and Europe. I think you can make wherever you go 'kid friendly'! It's all about how you approach the holiday. As for language, if you stay in cities as opposed to small towns you will find that basic English is spoken throughout the world. Having said that, I think it really helps to learn a few words (hello, goodbye, thank you etc...) in the language of your destination country. And be prepared to feel a bit silly playing charades!!

I have also heard that you can use a car seat on the plane, but every airline we have travelled with has refused as the seat cannot be properly secured. Someone please correct me if you've found an airline which will put a child seat in the cabin?? We have always hired them at our destination or (when that 's not possible) checked the seat with our luggage. It's marked as 'fragile' and loaded separately.

Be aware that when you travel, it is far cheaper before your child's 2nd birthday. You don't get a seat for them, but the fare is 15-50% of an adult airfare (yes, of not off), depending on the airline (not sure about the 'no frills' airlines??). If the flight is not full and you get to the airport early and you speak very nicely to the check-in chick they will often block off the seat next to you for your child anyway!

Good luck, I hope you have a wonderful trip wherever you go!

[YoYo]

Our DS is a bit of a traveller....and definitely recommend either going before she is two (but you'd have her on your lap) to take advantage of the cheaper fair, or get a seat for her, because a 2 year old on your lap on a flight isn't exactly a comfy experience!

I think NZ would be a great destination. DH and I went to NZ before DS was around, but we did the campervan thing around and it was GREAT! Such an adventure! So down to earth and you got to see and experience so much at your own pace.

Trying to think of an Asian country which is kid friendly......hmmm......Singapore (being that I live here)....it is a pretty good asian country, but I don't find it that interesting for a toddler - unless you want to go to loads of indoor play centres!. You'd have to get around in taxis. Really - all Singapore is about is shopping....and I don't particularly consider that a drawcard...especially for a toddler!

[Artechim]

Depends on what sort of holiday you are after. A touring one would be easy enough because you can always stop at a park/river, in the North Island especially you would never go more than an hour before coming to the next town.

If you are wanting just to go to a few places and have a good look around at each then I would suggest bookabach for accomodation - about the same price (or cheaper) than motels but it is someones holiday house so you have bedrooms/yard etc, much more comfortable with a toddler imo.

If you aren't planning to hire a vehicle, you will need to stick to the main centers - smaller places just don't have public transport.

I live in the volcanic central plateau, which is the center of the North Island. Activities around here are mostly outdoor things, we go on bushwalks, to the river and boating on the lake.
Taupo/Rotorua area is good for hotpools/mudpools.
Dunedin rocks, there are aquariums, a castle, albatross colonies. It is a beautiful place, but if you go there then make it Jan or EARLY Feb, because by the end of Feb all the students are there for Orientation week.
Central Otago including Queenstown/Wanaka/Cromwell is lovely. Keep in mind that Qtown is for tourists so expect to pay more if you are there (even Macca's costs more!) All three have lakes and there are touristy things like the luge, gondola rides, puzzle world, quite a bit of stuff to do.

Really wherever you go is beautiful and there are things to do - with a 2.5 year old as long as they can get out and move around then they will enjoy it.

[Cassius2]

I have also heard that you can use a car seat on the plane, but every airline we have travelled with has refused as the seat cannot be properly secured. Someone please correct me if you've found an airline which will put a child seat in the cabin?? We have always hired them at our destination or (when that 's not possible) checked the seat with our luggage. It's marked as 'fragile' and loaded separately.

we used our carseat on the plane when we travelled with Emirates! it was the BEST idea for a long haul europe flight from oz LOL!

i'd prolly go with NZ if you want somewhere close and english speaking. i am biased having lived in Fiji, but that would also be on my list...

we had a good time with Leila in italy! but is a looooonggg flight lol!

[Ca Plane Pour Moi]

England.

We mostly speak English, no-one will expect you to go swimming, loads of things to do and see (that are toddler-friendly too) - and if you come to the south-east you can introduce Jazz to Liebling!

Come to England. You know you want to. That's why you posted, isn't it: to get me to invite you over!