We're planning a trip to Grand Bahama Island (Freeport) during April vacation. We love to snorkel and dive (grandparents are coming so we can dive). Our 18mo LOVES the water. This will be his first beach vacation. We're having trouble deciding on a hotel. Do we do an all inclusive or find a villa type place with a kitchen? We are not interested in any baby sitting services but would love a play area and/or a kids pool area. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
K.
we go to the Bahamas every year, Long Island, 150 miles south of Freeport.
we travel all over the world with our kids and always get a rental house!!!! eat on your time, money, choice and i think not being around a lot of people in a hotel is a great way to have some family bonding
best
I.
We prefer the all-inclusives. There's so much more to do and everything is so convenient. You'll probably meet other families with young children too. You will also know what your expenses are up front.Food tends to be very costly on any of the islands, so if you go with a villa try to pack lots of non-perishables in your suitcases! My sister used to have a home in the Caribbean and they would even pack a cooler with their meats for the week. Have fun whatever you decide! :) L.
we did a beach vacation with our son when he was 15 mos. Get a place with a kitchen and two rooms so you acan hang when he sleeps, eat when you want to. Restaurants are VERY expensive in the Bahamas!!!!!!
Hi K.,
One thing you did not mention. Will the grandparents be staying with you in the same unit? We have traveled many times with our children to St. Maarten. I will tell you for us it is easier to have a kitchen. That way you are not always dependent on going to a restaurant all the time. Sometimes the restaurant may be closed when you have a hungry child or service can be much slower as they are on a slower pace than the US. You then have the option of having some of your meals and snacks when you want them in your own unit. Which is nice when you have kids. You definitely want to make sure you have plenty of sunblock #45 or 50 for your 18 mos. old. It is always good to pack Infant Tylenol and Infant Motrin as well as Baby Orajel just in case. I know St. Maarten doesn't have 24 hr pharmacies or convenient stores. Check the airline you are flying to see what you can bring on the plane for your child for food and drink. Hope this helps. Have a wonderful time.
J.
I completely agree with PP...get the house! We have super early risers, & not having to share a wall with anyone means so much less work for us 'cause we don't have to keep any one quiet at 6:00 am. Also, the kitchen will save you tons of $$$$....I agree with the poster who wrote eat on your own time, etc. Have a great time no matter what!
