Tips, ideas, recommendations for long haul destinations! Post Reply

[Celsky]

Really want to get a nice long holiday in before I go back to work - so my little man will be just under 1 year. He is used to flying as have been to Europe to see family several times but not on long flights.

Any ideas on good destinations with a max of 11hr flight- were keen to not travel through too many time zones so were a little unsure about where to go- not really into beach holidays although some beach time is needed! Needs to be baby friendly but as were very active we will hunger for exploration and hiking (we have a great back carrier).

Any recommendations for Africa or South America or anywhere else?!

Appreciated!

[Coffeegirl]

Hi

We stayed at this place in Sri Lanka last Feb and frankly it was one of the most perfect holidays we have ever taken. Our son was 18mths.
Their actual website is a bit cheesey, but there is nothing cheesey about the actual place so check out the trip advisor feedback instead.

It's a blend of private villa with 5* personalised hotel service and care with the most exceptional food. It's managed by locals (the owner lives in St John's Wood though) with a real respect for themselves, their country and heritage so you don't feel like a clod hopping colonial either.

Flights-wise you can fly direct with Sri Lanka Airways who are OK but a bit archaic, or via Dubai with BA.

Bear in mind that the price includes EVERYTHING as alcohol is BYO so it's also actually quite cheap.

For us, this was the perfect formula for relaxing family holidays so if anyone out there knows anyone else doing something similar in other locations, PLEASE, PLEASE share as everywhere we have been since has been a let down.


http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Revi ... vince.html

[mrsbfrombalham]

Mauritius is wonderful and so child friendly
We went when my daughter was 1 and had a wonderful time. We stayed in Peyrebere @Ocean Beauty
http://www.ocean-beauty.com/
This is a very baby friendly hotel and has quite a few restaurants within walking distance - as well as a minimarket with baby food across the road. Perfect!

[Celsky]

Thanks guys, Will look into both of those- need to check flight duration etc. Always thought of Mauritius being for couples as I know some resorts don't allow children- but will check it out!

I just want to get AWAY!

[mrsbfrombalham]

Hi, I know that for some reason Mauritius in the uk is marketed as a honeymoon destination, but it is in fact one of the most children friendly destination I have been to. Lots of French families go there on holiday and its perfect. Staff on hotels and restaurants could not be more helpful with our daughter when we went.

[juliantenniscoach]

Mauritius was great for us with a 4 & 2yr old. Resort had a good childrens club but activities possibly better suited to slightly older children. Night flight back a must.

[acmNVN]

Can thoroughly recommend Carlisle Bay in Antigua. Very child / baby friendly. We went at end of November with a 5 month old. Staff were fantastic, friendly babysitters on hand for relaxing dinners as a couple and lovely rooms with a separate bedroom for children. Only 4 hours time difference and an 8 hour flight so not too bad at all.

Good luck with the holiday hunting!

[Celsky]

So..... we really like the sound of Antigua (thanks for the tip) and have also looked at the Bahamas, Bermuda and St Lucia as they are all within about 8.5hrs and have 4 hrs time difference. I think this is the better direction to travel in and hopefully after some research into each of these we can decide.

Thanks for all your ideas!

[maryd]

Rosemary Clark is a fountain of knowledge on all aspects of travel; she lives in Wandsworth and is happy to give advice. She organised a fabulous trip to South Africa for some friends of mine last year. Her website is http://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/rosemary.clark

[KHB]

We've just come back from St Lucia which was lovely. The flights aren't too bad 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 hours. A good idea to get some winter sun!

[NYE31]

MY DS's Godfather & his wife took their 4 boys under 5 to Mauritius & loved it.

[luxlittleones]

Hi

I am a Mum of two little ones (4 and 2) and have recently set up a new business http://www.luxuryandlittleones.com which does just this; provides information for parents on hotel's children facilities and services and on hotels and holidays abroad and hotels in the UK for parents with little ones.

Please have a look and feel free to e-mail me on kathryn@luxuryandlittleones.com for any assistance on booking a holiday. We book flights, transfers and accommodation and all holidays abroad are fully ATOL protected.

A few suggestions would be The Viceroy, Anguilla and Zighy Bay, Oman but please do have a look and send me an e-mail if you need any help at all.