With the holidays almost upon us and a new year around the corner, I am envisioning tropical vacations for myself, one with and one without my boys.With this discovery, came the realization that I needed to create two lists. The lists had to detail what each vacation required to make them enjoyable. On the top of both lists were a beach and pool; however, that’s where the similarities ended!
For my trip without the boys, I sought an all-inclusive hotel in the Caribbean that would allow me to enjoy myself with minimal travel. It needed to have Wi-Fi, a place to lounge, a fitness center, a spa and an adult social gathering place.Minimal, isn’t it?
For my trip with the boys, the hotel would need kid friendly activities and child care services. Yet these weren’t the most important requisites in my eyes! As a mother who has traveled to the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and many other places within the United States with a child and a teen, I can tell you the most important aspect when traveling is kid friendly meals. Trust me; a picky hungry child is not a happy child, which translates into an unhappy mother!
I chose the Dominican Republic for my solo trip. I feel comfortable going on my own, since I previously stayed at Dreams La Romana, which is one of the Best Hotels in the Dominican Republic. In fact, that is where I had my destination wedding and honeymoon with my ex-husband. During that stay, the hotel was called Casa Del Mar. We stayed in a ground floor suite, with a private outside seating area situated in an alcove. It was a beautiful all inclusive hotel with loads of amenities. They also served buffet style meals, which I enjoyed immensely. The only issue I had back then was that they did not have real milk. They only served powdered milk. Nevertheless, since that was my only complaint I decided to go again. Especially since the hotel has been renovated and is now trendier, including a slew of activities for adults!
The trip with the boys was easier to narrow down after I decided on the destination, Aruba. I discovered the Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Aruba, which helped me pick 3 hotels based on services and fees; thus helping me narrow it down without cutting out any of the amenities I sought! We’re now waiting to find out how much my bonus will be before picking the hotel that best matches my budget.
I can’t wait for 2010 now that I’ve hashed out my travel plans! I can see us now, cojiendo sol/getting sun!
What about you? Are you planning any upcoming trips, with or without the kids?
{ 6 comments… add one }
So very exciting for you!!! We are heading to Florida in 3 weeks. 1 week we will be staying with my whole family (my 3 siblings, parents and 8 cousins under 10!) directly across the street from the gulf. Week 2 we will be at Disney with my in-laws and family. I’m very excited!
Jaime I’m excited for you too! Actually when you let me know you were going on vacation it gave me the idea to go on vacation too. You’re a trendsetter! 😉 Hope you have a fabulous time Jaime!
hmm, makes me itch for a good long break. but, cant get away from work now till end year. so, travel plans will only be apparent sometime next year. heh, who knows we may be able to travel together..it would be much fun! 😉
So exciting! Can’t wait to see pics of your vacations! =) U deserve it!
Fun Fun Fun!!!! Sounds GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Enjoy and can’t wait to hear about the trips!
Oh wow, that sounds great. Have an amazing time. 😀
The only trip I want to take outta here is one that I never have to come back from. To leave this crappy place (both physically and mentally) and never have to look back, or come back. I think I should’ve done it a long time ago…