Where do you recommend for January travel with a 10 month old? We like seeing plants and animals and keeping active, and prefer jungle and beaches over cities.
Thinking Central America... maybe Costa Rica? Anyone have experience travelling in Central America with a baby? Looking for specific towns, things to do and places to stay.

Maui has beautiful beaches and great hikes. Travelled there with a 11mth old. Great trip. Stayed in Kihei.

Tracy we were looking at Maui but it's crazy expensive. We couldn't find anything for less than $200 a night. Where did you guys stay? Did you find it expensive? How long did you go for?

January is a more expensive time there. I use vrbo to find good rates for places, and haven't had any trouble.

Beverly what did you pay per night?

That's where I looked.

Nicole , it was a different time of year. That’s too bad rates are looking to high at that time because I agree that Kihei would be awesome as giving you everything you described you want in a place.

Ahhh good to know. Was it expensive once you were there? Like food and gas and doing things?

Nicole I would have to agree with Tracy. We have been to Maui 10 times. It never disappoints. Kihei has great beaches that will be nice for a 1 year old to play on.
We are actually going to Costa Rica this January so I could tell you about it then but for me, Maui is my happy place. Kauai as well but not as many nice beaches.

Richard thanks for the input. How much do you normally pay per night for accommodations there?

Nicole we go in October and pay $125 in Kamaole Sands. Best location in Kihei. If you are interested I will get my wife to PM you the info of the unit we rent.

Hawaii is a favourite of ours, but I agree that it's sadly quite expensive. We go every year at least one time. Big Island is the cheapest but for a family with a baby, the beaches in Maui are better. You might find Costa Rica more affordable.

We always stay at Kalama Terrace. The most we’ve ever paid is 130 cdn a night in high season. The best beach imo is across the road, Charley Young beach. We stop at Costco and only eat out a few times. Ironically we are going to Costa Rica this Christmas with our 3 yr old!

I would also suggest Maui...beautiful beaches, hikes, interesting towns etc. Try vrbo or Chasin Rainbows. Have flown via west jet for $306.00 return! Rent a car through Discount Hawaiian Car Rentals (our rental this month is $130 for 8 days!) Kihei is nice...but also check for accomodations in Kahana/Napili area. We do groceries at Costco (located by airport) and get fresh fruit and veggies from Saturday swap meet ( located at Maui Community College Campus). Reasonable meals at Kihei Cafe (great breakfasts), Aloha Mixed Plate (breakfast, lunch, or dinner in Lahaina near Mariners Mall), Paia Fish Market (great fish and Chips) Coconuts (fish tacos), Cheese Burger is Paradise (burgers and live music), and Gazebo Restaurant (huge, delicious breakfasts....but don't stand in line to eat in..go to side door and order take out!!) Take Hana Hwy to Ho'okipa Point...great beach to watch wind surfers and surfers....walk down to far end of the beach (past washrooms) and you will find dozens of turtles sunning themselves on the beach! We have taken our children to Maui over 20 times! With a young child I like to play it safe...and Maui is safe. If you ever had occasion to seek medical attention don't go to emergency room unless life or death! (You will pay thousands for care!) Go instead to Urgent Care Unit...they can do exrays, casts, IVs etc...Buy the book Maui Revealed at Maui Costco for detailed information about services, restaurants, hikes, beaches and vistas!!

Margaret I will keep this info in my back pocket if our money ever gets to a better exchange rate!

Bruce we are on our way this coming Thursday!!!

Margaret thanks for the info! Have a great trip.

We did Kyoto and Tokyo with a 7m baby. Japan is sooooo convenient for baby travel - nursing rooms everywhere, so clean, super efficient transport, baby carriers on bikes

Barb Culbard that sounds lovely but Japan is probably pretty cold in January!

Nicole not awful, plus you can always go south

Costa Rica is great! Lots of people there travelling with kids. I saw a few with babies too.
It’s more expensive than I thought it’d be though. If you go, I recommend Santa Teresa on the south west coast.

Kris thank you!

Kris we decided on CR. Santa Teresa is on my list. Any other fave places ?

Nicole Awesome! Santa Teresa was by far my fave spot - super chill - and a bit harder to get to, so quieter and more relaxed. But Samara and Manuel Antonio were also great!

Costa Rica is amazingly

Diane any fave places in CR?

Belize VRBO300805

Nicole....we have 2 children 18 and 10(going on 15
) and they are seasoned travellers....all over Europe,USA,Australia,New Zealand...a friend told me once...have baby will travel meaning...where you go the baby will be happy as long as mama is there....enjoy the journey...we have!
Good Luck!

Marianne Vf thanks!

We loved Costa Rica . So did our kids . It’s a great destination .

Sonia thank you!

Sonia any recommendations in CR?

We've travelled every year with our children since they were babies. They are seasoned travellers now at 23 and 25 years old. We did lots of Disney, Hawaii, Mexico and Europe...even Indonesia. This is a great site for input we never had the luxury of. I hope you find the right fit for your budget.

Karen Agnew thanks!

Cayo Santa Maria Cuba was lovely in January. Warm enough , not too hot. Great prices. Look to book through transat or sunwing

Anne thank you!

Nicole did you end up going to Costa Rica with your then 10 month old? Wondering how it went?

Kaila yes it was awesome! We bussed around, and stayed in central Costa Rica and then travelled down the Caribbean coast.