Good afternoon. We have two weeks of vacation mid January 2022 booked. Where would you go with two adults and two young children (1 and 4) that is either a direct flight or one layover max that is a nice beach vacation spot? We booked flights to Maui but looking at accommodations options now it is soooo pricey right now compared to when we were there two years ago. We need a condo/hotel with kitchen, 2 bedrooms. No Mexico, I’m thinking Europe is out just for the time change factor with two kids. Costa Rica? Belize? Where else?

I’ve heard Belize is phenomenal! English speaking too which is nice. But, I’ve never been.

You should look at Cuba or the Caribbean. I don’t think you will find direct flights from Calgary to Costa Rica or Belize

Costa Rica is fairly reasonable and direct flights. Lots to do if you like beach and adventure.

Mexico
We took our young kids there many times and it was awesome
The west side has rougher water and gorgeous sunsets and the east side has calmer really blue water and the sunsets early

Maldives islands, cook island, Jamaica, Turks and Caicos.

We are heading to Costa Rica right around the same time with a 2 and 5 year old. I’ve been before and it’s great! west jet has direct flights to Liberia, Costa Rica. They have tons of options with bedrooms and kitchens

Angela we did Dominical and Uvita in Costa Rica for our honeymoon and loved it there! Would definitely consider Liberia as it would be an easier flight

With your kids age I would honestly consider Barcelo Mayan riviera. If your 4 year old turns 5 before your trip kids club is also an option and they do ALOT. We have been to many resorts and this was the most kid friendly. Dreams Dominicus is also amazing but we had overlays there and back.

Singapore, it was a great trip

Kike how many days did you go for? I feel like with long destinations at least two weeks is necessary

Jenny at least one week is ideal. There are many things to do. Cost of food is less than Calgary, Sentosa takes at least three days, Marina by the Bay two days, the best airport of the world takes one day at least.

Barbados one layover in Toronto. You can find great ARBNB for $70/night

Aruba. Layover in Toronto

Belize is new destintion. Cuba is affordable safe

Cruising is my favorite! Plus they have kids clubs so you can enjoy date night alone AND you get to see a few different places

What about a different island in Hawaii? I don’t think you can beat Hawaii. Also check out Kahana Village on Maui

Grand Cayman was very nice. Lots to do on that small island and with kids. Grand Cayman Turtle Centre, Crystal Caves, Stingray City) Seven Mile Beach is beautiful. We rented a car (they drive on left side of the road) for the two weeks and stayed at Marriott Beach Resort.

We’re looking to go to Bahamas with either staying at or visiting Atlantis.

I’d go to Canmore and call it good.

I have kids who are similar aged. I personally like cabo bc it’s a direct flight, you don’t need car seats and it’s the same time zone which is key! We’ve done Hawaii and then you have to rent a car and haul car seats. Would also consider cancun/Mayan but it’s a bit longer of a flight at that age

Amber so easy and beautiful especially for that young of children.

Amber agreed re: Cabo. Ocean swimming isn’t good but my kids lived in the pool anyway. The Marina is awesome for a little off resort day trip as well.

Amber where in Cabo did you stay?

David
Calgary to Tokyo, Tokyo to Koh Samui Thailand. It’s incredible there. Safe. Kids would have a great time. So will mom and dad

David agreed! did that in 2018. 2 days in Tokyo, 4 days Koh Yao Yai Island, 4 days north of Phuket and 2 days bangkok! Loved every second!

Turab we did it in 2016, 2018 (stop in Hong Kong), plan to do it again 2022

Turab We normally stay on Koh Tao and Koh Lanta. What do you like about Koh Tao Yai that makes you recommend it?

Rhonda Koh Yao Yai Island is Muslim majority so food was all halal which was important for us. Glow Elixir resort had the room, pool, grass and beach in perfect setting for very reasonable pricing. Food and spa services for wife were cheaper than others. No parties just peaceful laid back atmosphere. The more expensive upscale resort was Aleenta north of Phuket. Great experience even though a bit pricey.

David We went to Thailand the last two winters before Covid. Via Hong Kong and Taipei. Is there normally a Tokyo Koh Samui direct non-stop flight? My understanding is that you have to go via BKK.

Cuba. Direct flights, short flights, warm, beach and not too expensive, and super safe. A word from the wise, when looking at hotel ratings, take off one star and that’s what it really is and don’t stay in anything less than a 4 star.

Beverley yes very true! We’ve been to Cuba a few years ago and that’s what our hotel was like.

Costa Rica is nice - and where I stayed when I was down there is family friendly - it’s called Casa Bambu - it’s cabins in the middle of jungle steps away from the ocean - u also see so many animals especially monkeys! We stayed at the place called La Pina.

Costa Rica

Why not Mexico?? The CDN $ goes a long way down there… and direct flights are numerous

Carole we just went to Mexico pre COVID (January 2020) for 10 days and have been numerous other times so just wanting to do something different.

Sarah gotcha! We loved Vietnam, just sayin’! Lol

We booked flights for Maui in January before we saw the price of accommodations. But now considering switching to Oahu instead. Accommodations seems a little less expensive.

Sarah same, it is crazy expensive right now!

Not sure why you wouldn’t go to Mexico - best bang for your buck and an excellent place for a family holiday.

Susan we just went to Mexico for 10 days pre COVID in January 2020 and have been numerous times before so just looking for something new and different

Sarah ah. We have also been numerous times but can’t imagine going elsewhere (unless we wanted to spend a LOT more money for a similar all-inclusive.) I’ve heard the resorts in Jamaica are nice, but again - pricier than Mexico.

Susan not Jamaica!

/Mayan Riviera

They said this morning that Maui is jammed up with people and have asked for no more travellers

I can get you a 3-bedroom villa at an all-inclusive resort in Dominican Republic. You'll have your own pool to play in, in-house breakfast every morning and then you can go to the beach.

Laura oooo interested, please dm me more details.

Caribbean islands, St. Lucia, Dominica, Grenada...

Playa Del Coco in Costa Rica is my favorite. Direct flights to Liberia and a short 20 min drive or so to Coco. They have lots of condo rentals close to town and beach or you can also stay at the Riu Guanacaste which is all inclusive with water park for kiddos and adventure parks next door with a small zoo and zip lining etc. You can book different excursions on the beach at the resort and won'tbe disappointed. Very safe with extremely friendly people and tons to do. We have been going there for 7 or 8 years. It is my happy place.

Tammy I was just looking at this area today! It looks great.

Sarah it really is such a cool place to visit. I never get enough of Costa Rica and never want to come home. Best of luck! PS if you sign up for riuclass membership you can watch for deals at the Riu. Sometimes they have great deals on
. We are booked for 2 weeks in December.

Tammy is there a difference between the Guanacaste and the Palace?

Sarah yes they are right next door to one another. The palace guests can go to either but guanacaste cannot go to the palace. The palace is a little more upscale but we tend to like the guanacaste. It is a little more on the fun side
.

Tammy Sounds good, I’ve got a baby and a toddler haha so the fun side sounds better

If you have any questions feel free to pm me. Happy to help. There are lots of sites for you to find accommodations in town by renting a condo etc as well. It will be a much different experience than resort vacationing. Depends on your personal preference.

Tammy what are the big bugs and jungle creatures like
. Lots of them? Do you need to sleep well net? I know a yoga teacher in Costa Rica and have seen these huge black and purple alligator looking things in her videos. I’m scared of bugs and stuff.

Robbin different parts of CR are more jungle than others. Liberia and Coco although have lots of wildlife you don't see the creatures like other parts. They are ofcourse there but not something you see regularly especially when staying on the resort. I hate that kind of stuff and still love going there. You see more monkeys than spiders or snakes lol.

Steve cost depends on where you want to stay. Generally flights from Calgary to Liberia direct are normally around 1500 for 2 people return. I have found them for 1000 for 2 people but those are few and far between. To stay at the Riu we generally pay between 2600 and 3200 for 2 people canadian for 2 weeks depends on the deals I can find. I usually watch for months. The great thing is you can book the Riu and you don't pay until arrival. Even when booked I continue watching and can change reservation if a better deal is found. You can find condo rentals in town that cost less but prices will be in US funds and are ofcourse not all inclusive. For 10 days you could find something between 7 and 1000 for 2 people easily.

Tammy what would approximate cost be for this for 10 days or so?

Jamaica! We had a great time at the Riu in ocho Rios

Costa Rica was amazing, safe and nature was right at your door!

Jamaica is my go to...been there a few times with my child. Direct flights on weekends or one layover during the weekdays. Stayed in Montego Bay but traveled over much of the island at times

If you have never been to the Big Island of Hawaii it is absolutely incredible and you can typically find accommodations for WAY less than the other islands. The only negative is there is not as many easily accessed beaches as the other islands and depending on where you stay if your wanting to see all the sites it can be a lot of driving. We typically spend a few nights in the Kona region and then a few nights near the lovely town of Pahoa.

Love Kauai! Laid back, quiet, nice beaches. Poipu area is a nicer climate for a holiday, the northern part of the island often gets more rain.
You won’t find big city, just smaller towns.

Karen Yeah totally agree, Kauai is stunning. I bet it's getting expensive with all these price hikes too though. Can literally have 20 miles of beach to yourself there.

Shaun, I’m booked for January, rates have gone up but still affordable.
There’s so much scenery to see, whether by land or sea.

Karen Yeah it's our favorite of the islands. So nice!

Why no Mexico?

Lana we were just in Mexico last year and have been numerous other times so looking for a new experience

Sarah there is so much more to Mexico than resorts and beaches... the direct flights are good for young kids...the colonial cities rival Europe! We dragged our kids all over Mexico and Central America..Costa Rica would be fun if the flights work out...Nicaragua is also amazing as it Bocas Del Toro in Panama (check out Red Frog Beach)...but all of these involve long flights...

Belize is beautiful and affordable. We have done Ambergris Caye. Rented a golf cart while we were there and had an absolute blast! Another great option is Utila - an island off the coast of Honduras. Its more well know neighbor island is Roatan. Both awesome.

Hi Jane, where did you stay,. We always heard it was very expensive

January won’t be too warm to go to the beach in Europe, do Jamaica or República Dominicana .. I would reThink about México .. so much to do and visit!