Vacation Destinations to Avoid with Babies and Young Children

You might be thinking that vacationing with a baby or toddler is impossible. Perhaps you are one of the few parents that feels they can venture anywhere they please, even with their baby or young child. There are certain destinations in which it is best to wait until your child is a little bit older. In a handful of circumstances, the effort it requires to take your children with you is too great for you to enjoy your trip. Be realistic and think about what you will be expecting of your child when on vacation. For example, it is not realistic to expect a two year old to ride cross-country on a motorcycle trip.

1.) Theme parks are usually no place for babies and young children. Tickets are expensive, the parks are always crowded with long lines and some theme parks may even scare your young children. There is nothing that a baby can do at a theme park, except ride around in a stroller. Young toddlers generally can not participate in any of the rides either. Occasionally, small kids will enjoy a show or maybe even the characters if they are not scared. If you do decide to take your children to a theme park when they are young, every hotel within 40 miles will be overpriced. Your child will, more than likely, forget about the trip and ask to go again in a few years.

2.) Family resorts are generally aimed towards older children. Although there are resorts that do cater to the needs of families with small children, most resorts that claim the name "family resort" are for older kids. If you decide to take a shot at the resort, you will most likely be paying for services that neither you or your kids will use.

3.) Tours that require you to sign a release of safety are no places for babies or young children. "Adventure" travel is not designed for small children. Even if the place claims to be safe and acceptable for small kids, if you have to sign a form releasing the operator from liability if your child is harmed it should signal a red flag. Rafting down the Colorado River or trekking through the Himalayas should be left for later when the kids are capable of handling the challenge.

4.) Shows with expensive tickets are a waste of money when it comes to young children. For young children and babies, a ride in a grocery store cart can offer just as much fun and excitement as the circus or Disney On Ice can. Save the expensive shows for a few more years when your kids can actually enjoy themselves and remember the occasion.

5.) Advance-purchase tickets are a no-no when it comes to small children. Every parent knows that it is best to remain as flexible with your plans as you can when you are considering taking the kids with you. You never know what can happen and it is hard to commit to be being in a certain place at a certain time several months ahead of time.

6.) Art exhibits are generally boring for babies and small children. If the exhibit is a large event, it will most likely be crowded and your child will not be able to see very much. Most art exhibits do not allow you to take a stroller or back-pack style carrier into the museum with you. If you decide to go anyways, choose a weekday morning when the crowds are less likely and do not count on staying a long time.

7.) Events in indoor arenas are usually more of a hassle than they are worth when it comes to babies and small children. Basketball games, hockey games and other indoor events can be a scare for young children. The public address system will sound loud to your child and the roaring crowds will also be loud for thier sensitive ears. Toddlers will also get tired of being confined to a narrow seat. If you do decide to go, purchase the cheap seats or splurge for a private booth to allow for more room.

8.) Avoid places that do not offer any shade. Beaches are okay as long as you are under an umbrella, tent or canopy. Because you will not be able to use an umbrella, avoid going to places like outdoor concerts and sporting events that you will not be able to block your child from the sun.

9.) If you feel like your child's safety or your safety will be jeopardized in any way, it is best to wait until your child is older. If you are concerned that your child's presence will be annoying to other guests, it is also best to wait unti they are older. You will most likely be too tense to enjoy yourself.