You’ve had your baby and now you’re ready for a very well deserve break! But are baby friendly vacations even a thing?
For many parents, the idea of travelling with their newborn may seem like a bit of a write-off – a long-distance flight may be too much for them to handle, their crying may upset other travelers, and they may end up limiting your own enjoyment of the trip.
However, if the destination is chosen correctly, your baby could turn out to be your favorite travel buddy.
Some of the things you should consider are distance, climate, and whether the destination is stroller-friendly. One of the following 10 best baby friendly vacations may just be the perfect destination for your family.
Florence, Italy
Almost anywhere in Italy could make this list of best baby friendly vacations, as Italians are renowned for being extra accommodating towards children, plus, having small children is a great way for you to break the ice and get to know natives.
However, we’d recommend Florence above all other Italian cities due to the ease in which you can walk along the cities cobbled streets, gaze at the city’s top landmarks, and explore the world-famous museums, all while carrying your baby in a sling or pushing the stroller.
The vibrant city of Florence is sure to illuminate your baby’s senses, with colorful buildings for them to look at, soothing street musicians for them to listen to, and creamy gelato for them to taste.
There are also plenty of great baby-friendly accommodation found in Florence, from hilltop villas to working farms.
New York City – the most surprising of all baby friendly vacations!
Although a bustling city like New York may not seem like the best idea when it comes to your baby’s first-ever vacation, there are many quiet sides to the ‘city that never sleeps’ that are ideal for exploring with your baby in tow.
Many hotels accommodate infants, including Doubletree Suites on Times Square, and the Residents Inn near Central Park, the latter of which would give you great, stroller-friendly access to the luscious green banks of the city’s main park – the best place for your baby to play.
The subway is probably not the most baby-friendly place, but there’s plenty of attractions that you can walk to with a stroller or with your child in a baby carrier.
There are plenty of great museums around the perimeter of Central Park that are within walking distance from each other.
Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca is an ideal option for babies as its beaches boast some of the most placid shores that you’re likely to find, particularly Playa De Muro beach, which is perfect for your little one’s first time in the water.
But if your baby doesn’t feel like going for a paddle, the sandy beaches are the perfect place to crawl around and play.
The gorgeous streets of Palma are stroller-friendly, particularly the gorgeous promenades, so you’ll find it easy to get from your hotel room to the beaches, playparks, and restaurants.
Toronto, Canada
On top of the Canadian capital’s extensive selection of luscious parks, Toronto also has many exciting locations that can be reached via stroller-friendly streets, including the slight beaches that are dotted along Lake Ontario, Toronto Zoo, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, and the Ontario Science Centre, which makes it one of the best baby friendly vacations.
With a thriving culture, an acceptable climate, and plenty of baby friendly hotels to choose from, Toronto, Canada is – on top of being the safest city in North America – one of the best baby-friendly locations available.
Oahu, Hawaii
Out of all the Hawaiian Islands, Oahu is the most accommodating to babies under the age of two, with several resorts that cater to little ones.
The best hotels include Aqua Oasis, which offers stroller-friendly access to Waikiki Beach, and Turtle Bay Resort, which offers a very helpful babysitting service.
The waters that surround Oahu are crystal clear, making it a brilliant place for your baby’s first time at the beach.
We’d recommend visiting Oahu in the off-season, between December and April, as it will be an agreeable climate for your babies – unlike summer when the heat rarely abates!
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Mexico has a very family-orientated culture, and babies are no exception.
With plenty of great resorts and vacation homes to choose from in the vacation district of the Riviera Maya, you’ll feel spoiled for choice with the extensive selection of beaches, restaurants, and tourist spots that are within your reach and very accommodating to young children.
You could rent a car and explore Xcaret Park, Coba, and Chichén Itzá, which are all located within the vicinity.
Just make sure that your baby is sun screened-up and has a sun hat on.
Paphos, Cyprus
Paphos strikes the right balance of offering luxury family accommodations and also being a historically interesting destination, with much to see and do in and around the Cypriot city.
Such accommodations as Almyra, although sleek and contemporary on the outside, offers some of the best services for babies. With a kids club that features entertainment directed towards babies, shallow pools, and an extensive list of kid-friendly meals on the menu, this hotel attracts many families each year who are looking to make their newborn’s first-ever holiday one to remember.
There are many archeological points of interest throughout the ancient city of Paphos, including the Tombs of the Kings, Nea Paphos, Coral Bay, plus numerous mosaics featured throughout the city, that are sure to delight parents as their newborn snoozes in the stroller or baby carrier.
Byron Bay, Australia
Throughout the year, Byron Bay, Australia maintains a notably mild climate – never too hot and never too cold – which is ideal for a newborn, hence why this Australian town makes our list of baby-friendly vacations.
Byron Bay is fairly calming too in terms of atmosphere, with plenty of cafes along the waterfront, tranquil beaches, and calming parklands.
Byron Bay is also somewhat of a shopping epicentre, so anything you need, both for yourself and your baby, you’ll certainly be able to find it in the town’s shopping district.
Byron Central Apartments and East on Byron are two of the best places to stay for vacationing with babies.
Our most important tip is to enjoy this time with your baby and relax!