Beach Vacation Under Age Two? Absolutely!

Visit An Island Few Have Heard Of!  Bequia as an example…

 

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One of the greatest things about having a child under the age of two is the ability to add them as a “lapchild” on an airplane.  That opens up travel opportunities, where I have flown with a lapchild nonstop to Honolulu as well as bouncing around the Caribbean on both commercial airlines and smaller charter flights.  Having exchanged vows with my husband barefoot on the beach, we appreciate the feel of the sand between our toes and some natural shade.  The beach is a great vacation to take little ones on as well to enjoy nature and relaxation in an effort to make the MostPerMile when planning family vacations.  Families can choose to do as much, or as much of nothing as they choose!

 

Pack Light

Bequia is one of my most favorite places we have ever visited.  This island is accessible by flying to Barbados and hopping on a charter flight to go the last 100 miles, or fly into SVD (St Vincent and the Grenadines) to take a 45-minute

ferry.  One can think of it as the gateway to the stunning Tobago Cays!  Once landing at their small airport alongside the beautiful waters, an open air taxi can take you to your lodging.  In fact, they will come pick you up with just a quick text or call, so it’s like having your own personal driver for the week!  Of course their seatbelt laws are slightly different from here in the US, but it’s a great way to roll down the road and practice catching the wind in your mouth!  Since it is the Caribbean, it is much easier to pack light (and a must if you are on a smaller puddle jumper with weight restrictions!).  Packing cubes, rolling our clothes, and backpacks so we have our hands free are imperative!  And it is just as important to leave the makeup at home 😉

 

Get Acclimated

After arriving at your chosen place of lodging, it’s a great feeling to drop off the luggage, grab a book you never have

time to read at home, and head over to the beach.  If it’s your child’s naptime, no fear!  Make yourself comfy, snuggle with your little one in the shade, and delve into that novel! There’s nothing like that fresh ocean breeze, your toes in the sand, and your mini-me snoozing soundly.  Many accommodations are within an easy walk to the local beaches and have amenities we have back at home to make it an easy transition for little ones.  An evening swim may even introduce you to some cordial locals or expats, willing to toss a mango over to share.  Forget about what they say about not taking food from strangers…  you get to know others quite well when traveling.

 

 

Grab Some Food

When ready to go grab dinner, a quick change of clothes and stroll along the Belmont Walkway, and visit a local establishment.  Whether it’s in a food truck or a building, or even a local market, there is something to appease any appetite, including our littlest travelers!  The great views of local boats coming back in from the day provide entertainment as well as watching birds and other creatures hanging out in the area.  Sometimes, you may even catch a smaller cruise ship off in the distance or the mailboat heading in!   A great cost-savings is to pack our own food that is legal to bring in the country.  It is not uncommon for us to have one checked bag of essentials such as that just to save money.  

 

Watch the Sunset

After dinner, it’s nice to grab a picnic table or another spot on the beach at just the right time to admire the sunset.

Remembering to take it slow, go with the flow, and breathe in life is imperative… something we do not do enough back home with the craziness of work schedules and other commitments.  Making the MostPerMile out of a vacation does not necessarily mean “cramming it all in”, but more importantly, choosing to NOT cram it all in.  Follow your child’s lead and take that nap, stay out late to catch the sunset, visit with a random stranger, and take time to soak in every moment!

 

 

 

Take a Daysail

For those wanting to enjoy exploring off the island, a daysail on the Friendship Rose is an excellent recommendation.  Once again, using your child’s lead, nap time is no problme onboard.  Taking the time to maybe share some crumbs with local birds lets us as parents see the world through a child’s eyes.  As always, pack that rash guard for your child along with the sunscreen, and don’t be afraid to grab a float from the dollar store as you snorkel around in the crystal clear waters. 

   

Wear That Baby!

When heading around the island, a sling or wrap is excellent to help a little one.  Once again, they can nap when they please as we mommas get to explore the island!  A simple sling can be rolled up and thrown in a

backpack or carryon easily, as well as washed when needed.   It also helps to have your hands free as you stroll from place to place when traveling.  Toddlers get tired, which we know can lead to fussiness, but with a little planning ahead we can be ready for when that moment happens.

 

 

 

Learn Something

Finally, look for those educational opportunities to learn anywhere you go.  Even at a young age, our children are inquisitive and want to absorb everything in the world around them – even

under the age of two!  Something as simple as visiting the local turtle sanctuary not only opens up their eyes, but our’s as well as parents in how we can be better proponents of conservation.  Getting the MostPerMile out of a land vacation with multiple flights for a family with a child under the age of two is most definitely attainable (and recommended!).  There is absolutely no need to “wait until they are older” – take advantage of your travel opportunities now!