Vacation in a year...?

Question

I know we are going on vacation in a year, more than likely next August, but I want to be fully prepared! When we go my daughter will be 24-25 months old.

What are some things I will need to take will us for a 2 year old on a week long vacation? Including driving time, what things will I need for her? (We are driving, so we want something close).

Also, what should I expect from my daughter when we are traveling in the car?

Has anyone else gone on a week long vacation with an infant/toddler? What were your experiences with it?

Another thing.. we aren't sure where we want to go. I have asked in 2 other sections and have gotten nothing, so I will add it in this question. Obviously we will want a toddler friendly vacation spot, but also something adult friendly. There will be 2 other toddlers. We live in Ohio and want something close. We have been to Myrtle Beach for years and years and want someplace new.

Answer 1

I would recommend you take plenty of things that are familiar to her. My husband and I traveled to Costa Rica for 3 weeks when my son was 1. It was difficult, but I was so thankful I thought to take plenty of things he was used to. For the drive try something new though...it will keep her attention. Maybe try getting a portable DVD player and letting her watch a new cartoon or a toy...something simple. Take her pillow with you so she feels like she's at home. I don't know much about the area you are from or close family friendly vacations destinations, but you do have a year to figure it out. Honestly if she is just around 1 now and going to be 2 when you go on vacation, you can only plan so much I mean things change drastically. Here are a few other things I would bring along.

Stroller (2 year olds are heavy... trust me.)

Insurance Cards (You never know)

Medicine you use for minor problems (Orajel, tylenol...you know)

Stuffed Animals for night time.

More clothes than you think you might ever use...(2 year olds are messy!)

I'm sure you'll think of a lot more. Hope you have fun...you have plenty of time to prepare. Don't get to stressed.

Answer 2

What about the Jersey Shore?  Ocean City, NJ has a kid friendly boardwalk and the town is dry, so it attracts more families than college students.  The beach is also great.  The water is warm in August as well.

As for driving, I am guessing toys that will entertain her and not drive you crazy, maybe a DVD player to give you a break.  My brother travels a lot by car with his 3 kiddos ( 4 1/2, 2 1/2, and 1) and they leave at the kids bed time so the kids sleep most of the trip.  I am guessing you will need to plan for a lot of potty/stretch breaks to keep your daughter from getting to cranky.

Answer 3

Somethings you should take are of course plenty of diapers if she is not potty trained and wet ones even if she is so you can wipe her face and hands if needed. If she is potty trained bring extra underwear just in case.  If you have a portable DVD player that hooks to the back of the seat they work great.  Just bring a long a few DVDs.  I would also pack some crayons, coloring book, some of her small favorite toys, and some kids Cd's if you have them. If she has a favorite stuffed animal or blanket I would bring that along also.     I would also pack some snacks.  Veggie crackers, bananas, juice boxes, etc.  Also bring food and drink for yourselves.    Sense You live in Ohio why don't you go to Erie PA.  You could go to the beaches and go swimming and feed the seagulls,  Children's Museum, Tom Ridge Center(Free), Krispy Cream to get dough nuts and watch them get made, the zoo(7 for adults 4 for kids),  Waldermere amusement park, boat rides, etc.  We take are kids 2 and 3 to Erie every year to visit relatives in Erie and there is so much to do as a family.  If you get on there website closer to the time you go they also have a lot of fairs and festivals going on during the summer.  Also when we go we leave close to there nap times so they will sleep most of the way there.    

Answer 4

when i was only 1 year old, my family and two other families (each only had one kid) traveled from missouri to virgina.  my friends and i, were only 13-16 months. so we obviously didn't have a dvd player or any kind of movie. my mom said they that packed a playpen and  stroller for each of us.  and packed some books and toys that we could play with by ourselves, so you could get a doll or something like that for your daughter.  we went to the virgina area, and went to other states to see all of the historic sites.  and also went to some fun places like the beach and a aquarium.  search around on google and you should find some fun places to go.