Vacation Destination with Babies - A recommended list by moms of the Lausanne area -

Traveling with babies can seem a daunting proposition at first.

In fact, after 30 seconds of consideration, many parents are likely  to simplify their adventures by heading for their own homes to see grandpa and grandma ( provided they are not half way across the world – even in this case, it sounds more comforting to most than an unknown vacation destination )

According to Amie O’Shaughnessy, founder of Ciao Bambino, a travel service that specializes in helping parents travel Europe with children, “The biggest misconception parents have about international travel with young children is that it is just too hard. Parents fear that after a long flight, they will experience a relocation—more work in a new place—and struggle to find basic resources in a foreign environment.”

However, with the right preparation and attitude, we think travelling with a baby makes a great vacation, let alone a great memory for the parents that they can share with the child later.

The top tip would be, do your homework and find out as much information beforehand so you can prepare yourself and equip yourself.

Check vaccination requirements well in advance and ask your doctor for prescription of some medication which you may want to have with you. Choice of accommodation is also key to whether your family will enjoy the vacation or not – so do not skimp on the accommodation. (Many destinations offer apartment hotels which seem to be a favorite choice for parents with young children. )

The rest is almost all up to how you can let go, be adaptable and enjoy the experience.

I asked a group of mothers with babies & toddlers – the “Moms&Moms2B” of Lausanne, as well as some of my personal friends that have children, if they had any destination recommendations based on their experience.

Here are the choices that were sent in :

Boston (America)

Better in the summer.The Science and Children’s Museums, as well as the Aquarium, have toddler play areas. In the summer they can go on the Swan Boats and there are lots of parks and fountains. The MBTA is handicap accessible.

Hawaii (America) <multiple entries>

Warm weather and generally very child friendly. It is also easy to find babysitting services.Most hotels cater to the needs of families with babies & children, and offer various activities for the little ones. It may get a bit crowded during high season but definitely a great family vacation choice. Delicious seafood, mild weather all year round and fabulous shopping !

Negatives for Americas : Long haul flight from Europe

 Isatanbul ( Turkey ) 

People are genuinely nice to those with babies.Recomended for those that have babies that can be carried on carriers. Great food and the mix of culture is amazing.

Negatives: Can be crowded and busy with traffic in a lot of areas

 Marrakesh (Morocco) 

Moroccans love babies and will probably dote on yours wherever you go. Recommend to bring the smallest buggy/stroller/push car that you can. The streets there are mostly cobblestoned but no problem at all with the logistics of a buggy.

Negatives: Can be crowded

 Dubai 

The standard of service and quality of food is generally fantastic. Great shopping for everyone in the family. Very international but also can be very exotic.

Negatives : Comes at a price, not a cheap holiday.

 Split (Croatia)

Very easy access from Geneva by Easy Jet. Tap water is safe to drink. Great sightseeing (UNESCO world heritage ) and there is the mountain and the sea.

Negatives : In old town areas, the roads are cobble stones so it may not be buggy friendly.

 Athens (Greece)

Great beach resorts and shopping areas. Unless you want to do the touristic sightseeing, no problems with the stroller. It may not be as breath taking as their islands, but still the atmosphere is “sea side vacation”.

Negatives : The Acropolis etc, the ruins are not buggy friendly.

Bali (Indonesia)

Asian resorts at is best. Fresh food and great hospitality. Relaxed atmosphere is hard to beat and people were very friendly & accommodating to family vacationers.

Negatives: Far from Europe, at least 2 transits.

Cruise ship vacations, though it is not a specific destination, recommended for the programs and play groups, and late-night group baby sitting that some of the big liners offer. For more insight >>> http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?id=628

LOCAL  > SWITZERLAND

Zurich 

It is not far away, but for a weekend it is great – bus, tram and train take you everywhere and when it is warm it is great around the lake.

Negatives: Without a car, it takes close to 3hrs by train from Lausanne. (Car recommended)

Salina Marais in Valais: http://www.spa.aletsch.net/hotel/spa/

Close to the Aletsch glacier.Great post-baby break!  Apartment rooms and spa facilities.

Negatives: Salina Marais hotel is on the mountain slope, so it’s also not terribly nice for walking with a pushchair. (Thus please consider that it is recommended for those with younger babies )

 The thermal spas such as those in Leukerbad > http://www.leukerbad.ch/en/page.cfm/Familien

Many places accept children but have warnings against babies – Beware and do check for minimum age of entry into the spas.

http://www.babyguide.ch/vacances/ (in FRENCH)

http://www.travelswithbaby.com/

http://www.ciaobambino.com/

http://www.luvaville.com

Happy traveling !