Jamaica with a 2 year old Toddler
We picked the perfect time to escape the Arctic Blast in December here in Cleveland Ohio and instead were basking in the sun of Montego Bay, Jamaica.
It was the 2nd flight for our little Everett, and this time we used the opportunity of a free flight, as it was his last chance to travel as a lap infant before he turns two. Thankfully, he did great on the plane and even napped during the longer leg of our trip.
After our overly packed trip to Hawaii we decided to opt-in for an All-Inclusive vacation. Here are some pros and cons:
Pros of All-Inclusive in Jamaica with a Toddler:
You do not need to plan ahead your meals, reservations, restaurants. You have everything right there, including the kids menu. It was super convenient and definitely took a lot of stress off our plate.
The entertainment is great, fun for the little ones too.
Beach and pool are readily available with the loungers and everything. We had to get creative to get the most “sought after” loungers (probably hotel-specific), but other than that, super easy! The beach water is calm and great for the little one to splash around in, and the pool is often kid-friendly.
You don’t have to leave the hotel property whatsoever. Traveling or even commuting with the little one, going through the whole carseat-logistics can be handful. I was happy to take a relaxing vacation where I did not have to manage a single thing.
Cons:
If you go to an All-Inclusive resort and never leave the property, does it really count as visiting a foreign country? We ended up going to a one short super-mellow tour (more on that below), but I still felt the lack of culture experience.
Food options can get a bit bland and repetitive after a few days. Although, it is probably also hotel-specific and just me: I find one thing I love and then I cannot get enough of it haha 🙂
If there are things that really bother you about your resort, you are kind of stuck with them and there is no escape. But you might just get lucky and love everything, or your attitude is right.
Jamaica Luminous Lagoon experience with a Toddler
We went on one tour: I really wanted to see the Luminous Lagoon. It is a special ecosystem where the salt water meets the river water, that creates just the right environment for the microorganisms that shine when disturbed. So when you go for a swim and you move/splash, the water glows! It was surreal, something like I have never seen in my life.
There was a fun fire show before getting aboard of the boat that took us to the middle of a lagoon. And then we all took a dip. It was really fun in the dark but the luminescence made it truly magical. As far as for the little one, even though it was close to his bedtime (we usually have him stay up late with us on vacation), he seemed to enjoy the fire show, as well as the boat ride. Swimming is always his favorite, but he quickly got over being stuck in the life vest, so we had to take turns swimming. It did not take away any fun though.
As far as logistics, we had booked a round-trip transfer from and to our hotel, so we brought a car seat with us and just left it in the car during the tour.
Beach Photography
Ever though I spent most of my time chasing our wild one around the beach, I wouldn’t have been myself if I didn’t carve in a few moments to be a photographer. I absolutely love taking pictures on vacations or while traveling, as new destination really lets you see common things at a new angle. Travel photography is a secret passion of mine.
Traveling to Jamaica with a toddler
As far a vacation destination with a two year old, it was perfect! The weather is warm and not too hot in December, the ocean is calm and perfect for the baby splashes. All-inclusive makes the vacation low stress and pleasant for the parents. Even though we barely left the resort, we got a glimpse of Jamaican hospitality and warm welcoming spirit, and a tiny taste of the culture!
If you are considering Jamaica as you next vacation destination – you won’t regret it.