I envy you so much! We took my son when he was 2 1/2- he had the greatest time- and pictures were adorable. I would definitely invest in a tent... It was great for him to take naps in- he took 3 hours naps every day! That way you won't have to make a trip back to your hotel/villa. We brought a few toys with us (from Target)- he actually had more fun throwing sand into the water for hours! I would also invest in an inflatable childrens raft/seat. This way you can be in the water and not have to hold your baby the whole time. We enjoyed Maho and Cinnamon Bay. Maho had the calmest waters and was very shallow for a ways out. Cinnamon was gorgeous and had the amenities of the snack bar, restrooms, showers. Keep in mind not many restaurants have highchairs and booster seats. We also didn't run into many with children's menus- we just shared our dinners with him. We enjoyed ourselves so much with our son, we are planning to move to the VIs in the next two years with him and his new sister!

As a mother of a 16 year old daughter, I agree that it is everyone's personal preference whether or not to take their children on any vacation with them. I have traveled both with and without my daughter and enjoyed both. That being said, parenting styles greatly differ. That same family next you at your local restaurant at home who let their child wander, scream, toss things, etc., will be no better behaved on vacation. Likewise, the family that properly teaches children how to behave in restaurants, etc. (or brings activies for the little ones or takes them out for a walk if they are getting uncomfortable) will be pleasant fellow vacationers.

Well, I'm adding my $.02 worth. When are boys were small, Disney and Myrtle Beach was all we could afford. We didn't consider taking them to the Caribbean. If we could have afforded it, I'm sure we would have. Even when they were older, I thought they might be bored if they weren't around crowds of other teens (ie. Myrtle Beach) The only time they have been to the Caribbean is on a cruise we did 3 years ago (which was great for teens). Now that they are "adults" I'm looking forward to traveling without them. That being said, other people's children never bother me unless they are really exceptionally rude or loud. It is then the parents that irritate me, not the children. BUT, if it bothered me to be around children on a vacation, I would select a "couples only" resort. There are places one can go if they truly want an adult only environment. And, I agree with the fact that kids won't know how to act in a certain situation if they are never in that situation.

We took our daughter on a Disney Cruise when she was 1.5 years old. I probably wouldn't have done it but my Mom treated everyone. We couldn't have afforded it anyway. She does not remember it at all, but I do have precious pictures. I really don't like Disney world, but like I said, it was paid for. A lot of times it was a pain, like when everyone went drinking and we had to take turns watching her. Some of the time it was real fun and cute. My husband did not think it was cute when she pooed her cloth diaper at the beach (snorkel trip in the Bahamas). He had to wash the diaper out!
We took her back to Disney world when she was 3. She doesn't remember that either. But.... if you wait too long to take them, they won't want to go with you anymore. So, to each his own. I think ages 5-16 are the best to take on expensive vacations. We are taking our 11 and 16 year old in June. I think it will be real fun!
Have a great time!

Another vote here for taking your children at whatever age. Personally, my parents are not the "babysit for a week" kind - they're more of the "sorry, we'll be in (insert tropical location) for that month so we cannot babysit". I would like to try an "adults only" vacation, but I know I will probably worry about what's going on at home. Sometimes, I think people just get used to doing everything with their children and it just isn't a big deal to them. That is kind of how I am.

Also, my parents were always the type to not take us anywhere with them. They'd always be gone here and there and we were with grandparents or aunts. Now they have all of these memories that they like to talk about, but we cannot join in the discussion because we weren't there! Uh....can you feel the resentment? (LOL) I know this is really about taking kids under 5 - but I say take them whenever.

I started taking mine along very early - in strollers. I used the Sit-N-Stroll for my daughter's first VI visit - that carseat that converts into a stroller. It was great for use in the rental car and also on the plane. It also rolls down the aisle on the plane.

My last comment:
When my daughter was 5, I decided to do a big Disney vacation in the late spring, just after school ended.. It is wonderful - I had those 11 Day World Hopper Passes (the ones that you have to buy through a foreign country since they are not for Americans) and we did Disney BIG TIME. Ok, so about a month after that vacation my daughter asked me when we were going to St Thomas. I said "we're not going this year, we went to Disney World". She made this mad face and said "WHY DID WE HAVE TO GO TO DISNEY WORLD!!! I just want to go to St Thomas"

We spent out Honeymoon on Virgin Gorda at a resort that does not allow children under 12. Very quiet, no TV's in the rooms and no childrens menu.

There was a family with a 12 year old daughter and 14 year old son. On the ferry to get to the airport we were chatting with them and I remarked at how well behaved they were. The parents said that they have been travelling the world with them since they were small babies and that they were more than experienced travellers. She said that her daughter asked to go back to the VI after a Disney vacation as well. Too funny!

Kimberlysea,

I totally respect your need to get away from the kids! We bring our kids almost everywhere with us. We really enjoy our children's' company and have a ton of fun with them!! They are really easy going fun people!! We just got home yesterday from St John and our 6 yr old snorkeled constantly and our 3 yr old had a blast playing in the water and in the sand. My husband and I both work long hours and we are always on the run with the kids on the weekends. Our boys are very involved in sports and we have a busy social life.....our trip to St John gave us time to sit back and enjoy our family. It was so much fun to watch the kids enjoy the island.

We were also there with 22 family members....it sounds like too much, but we were in different villas and the adults hung out in the water with their beverage of choice and the kids hung out on the beach and water. It worked out great and it was such a great time!

Paige,
I see you haven't written again and I wonder if you have been following your thread! So much of the topic totally changed as you can see and I too gave my opinion!
First, not to worry, just take the time to enjoy your sweet little one! You got some good responses in the very beginning of this thread! One more suggestion. I find it easier to find restaurants that allow you to move about! Places that are on the beach for instance or have paths to walk around, etc. Being that I live in STT and don't frequent STJ that much, I cannot offer you specific restaurants, but I am sure there are some people who can!
At my LLL meetings, I always did a disclaimer. Take whats right for you and leave the rest! Hope you feel you got some helpful answers! 🙂
ENJOY!

Sherri,
Thank you and everyone else for all of the tips. I really appreicate it. My husband and I have been traveling to St. John for years and can't wait to share it with our daughter. We know it will be rough the first time, but it will be worth it. Like anything else, after the first time...it gets easier.

As for those who spoke negatively of traveling with children, it is a shame that you feel that way. I am not a huge fan of other peoples screaming kids...but now that I have a child, I am more understanding. I don't feel that because I have a child that my life should stop. We will continue to do the things that we used to do (in moderation) and try and maintain our lifestyle and include a little one. I don't understand why people have a problem with that. St. John is such a wonderful place...why wouldn't I want to share it with my daughter? If a child free vacation is what you are looking for - go to an adults only resort....Otherwise, you should keep your negative opinions to yourself.

Thank you again to those with favorable comments and suggestions. They are truy appreciated. We are looking forward to our trip next year.

Paige,

Our villa did have sand toys and my sister in law's villa did as well. St John kids sold some too.

Paige - well said! I couldn't agree more. We take our children (4 & 5) with us almost all of the time (with the exception of an occasional and welcomed night out) and wouldn't have it any other way. In time I hope and expect we'll have children who have seen a good bit of the world through their own eyes rather than through a TV screen - what better way to learn about life can there be? Yes, it does get easier, but only if continue to do what you are doing and take them. You can continue to do the things you love (granted, with a few modifications), and they learn about the world first-hand, as well as how to travel properly and NOT be disruptive misbehaving kids that spoil vacations. Enjoy your vacation - I'll be looking forward to your trip report!

What villa did you stay in? We can't decide between a villa and the Westin.
Did you have problems with the bugs?

I wanted to share what my 3 1/2 year old said yesterday. He doesn't remember most of the places he's been (he's up to 22 states and the USVI), but he has learned a lot from his experiences and I think they have shaped the person he is (and will be). He told me yesterday that he likes going on adventures and doing things he's never done before. I think that taking my children places and letting them experience different things will affect them in so many wonderful ways. The pictures in my mind and on film that we have of our family on the beach, just being together, are priceless.

That said, I am looking forward to our first vacation without the kids in January. 🙂 They will enjoy being with the grandparents while we take a few days to go skiing. But next year, when our oldest can ski, we'll be taking them with us!

Keri

Hi Paige:

I've been regularly traveling ( 1-3 times per year) with my now four year old daughter to the USVI and BVI since she was 1 year old (she reached her first birthday in Tortola, in fact.) She, and we, have had a wonderful time. Though she did not, of course, remember the first trip, she has seen the photos and is delighted. She does, however remember every other trip, not that it matters to our family's overall enjoyment.

Some tips:

--Bring mosquito netting for the stroller and baby bed
--consider bringing your own portable crib. This worked for us, especially since we got my daughter used to it in the weeks before the trip by having her take naps and sleep some nights in it at home. On the trip she was used to it and went right to sleep without issues of sleeping in a strange crib/bed. Also, you can move it all over the condo/hotel room and it doubles as a nice playpen at the beach or pool. If using it outside, cover it with shade
--get some of those little kid hats that go down to the nape of the neck to prevent sunburn
--avoid slathering on sweet-smelling lotions and oils, as the bugs love it.
--bring plenty of bug repellent and sunscreen for babies, but avoiding sweet smelling potions (see above) will really help to cut down on the bug bites
--bring anti-itch cream and antiseptic for any bug bites sustained
--bring fun sand toys, especially shovels
--bring lots of packaged snacks if that's what your child eats, as there may be less selection in the VI's
--be sure your child sips on LOTS of liquid; try making ice pops, either with water or juice, and handing them out frequently

Have a great time!!!

I gave my older kids a choice between Disney World and snorkeling in St. John when they were 9 (twin boys). They chose the snorkeling. That's when I knew that all that early traveling had paid off! Today they are much more mature and sophisticated than some their age, I think because they were exposed early on to so many different places and ways of living.

Islandlola

HI Paige,
Wow, the thread is still going, How cool!
You had asked someone what villa that they stayed in, can't help you with that and wasn't sure who it was directed at.
Villa life and hotel life are very different! In a villa you have all the amenities of home, cooking if you want to, privacy, quiet, etc.
Hotels on the other hand have lots of people around wherever you go on the property, pool, etc. Your decision should be based on what YOU want! Are you very social and like having people around all the time OR do you want the privacy of a home situation and get your social activities by heading to a beach, restaurant, hotel pool, etc.
I have to be honest and say that some people are not meant for villas! On the other hand some people wouldn't consider a hotel!
As for bugs, for the most part they are not an issue. Did you see the "Bugs and Villas" thread I did? In that thread, I simply wanted guests to realize we HAVE them! Mosquitoes, noseeums, etc. can be experienced no matter where you stay!!!!! Just decide on the needs you have for yourself, you know the answer! 🙂
Most importantly, Enjoy!

It's definitely worth bringing along your toddler! I just returned from my 3rd trip to St. John and first with my 23 month old daughter and stayed at the Westin so here are just a few of my tips.

If you have a washer and dryer where you're staying, you only need to bring a few clothes and do laundry every few days. Good things to pack:

*hat with neck flaps, children's sunglasses and water shoes
*don't pack bikini types swimsuits, look for the one piece suit that goes down to their knees and covers up their upper arms and necks & don't forget to apply sunblock liberally & frequently to exposed skin
*bring along swim diapers, regular diapers, wipes, children's bug spray and sunblock (buying here will stun your pocketbook)
*you can buy beach umbrellas and sand toys at the drug store above the Starfish Market
*pack a cooler and bring along extra ziplock bags from home to fill with fruit and snacks
*while traveling with your child, bring along specific children's brand juice (when leaving St John, we were made to throw out our Ocean spray juice but allowed the same juice coming over - go figure.)
*bring along umbrella type stroller for the airport but it's basically useless on the streets of Cruz Bay
*beach cabana was great and bring binder clips to hang clothes or drape towels on top for more shade
*Neat Sheets for the beach
*if you're staying at the Westin, don't need to pack beach towels since they're provided already
*portable DVD player for the plane and DVDs - got sick of Elmo but it saved our lives on the plane
*go early to the beach and pack lunch and a snack, your child will have a great nap in the afternoon
*be the first dinner customers and eat at 5- food will arrive faster and kids can run around a little without disturbing too many people
*leave baby powder and a jug of water in the car - both clean off sand easily before getting back in the car
*keep plastic bags and wipes in the car, my little one got really carsick on the hairpin turns!

We packed a holiday bib and posed my daughter on the overlook of Trunk Bay - that shot was spectacular and we sent it out as our Christmas card photo. Have fun and enjoy!

Lee