USVI-On-Line

Hello all, hope everyone is having a GREAT St. Patty's Day!

My daughter and son in law (and adorable grandson) are traveling with us to St. John this summer for one week of our two week stay. This will be there first trip to the caribbean. Any advise or special trips for traveling with a one year old would be greatly appreciated. We would like to do a family sunset sail. Will the captain allow a toddler?

Thanks!

Hi - we just got back from our trip. I posted a toddler-based trip information sheet, so to speak, about three weeks ago.

I would be happy to PM or email it to you.

We have day-tripped several times(in the Caribbean and mid-Atlantic) and the captains were always welcoming to our son. Capt. Phil was especially good.

Chances are, the toddler may count as a "head" for pricing purposes. I think it may have something to do with regulations.

St. John beaches are great for little kids - your family will have a wonderful trip.

Like I have said before the hardest part of any caribbean travel with a little one is the "getting there" part. Once you are there, if the kid is pretty flexible, you will have a great time.

Our daughter has been to StJ, Bermuda, Mexico, St. Martin and all over the U.S. and she's not even 5! She has always been a great traveler, knock wood, the girl can sleep anywhere and always loves to see new things.

We are heading back to StJ in November with her and her new brother who will only be 10 months old. I am a little nervous and hopeful he'll prove himself as mellow as she is.

Now, for what to do once you get there. My favorite kid friendly beaches are Maho and Francis. They are a little further up the North shore but typically VERY calm and you can park pretty close (really close at Maho and pretty close depending on the time of day at Francis).

Pastory Gardens is pretty fun for all. Laid back atmosphere, a great mini golf course - with amazing landscaping - pretty good food and often live music. Other good options for dining with a little one - Skinny Legs, Island Blues, Shipwreck Landing (all near Coral Bay).

Thank you both! I needed a few reassuring words to share with Katie (my daughter). I can't wait to see the little guy play on the beach! This trip will be one week before his first birthday. I'm sure we will have a great time!

One of the handiest items we brought with us when we took out 1-yr-old to STJ was a backpack carrier (ours is a Kelty). We brought the carrier as well as a small umbrella stroller, and used the carrier almost exclusively (the stroller was used primarily in the airports). We favored the carrier over the stroller in Cruz Bay due to the narrow uneven sidewalks.

I just sent my information to you via PM.

Thanks, PA Girl... I really appreciate the information. I travel through airports every week with my job and have started really paying attention to families traveling with small children. You have it down to a science!

I also appreciate the "backpack carrier" idea from you, ccasebolt. I had advised her to start looking for one. Did you get the kelty online or is it a common brand in stores.

Thanks again!

I bought it online. I knew exactly what I wanted and searched for the best price. I'm sure you can find them in stores as well, but I'm not sure which stores carry them.

We have the kelty backpack as well and my husband loves it. We got it at Babies R Us, but it was when our daughter was about 1 - so 4 years ago almost.

A Kelty was my first choice (I still might get one) but a less expensive alternative is a model sold under the Snugli brand at Babies R Us and many other big box retailers.

I had intended to order a Kelty but while shopping, my husband saw one at B r Us and had to buy it on the spot.

It costs around $90 and is actually quite well made for price. The metal frame and kick stand are sturdy. It has tons of storage space, which allows us to leave the diaper bag behind when using the backpack.

In all our trips, we have yet to miss the stroller. That being said, both of us like to wear the backpack.