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November Trip
November Trip
We are finally booked. We usually go in May, but with a new little one and it being her first trip, we decided to wait a bit longer. I can't wait. Can anyone tell me what the weather is like at the end of October into November? Are most of the places that closed during the summer opened back up by then? Any suggestions for the flight for an almost 2 year old? We are flying through Miami into St. Thomas. Thanks!
We are doing the same --- usually go in May but our latest addition will only be 3 mos. old then. Even I am not that brave, though big sis went to the caribbean at 5 mos. I wonder if they'll fight about that later 
We'll be there in November and the reseach I did shows that most everything is back open. It can be a bit rainier than other times, but not rainier than May I don't think.
For the 2 year old on the flight I suggest his/her own bag of goodies that he/she has NEVER seen before the flight. Then dole them out slowly one at a time for good behavior.
I did this w/ my daughter on many flights and she's always great. Somethings to include: Crayola makes these great markers that only will mark on special paper called colorwonder, stickers, small toys, and lots of non sugary snacks - pretzels, nuts, etc.
We'll be there in November and the reseach I did shows that most everything is back open. It can be a bit rainier than other times, but not rainier than May I don't think.
For the 2 year old on the flight I suggest his/her own bag of goodies that he/she has NEVER seen before the flight. Then dole them out slowly one at a time for good behavior.
I did this w/ my daughter on many flights and she's always great. Somethings to include: Crayola makes these great markers that only will mark on special paper called colorwonder, stickers, small toys, and lots of non sugary snacks - pretzels, nuts, etc.
Flip Flop is right on with the NEW bag of goodies. I started my twins out that way. Go to dollar store and get a bag of little toys and things to eat. Dole out one at a time. funny, but I STILL give the girls a goodie bag at the beginning of our trips, Silly Putty, little notebook and pen, gum, bottle pops, lip gloss, etc. this last trip, one of my 16 yr old twins said " Mom...we arent babies anymore" Oh really???? I hadn't noticed!!!!
Wahhhhh!!!!!!
Wahhhhh!!!!!!
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howie's sunshine
- Posts: 65
- Joined: Wed Aug 30, 2006 6:44 am
We did the trip with our nearly 17 month old in Feb/March.
I would add packing food for the flight.
No matter what they might tell you, don't count on the airlines to have milk, water or food (free or for purchase) available.
The families sitting around us had a hard time getting these items. They were told by well-meaning ticket and gate agents that beverages would be available to the children before or shortly after take off.
Not so - I witnessed flight attendants refusing to provide liquids until the beverage service started with no exceptions made for children. The airline also did not have enough food available for purchase.
I packed meals and snacks for the each leg of the trip in a small lunch cooler. TSA allows milk for babies/toddlers. I had everything contained within the cooler - no TSA problems at all.
Every airline we flew allows a “free” baggage allowance for gate checking a stroller bag or car-seat. Get a gate-check ticket from the gate agent. We used a cheapy car seat/stroller bag for our backpack and used the extra room for diapers, a few outfits, etc. I think we paid $20 for it and it has survived two trips to FL and two trips to STJ.
I would add packing food for the flight.
No matter what they might tell you, don't count on the airlines to have milk, water or food (free or for purchase) available.
The families sitting around us had a hard time getting these items. They were told by well-meaning ticket and gate agents that beverages would be available to the children before or shortly after take off.
Not so - I witnessed flight attendants refusing to provide liquids until the beverage service started with no exceptions made for children. The airline also did not have enough food available for purchase.
I packed meals and snacks for the each leg of the trip in a small lunch cooler. TSA allows milk for babies/toddlers. I had everything contained within the cooler - no TSA problems at all.
Every airline we flew allows a “free” baggage allowance for gate checking a stroller bag or car-seat. Get a gate-check ticket from the gate agent. We used a cheapy car seat/stroller bag for our backpack and used the extra room for diapers, a few outfits, etc. I think we paid $20 for it and it has survived two trips to FL and two trips to STJ.
Hello,
We have gone twice now at the end of October and our third time will be this year. The first year to STT we only had one evening where it started raining at 6pm and rained for a few hours, all other days we had maybe 2 minute showers that helped cool off the hot temps a bit. Last year we went to St John and apparently it had been very rainy in the weeks before we got there and the week we were there it rained on and off but we always had sun each day for most of the day. The extra rain makes the bugs worse so be prepared if bugs like you or your family. The nice thing is that all the scenery is very green and lush and the Reef Bay waterfall was running
If it is the last week of October then some restaurants will still be closed. Last year Sweet Plantains, Chateau Bordeaux and some others were still closed. The Fish Trap opened on the last day or two of our stay (They were remodeling). Still- plenty of places to eat are open. Check out St John Spice and you can see last year's closings and later Ruth being ever so kind will update with 2007 closings.
We will be there maybe we can all get together.
The island is awesome in off season. It's very peaceful.
We have gone twice now at the end of October and our third time will be this year. The first year to STT we only had one evening where it started raining at 6pm and rained for a few hours, all other days we had maybe 2 minute showers that helped cool off the hot temps a bit. Last year we went to St John and apparently it had been very rainy in the weeks before we got there and the week we were there it rained on and off but we always had sun each day for most of the day. The extra rain makes the bugs worse so be prepared if bugs like you or your family. The nice thing is that all the scenery is very green and lush and the Reef Bay waterfall was running
If it is the last week of October then some restaurants will still be closed. Last year Sweet Plantains, Chateau Bordeaux and some others were still closed. The Fish Trap opened on the last day or two of our stay (They were remodeling). Still- plenty of places to eat are open. Check out St John Spice and you can see last year's closings and later Ruth being ever so kind will update with 2007 closings.
We will be there maybe we can all get together.
The island is awesome in off season. It's very peaceful.
When will I see St John again?
Yeah, it was awful. In particular, there was a couple right in front of us with a 16 month old. English was not their first language and the stewardess was a total and complete b_tch to them.
Here was this little boy that was crying, mom was teary and dad was pleading. He explained that they had been waiting at the airport for a long time (which was true, a monster delay at San Juan) and couldn't they at least have some water for him. My husband was furious and nearly started in with the stewardess.
We have done four trips via plane and I never had a problem with his food/beverage. I think having it well organized helped A LOT when going through security.
At Philly, there was a security guard asking about liquids prior to the check point. I showed him my cooler and explained we were travelling with a toddler. He asked to see said toddler, who was right behind me, and made a notation on his boarding pass.
When we went through the check point, the TSA person knew we had liquids for our son and had us open the cooler and place it in its own tray for X-ray scanning.
Here was this little boy that was crying, mom was teary and dad was pleading. He explained that they had been waiting at the airport for a long time (which was true, a monster delay at San Juan) and couldn't they at least have some water for him. My husband was furious and nearly started in with the stewardess.
We have done four trips via plane and I never had a problem with his food/beverage. I think having it well organized helped A LOT when going through security.
At Philly, there was a security guard asking about liquids prior to the check point. I showed him my cooler and explained we were travelling with a toddler. He asked to see said toddler, who was right behind me, and made a notation on his boarding pass.
When we went through the check point, the TSA person knew we had liquids for our son and had us open the cooler and place it in its own tray for X-ray scanning.
November Trip with Toddler
Thank you for all of the great information. Here is another question....how to pack? We normally check luggage and learned to take a carry on - after our luggage was lost for two days last trip. We are going to try and pack as light as possible this time, but with a toddler, there will be extra gear to take. Have you ever rented a car seat once you were there? Also, does the cooler count as a carry on bag? I think you can only have two per person, right?
Double check with the airline but I am pretty sure that even if you don't purchase a seat for your children, you are still allowed to gate check a child-related item that does not count toward the ticketed passenger baggage allowance.
I have no experience with renting a carseat.
We did not take a stroller as a backpack carrier works well for our family. I don't think Cruz Bay is stroller-friendly but plenty of other families used them in town.
In 2006, the rental agency provided a pack-and-play for us to use. This year, I took a travel bed that folds down to about 12 inches round.
I have no experience with renting a carseat.
We did not take a stroller as a backpack carrier works well for our family. I don't think Cruz Bay is stroller-friendly but plenty of other families used them in town.
In 2006, the rental agency provided a pack-and-play for us to use. This year, I took a travel bed that folds down to about 12 inches round.