Franklin Dean
Many couples nowadays start their families before getting married or are on their second marriage and have children from a previous relationship. This raises the question of whether or not to take kids on a honeymoon. While some parents feel guilty about leaving their children behind, it's important to remember that a honeymoon is intended to be a private time for the couple to bond and relax. However, if you can't bear the thought of leaving your kids, there are family-friendly honeymoon destinations and resorts that offer childcare services, allowing couples to enjoy some alone time. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to take kids on a honeymoon depends on the couple's preferences and what they believe is best for their family.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Honeymoon with kids | Family-moon |
| Honeymoon without kids | Normal honeymoon |
| Reasons for honeymoon with kids | Already have kids, blended family, bonding experience, can't leave kids alone |
| Reasons for honeymoon without kids | Private time, cement a bond as a couple, kids understand adults need time to themselves |
| Honeymoon with kids ideas | Cruise lines, family-friendly hotels, resorts with kids clubs, babysitters, nannies, camps |
| Honeymoon without kids ideas | Wait until kids are older, mini-moon, pump breast milk |
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What You'll Learn
Childcare services at honeymoon destinations
A honeymoon is intended to be a private time for newlyweds to reflect on their new bond, but more and more couples with children are choosing to bring their kids along. If you're looking for a honeymoon destination that offers childcare services, there are several options to consider.
Cruises
The majority of cruise lines are well-equipped to host families with children on their honeymoon. Babysitters and counselors work in children's play areas and shallow pools, ensuring that kids are occupied and cared for while parents can unwind and enjoy some alone time. AmaWaterways, for example, has partnered with Disney to offer selected itineraries and tour guides geared towards families.
Hotels
Some hotels have recognized the need to cater to couples on their honeymoon who also want to bring their children. The Ritz-Carlton, for example, offers certified nannies, child-appropriate registration, summer camp sessions, and a kids' meal plan. The Hilton Hawaiian Village on Waikiki Beach in Hawaii offers Camp Penguin for kids ages 5 to 12, where they can immerse themselves in Hawaiian culture through stories, games, arts, crafts, and music.
Resorts
Resorts in exotic locations like the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, and the Far East are often baby-friendly and offer childcare services. Round Hill in Jamaica, for example, has amazing nannies, a gentle, protected shelving beach, and stunning villas. The Dhaalu Atoll in the Maldives is another great option, known for its infinite beaches, blue lagoons, and reefs.
Safari
A safari can be a unique honeymoon experience for couples and children alike. Little Guest, a travel agency in Cape Town, offers a tour specially designed for families with children, providing assistance before and during your safari in South Africa.
UK-based Options
If you don't want to travel far and are looking for childcare options, there are several UK-based honeymoon destinations to consider. The Luxury Family Hotels group provides Ofsted-registered crèches, a babysitting and listening service, and games rooms and cinemas for older children, alongside spa facilities and romantic dining options. Classic Cottages offers baby-friendly properties in Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset, while Sykes Cottages is ideal for parents who want to explore the Lake District or Yorkshire Moors with their baby.
While it may be challenging to find luxury accommodations that cater to the needs of children, these destinations offer a balance between creating memorable experiences for your family and enjoying quality alone time as a couple.
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Planning activities for kids
Choose a Kid-Friendly Destination
Select a destination that offers a range of activities and attractions suitable for children. This could be a place like Hawaii, which has beautiful beaches and nature, as well as family-friendly resorts and activities. The Ritz-Carlton properties in sunny resort locations, for example, offer certified nannies, summer camp sessions, and kids' meal plans.
Opt for Resorts with Kids' Clubs
Consider staying at a resort that has a kids' club or child-minding services. This will allow you to have some adult-only time while knowing your children are safe and entertained. Resorts like Beaches Turks & Caicos offer a waterpark and different themed villages, providing entertainment for all ages.
Involve Your Children in Planning
Let your children have a say in some of the activities or destinations. This will make the trip more exciting for them and ensure their interests are represented. If your children are old enough, consider giving them disposable cameras or journals to document the trip from their perspective.
Outdoor Adventures
Encourage your kids to explore the outdoors and connect with nature. Visit one of the U.S. National Parks for a breath of fresh air and a change of scenery. Just be sure to make reservations in advance to avoid disappointment. Bali is another great option, offering surfing lessons, horse riding on the beach, snorkelling, and waterfall visits.
Educational Activities
Engage your children in educational activities that teach them about the local culture. For example, the Hilton Hawaiian Village's Camp Penguin for kids aged 5 to 12 immerses them in Hawaiian culture with stories, games, arts, crafts, and music. They can even learn to hula and make leis!
Plan a Mix of Activities
When planning your itinerary, consider a mix of active and relaxing days. You might want to include some days with three to four activities and then allow for some downtime on other days. This balanced approach will ensure everyone has a chance to recharge and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Remember, the key to planning activities for kids on your honeymoon is to find a balance between family time and couple time. By choosing the right destination, taking advantage of kids' clubs, and involving your children in the planning process, you can create a memorable trip that caters to everyone's needs and interests.
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Alone time for couples
Honeymoons are intended to be a private time for newlyweds to relax, reflect on their new bond, and get used to the idea of being legally married. While children may understand that adults need time to themselves, especially after a wedding, bringing them along will shift the focus of the trip from the couple to the children. This means candlelit dinners and tranquil strolls on the beach will most likely not factor into a honeymoon with children, unless your accommodation offers child-minding or a kids' club service.
If you are set on bringing children, it is important to choose a family-friendly destination. Beaches Turks & Caicos, for example, offers a 45,000 square-foot waterpark and four different villages that replicate the architecture and ambiance of Italy, France, the Caribbean, and Key West. Most cruise lines are also well-equipped to host families with kids on a honeymoon, offering babysitters and counselors to watch over children while parents unwind and spend quality time together.
If you are unsure about bringing children on your honeymoon, you could consider taking a "mini-moon" with just your spouse, and then plan a longer family vacation for a later date when your children are older. This way, you can still have some alone time with your partner while also enjoying a family trip when you return.
Ultimately, the decision to bring children on a honeymoon is a personal one, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some couples may prefer to have their children with them, while others may prioritize having some alone time as a couple.
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Child-friendly destinations
While a honeymoon is typically intended to be a private time for newlyweds to bond and spend quality time with each other, it is not uncommon for couples to bring their children along, especially if they are already a family or have children from previous marriages. If you are considering a honeymoon with your children, it is important to choose a destination that offers activities and amenities catering to both adults and children. Here are some child-friendly destinations to consider:
Beaches Turks & Caicos
Located on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean Islands, Beaches Turks & Caicos offers a range of activities for all ages. It features a 45,000-square-foot waterpark and four distinct villages that replicate the architecture and ambiance of Italy, France, the Caribbean, and Key West. With babysitters and counselors working in children's play areas and shallow pools, parents can enjoy some alone time while their children are well cared for.
Hawaii
Hawaii is a popular honeymoon destination that has now become a favourite for families as well. The Hilton Hawaiian Village on Waikiki Beach offers special services for families, including Camp Penguin, which immerses children ages 5 to 12 in Hawaiian culture through stories, games, arts, crafts, and music. While the kids are entertained, parents can enjoy the spa, beach, shops, or simply relax in their rooms.
Ritz-Carlton Hotels
Ritz-Carlton properties in sunny resort locations, such as Naples in Florida, have started catering to families with children. They offer various services, including certified nannies, child-appropriate registration, summer camp sessions, and kids' meal plans. The Naples location also features a virtual reality gaming centre and a nature centre with an aquarium.
Safari in South Africa
A safari can be a delightful experience for both adults and children. Little Guest, a travel agency in Cape Town, offers a family-friendly tour specially designed for families with children. They provide assistance before and during your safari trip, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone.
Provence, France
Provence offers a mix of romantic and family-friendly attractions. You can explore the beauty of Camargue and the Alpilles on horseback or take a walk in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh. Discover the Palace of Popes, the bridge of Avignon, and the extraordinary Carrieres de Lumiere. Aquatic activities at Saint Cassien Lake and excursions to the Lerins Islands are also great options for families.
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Sleeping arrangements
If you're bringing your kids along on your honeymoon, it's important to consider the sleeping arrangements. Here are some options to ensure everyone gets a good night's rest:
Separate Rooms
If possible, book a hotel room with an adjoining room or suite that offers a separate space for your children. This setup allows you to have some privacy while still being close by. If separate rooms are not available, look for family-friendly accommodations that can provide a cot or crib for your child to sleep in your room.
Child-Friendly Destinations
Choose a destination that offers child-minding services or a kids' club. This way, you can enjoy some alone time with your spouse while knowing your children are safe and entertained. Many resorts and cruise lines offer babysitting or counselling services, allowing parents to unwind and spend quality time together.
Plan for Early Mornings
Toddlers and young children tend to be early risers, so be prepared for early mornings during your honeymoon. Plan activities that cater to their energy levels, such as outdoor adventures or child-friendly excursions, to ensure they get plenty of exercise and are ready for an early bedtime.
In-Room Entertainment
Bring along some new books, toys, or games that will keep your children entertained in the room. This can be especially useful during nap times or if you want to spend a quiet evening in.
Family-Friendly Excursions
When planning your honeymoon itinerary, include some family-friendly excursions that everyone can enjoy. This could be a visit to a water park, a nature centre, or even a theme park like Disney World. By including these activities, you can create lasting memories as a family while also enjoying your honeymoon.
Remember, if you're unsure about bringing your children along on your honeymoon, you can always opt for a mini-moon and plan a longer family vacation when your children are older. The most important thing is to do what feels right for you and your family.
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Frequently asked questions
A honeymoon is typically intended to be a private time for a couple to bond and relax. If you take your children, your activities and destination will need to be child-friendly, and you may not get much alone time. However, if you can't bear to be apart from your kids, there are family-friendly honeymoon destinations that offer child-minding services, allowing you to enjoy some adult-only moments.
Some destinations that cater to families include Beaches Turks & Caicos, which has a waterpark and villages replicating Italy, France, the Caribbean, and Key West. Many hotels in Hawaii also offer special services for families, such as the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Waikiki Beach, which has a Camp Penguin for kids. The Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Florida, provides certified nannies, summer camp sessions, and a kids' meal plan.
Taking your kids on your honeymoon can be a great bonding experience for blended families. It can also be a good option if you don't get to holiday often with your family.
If you take your kids on your honeymoon, you may not get much alone time with your partner. It can be challenging to balance your children's needs with your desire for relaxation and romance. You may also need to consider the additional costs and logistics of travelling with children.
