Childfree Travel Part 1


author:

Josie

written:

January 17, 2007

tags:

18 and up , adult only , childfree , cruise , no children , resort , travel

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What is every childfree person’s worst nightmare? Vacation can be troubling for those of us who don’t want to trapped on an 8-hour flight with a screaming baby, or woken up at 6 a.m. by children running around your hotel. At the beaches you get run over and splashed, in museums you can hardly hear yourself think over all the yelling and chatter from school groups. What is the childfree traveler supposed to do? I have scoured the internet for some ingenious (and sometimes very obvious) tips and tricks for avoiding children on your next vacation. Also, check out Childfree Travel Part 2 (stay tuned) for a link list of some childfree destinations.


  • Bottom line: The more upscale a place you select, the more likely they will not welcome children or will segregate adults from children.

  • As you’ll see in Part 2 there are dozens of all-inclusive resorts that have guest age restrictions. Check out places owned by Sandals, SuperClubs, and Club Med (see websites for details).

  • Bed and Breakfasts are hidden gems for childfree travelers. A large number of B&Bs discourage parents from bringing children especially locations with treasured antiques.

  • Remember that parents are not apt to remove their children from school for vacations so try to go during the school year. September is often a good time to go, at least try to avoid mid-summer, the winter holiday season, and Easter.

  • When going to a museum, call ahead and check to see if they have field trips or events scheduled that day.

  • Traveling during the week is always better than weekends.

  • Go to less developed beaches or parks. More remote areas that are a bit of a hike to get to or without snack stands or restrooms have a smaller number of children.

  • Nicer hotels and resorts often have private stretches of beach that the public cannot access.

  • Remember that few parents will take their children on wine tasting tours. Try to go on adult oriented activities. Art galleries, boutique shopping, and pub tours are other good options.

  • Eat at upscale restaurants instead of casual chains.

  • Eat a little later, after 8p.m.

  • Ethnic restaurants usually have fewer children as well (at least in America).

  • When flying remember that the longer and more expensive the flight, the less likely families with children will be able to afford the flight or have the determination to brave such a long trip.

  • On cruises the longer the voyage the less children aboard. Try to go on something longer than seven nights.

  • In Las Vegas children can walk through casinos but not stop. If you can stand the smokiness children should not be much of an issue if you stay in a casino. The more exclusive shows will have less children as well.

  • It never hurts to ask. When booking a hotel some properties will tell you if there are groups with children staying there when you will be there.

  • For cruises, pick the right company. Even during the busiest seasons Holland America, Crystal, Celebrity, and Regent (formerly Radisson) usually have fewer passengers under 18 than Carnival, Disney, NCL, Princess, and RCI.


    • If you have any great tips to add to our list let us know. We appreciate your input.





    Comments:

    #1  Sarah




    Local culture has a huge influence on the presence and integration of children, too. Kids are a lot less segregated from adults in, e.g., Mexico or Greece. If you’re trying to avoid kids, stick to countries with low reproductive rates, compulsory education into the later teen years, and generally cultures that consider crying babies an annoyance— Western Europe, America, Canada, Japan.

    Feb 15, 04:42 PM