https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 25 Apr 2026 14:29:40 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/favorite-beach-towel#post-2916010 Fri, 29 May 2020 07:37:17 +0000 Anagram 2916010@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@josina: my kids have disney princess towels from pottery barn, and they like those.</p> <p>BUT my husband and I both have the quick-dry towels from REI, and I bought more in the XL size and I love those for beach/pool trips. I have 1 in Medium and 1 in Large too. They are all really packable. The M and L sizes can be packed in tiny travel bags. The XL are (obviously) larger but still pack so small compared to a regular towel and I think sand comes off them really easily and they really do dry fast! I can dry myself off after getting out of the pool, hang it on my lounger chair, and it will be totally dry in 15 min. </p> <p>It's just convenient. Ours are plain blue and green, but they have some new floral ones on their site now (maybe I'll buy a couple more). I think they really are that great, </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/favorite-beach-towel#post-2916006 Thu, 28 May 2020 23:09:19 +0000 jhd 2916006@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@josina: we have character ones from target and then some extra big ones from Kohl’s. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/favorite-beach-towel#post-2915999 Thu, 28 May 2020 16:44:58 +0000 josina 2915999@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinbaderin: Thanks for the reviews. I saw some Microfiber ones on Amazon but wasn't sure how good they'd be for general use (vs. travel). We'll probably use ours for both pool and beach, so good to know. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/favorite-beach-towel#post-2915993 Thu, 28 May 2020 14:53:18 +0000 erinbaderin 2915993@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have both the microfibre ones and Turkish ones but I’m not sure either of them would be great as beach towels. I don’t like the microfibre because they get so wet so easily. The Turkish ones, same, but they feel nicer even when wet and they dry easily. At the beach, though, I feel like they’d all end up a dirty sandy mess - I think they’re both pool towels. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/favorite-beach-towel#post-2915991 Thu, 28 May 2020 13:48:39 +0000 josina 2915991@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bhbee: Checking those out, they're half off right now!<br /> @Mommy Finger: Target has some for $6 now, maybe I should buy a few of those just for the kids.<br /> @catgirl: Love how the turkish towels look, the ones you linked have really good reviews too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/favorite-beach-towel#post-2915986 Thu, 28 May 2020 13:08:50 +0000 catgirl 2915986@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a bunch of Life is Good beach towels. They are large, super absorbent, and soft. But they are heavy and bulky, so I hate lugging them places. So depends on where you will be using them. We also have some cheap target ones for DD to use at home. I have been looking at turkish towels though and think I will order a couple of these to try: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LQHTC78/ref=twister_B01GLASHAM?_encoding=UTF8&#038;psc=1" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LQHTC78/ref=twister_B01GLASHAM?_encoding=UTF8&#038;psc=1</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/favorite-beach-towel#post-2915984 Thu, 28 May 2020 12:48:12 +0000 Mommy Finger 2915984@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I got really nice, thick ones from Costco. I also bought a bunch of the $5 ones from Target and some really cheap bathtowels from Ikea but those are for the kids when they're just outside in the sprinklers. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/favorite-beach-towel#post-2915977 Thu, 28 May 2020 11:44:01 +0000 bhbee 2915977@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The ones we have from lands end have held up really well - I try to get them on sale plus use a coupon code. And you can add names/monograms if you want to. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/favorite-beach-towel#post-2915976 Thu, 28 May 2020 11:00:42 +0000 josina 2915976@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm badly in need of some beach towels for our whole fam. Ideally less than $20 per towel.<br /> Do you have a favorite?<br /> Anyone tried the microfiber towels? Turkish towels? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/most-relaxing-vacation-with-young-kids/page/2#post-2816154 Fri, 13 Apr 2018 10:22:03 +0000 MrsLonghorn 2816154@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bhbee: awesome! Thanks for the tip </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/most-relaxing-vacation-with-young-kids/page/2#post-2816131 Fri, 13 Apr 2018 09:44:05 +0000 bhbee 2816131@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsLonghorn: we are in DFW too. We love the Hyatt Wild Oak Ranch. It’s the time share property across from Hyatt Hill Country (you can drive across the street and use their amenities if you want although we never did). They rent/manage it like a hotel also. They take beautiful care of it and it is perfect for families - a condo is make or break for us being relaxed - and a lot cheaper for what you get vs Hill Country. I heard about it from other moms and it is a hidden gem! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/most-relaxing-vacation-with-young-kids/page/2#post-2816124 Fri, 13 Apr 2018 09:25:11 +0000 MrsLonghorn 2816124@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bhbee: were you at Hyatt hill country or Marriott? we live in Dallas so SA is an easy destination for us. I've also heard good things about Jade Waters at the Hilton Anatole here, for a staycation.</p> <p>Our most amazing vacation was when we went with family friends. The kids are approx the same age, and the adults parent very similarly to us, so it was a great laidback mix. We rented a house and just relaxed, but had 4 parents and 3 kids, so everyone could play together and any parent was comfortable being in charge at any given time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/most-relaxing-vacation-with-young-kids/page/2#post-2816118 Fri, 13 Apr 2018 09:15:28 +0000 looch 2816118@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I also think part of what makes a vacation relaxing for me is to do some planning upfront. I take my time planning out what I need to pack, if I need to organize a delivery to the place where we are staying, if I can purchase event tickets online in advance...all so that once we are actually there, we don't have to rush around. </p> <p>We also plan at least one day where we don't leave our hotel or resort, and we just lounge by the pool. My son was never the type of kid that we could leave him at a kid's club (we tried!!!), so the best thing that we can do right now is switch off so that one of us is with him and the other has some down time. I realize this only works with one kid, but bringing grandparents on vacation with us is not an option. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/most-relaxing-vacation-with-young-kids/page/2#post-2816113 Fri, 13 Apr 2018 09:09:08 +0000 bhbee 2816113@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@shabang: bookmarking this place! I love Lake Michigan and haven’t been able to go in years. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/most-relaxing-vacation-with-young-kids/page/2#post-2816107 Fri, 13 Apr 2018 08:55:28 +0000 SweetiePie 2816107@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Iced Tea: I think trips with one other family with kids are great. Kids end up entertaining themselves quite a bit. My older son is 3.5 and we spent a long weekend with friends who have a 6yo and 4yo and the 3 of them just played and I got to just lay around and do nothing for 3 days. I was 32 weeks pregnant so that was wonderful.<br /> I think that sounds like a great trip idea! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/most-relaxing-vacation-with-young-kids/page/2#post-2816106 Fri, 13 Apr 2018 08:54:43 +0000 shabang 2816106@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ChitownRo:@Pancakes: It's the Watervale Inn : <a href="https://watervaleinn.com/" rel="nofollow">https://watervaleinn.com/</a></p> <p>They fill the cabins pretty far out for summer because there are so many families that come year after year. We usually book in February for July, but depending on the week, you may be able to find availability. It's a little more on the rustic side, but imo that just adds to the character there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/most-relaxing-vacation-with-young-kids#post-2816101 Fri, 13 Apr 2018 08:43:04 +0000 birdofafeather 2816101@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Iced Tea: if I need a recharge, I would go away by myself for a night or two and leave the kids with DH. And I’m a total extrovert who loves being around people! But for real rest at this point, my kids can’t be there because I’m always thinking about what they need. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/most-relaxing-vacation-with-young-kids#post-2816098 Fri, 13 Apr 2018 08:31:13 +0000 Pancakes 2816098@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@shabang: Walling you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/most-relaxing-vacation-with-young-kids#post-2816097 Fri, 13 Apr 2018 08:23:10 +0000 Iced Tea 2816097@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks for the input! I think I’ve given up in trying a relaxing trip just the four of us this year. It sounds like it would be very uncertain, and I’m too burned out to mentally deal with it if my relaxing trip fails. </p> <p>Our friends invited us to join their Portland OR trip in July, renting a house together with our kids and theirs (similar ages). So I will go there, expecting some fun with friends, and trading childcare duties here and there. </p> <p>If my husband’s parents finally come to visit from overseas this year, then maybe I can take an overnight trip alone to recharge. Though, at this point, I think I’m so burned out that I’d need a week! Impossible, I know. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/most-relaxing-vacation-with-young-kids#post-2816086 Fri, 13 Apr 2018 07:49:46 +0000 Anagram 2816086@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Iced Tea: Our parents are retired, but they don't live anywhere near us. We do take them on some trips, but we pay their way. So the pros are, we get some help and can get a little alone time from the kids. The cons are---it's expensive to turn a trip for 4 (already pricey) into a trip for 6 with my in-laws or even 5 with just my mom.</p> <p>We took my inlaws to Disney with us last summer. We got to leave the kids a couple nights and go back to the parks and that was nice. But we also had to pay for 4 adult tickets plus 1 kid, 5 reservations at Cinderella's round table (expensive for so-so food), etc. This summer, we're taking my mom on a cruise, so we had to get a second cabin and another flight. BUT, the bonus is that *maybe* I can get the kids to sleep with her in her cabin at least a couple of times! haha. We got her the bigger room with the pullout couch-bed just in case we can convince the kids to sleep with Nana. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/most-relaxing-vacation-with-young-kids#post-2816074 Fri, 13 Apr 2018 06:54:51 +0000 ShootingStar 2816074@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: That’s exactly what we did with our kids on our Disney cruise. Dropped DD at the nursery and DS at the kids club and we went to the adult pool and had pina coladas and margaritas. It. Was. Heaven. </p> <p>In general I really love each vacations. I kept a close eye on the kids, but both of them were really good about playing in the sand and only going ankle deep in the water. I would position my self in the water a foot or so deep, and they could play in front of me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/most-relaxing-vacation-with-young-kids#post-2816073 Fri, 13 Apr 2018 06:48:17 +0000 FaithFertility 2816073@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Naples FL! We go every summer!!!<br /> With that said, I Think having low expectations and being on their time is key! If You planned to be at the beach all day and they are over it by 11 etc.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/most-relaxing-vacation-with-young-kids#post-2816042 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 22:39:51 +0000 ChitownRo 2816042@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@shabang: what is this place called? Seems like a good place for a reunion </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/most-relaxing-vacation-with-young-kids#post-2816035 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 21:38:54 +0000 MamaCate 2816035@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We go on a yearly family vacation (started when my now 6 y/o was 15 months and I love it! We have access to a condo on a beach in Mexico through family. It is pretty relaxing for a vacation with kids in my opinion.</p> <p>Here are the things that I think help for us:<br /> -easy 4 hour drive in the car, can pack all the stuff<br /> -staying at the condo with kitchen and 2 bedrooms helps us manage meals and personal space<br /> -pools+beach+sun=tired kids<br /> -they sell mangos in the beach that are peeled and seasoned for you and we all love them </p> <p>There is a lot of schlepping stuff but we have a pretty good system now. My daughter has taken the best naps of her life on those vacations! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/most-relaxing-vacation-with-young-kids#post-2816026 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 21:05:10 +0000 Purpledaisy 2816026@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think your game plan matters more than where you actually go. Things that have made family vacations enjoyable for us are:</p> <p>-Very low expectation<br /> -Very few plans. Instead I have a list of things we could do if we feel up for it. Also, don't tell the kids about these so they're not disappointed if you don't do them.<br /> -No hotels. We do Airbnb so that everyone can have their own sleeping space and DH and I can't stay up and spend time together after the kids go to bed.<br /> -Divide and concour. We don't have to do everything as a family. For example, DH might take the kids to the pool in the morning while I relax at our Airbnb and then I'll take DD out somewhere during DS's nap so that we both get a break.<br /> -Staying long enough so that we can relax. We did a week last summer and it was perfect. Then we don't feel like we are rushing around and running out of time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/most-relaxing-vacation-with-young-kids#post-2816024 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 20:52:35 +0000 808love 2816024@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Kauai </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/most-relaxing-vacation-with-young-kids#post-2816021 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 20:38:40 +0000 Iced Tea 2816021@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Man, I'm so jealous of all the grandparent help! The lack of help is a major reason why I need a relaxing trip in the first place! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/most-relaxing-vacation-with-young-kids#post-2816015 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 20:05:42 +0000 Tanjowen 2816015@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Iced Tea: An all inclusive resort in Punta Cana. It was apartments turned into a resort. We for a 2 bedroom apartment with a pool on the back deck as close to the pool as possible. We took our monitor and we were so close we could actually go sit at the pool and have lunch and drinks while watching our kid sleep on the monitor. It was super quiet and no kids club but was perfect for us. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/most-relaxing-vacation-with-young-kids#post-2816014 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 19:54:27 +0000 SweetiePie 2816014@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinbaderin: @Dahlia: Ditto! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/most-relaxing-vacation-with-young-kids#post-2816005 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 19:07:17 +0000 Dahlia 2816005@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinbaderin: Exactly! Plus I have more fun exploring places with DD than playing the same games at home. </p>