In this economy, the travel industry needs to remain fluid, even if it means saying children aren’t welcome. Don’t take this trend as being nasty or uncaring. But, there are times when “adults only” is the way to go.
For example, if you’re planning a honeymoon or anniversary cruise or a romantic getaway, do you really want wee ones under foot? Not necessarily and you don’t have to feel guilty.
Some camp grounds cater to an older clientele without little ones in tow. Perhaps occasional things take place among consenting adults that aren’t meant for children’s eyes. Contrasted with the rough and tumble days of pitching a tent and cooking over a Coleman stove, campsites are being refurbished with modern amenities. Approximately 445 camp grounds in the U.S. and Canada have added Jacuzzis, movie theaters and restaurants.
Adults-only travel has recently gained considerable popularity. Hoteliers report that guests are requesting adults-only areas. Presently, a number of resorts are being built which don’t welcome children. Is it a crime to crave peace and quiet?
When do you want to get away and not see or hear children? Do you have them at home and want to escape to the land of peace and quiet? Are you bothered by children when you’re on a business trip? How many of you would search out an adults-only retreat and when?
If you happen to have children or grandchildren who think they should accompany you, how do explain you’re taking off alone and not have them call a social services agency and cry “neglect”? After all, it’s important to remain politically correct.
(Photo: Four Seasons Maui at Wailea — adults only serenity pool)
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
Whenever I have a choice for an adults only option, I take it, but usually this only means an adult pool area. If there were hotels (not just resorts) that had a no children wing I would prefer to book that choice. I must say I am biased as I do not have children and so I have never had to travel with them; my only experience with kids is other people’s and they say it is different when you are a parent. One of the best solutions I have found is the Club Med concept of separate mini clubs for kids where they are (literally) taken away from the adults all day for kid activities, having fun amongst their peers as the adults do the same, returned after dinner exhausted, ready for their parents to tuck them in for the night.
I thik that’s a pretty old Cap Jaluca photo – they haven’t lit those fire bowls in years.
Ah yes, but it makes the atmosphere so “adult.”
I only used the photo to illustrate the serene concept.
Plus, Four Seasons Maui at Wailea still heads their website with that photo.
My choice would be adults only. I don’t have kids and spend enough time with my friends and family’s children (let alone untold hours on airplanes seated next to screaming toddlers) to know that I prefer a vacation without them.
If you’re spending your precious time and money on a holiday, then why not have the choice to enjoy your time without the kids?
My husband and I would prefer to stay in an “adult only” hotel or resort whenever we travel. However, this is very difficult since hardly any venues cater to this small market segment. We did discover two places in Florida — both by accident — and, as a result, have stayed there multiple times simply because there are no guests under 16 (at one place) and none under 21 (at the other). There may be other places like this scattered around the country/world, but it’s not easy to find them. Trust me — just enjoying the quiet around the pool is sufficient reason to return to these places.
I really don’t want to sound anti-child, because I’m not…
However, I would really appreciate an ‘adults-only’ area in a lot of hotels. I travel frequently for business, and have lost track of the number of times that I’ve been awakened in the middle of the night by screaming kids, or kids running around the halls…
I’ve also gone into the Jacuzzi to try to relax, only to have kids basically treating it like a big splash pool…
I’ve even had to go to the extremes of calling the front desk to complain about the noise in the hallways at some hotels (I hate to say this, but Embassy Suites hotels are some of the biggest offenders with their huge open atria (atriums? :) ) that tend to amplify sounds around them.)…
Absolutely I would book “adults only” when and if I were given the choice. I purposely book my vacations during times I know I’m less likely to run into families (not in summer, fall and spring breaks, or major holidays). I don’t have children, don’t want to have children, and frankly, don’t want to be around other people’s poorly parented children. Some parents seem to think a vacation means they’re on vacation from parenting as well! I can’t count the times peace and quiet has been disrupted by children running rampant on a plane, in hallways at a hotel, or around a hotel pool. And no parent in sight! I’d love to have an adult only vacation! Where are these resorts and hotels???
Dawn – you hit it on the head about parents not parenting while traveling.
I have been fortunate to rarely run in to a screaming kid on a plane or in a hotel (for the plane, I use earplugs or sound-reducing earphones, so I do not hear much background noise anyway). And when I see a screaming child in a mall or park, it is usually because the parents are not acting like the parents.
I have a son, and when we are out and about, we make sure that he behaves. We are fortunate in that he is a really good kid, but he has his moments–the worse time being at a store when he wants us to buy him something and we say “no”.
So to make a long answer longer, if I found an adults-only place, I would probably book it, but I will not go out of my way to look for one.
As a parent of a grown child, I’m all for adults-only venues. I strenuously object having to put up with behavior from other people’s kids that my daughter wouldn’t have dreamed of attempting — one reason I avoid places like Disney World and any restaurant that has “Family” as part of its name or advertising. (Note to overdoting or oblivious parents/grandparents: We don’t actually find the antics of your “little darlings” cute — we’re either too polite or afraid of getting arrested!) We did a lot of both short- and long-distance auto trips when she was younger, but she stayed with Grandma whenever I went to Bermuda.
Tim – thank you! You must have never flown Austrian Airlines! I have. On a return flight to DC, a soon as we hit cruising altitude, 10 orphans (I say ‘orphans’ as the parents were no where to be seen) from ages 4 to 12 began running up and down the aisles, screaming and laughing, hitting seats and stepping on feet. After 1.5 hrs (I’m not kidding!), I hit the flight attendant button. A female flight attendant with the voice of Ahnuld Schwarzenegger arrived after another 1/2 hour (again… not kidding) and said, “Yez, may ah help yoo?” I said, “Could you please do something about these kids running up and down the aisles?” She said, “Vell, ah see vaht I cahn doo.” and walked away…. and… did…. NOTHING! After another 2 hours of this, I hit the call button again. Another female flight attendant strolled down the aisle and asked if she could help me. I asked again. Her reply? “Vell, it ferry hahd to trahfel vit shildren.” Ummm.. what? I said, “No it’s not. Not when you’re parenting them! Listen, I don’t care one bit about these kids. What I do care about is when we hit an ‘unexpected pocket of turbulence’ (as we are often reminded to keep those seat belts fastened even when the seat belt light is not illuminated). And if we hit that turbulence and one of those kids becomes a missile and hits ME! that’s what I care about! MY SAFETY! Her reply? “Vell, I see vat ah can doo….” And she did?….. NOTHING!
Worst… flight…. EVER!!!!!!
Adult-only vacations? Absolutely. Sign me up. I chose not to have children for a reason. I don’t like being subjected to them when on vacation trying to relax. This isn’t mean, this is just personal preference.
I love adult only resorts and have 3 kids. It is nice to have dinner and relax by pool or beach with not one crying or screaming kid. The hallways are so quiet except for the occasional drunk. Stick with the upper resorts and have less young adults that party all night and scream down halls.
Adult only is the way to go!
Hey, I have kids, but I can totally understand this – there are times and places where children should NOT be – sorry little ones (thinking of my 2).
I think the SF author Piers Anthony put it sweetly in a bunch of books meant for tweens/teens “The Adult Conspiracy”. The whole series (I remember it as a teen myself) was about growing up, and becoming a member of the Conspiracy
Down time away from “the kids” (well, Kids are baby goats, but) is important
Count us in for adult only vacations! We have 4 grown children and are thrilled to be empty nesters. Hubby and I only travel when school is in session to lessen exposure to ear piercing screams. We took a recent cruise and out of 2900 passengers, only about a dozen children that we rarely saw or heard. Was something we noticed right away. Not anti kids (obviously) but parents don’t seem to “parent” these days. If anyone has a list or can provide some names of adult only resorts in the US or Caribbean, would be most appreciative! Not necessarily interested in the “sexy” resorts (although we are open minded), just more adult friendly options.
When perusing holiday options my first choices are usually private villas so that I have my own space, own pool and am running to my own schedule. If that option is not available then resorts and hotels that announce themselves as ‘family friendly’ are dismissed outright.
Don’t get me wrong, I am a father and also a grandfather and I dote on both. But my children are old enough to look after their own children and the responsibility is no longer mine. I work long hours and want to have my vacation time for myself. Yes this may seem selfish but travelling on public transport day in day out for commuting, I have more than enough exposure to other parents children so when I want a break from it all I want a break from it ALL.
So if adult only options were available I would be there in a heartbeat.
No children vacations? Where do I sign up?>
My wife and I don’t have kids and we don’t want any…and yes, I am one of those who doesn’t like children…that’s why I don’t have any. And I don’t like it when those with children insist that I must suffer their fate.
I purchased a timeshare in Orlando and found out that when you fly to Orlando during the summer months, the plane if *FULL* of children…so as a rule, that’s the timeshare I either trade, or go to on the off season…
Ed
I, too, try to book vacations when children are most likely in school. I would love to know of some adult-only venues. My son is now an adult, however, he was disciplined as a child and taught manners and respect for others. We were offered discounts on a Thanksgiving cruise a couple years ago, but told the travel agent we would gladly pay extra to go when there are less children aboard. I agree that most parents take a vacation from parenting at home and on vacation.
The Four Seasons Maui is my choice for guests looking for luxury accommodations on Maui. Sitting one of the best beaches of the island, the resort exudes Hawaiian elegance and tranquility. The new adults-only pool overlooking the Pacific only adds to the appeal. Perfect for my honeymoon guests.