For many families, "Caribbean vacation" is defined as a stay at an all-inclusive resort.
Such places typically have multiple pools, kids programs and teen center, adult pleasures such as spa, golf, fine dining, and mucho fun especially designed for kids. (Read more about what to expect at family resorts.)
But which Caribbean Vacation?
Which island? Which resort? How to choose? The excellent book Caribbean With Kids covers many islands, with an "Island Report Card" that rates "friendly atmosphere" and "activities for kids". The book recommends all incluusive (and other) resorts for each island.
Online, Travel with Kids has suggestions for Top Caribbean Resorts for families.
Don't forget that you can have a "Caribbean vacation" in Mexico, in Cancun and the Mayan Riviera (--see all-inclusives there.)
Once you have a shortlist of resorts you can find out a lot from their web sites, from the layout of the rooms to lists of watersports. You can also read comments from recent visitors at TripAdvisor.
Caribbean vacations: points to consider
Parents may need certain additional information, depending on the ages of their kids.
For example: what are the kids' programs like? Some are highly creative; some lean heavily on the Nintendo controls. What are the age divisions in the kids' programs? Do some activities cost extra?
Toddlers & babies bring further questions: is there a wading pool? Is a lifeguard on duty? Does the resort have kitchenettes, or rooms with fridges? Is an on-site doctor or nurse available? Are kids programs provided for toddlers? Is there a nursery for babies? (See a list of resorts with baby care.)
Older kids: some places cater more to young kids, so if you have tweens or teens, make sure there are enough activities. Perhaps your teens would like a place with scuba lessons. Remember, though that teens will only participate in an activity if they think "it's cool"; even if a resort has teen programs, you can't assume your kids will go. Visitor comments at TripAdvisor.com may give some clues.
And then there were five...
Many family offers-- such as "kids stay and eat free"-- are restricted to one child per paying adult. Another travel hazard, with three kids, is that often only four persons are allowed per room.
Fortunately, many resorts have suites or cottages for larger families. The VacationKids site has a list of properties which are "family of five-friendly".
What about price?
Not surprisingly, all-inclusive Caribbean vacations often require a hefty outlay. But with all meals, drinks, multiple sports, and kids program included, a family can get plenty for its money, and often kids are free or charged a modest rate.
Some resorts aim to deliver an attractive set of amenities at a good price point- check out value-priced all-inclusive resorts.
Also, some regions offer lower price ranges: most notably, the Dominican Republic, where price can fall below $100/adult/night.
Finally, many resorts offer bargains especially during the "summer" or "fall" which typically runs from May through mid-December.
Caribbean vacation off-season bargains
"High season" is a relatively brief period from Christmas through March Break. But the beaches, the watersports, and the lovely resorts are just as appealing any time of year.
Generally, prices drop mid-April and stayed low right through Dec. 20th. Sometimes you'll find a shoulder season, in addition to a period of deep discounts.
But what about hurricanes?
Several "off-season" months are also hurricane season, and while the risk of a hurricane hammering your particular piece of paradise is small, hurricanes can spread bad weather in a wide radius.
June-- too soon.
July-- stand by!
August-- look out you must!
September--
remember.
October, all over. --Caribbean saying about hurricanes
A number of top family resorts offer weather guarantees. Read more about hurricane season and strategies to protect your vacation.
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*Images copyright by Teresa Plowright.
