All inclusive vacations ("AI") in the Caribbean and Mexico are extremely popular with families, even in summer-time. What's the appeal?
Top features of All Inclusive Vacations:
• climate and beach - of course!
• extravagant pools: waterslides, waterfalls, even private waterparks
• watersports: resorts typically offer non-motorized watersports such as kayaks, windsurfing; sunfish sailing. Some include snorkeling boat trips and scuba; others charge extra for such "motorized" outings.
• kids programs: many resorts have a basic kids' club for ages four to 12. Others go all out, with separate programs for 4 or 5 different age sets. Teens are a difficult age to please, but some properties try hard, with teen activities and coordinators. Meanwhile more and more AI's offer infant care.
• activities: bingo, scavenger hunts, beach parties... Most places offer nightly entertainment too, ranging from cute-but-amateurish to professional caliber. Club Med Punta Cana has weekly kids' club show staged in a real theatre.
• meal-time convenience: multiple restaurants, including casual snacks. Buffets feed kids with no waiting; many have a kids' section. Most resorts have a la carte "fine dining" also.
• drinks on tap: - kids need plenty of cool drinks in a hot country. Swim-up bars are fun.
• grown-up pampering: a fitness center, spa, and at least one fine-dining restaurant arede rigeur. And it goes without saying that golf is available. Spa always costs extra, as does golf in most cases.
Bottom line About All inclusive Vacations:
All needs are provided for, fun is abundant, parents can enjoy a beautiful setting and relaaaaax. And with all inclusive pricing, parents never need wonder "How much will this cost?" when kids want more drinks or activities.
All inclusive Vacations - Price
Definitely, many properties cost hundreds of dollars per adult per night. At least these rates include everything: taxes, gratuities, transfers from the airport, kids' programs, watersports and perhaps even scuba.
Fortunately, there are less expensive options: see ideas for value-priced all inclusive vacations. Remember, too, that all resorts discount heavily in "summer", May through late December.
Points to Watch Out For, About All inclusive Vacations:
For these and other possible inconveniences, always check recent visitors' comments for particular resorts. Two good sites:
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*photo of FDR Pebbles (c) Teresa Plowright

