From Teresa Plowright,
Your Guide to Family Vacations.
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All-inclusive vacations in the Caribbean and Mexico are extremely popular with families, even in summer-time. What's the appeal?

Top features of all-inclusive vacations for families

• climate and beach - of course!

• extravagant pools: waterslides, waterfalls, even private waterparks

• watersports: all-inclusives 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.

• family 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. (Rarely, a portion of golf costs is included.)

Bottom line about all-inclusive vacations:
All needs are provided for, fun is abundant, parents can enjoy a beautiful setting and relaaaaax. And with AI pricing, parents never need wonder "How much will this cost?" when kids want more drinks or activities.

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. And 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:

most pools aren't heated, except by the sun; if the weather is bad, the pool may be chilly.

at many resorts, lounge chairs are at a premium and guests have to claim them early in the morning

a la carte dining: another common complaint is that making reservations for a resort's la carte restaurants is difficult

towel cards: some resorts issue each guest a Towel Card at check-in; guests exchange the card for a towel at a Towel Centre, then exchange used towels for clean until departure, when you turn in your last towel and get the Towel Card back. At some resorts, check-out gets difficult if you don't have that Card!

If you feel that any of the above will spoil your stay, check visitors' comments for particular resorts and make your choice accordingly. For comments about all-inclusive vacation resorts, try:

• TripAdvisor.com
• Debbie's Caribbean Resort Reviews

Continue to:

• All-inclusive Vacation : which resort is right for you?

• Top Caribbean Resorts for Families

• All-Inclusive Vacations - Mexico

^{*photo of FDR Pebbles (c) Teresa Plowright}