Below are some of the main draws at all-inclusive beach resorts, for families:
- great beaches, obviously; but don't assume that every beach resort has a fabulous beach. Some don't, but make up for it by elaborate pools etc. Also, sometimes beaches change dramatically due to hurricanes or erosion. Read recent visitor comments for individual resorts (especially if you're one of those people who can't stand a bit of seagrass.)
- the pools: some are so lavish, they're waterparks
- activities & watersports: on-site fun from sports to scavenger hunts to night-time shows
- kids programs: for all ages, even nurseries
- Meals and drinks: couples may just love to explore quaint local restaurants, but parents tend to adore the easy availability of fodder, er, food for kids. Meanwhile cravings for gourmet meals are met by (all-included) specialty restaurants: some resorts have six or more.
Drinks on tap for kids is great in the Caribbean, where a virgin daquiri can cost $7. 24-hour room service is nice, too.
- Safety: the enclosed AI resorts let families visit countries where crime rates and social conditions might deter many; also, older kids can run around on their own with pals.
- Opportunity to try new sports: at some resorts, snorkeling, sailing, scuba, trapeze can be sampled at no extra cost (--as opposed to, say, paying $100 for a snorkeling trip for four-- and your 8-yr-old gets water up his nose and wants to stop.) With AI pricing, you can stop after 10 minutes; try again another day; whatever you like.
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