1. Travel

Choosing an All Inclusive Resort

By , About.com Guide

9 of 10

We Love Exploring Outside the Resort!
Willemstad, Curacao: photo courtesy of Curacao Tourism.

Willemstad, Curacao: photo courtesy of Curacao Tourism.

Almost any resort offers interesting outings (at an extra charge.) Some guests, however, like to explore on their own, and some resorts offer good oppportunities.

In the Caribbean:

  • St John USVI: rent a jeep and explore the huge National Park, or a couple of towns. Trunk Bay-- part of the National Park-- has a "snorkeling trail".
  • Also in the USVI: on St. Thomas, guests at family-friendly Frenchman's Reef can take a shuttle boat to the colonial town of Charlotte Amalie to visit a historic fort plus shops and restaurants. (Would-be drivers take note: St. Thomas is left-hand drive, as are Barbados, Bahamas, and Jamaica.)
  • Curacao: the Dutch colonial town of Willemstad is a fascinating place, and visitors can feel comfortable walking around on their own for sightseeing. Families can also rent a car and drive to the island's good snorkeling spots.
  • Aruba is another good island for renting a car. Great snorkeling spots; interesting Dutch Caribbean town of Oranjestad.
  • St. Kitts is so tiny you can explore by taxi: take a trip to the rain forest, or Turtle Beach for snorkeling; or Brimstone Hill fortress. Or take a short ferry ride to the island of Nevis.
  • Jamaica: not recommended to explore on your own; but Countrystyle Community Tours will pick you up at any resort for a customized escorted tour to see "the real Jamaica". Also, Jamaica's Tourist Board has a "Meet the People" program: visitors are met at their resort to visit with a family.

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