Families love Caribbean vacations, mainly for the beach resorts which typically offer watersports, extravagant pools, family activities, kids clubs, evening entertainment, fine dining, spa, and --often-- all-inclusive pricing.
But resorts aren't the whole story about Caribbean vacations...
Another way to have a Caribbean beach getaway is to rent a villa or condo, complete with kitchen, laundry, and other conveniences. Often, in the Caribbean, your rental will include maid services.
Every island has its unique flavor, and hopefully, you'll get out and explore during your Caribbean vacation. Some islands have colonial towns (-- like Willemstad in Curacao, left, a World Heritage Site) or other sightseeing; some islands are known for beautiful tropical underseas. If you're staying in a resort, it's easy to arrange for tours, scuba, snorkeling trips, etc. On some islands, it's practical to rent a car and explore on your own.
Hurricanes are a fact of life in the Caribbean, and even if you're far from its direct path, a hurricane still spreads bad weather around. Read about hurricane season and about strategies for protecting your Caribbean vacation if you choose to travel -- and take advantage of off-season bargains -- during affected months.