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All Inclusive Resorts

By , About.com Guide

Parents love the convenience of one known-in-advance price at all inclusive resorts. Kids can sample activities (or not), help themselves to drinks when they please, have fun at the kids clubs. Most families head to all inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean, but there are some choices within the US as well.

What to Expect, Watch Out For, at All Inclusive Resorts

Jamaica all inclusive resort - photo ©  Teresa PlowrightPhoto © Teresa Plowright.

For an introduction to all inclusive resorts, read about the best features and amenities for families, what's included in the price, what you'll pay extra for, what's the price range, and more.

Top Caribbean Choices for Families

Beaches all inclusive resort - water park - Photo courtesy of Beaches Resorts.Photo courtesy of Beaches Resorts.

All inclusive resorts in the Caribbean are extremely popular with families, who love their beautiful beaches, fun watersports, and kids programs. Check out some top suggestions for family holidays

Value All Inclusive Resorts

Coconut Bay Resort, St. Lucia. Photo ©  Teresa Plowright.Coconut Bay Resort, St. Lucia. Photo © Teresa Plowright.
Have a look at seven suggestions that won't blow the budget.

Caribbean: Jamaica

Jamaica all inclusive resorts - Photo courtesy of Franklyn D. Resort.Photo courtesy of Franklyn D. Resort.

Both the Beaches/Sandals and SuperClubs/Breezes brands of all inclusive resorts started in Jamaica. Your choices also include a value-priced place with its own water park, and a unique mid-sized property where each family has their own vacation nanny during their stay.

Caribbean: Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic all inclusive resorts - Club Med Punta Cana - Photo ©  Teresa PlowrightPhoto © Teresa Plowright.

The number of all inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic has increased hugely, especially in the Punta Cana area in the southeast of the island. Some still offer a good price point, but the trend is upscale.

More Caribbean All Inclusive Resorts

Caribbean all-inclusive resorts - Club Med Punta Cana, DR - photo ©  Teresa PlowrightPhoto © Teresa Plowright.
Click here to find more suggestions, in St. Lucia, Aruba,and more -- and to read about that bane of Caribbean holidays, Hurricane Season.

Which Caribbean Islands have All Inclusive Resorts?

Photo of Willemstad, courtesy of Curacao Tourism.Photo of Willemstad, courtesy of Curacao Tourism.

All inclusive resorts are a popular type of getaway in the Caribbean, but you won't find them on every island.

Mexico All Inclusive Resorts

Mexico all inclusive resorts - Cancun pool by beach - photo ©  Teresa PlowrightPhoto © Teresa Plowright.

All inclusive resorts are being built apace in a number of popular areas: from well-developed areas such as Cancun and the Mayan Riviera to new places such as the Riviera Nayarit.

Hawaii - All Inclusive Resorts?

photo courtesy of Kaanapali Beach Hotel.Photo courtesy of Kaanapali Beach Hotel.
Unfortunately: not. Families used to the all inclusive resorts of the Caribbean and Mexico need to adjust their thinking, in the Aloha state. But we do have a few suggestions, for those seeking inclusive-type pricing.

All Inclusive Resorts in the U.S.

all inclusive resorts in the US - Club Med Sandpiper, FL - photo ©  Teresa PlowrightPhoto © Teresa Plowright.
Usually, when we think of "all inclusive resorts" we're picturing the Caribbean and Mexico. But families can also find some All inclusive options in the US -- there's even a Caribbean-style all inclusive resort in Florida.

Resorts with Baby Care, Toddler Programs

All inclusive resort with baby care: Club Med Ixtapa Pacific. Photo ©  Teresa Plowright.Club Med Ixtapa Pacific. Photo © Teresa Plowright.
More and more are offering programs that will care for their youngest visitors. Sometimes an additional charge is required for infant care.

All Inclusive Vacations in Europe

Kids Club at Club Med Opio, in the south of France. Photo courtesy of Club Med resorts.Kids Club at Club Med Opio, in the south of France. Photo courtesy of Club Med resorts.
Combine a family trip to Europe with the conveniences of all inclusive pricing. Choices for all (or nearly) inclusive vacations in Europe include: beach resorts on the Mediterranean; Club Med resorts with kids' programs; Club Med winter getaways in the Alps with ski and snowboarding classes; and nearly all inclusive vacations such as cruises and "family adventures".

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