From Teresa Plowright,
Your Guide to Family Vacations.
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Caribbean

Many families these days are in love with Caribbean all-inclusive beach resorts, with kids' programs and myriad activities that provide fun for all ages with no hassle for parents. For summer vacations, the good news is that prices drop dramatically from May to mid-December.

Of course there is that little matter of hurricane season... You can follow some strategies to reduce risk; also, many major properties offer bad-weather guarantees. Read more about hurricane risks.

See: choosing the right Caribbean all-inclusive

See also an alphabetical list of many beach resorts

Tip: Club Med Punta Cana has a cool new thing for teens, as well as outstanding kids' programs.

If you'd like something different than the AI experience, try:

USVI: deluxe camping resort - white sand beach, comfy tent-cottages

USVI: 10 Things to Do- beyond the resorts

Cayman Brac Family Week- in July

Windjammer Cruises- tall ships with kids programs; kids sail free in summer

small-ship cruises- Family Adventures

Mexico

Mexico has many all-inclusives, and also has a long Caribbean coast; summer prices don't fall as sharply as in the Caribbean, but Mexican AI's often start at a lower price point.

Cancun All-Inclusives- tourism powerhouse

Riviera Maya All-Inclusives - south of Cancun

Riviera Maya: ruins, lagoons, coral reef, to explore

Puerto Vallarta: beach plus picturesque town

Caribbean - Central America

Belize All-Inclusives

horse-riding in Costa Rica or Mexico