One thing that’s widely known about the Caribbean is that it is a very famous destination for families. That’s because a Caribbean family vacation normally means more fun and features in an all-inclusive resort. Family packages usually provide the following:
* Great family rates
* Beach and water sports
* Mealtime convenience and drinks on tap
* Deluxe swimming pools and water slides
* Grown-up pampering such as dining, spas, cocktail parties, etc.
* Baby-sitting and other amenities
* Family activities and child-friendly programs
However, there are times when there are just so many all-inclusive Caribbean family travel resorts out there that it’s difficult to choose just one. Given the emotional investment and financial cost, the stakes are high. How do you know which one goes with you and your family perfectly?
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All-Inclusive vs. All-Included
When hotels advertise all-inclusive, it’s logical to assume that the package consists of everything. But remember that an all-inclusive Caribbean family travel includes almost, but not quite, everything. So you receive drinks, all meals and snacks, kids’ programs, and certain water sports and other activities but not all of them.
Pay attention to the following:
* Gear for snorkeling is usually free, but there may be a limit on how long you can use them. And if you want to join a snorkeling boat trip on your Caribbean family travel, it may have an extra cost.
* Scuba is normally extra.
* Spas are always extra, unless you have one of those unusual Caribbean family packages.
* Off-property outings are not included, though a shuttle bus to a nearby town may be at no cost.
* Some non-all-inclusive resorts provide plans that include meals and/or activities.
* Non-motorized water sports are usually included, such as wind surfing, kayaks, aqua-trikes, etc. If you want the motorized ones, such as water skis and jet skis, it may cost you.
Kids’ Club
Nearly every all-inclusive Caribbean family travel package provides this. Many are “friendly little clubs” cute spots with one or two rooms with TV and toys and perhaps video games for kids ages 4-12. A warm and friendly staff is always available to provide them with care.
However, if you want your kids to enjoy the multi-program type, most all-inclusive resorts have this as well. Here, there are various programs and places for different ages. Some reputable names that offer this feature in their all-inclusive Caribbean family travel specials are Beaches Resorts, Club Med in Punta Cana, and Atlantis in the Bahamas.
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Increasingly, more Caribbean family travel resorts now provide infant care and nurseries for guests traveling with their babies or toddlers. This is welcome break for you, parents, because even if you only leave your child for several hours in the nursery during nap time, that short amount of time can be invigorating and gives you a chance to enjoy your Caribbean family travel vacation yourself.
If you’re concerned whether on-site nurses or doctors are available, try one of the bigger Caribbean family travel resorts. They’re your best option. And finally, as a miscellaneous tip, be sure to double check the site where you booked your Caribbean family travel to make sure that the baby-club will actually be in service during your vacation.
Tagged with: caribbean travel • family travel
Filed under: Travel -- Caribbean