A Dream Caribbean Family Vacation
Benedict Neel
Of all the world's family playgrounds, the Caribbean just might be the best. To get the most from your Caribbean family vacation, look for the fun and features offered in an all-inclusive resort. Most family vacation packages will usually offer the following:
* Great rates for families
* Tap drinks and convenient meals
* Water sports and beach activities
* Water slides and swimming pools
* Pampering for grown-ups, such as spas, dining rooms and cocktail parties
* Amenities including babysitting
* Activities for kids and family programs
It can be hard to choose from the many all-inclusive Caribbean family travel resorts that are available. It's a huge emotional and financial investment, and you don't want to gamble on the wrong choice. So, how do you choose which resort is best for your family?
"All-Inclusive" vs. "Everything Included"
When hotels advertise all-inclusive, it's logical to assume that the package includes everything. But keep in mind that an all-inclusive Caribbean family travel includes almost, but not quite, everything. So you receive all meals and snacks, drinks, kids' programs, and certain water sports and other activities but not all of them.
There are other points to consider:
* Snorkeling gear is usually supplied at no charge, but there may be a limit on how long you can use it. If you wish to join a snorkeling boat trip on your Caribbean family vacation, you may be required to pay an additional fee.
* Scuba is commonly extra.
* Spa services always cost extra, unless you have purchased a special package.
* Off-property outings are not included, though the resort may provide free shuttle bus service to nearby towns.
* Even if your resort is not "all-inclusive", you may have access to special meal plans and/or activities.
* Non-motorized water sports, including kayaks, aqua trikes and wind surfing, are usually included. You may have to pay extra for water skiing, jet skis and other motorized water sports.
Kids Clubs and Activities
Nearly every all-inclusive Caribbean family travel package offers this. Many are "friendly little clubs" cute spots with one or two rooms with toys and TV and perhaps video games for kids ages 4-12. A warm and friendly staff is always available to provide them with care.
But if you want your kids to enjoy the multi-program type, most all-inclusive resorts have this as well. Here, there are various places and programs for different ages. Some reputable names that offer this feature in their all-inclusive Caribbean family travel specials are Club Med in Punta Cana, Beaches resorts and Atlantis in the Bahamas.
Traveling with Wee Ones
Increasingly more Caribbean family travel resorts now provide nurseries and infant care for guests traveling with their babies or toddlers. This is welcome break for you, parents, because even if you only leave your child for a few 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. 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.
If you're concerned about the availability of on-site doctors and nurses, consider booking with the larger and better-known Caribbean family vacation resorts. These will be your best choices for the complete services that you require.
Essayist Benedict Neel contributes to a variety of popular web magazines, on http://jebog.com/ sports outdoors and http://cheap-recreation.com/ sports instruction themes.
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