Take Your Family To The Caribbean

The Caribbean just might be the biggest and best family playground in the world. If you're planning a Caribbean family vacation, there are some key features that you should look for in choosing an all-inclusive resort. In general, most family vacation packages offer the following:

* Great family rates

* Mealtime convenience and drinks on tap

* Water and beach sports

* Water slides and swimming pools

* Grown-up pampering such as spas, dining, cocktail parties, etc.

* Baby-sitting and other amenities

* Child-friendly programs and family activities

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. All-Included

When hotels advertise an all-inclusive package, it's logical to assume that "everything" is included in one price. Keep in mind, however, that an all-inclusive Caribbean family vacation package may not incorporate everything. You will receive meals and snacks, drinks, kids' programs, activities and certain water sports, but you won't have access to all of them.

Here are some additional 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.

* Spas are always extra, unless you have one of those special Caribbean family packages.

* Off-property outings are not included, though the resort may provide free shuttle bus service to nearby towns.

* Some resorts that are not all-inclusive will offer specialized plans with meals and/or activities.

* Non-motorized water sports are usually included, such as kayaks, wind surfing, aqua-trikes, etc. If you want the motorized ones, such as jet skis and water skis, it may cost you.

Kids Clubs

Most all-inclusive Caribbean family vacation packages offer kids clubs. Many resorts provide cute and friendly little clubs with toy rooms, TVs and video games for older kids. A warm and friendly staff will be available to care for your kids.

Check to see if your resort offers multiple programs for children. There should be a variety of activities and programs for kids of all ages. Beaches Resorts, Club Med in Punta Cana and Atlantis in the Bahamas offer various children's programs with their all-inclusive Caribbean family vacation packages.

Tiny Travelers

It's becoming more common for Caribbean resorts to provide nursery service and infant care for guests traveling with babies and toddlers. It's a welcoming break for parents, who can use those precious few hours of nap time in the nursery to become refreshed, invigorated and ready to enjoy a piece of Caribbean paradise. Ask you r travel agent to confirm that babysitting service will be readily available during your vacation.

Health care is always a concern. Be sure to confirm the availability of on-site doctors and nurses before you make your reservations. You may need to choose a larger and better-known Caribbean family vacation resort to find the complete health care services that you require.