Caribbean Family Travel
The Caribbean is a very popular destination for families. That’s because a Caribbean family vacation usually means more fun and features in an all-inclusive resort including: beach and water sports, luxurious swimming pools and water slides, kid-friendly programs and family activities, meal-time convenience and drinks on tap, grown-up pampering like spas, dining, cocktail parties, etc., baby-sitting and other services, and great family rates
However, there are times when there’s just too many all-inclusive Caribbean family travel resorts out there that it’s difficult to choose just one. Given the dollar cost and emotional investment, the stakes are high. How do you know which one suits you and your family best?
All-Inclusive, All-Included
When you say all-inclusive, it’s natural to assume that the package includes everything. But remember that an all-inclusive Caribbean travel plan includes almost but not quite everything. You may get all meals and snacks, drinks, kids’ programs, and certain water sports and other activities but not all of them.
- Non-motorized water sports are generally included, such as kayaks, wind surfing, aqua-trikes, etc. If you want the motorized ones, like jet skis and water skis, it may cost you.
- Gear for snorkeling is often free, but there may be a limit as to how long you can use them. And if you want to join a snorkeling boat trip on your Caribbean family travel, it may cost you extra.
- Scuba is generally extra.
- Spas are always extra, unless you get one of those special Caribbean family travel packages.
- Off-property outings are extra, though a shuttle bus to a nearby town may be free.
- Some non-all-inclusives offer plans that include meals and/or activities.
Kids’ Club
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 maybe video games for kids ages 4-12. A warm and friendly staff is always there to provide them with care.
If you want your kids to enjoy the multi-program type, most all-inclusive resorts have this. There are different places and programs for different ages. Some worthy 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.
Babies and Toddlers?
More and more Caribbean family travel resorts are now providing nurseries and infant care for guests traveling with their babies or toddlers. This is welcome break for you, moms, because even if you only leave your kid 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.
If you’re worried whether on-site doctors or nurses are available, try one of the bigger Caribbean family travel resorts. They’re your best bet. And lastly, 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 up and running during your trip.
Atlantis Paradise Island Resort
Atlantis has two different programs for children, the Aqua Tots program and the Discovery Channel Camp. The Aqua Tots program was designed for children 3 years old and up, while the discovery camp is for kids 4 – 12 years old and ranges from a 1 hour program to one that includes lunch and even dinner.
All kids love the six different water slides and the marine exhibits. This can keep kids busy for hours and hours, and are pretty fun for the parents as well. In order to enjoy the slides, kids must be at least 48 inches tall.
A beach vacation at Atlantis Paradise Island Resort is something your entire family will love. There is something here to keep everyone occupied, from the beaches to fun on the slides. If your family enjoys the best of fun and the beach, Atlantis is something your whole family will enjoy – and love coming back to.