* Grown-up pampering such as spas, dining, cocktail parties, etc.
* Babysitting and other services
* Activities for kids and family programs
However, there are times when there are just so many all-inclusive Caribbean family travel resorts out there that it's difficult to pick just one. Given the financial cost and emotional investment, the stakes are high. How do you know which one goes with you and your family best?
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.
Pay attention to the following:
* 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.
* Expect to pay extra for scuba gear.
* 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.
* Some resorts that are not all-inclusive will offer specialized plans with meals 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
Your all-inclusive Caribbean family vacation package should offer some sort of "Kids Club" program. Many resorts have bright and cheery play rooms for children, with TV and video games for older kids. A warm and friendly staff is available to care for your kids while you enjoy some R&R.
If you want your children to enjoy multiple programs, most all-inclusive resorts have these as well. There are various places offering programs for kids of all ages. Club Med in Punta Cana, Beaches Resorts and Atlantis in the Bahamas offer these types of 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.
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.
First, be certain to include the entire family in the planning process. This will help get the children more involved and excited about the upcoming adventure while also helping them to feel as if they are important members of the family. In addition, it will make them more vested in the trip. In other words, they will be less likely to complain about the itinerary because they know they had a hand in planning it.
You should also be certain to plan a variety of activities throughout the trip so the children do not become bored with a specific aspect. For example, if your plans involve visiting a few different museums, try to spread them out over a few days rather than hitting them all at once. Visiting many museums on the same day can be very tiring for children.
Similarly, if you are planning several physical activities, spread those out as well. Hiking trails at National Parks is a wonderful experience, but trying to cram them all into one day will lead to cranky children and a bad experience for everyone.
Finally, be certain to plan activities for the children to enjoy while on the road or in the air. Allow them to bring their handheld gaming systems if they are into video games. If you can, purchase a DVD player for the children to watch movies while on the road as well. Even if you are not a big fan of allowing children to watch television, this is one time when the rules should be bent. The same is true for brining food, as children tend to get hungry quickly and you don't wan to have to pull over every hour for a snack.
Both Benedict Neel & Gabriel Adams are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.