All Inclusive Family Vacations - Tips for finding the best one for your family

All inclusive family vacations means that your airfare, hotel, meals and activities are included in the cost of your trip. However, there is no standard industry definition for the term "all-inclusive".

Some hotels include a large variety of sports and entertainment, whereas others are more limited. Most all-inclusive family vacations, however, will include 3 meals daily, all or most drinks, and a variety of sporting equipment and entertainment. Refer to each resort's description for more information.

Most resorts that offer all inclusive family vacations are usually located in the Caribbean and Mexico and they are a terrific option for a family beach vacation. Many resorts are designed with kids-only facilities, counselors, planned activities and baby-sitting. Children of all ages are welcome at these properties.

Kids Programs - may start with infant programs at some resorts and continue through different age groups right to teen programs. Hours of operation and activities offered will vary from resort to resort and may also depend on the time of year and how many children are enrolled.

Outdoor Activities - the Caribbean has a lot to offer in the way of water sports and some resorts may offer: Sailing, Windsurfing, Kayaks, Hobie Cats, Snorkeling, Beaches, Pools, Pool Lounges, Tennis Courts, Fitness Centers. Some all inclusive resorts even include FREE golf green fees, scuba and off-site excursions!

Entertainment - Most all inclusive family vacations offer nightly entertainment, ranging from energetic but amateur productions to Broadway style professional reviews. Many resorts have a weekly variety of theme nights.

Meals - multiple restaurants are usually available, including casual poolside snacks. Buffets are a great way to feed kids quickly with no waiting; often, buffets have a special kids' section. A big plus for the picky eater - there is a lot a variety and they can take as much or as little as they wish. Entire meals will not be wasted when Jr. takes two bites and declares, "I'm full" (been there, done that!) Typically fine-dining is may offered too, sometimes at a reservation only restaurant.

Drinks - Unlimited beverages are often part of all inclusive family vacations - including alcoholic beverages for adults and pop and juice for the kids. Even Club Med has now gone the way of including its alcoholic beverages in its all inclusive pricing.

Accommodation/Airfare - and usually your taxes, gratuities and transfers (transportation) to the resort and back to the airport from the resort.

There are many advantages of all inclusive family vacations. The main one is you never have to ask yourself, "How much will this cost?" when your kids want more drinks, or activities. Not having to pull out your wallet or sign your bill 6 times a day adds to your piece of mind and enables you to truly relax and enjoy your family beach vacation.

Some all inclusive family resorts offer kids free accommodation when staying in parents' room; kids typically pay a rate that's a fraction of an adult's price. Be sure to check when you are traveling with more than two children and the special rates may only apply to two children.

Another advantage, depending on your destination, can be the security of staying at an all inclusive family resort. There are some destinations that make families uncomfortable whether or not they are safe once you leave the resort grounds. In those instances, an all-inclusive resort is an ideal choice. It allows you to have all of your meals, entertainment and activities in one spot, and while you won't be "exploring the culture" of the destination, you'll have a worry-free vacation.

All inclusive family vacations tend to offer lots of flexibility in that with supervised children's activity programs or "camps", it enables parents some free time to relax and do their own thing while the children are doing their own thing. It also enables the kids to meet other kids their own age. I know from personal experience that there is nothing like another child around to keep my own occupied.

Another advantage to all inclusive family vacations is the ability to budget a trip in advance, and knowing how much is it going to cost you up front. Just for the sheer simplicity of it all, it is no wonder that all inclusive family resorts are such a popular choice for beach family vacations.

There are of course some things to watch out for when looking for you all inclusive family vacation. It is important to find out detailed information about the kids programs. Some are better than others and will have different hours of operation, activities, age ranges and supervision. Make sure to pick a resort that will have a program suitable for the kids in your family.

Traveling with very young children and teenagers also requires special consideration as each age group has special requirements and so you want to make sure that accommodation and activities are geared to these age groups. For example, it may be important to have a kid’s wading pool or a room with a fridge when traveling with toddlers.

Meanwhile, with older kids, try to get a room that is more central so they can have some independence. With teens, review available activities with them so they know what to expect and can let you upfront if they will enjoy the program.

Prices can vary and some resorts are going to be more expensive than others. Choose one that fits your budget and has the amenities and activities that you want. If your family are not big eaters or drinkers and are not big on water activities then a regular pay as you go resort may be better for you. Also if you enjoy trying out local culture and restaurants, then an all inclusive resort would not be your best option.

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