In preparation for our upcoming family travel, my son has been visited by the ghost of spring break past. In his seven years of life, he has been to Nassau, Negril, Ocho Rios, Punta Cana, and Cozumel. If your family is a fun-and-sun family like mine then you know that Caribbean resorts are the mecca of all-inclusive resorts when traveling with kids. We’ve stayed at all the popular family all-inclusive chains like Beaches, Breezes, Melia, Occidental, Palace, and Riu.

There are subtle differences but the fun is consistent and memorable for years to come. In addition to all-inclusive meals and drinks, there are many activities included in the cost of the trip. My family enjoys water sports like kayaking, jet skiing, and the ever popular water trampoline. There are bicycles, roller skates, basketball and tennis courts, water slides, and games by the pool that let the kids showcase their dancing, singing, or trivia skills.

Being a mother of kids that span 10 years in age, the best things about these family all-inclusive resorts are the planned activities and meals for kids of all ages. Though we don’t go all the way to the islands to play video games, the X-box and Wii tournaments provide an air-conditioned break from the ninety degree weather that sometimes makes my normally wonderful offspring quite whiny. The tye-dyed shirts and jewelry making have provided me with some keepsake Mother’s Day presents. The kids club for younger kids has movies and story times to beat the heat. Each resort usually has a separate dinner venue for kids and teens on special nights so that parents can enjoy dinner alone at least once during the trip. Most of these resorts have teen dance clubs and special excursions for kids.

If I had to pick just one thing that I absolutely love about all-inclusive family resorts, I guess it would be the fact that I can pick up my beach bag and leave my wallet at home while everyone in my family has a great time.

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