I've never understood people who go to the same vacation place year after year. To me, vacation should be about discovery, not familiarity. But here I am, getting ready (i.e. dieting furiously) for my second trip to Club Med, Punta Cana.

Why? Well, last year was a big travel year for us. We went to South Africa, we went to Paris, the kids even went to Yellowstone Park without us, on a school trip. When my daughter got back from her last trip, she said "Can we just go to a resort next time?" Eleven years old and she already has travel fatigue!

We last went to Club Med when the kids were in Kindergarten. (there we are on the beach that year) This fall, they started Middle School. So it has been a while. Last time, they were in the mini-club. This time, they'll be in the teen group. Last time, we went back to the room straight after dinner, so the kids could be asleep by 8:30. This year, they'll probably want to go dancing at the teen disco. Last time, I worried about how I looked in the bathing suit. This time – past 40 – I wish I looked that good!

The thing about Club Med is it really is can be all things to all people. (Except maybe luxurious. I don't think it's that. Though there has been an extensive renovation since our last visit.) But what it is to me, is easy. There's something for everyone to do. From tennis and sailing to trapeze, to just hanging out on the beach. There's no worry about how you're dressed, or if the kids are being disrupted. It's casual, and relaxed.

Will I have cushy towels in my room? No. Will there be Frette sheets? No again. Will a uniformed concierge greet me? Well, maybe if you think shorts and a club med t-shirt is a uniform.

But will the kids have free reign, giving my husband and I time together? You bet. Will the weather be glorious? Always. Will there be tons to do? Yes. Yes. Yes.

Good thing my daughter had travel fatigue.