In our house we choose the Caribbean when we want an easy vacation. Beach, umbrella drinks, some sightseeing options in case we want a break from our lounge chairs and beach reading. Whether we choose a resort or rent a beach house even a simple vacation takes some planning. To …

If your family prefers a quieter Caribbean vacation than some of the mega resorts offer, consider an escape to the village of West End on Grand Bahama Island, the Bahamas. West End village is an especially appealing destination for a winter or spring break vacation with tweens or teens, who …

Caribbean Islands that are close to the US, like Turks & Caicos or the Virgin Islands, get the most buzz for family winter getaways. But islands further south like  Grenada, Dominica and Barbados have neat opportunities to get off the beach and explore nature, local history and West Indian culture. They’re …

The Hotel: Club Med Punta Cana Where: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic The Vibe The Dominican Republic is a popular resort destination because of its relatively short flights from the U.S. and the great deals it offers relative to other Caribbean Islands. The Punta Cana Coast is dotted with all-inclusive resorts …

Portland Parish is easily my favorite part of Jamaica. Away from the busy tourist areas of the North coast, Portie, as it’s affectionately known to Jamaicans, is always lush and tranquil. The unspoiled natural beauty takes your breath away. Often on a Sunday we pack up the boys, a 7YO …

We moved a little less than a year ago from Canada to Providenciales (“Provo” to the locals), the main island in the Turks & Caicos chain and the destination for most visitors. We’d enjoyed several activity-packed vacations in Provo before moving here. But settling in has given us the time …

The Caribbean is definitely one of those destinations where you can find everything you want most in a family beach getaway: resorts that are good values, fantastic food, incredible nature and pristine beaches, plus a wide range of activities for all ages. Moreover, the calm, clear, relatively warm Caribbean Sea …

Like many American sun-seekers I had never heard of the Caribbean Island of Guadeloupe. Then a Guadeloupian mom at my daughter’s school spent an afternoon telling me about the rainforests, waterfalls and volcano, beautiful beaches, world-class marine reserve, and French-creole cuisine. It sounded like Hawaii with French cooking, which seemed to …

You’ve heard about the turquoise waters and the powdery sand of Turks and Caicos. They really are the reasons you go, and if you are traveling with a toddler what more do you need? Here are eight practical tips for planning a beach vacation to Providenciales with little kids. 1) Consider Turks …

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Puerto Rico is a no-brainer for a family beach getaway. It’s a reasonable flight from the East Coast, you don’t need a passport and you can use American money. The food is yummy, the beaches are roomy and there’s a lot to do and see. Yet parents often overlook it …

Grand Palladium Bavaro Resort & Spa Punta Cana, Dominican Republic www.grandpalladiumbavaroresorts.com Phone #: 1-809-221-8149 Price Range: $$ (Check rates and availability on *Travelocity.) All Inclusive: Yes Breakfast Included: Yes Supplemental Fees for Kids: Yes Activity/Resort Fee: No Family Floor/Wing: Yes Suites: Yes, Both open and divided Cribs: Yes (fee) Refrigerators: …

Gran Melia Golf Resort Rio Grande, Puerto Rico www.granmeliapr.com Phone: 787-657-1026 Price Range: $$ (Check rates and availability on *Travelocity.) All Inclusive: No Breakfast Included: Available, Not Standard Supplemental Fees for Kids: No Activity/Resort Fee: Yes Family Floor/Wing: No Suites: Yes, Open Cribs: Yes (fee) Refrigerators: No Kitchen: Yes, Mini …

Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort and Spa Rio Mar, Puerto Rico www.wyndhamriomar.com/ Phone: 787-888-6000 Hotel Twitter: @RioMarWyndham Price Range: $$ (Search vacation packages on *Travelocity.) All Inclusive: No Breakfast Included: Available, Not Standard Supplemental Fees for Kids: No Activity/Resort Fee: Yes Family Floor/Wing: No Suites: Yes, open and divided Cribs: …