Hello,
New to the forum. Thanks in advance for any help you can give us. I am trying to plan a vacation for myself(51), my wife (46) , my 2 sons (17,12), 2 daughters(16,14). We don't travel often, and usually stay in the US when we do, although have been to the Bahamas and Bermuda a few times. With my son and daughter getting close to college, I figured we may not be able to get us all together for a trip for some time so would like to plan something for their upcoming school year February or April vacation. We are open to anywhere on the Caribbean. We would like somewhere that would have a nice beach and water activities for the kids, good restaurants, and a pool and or water park at the hotel. Our budget would be about 10K which would include our flight(from Boston) ,and accommodations. An all inclusive would be ideal, but open to other suggestions as well. I know this is vague, but not having travelled much I am open to any ideas.
Caribbean vacation Ideas for my family
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Very few Caribbean resorts have a "water park" on the property. Two that come to mind are Atlantis (Nassau, Bahamas) and Beaches on Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos but they can be quite pricey. I'm not sure, though, that you can do either of those for 6 people for a week on your $10,000 budget, especially if you are planning to go during school break in February or April - those are some of the most expensive weeks to travel in the Caribbean.
If All Inclusives are important consider looking at resorts in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cancun and/or Playa del Carmen. Those destinations have the highest concentration of AI resorts and are among the most economical regions you can visit.
One other point, since you said you "don't travel often" and most of your travel has been in the US make sure you have your passports in order if you want to visit the Caribbean. Assuming you are all US citizens you'll need them if you want to go anywhere except Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
Consider too, staying in a "condo resort" or renting a villa. They are perfect for families your size and you'll often find they are much more economical than staying at a resort. Look at condo resorts on Providenciales, there are a wide range of units on Grace Bay - the beach there is 11 miles long, you'll have access to all types of waterspouts, it's easy to get to from the US East Coast and it's perfect for families. Do a google search for "Rental Condos on Providenciales, Turks & Caicos" and you'll find lots of links.
Good luck finding YOUR PLACE.
The Barcelo Maya is an AI resort in Mexico's Riviera Maya that has a great beach and water parks and pools. Lots of activities on and off the resort for your family.
The majority of AI resorts will be in Mexico, Jamaica and the DR.
I second the Barcelo Maya in Mexico. Also the Occidential doesn't necessary have a water park, but is connected to the Xcaret eco park. Lazy River, museum, other water features, small zoo and a fab night show.
The Sunset Jamaica Grande in Montego Bay Jamaica has a waterpark.
Most AI resorts have very nice huge pools. If budget is a concern, look at the RIU chain of resorts.
I am a big fan of Mexico. Def Riviera Maya or Playa Del Carmen....Great beaches, fun parks, great restaurants.
http://www.occidentalhotels.com/grand/Xcaret.asp5 could work nicely for you. nearby are mayan ruins to see, atv jungle rides, ziplines, cenotes, duty free shopping in playa del carmen. info on everything in the maya riviera area at locogringo.com
with such a large group you might consider a staffed (so mom doesn't have to do the work) villa. many available on maya riviera. also jamaica & barbados - both of which have lots to do. for example we rented a 3br/2bath house on tankah bay beach w/pool called 'casa cavu'. had daily housekeeping & her husband would have cooked daily if we had requested.
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