We are going to try the All Inclusive next winter. I had looked at Turks and Caicos, but that is a LONG day on the plane from Boston. I'd prefer to get there within 6 hours of departure if not sooner. I like a resort- not a boutique hotel. My boys will be 6 and 8 then, and are ALL about the pool and water slides. Kids day camp would be fun for them too. Clean is my priority. Safe, of course. We are not that into food. Drinks for mom and dad. I love the lush tropical feel rather than scrubby. I don't know if I should rely on the big chains (Sandals, breezes, etc..). A water slide/water park would be great. My husband has never seen the Caribbean water so that crystal clear blue water would be a plus. We are flexible with timing, but will go sometime in Feb/March '08.
I'd appreciate any input. Thanks.

Strange. T & C is an 80 minute flight from Miami. It is wonderful and you would love it.

I thought that I had read on another forum that there were some seasonal (during high season) non-stop or at least direct flights to T&C, but I'm not sure. If short travel time is your top priority, I'd suggest that you look at flights first to pick locations that you can reach via nonstop or direct flight from Boston. Then, read some reviews for resorts that meet your criteria (AI, family-friendly, etc.). Here is a link that lists AI resorts in a number of locations (it also indicates whether the hotels are for families with kids or adult only):

http://www.resortvacationstogo.com/S...e_Resorts.html

A couple of other comments on T&C. It really is not a big destination for AI resorts; the only AI resort there that accepts children is Beaches. It gets mixed reviews (some of the negatives being that it is crowded and expensive but other people, especially those with younger children really like the convenience it offers.) If you are not completely set on going AI, the Sands, Ocean Club, and Ocean Club West are mid-priced condo resorts on T&C that are popular with families. The OC/OCW resorts have a kid's club and offer optional meal plans. But, if you prefer lush islands v scrubby, want a full-scale AI resort, are not into fine dining, and are more into pools than the beach, T&C might not be the best choice for you and your family.

<b>True... TCI is not really known for its AI resorts... only two I believe. Beaches and Club Med.

Best beach I've ever seen thought - it's become our favorite place to travel so far... but then again, we don't have kids.</b>

I'd look at the resorts south of Cancun along the Mayan Riviera. Although I don't know the flight times from Boston. There are literally dozens of resorts to choose from.

Not sure of your dates, but there is an AA flight, leave BOS 6am, arr JFK 700 and departs for PLS (provo) at 8am, about 5 1/2 hrs total. However, as others have mentioned there are not a lot of AI options there compared to other places.

if this trip is to be about the boys and water parks/slides i can't help but think you should look at atlantis.
t&amp;c is as flat and scrubby as you'll find. for more tropical spots with short flight time i'd suggest jamaica, puerto rico, mexico or dominican republic. beahces has 3 resorts on jamaica and you're boys are really the perfect age to appreciate this resort. you might repost with one of these destinations and kids/ai/pools in the title. for mexico post on the latin america board.