I'm wondering is All-Inclusive the way to go with 18 yr. old teenage girls? Looking for a resort, condo, timeshare, etc. in the Caribbean this April that will be on the beach, have some life to it, is safe and reasonably priced....that I can book now!!! I welcome any and all thoughts!

All inclusives can be good or bad, all depending on your tastes and preferences. When I travel with my little ones, AI's are sometimes great because they normally include kid's clubs, activities and food that they will enjoy, and it also takes alot of stress out of our lives to try and make sure that we will find a restaurant, or even food, depending on where you will be. On the other hand, we also like to venture out alot, so why pay for food if you are going to try and experience the local cuisine, which is what I prefer to do. Stay put = AI, adventurous = pay as you go.

I'd skip it, so you can eat wherever you want.

You can rent a condo or timeshare and actually end up with more than you would get at a hotel. With two 18 year old girls, that might be a better choice.
And there are perks that come with that too. Like coupons to certain restaurants that can be used and everyone can pick some spots they'd like to try.

Knowing, have any ideas for good condos or timeshares? Which island for these 2 18 yr. old teenagers?
Thanks!

If you don't want to leave your resort every night for dinner, then an AI plan is a good idea. Even though a lot of people choose AI for the included alcohol, the real savings in the Caribbean is on food. The trade-off is sometimes less quality in the food you get. AIs also have on-site entertainment, where your teenage girls can mingle in relative safety with other guests.

If you are particularly independent-minded, then you might not like the limits placed on you at an AI. If you intend to eat some meals in, then a condo or villa will almost always be a better value, but if you don't want to cook one bit, then you have to consider that eating out in almost any island can be expensive.

But it really depends on the island and on your own preferences. Grand Cayman, for example, is especially safe, and condos and villas abound, while resorts and restaurants are pretty expensive. In the Dominican Republic, the best beaches are often isolated and lined with large hotels, all of which are all-inclusive (and few people venture out except on organized excursions).

Try to narrow down which Isalnd/destination before you decide if AI is worth it or not.

We have been to many AI hotels and do enjoy them for the unlimted drinks and convenience of round the clock food options. However, we do spend time outside of the resort and experience the local culture also.

Some destinations are better to go with an AI and some aren't. I've found if the Island is relatively safe, has good public transporation and lots of available resturants, than not doing an AI is the way to go. If the Island is isolated or less developed or the hotel you choose is away from the the main area and offers and AI plan, than I would choose that.

It can also depend on what type of vacation you are looking for. Do you want a big resort with lots of included features and amenities, a smaller hotel with just the basics, or do you want a villa or condo with a kitchen in order to cook in some meals.

Most all inclusive hotels are located in Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. There are some hotels on various Islands that offer an AI option or have an all inclusive resort.

It all depends on where you go. If the the girls are picky eaters, then you're better off paying for what you want. ...Places like Grand Cayman and Aruba, I would say "heck no", b/c they have some of the greatest restaurants to choose from...........IMO, these are the safest islands in the caribbean.

Can only give you my AI experiences:
AI - Barbados, Almond Resorts - Horrible dinners
AI - BVI - Bitter End Yacht Club - Fantastic food - alcohol not included
AI - BVI - Peter Island - very good food - alcohol not included
On your own - Anguilla - great restaurants on island
On your own - Nevis - good restaurants on the island
On your own - St Lucia - very good restaurants (south end of island)

Best way to know is be specific about locations and you will find someone who has been there!

My thoughts with girls of that age and safety issues would be Grand Cayman. Try looking at the Georgetown villas. It's a beachfront property and with 2 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms in a quiet setting on the southern end of Seven Mile Beach. They have a full kitchen so that you could do some of your own cooking (which would save you money, as well as BBQ grills on the property), cable TV, internet access, air conditioning and a washer and dryer in your unit(Very important with teenage girls).