I just realized that I can't do Barbados (flights are too expensive) I have found manageable deals for the RC in Grand Cayman, Westin Lucaya Bahamas or an All Inclusive in DR? Which would you choose? I have two children ages 12 and 10. Which place has the best beach and is less likely to be hit by an August hurricanine? Please help!

All the islands in Caribbean have a chance of hurricanes-just get trip insurance.

Ritz Carlton is the nicest property, Caymans are fun for teens.

Westin Lucaya is also fun for teens, nice resort, nice set-up, but I would prefer Caymans over it.

DR is my least favorite of the 3-I found the food to be awful, beaches are pretty, but contain alot of seaweed.

OOps I just saw this. Thanks. I'll reexamine the RC. Is the beach gorgeous?

I though my post was lost andnow have two similar posts on. Sorry.

Whether or not you have afun in the DR is completely dependent on which resort you choose, so choose carefully. Beaches in Punta Cana are nice, but those in La Romana are even better IMHO and the Iberostar there is also a good choice for an AI. The difficulty with the DR is that you must usually pay more to fly into La Romana airport, and PC is a 90-minute drive away, so not fun. Blamona's warning about the food in many AIs is well-taken, but some are much better than others, though these are usually more expensive, and money seems to be an issue for you.

Though Blamona is probably right about the quality of the Ritz-Carlton, with two kids, I simply wouldn't choose it if money is at all an issue, even with a good hotel rate. If you can't afford airfare to Barbados, then I'm concerned that you will also have problems with high food prices in Grand Cayman (and, frankly, with prices there in general).

The Westin Lucaya is probably a better family resort than the Ritz-Carlton and has a nearby shopping center with cheaper restaurants that you can walk to.

As far as hurricanes go, you are equally likely to encounter one in any of these destinations in August. But the actual chance that a hurricane will strike the place you are in the week you're there is not very high. My advice: Buy trip insurance that will allow you to cancel for any reason and still get your money back. It's a good investment if you are spending this much for a trip.

Rc is a nice property!!! But GC very expensive!!!!!!! The DR beaches not as nice gc. If u decide on DR the Majestic is a good property. Stayed thier twice pleased both times. With Ritz always go 2 GC in late July for past 7 yrs only one day of rain whole time. And always calm water.

I am getting a geeod price (under 4 grand ) at the majestic and the iberoatar. I once made a cruise ship stop at GC and realize it's up there. However, I figured since we would be at the club level we'd eat only a few meals out. But, I guess DR might be best. Are the La Romana beaches much nicer than PC. If so, it might make the 90 minute ride worth it. Does anyone know which property is newer?

Grand Cayman is much nicer than DR
Better beaches, much more upscale island, Cleaner, Safer and much better restaurants, better choice for kids.
if you decide on DR, the beaches are better on PC than LA romana, bavaro beach on PC is the best beach in DR
La Romana is more geared for adults, has a nice golf course and Casa De Campo is the best resort in DR.

Oh yes, the Iberostar rep also quoted a decent price on the Rose Hall In Jamaica. It had good reviews on Trip Advisor. But, I am concerned about the construction. Has anybody experienced this lately?

Posted my report before I read patfan's. Now I am really confused.

I guess I am having a hard time because I had hoped for an elegant yet not too commercial vacation on pristine beaches. One where my husband and kids could be as active as they wanted while I walked in quaint towns and laid on the beach with an oversized novel and an ice cold drink. Now, it seems that that is not going to happen. But, i guess any vacation is better than none. So, I should keep things in perspective

Have you considered the Riviera Maya in Mexico? It is quite beautiful. We found it very reasonable (have been to the DR in PC twice and loved it also), the beaches, although not quite as nice as PC in my opinion were great. Food was superb and there is much to do off resort.

I looked at them. But, i had heard that the weather is too hot in August. The PC resorts all seem to be priced right. Which have you stayed in?

We tend to use the AMResorts i.e. Sunscapes/Dreams etc. In PC we stayed at a Sunscape Grand which is now run by another company however Sunscape the Beach in PC has a fantastic reputation. We stayed at Dreams in Tulum and I loved it but there is not much on that resorts for teens.

Our kids have never been on a true beach vacation outside of a trip 6 years ago to Florida. (Thay've travelled, but Costa Rica and India etc.) So, they are not at all demanding. My concern is to have a beautiful clean beach, good service, food that won't make me sick and pristine rooms with decent linens.

I'll continue looking and would appreciate any other advice.