We are trying to plan a last minute beach vacation for sometime at the end of June. I will be traveling with 2 small children, ages 2 and 4, and am looking for a destination with a direct flight from New York, under 4 hours. ANy recomemndations for destinations and and great family friendly resorts/condo properties would be greatly appreciated. The only place I have already been is Puerto Rico, so we would like to try somewhere new.

thanks

I think the Carribbean will be longer than a 4 hour trip from NY. The closest island I can think of is Bermuda and I have not been there in a very long time. Check that out! There are tons of great beaches in Florida as well.

Turks and Caicos. 3 1/2 hour flight from from NY, direct flights on AA, and the most awesome kid friendly beach anywhere. Almost all of the resorts are condos, with full kitchens and sitting areas. They come in all kinds of price ranges, and all are great to stay. You can probably get specials now too-ex. 6&7th nights free.

The restaurants are excellent, and the water like a postcard, calm and crystal clear.

I have a friend who was at Beaches in T and C and said it was amazing. Jamaica and Cancun are probably about 4 1/2 hours. Playa del Carmen is a fun town. I found Playa to be very safe and clean. There are also great restaurants, so it's not necessary to be at an AI.

We're flying from PHL to STT in just under 4 hours for a three generation family vacation; my grandchildren are 4 yrs. and 14 mos. I would think flying time from JFK or LGA would be approx. the same?

There are direct flights to St. Thomas from New York. Puerto Rico and St. Thomas are the big transportation hubs in that part of the Caribbean. St. Thomas has a number of excellent resorts, and of course it is the gateway to the rest of the Virgin Islands.

Look at the Bahamas - the Atlantis is great for kids with lots of stuff to do, spas for parents to relax, nice rooms. Beautiful beaches, good restaurants, close to New York with shorter flights.

You could also check on a cruise to the Eastern or Western Caribbean out of Florida. Cruises are family-friendly, almost all-inclusive. kids love the children's programs and parents can have some adult time, too. Prices in the Caribbean are really great!

Best Regards,
Julia