Hi forum! We are lookimg a destination for our family of five in end of Nov for 8-10 days. Our family is me and wife in late-40s and kids 11, 9, and 7. We are laid back and asleep typically by 10 so “night life” is not a thing for us. Our kids will and have spent an entire week lounging by the pool and love it (even with a gorgeous beach 200 feet away!). We love it too because we can keep an eye on them, although we will often go to the beach for a few hours here and there. I like to run and we like to bike or kayak/canoe around, snorkel, scuba dive, etc. but not necessary. We might go sight seeing for 2 days or so if there are cool, adventurous sights. Mostly, we are trying to escape the sudden winter, relax together, eat decent food, and spend time together playing games, and talking.

We have been on western Caribbean cruises, Hawaii, Hilton Head, Kiawah, all over the western mountain states, London, and sans family, India, France, but never directly to any island destination. In this forum, I have seen a number of folks mention locations and all-inclusive resorts in Turks and Caicos, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, St. Thomas, Cancun, Cayman, etc. They all seem wonderful and I’m overwhelmed so would welcome any advice! I tagged a few locations but we are pretty flexible as long as the location is safe, warm, and not a really long flight.

We do like the idea of a resort because we don’t want to drive around much (or at all) and don’t feel a need to wander out to experience the local life. We are not big fans of Airbnb or any arrangement where we have to do a lot of the housekeeping. I know it sounds lazy but we are on vacation! We would like to have a single unit with a separate master bedroom for some privacy from our kids. Adjoining rooms would be ok but not as convenient. The all-inclusive also appeals because we tend to eat on the property and hate having to bring around cash tipping everywhere. We don’t drink much so realize we probably don’t get our full value...still worth it to us,

I have checked the Beaches TCI all inclusive and it seems to fit the bill for about $20k for 8 days. That’s a bit stiff but within our budget. Is it beach weather there end of Nov? And because it seems high priced, should we consider comparable options elsewhere that can provide similar amenities but at a lower cost? I have seen a number of comments along the lines of TCI is expensive and the AI options are limited so they are also expensive.

On the flip side, if there is something amazing that we must experience but it costs more, we’d love to know! We believe strongly in the irreplaceable value of family experiences!

This is a long post so I appreciate anyone making it through and still willing to offer up their advice!

Thank you! Will definitely look it up!

This is for this Nov. Yep, like 2 weeks away! We are sadly last minute planners (as in not really planners at all).

So, two weeks from now puts you smack dab into Thanksgiving week. That’s a very busy time in the Caribbean and many family resorts will be fully booked. Your choices are going to be based more on which places have availability rather than which resort best fits your needs. Also, just because you don’t want to worry about dining “off resort” or carrying cash for tips doesn’t necessarily wed you to All Inclusive Resorts. You can simply take all your meals at the resort/hotel you stay at and charge everything to your room and pay when you leave.

If you are looking for accommodations with separate bedrooms for you and the kids you should consider staying at one of the many “condo resorts” or renting a villa that are found on just about any Caribbean Island.

At this point you’ll probably find it easier to select an island you want to visit then try to find accommodations that fit your needs.

one last hurdle- since you are so late in the game you’ll have to determine which destinations you can find available airplane seating for your planned dates of travel - Thanksgiving is a peak travel time.

Sorry, forgot to include some suggestions for 5-star resorts. Some are not “all inclusive” but may offer meal plans, if you are interested.

Look at:
Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic
Four Seasons, Nevis
Sandy Lane, Barbados
Palm Island, Grenadines
Belmond Cap Jaluca, Anguilla
Anse Chastenet, St. Lucia
Jumby Bay, Antigua
Amanyara, Providenciales (Turks & Caicos)

While not all inclusive, sounds like the following would really fit the bill:

turks and Caicos—

seven stars or Grace Bay club. Both are in the middle hub, excellent restaurants and some light shopping walking distance. Excursions are by boat to uninhabited Cays—awesome

in Nassau try Baha Mar—so much nicer than Atlantis!