Hi,
I am struggling with deciding on a family vacation spot. Although I've asked this question before, we have never followed through and gone on a big vacation with both kids. Our children are now 4 and 7 and I think we are finally ready to go away. The problem is, there's almost too much information online, and I am making myself nuts trying to pick the perfect place. I think we feel some pressure since we have not been away, and are not planning to go on major vacations every year.

That being said, I think the Caribbean makes the most sense for us. We are in thre NY/NJ area and looking to travel in April. Some places we have checked out: Beaches in Turks, Westin in GCI, St. Regis in PR, Paradisus Palma Real in DR, etc. We were in Aruba with our older son when he was about 3, and really enjoyed it. Ideally we'd like to spend under $7500 all in, whether all inclusive, or not, and factoring in food budget.

Would love your thoughts. I have browsed the boards, but there are so many inconsistencies with places. I know nothing is perfect; I just want to make the right choice for my family.

Thanks in advance!
Rachel

Hi,
I am planning a Caribbean trip myself for this summer. Me and my husband are going alone this time We have 3 kids, 10, 8, and just 5. We have taken summer vacations with them since they were babies. Mostly car trips out west. We are planning on taking the kids on a caribbean vacation next year, so I've been kinda looking at family friendly options to.

What I've found for us is Caneel Bay Resort in St. John, US virgin islands for the whole family. I haven't been there, but all the pics online look great and great comments too. It has a childrens program for those times you want a little alone time with your husband or to do something that the kids aren't able to do. It is a beautiful resort with great beaches and snorkeling. Take a look at it. Getting to St. John shouldn't be difficult either, which is a plus with kids! St. John has great off beach snorkeling for the kids.

I think me and my husband are going to go to Virgin Gorda this time; no kids ( Little Dix Bay Resort ). You need a passport and there is a little more travel involved. There are some isolated islands, and it just seems so romantic.

Good luck with your planning. Don't sweat it, the kids will have a great time anywhere! Give them a beach, water toys, and maybe a mask and snorkel. They will love it!

Thanks for your response! A 'grown-up' vaca sounds great! My husband and I actually went to Caneel Bay before we had kids, maybe 8 years ago. We loved it! I didn't even think about it as an option for this time with the kids, but I will look at it again. I didn't realize they had kids programs. The snorkeling was awesome. And we had someone take us out on a boat to Tortola, Jost van Dyke (sp?), etc. Super vaca. And I know a bunch of people, including my parents I think, who have gone to Little Dix and loved it. Thanks for your input...I do keep telling myself that they are just happy at the prospect of going away and I am sure they will just play in the water all day. Good luck with your planning!

i've been to several islands. i come home from each thinking what a wonderful experience i had! so take a breath & remember your kids aren't as critical as we adults.
caneel is a great resort for any vacation.
2nd choice would be t&c beaches. great beach & tons to do for the kids. may be too pricey though.
another option could be fdr pebbles resort on jamaica. your kids get a dedicated nanny for the duration of your stay

thank you, virginia! i just read your post out loud to my husband. makes a lot of sense. : ) would you consider a beaches in jamaica?

honestly i didn't even know about beaches jamaica, but the waterslide looks way fun. not known for snorkeling but ocho rios does have a marine preserve with some snorkeling. also, there is a place called mystic mountain http://www.rainforestadventure.com/j...rs_excursions/
and here are some recent reviews http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...h_Jamaica.html