looking for value family vacation.
 

We have never been in the Caribbean. We are looking for famiy based activities (11 and 13 year old) looking for any advice to help narrow the search. Looking for best value in a safe location.

What is your budget? What do you like to do? How much are you planning to spend? What kind of activities do you consider "family based"? Where are you traveling from? If you can give us some more information, I'm sure we can make some recommendations.

And when are you planning to travel?

planning spring of 2010 and not really sure of budget yet, Just looking and gathering. I got info from Beachs and it looks great, and the reviews seem fine but I always wonder if i am getting the full experience and culture of the location.

Since you subject line is "tagged" Turks & caicos I'm assuming that's your intended destination. If so, Beaches is a popular "family resort" beause it is virtually "self contained". If you want a resort with less structure check out Ocean Club and/or Ocean Club West. These "condo" type accomodations are popular with families and since they are not All Inclusive you'll not feel guilty about leaving the resort to explore the island.

I have not been to turks caicos, but I can tell you about some of the other islands we have been to for spring break vacations. Aruba is hot and more of an arid island. The resorts are lush and the beaches have white sand/green waters. The food is good and there is a variety of pricing for dining out. I think it is a good value vacation. Lots of watersports.
Grand Cayman is a great family friendly spot with beautiful waters, great snorkeling, good dining. A little pricier than Aruba, but there are many condo options that are ocean front. Great watersports available.
Puerto Rico has lots to do. We were not as crazy about this island in general. It has lots of good deals I am sure on hotels. We stayed at the Caribe Hilton which has its own compound type feel. Lots of sightseeing available. Not as pretty of an island.
We felt safe everywhere on these islands. Out of the three, GC seemed the most family friendly and we felt the safest.
Turks Caicos has some great photos of beautiful waters, and I think there, condos are plentiful. Beaches will offer lots of entertainment, probably mediocre food but lots of it, and other kids. I am not against all inclusive. I have never done one. I imagine it has great convenience. My good friends went to the Riviera Maya over spring break this past year and loved it. They stayed at the Iberostar Maya. They said the food was great, there was lots to do and there were many other kids. They returned right before the swine flu scare, but they had no problems. Hopefully by next year, that will be something of the past. My friends said the price was very reasonable for their family of 4 and they were pleasantly surprised by decent food. Good luck.