Safe, fun places for H.S. spring break?
 

Message: My daughter and her friends are looking for a senior spring break spot for next year - first week of April. They want lots of people their age, with lots of things to do, and clubs they can go to (they'll be 17 & 18). <BR><BR>We parents want for them, all of the above, but somewhere where alcohol is not the common denominator for all the fun. <BR><BR>Any suggestions? <BR>Would you suggest all-inclusive for this age?<BR>(parents will be in attendance but probably not at the same hotel)<BR><BR>Looking forward to a variety of responses. THANKS!

Drinking age requirements are VERY lax in the Caribbean and if you are staying at 2 different resorts..well you get the picture. Why not pick a resort in the USA as the drinking age law may be better enforced.

That's good - go all inclusive which is the least restrictive and booze flows freely. jeeze! And I am sure you'll find lots of places that have alcohol-free clubs. Alcohol IS the common demonimator at them and at all inclusives. and you'll stay at another resort? what are you thinking?

I agree that Mexico or the Carribbean are very lax on drinking requirements. So if the kids want to drink it will be no problem.<BR><BR>If control is very important, then chaporoening the trip may be required.<BR><BR>One island that I've been to that definitely does not lend itself to partying by young kids is Grand Caymen Island. It is also my favorite island due to the beautiful beach and water, cleand and safe atmosphere, and several things to do (most notably, swimming with sting rays at Sting Ray City).<BR><BR>Good luck - I'm glad my kids are 5 and under at this point!

Spring break for High Schoolers??? Parents there but in another hotel???<BR>Seems like it is a family vacation, and if it is a family vacation I never heard of staying in different hotels!!! 17 & 18 year olds are NOT adults. They should have adults in the SAME hotel. IMHO

I agree with the others. High schoolers getting ahold of alcohol in Mex. and the Carib. is as easy (if not easier in some places) as getting a good 'ol glass of water.

okay, so now that I have everyone thinking that I'm a lousy parent, I'll try to rephrase...<BR><BR>We have just returned from a week at Ft. Lauderdale/Daytona and had a wonderful time...girls in same hotel but with their own group room... midnight curfew and other rules were met by all. This was our stepping stone to the next level of freedom prior to the complete freedom in college.<BR><BR>I hear your voices that we should stay at same resort and will seriously consider this since I don't know how close in proximity our lodging will be; but I'm still looking for a place (doesn't have to be the Carribean) outside of the U.S. where our girls can have fun but the focus is not on alcohol... they need clubs, music, water, boys, and decent food and they will be happy. <BR><BR>

Hey, Frankly... I've never done an all-inclusive, so I have no idea what it includes... many include water sports and that may give us a break on price.... I really do appreciate all suggestions/opinions, but judgement could be withheld...thanks

There are lots of all-inclusives that have kids activities, and I would think some that include teenager activities. Just not sure which ones. <BR><BR>Don't get the wrong picture. Most all-inclusives are not hedonistic resorts where the booze is flowing non-stop and everyone's taking part. Some are, but most are not. And those that are more than likely have a 18 or 21 age requirement. <BR><BR>I would definitely stay at the same resort because booze is easily accessible, especially if you will be responsible for your kid's friends. But don't be scared away by all-inclusives. I would just check for those that offer activities for a teenager level. Even if you don't do an all-inclusive I would stay at the same resort. Even off the resort, booze is accessible.<BR><BR>Don't mean to sound preachy, but you did ask for advice. And that's my two-cents worth.

All-inclusive means just that ALL drinks whether it be at the beach, pool restaurants or clubs..the kids go wild! The only water sports usually included are non-motorized water sports..ie snorkle gear, peddle boat, etc. Most of the kids get so intoxicated they ruin vacation for others.

I've been to many all inclusives and have never ever seen one drunk kid let alone lots of 'em. With kids, all-inclusive is the way to go. They can eat whenever they want without worrying who or how the bill's going to get paid. Lots of organized activities to keep them busy too. There are lots of non-alcoholic tropical drinks for them also which they love.

I absolutely love all-inclusives. I've done both and wouldn't do it any other way, especially with kids. I too have to disagree with Gail. I suppose during Spring Break you may get a lot of college drunks, so pick a place that isn't popular with that kind of crowd.

Kate, stick to Florida. I've seen and done it all in my 24 years, and you're asking for trouble in any Caribbean destination that offers "clubs, music, water, boys, and decent food." The common elements that link those items are ALCOHOL & DRUGS. If you must go outside the country, I suggest you select a very isolated spot, like an out island of the Bahamas, where there's less temptation. If you need more evidence, watch E! or MTV for half an hour (but have your defibrillator handy). <BR><BR>

Kate,<BR><BR>It's not the height of luxury, but you might want to consider a family Club Med resort somewhere with lots of activities. It's all-inclusive except for drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) outside of the restaurants. You pay with drink tickets that you buy at the check-in desk. The great thing about Club Med that i've found is that it's geared highly towards sports. I've been to three (once with family, once alone and once with a friend) and it's always been a very activities and sports-oriented vacation (diving, snorkeling, trapeze, sailing, windsurfing, volleyball, etc). It's not very luxurious and the food might get a bit boring near the end of the week, but it's fun. Beer and wine are available at mealtimes, but otherwise, you've got to buy tickets and purchase your drinks at the bar. It probably won't keep them from drinking 100% if that's what they're after, but it will be pretty tough for them to purchase a lot of alcohol on a restricted ticket stipend better suited for water and soda. The only problem would be at mealtimes, where wine and beer flow freely. But, it sounds like you're a responsible parent that cares about what happens to your child, and if you are confident in sending her out on her own and confident that she'll act responsibly, then she won't have much of a problem with alcohol at mealtimes anyway. The problem would be to find one that has clubs and dancing nearby. All of their resorts have a disco/club as well. I would suggest contacting Club Med for a catalog. Good luck!

Check out La Cabana in Aruba

I wish you were my parents :-) I have been to all inclusives in the Caribbean many times. Your kids will be offered booze, pot, and sex, almost constantly. I've seen it before. Especially during spring break. It seems like many adults are a bit blind to the drug scene in the Carribean. People who look like (parents) are often skipped by the "jugglers" that wander the beaches in the Caribbean. My main concern would not even be the "weed", but the coke they would also be offered (often for free - to cute teenage girls). Cocaine is everywhere in the Caribbean, and is cheap and strong. While I wouldn't suggest leaving your kids home, I would suggest staying at the same resort (DUH!)<BR><BR>Good luck,<BR>Eric

Eric and others, would you say that there are places that this is less likely to happen? From responses I've read in these forums (under teen searches), Aruba and Grand Cayman seem to be mentioned the most as the 'better' alternatives. <BR><BR>Does anyone have experience with places in Mexico that are 'milder'?<BR><BR>Thanks!

Would you consider going on a cruise? The kids wouldn't be served alcohol on board - well they might be or can try for it - but I think it's not as easy to get compared to spending the whole vacation on one of the islands. And if you have shared or separate cabins, you can keep tabs on them without crowding each other.<BR><BR>Part of the decision might also be dependent on your kids' relationship to alcohol. Are they not all that interested and it's just a matter of you (and/or them) not wanting to be in an environment that's filled with alcohol. Or are they going to be wanting it and you want to keep them away from it? If you have to guard them carefully at home, then you'll have to do the same no matter where you go.

Kate, hate to say this, but your kids are still young, do a family vacation, soon enough they will be too old and doing things you won't want to know about. Be a parent not a friend, your not doing good by then allowing them on this kind of vacation at this age. Take them to the Grand Canyon or St. Agustine, a family trip!!! Trust me, been there and done it!!! &gt;deibe to

Cozumel really seems to promote kid friendly resorts. Stay away from Cancun. It's a spring breaker's heaven.

All highschoolers today have ready access to drugs, including alcohol. It has so far not been an issue for my daughter or the girls we will be traveling with. I know that a trip into certain countries increases the availability; so I'm not trying to cocoon them or throw them in the lion's den, but I am a parent who likes to make progressive steps towards responsibility - that's why Florida was this year when they're juniors. In another year and a half, we will have little control of the choices our kids make, but we can have eased them into these types of environments.<BR><BR>So what I'm still looking for are locations where 17/18 yr olds can meet friends their own age, go to clubs, dance, play at the beach, and have a great time but where booze/drugs are not the main attraction. One of the problems in the states is that there isn't a lot to do for this age, especially at night. There aren't a lot of clubs for under 18's, and the ones that let this age in are the ones I want to steer away from.<BR><BR>Suggestions that have come the closest so far seem to be Aruba and Grand Cayman, though it sounds like Grand Cayman closes shop early.<BR><BR>The week we are looking at is the first week in April next year, so this is a high school spring break, not the standard college ones (though there may be some that have a break then).<BR><BR>Are there particular resorts that folks recommend? Again, it can be in the Caribbean or in Mexico.. or other..<BR><BR>I really do appreciate all of your comments... thanks for your time

Obviously your a baby boomer, Kate, but hopefully the damage to your child won't be permanent or untreatable. <BR><BR>One thing to consider is your personal liability for your daughter's friends. If you allow them to go to "clubs" and they get in trouble, you'll pay the price. (I can't believe we're actually talking about 17 & 18 year olds. All I can do is shake my head and wonder what the future holds.) <BR><BR>Good luck, you (and your daughter) clearly need it.

PLEASE TELL ME that this is a well-disguised TROLL post and "Kate" isn't real!!!!! Perhaps "Kate" is the daughter trolling for ideas???? <BR><BR>Kate, if you're for real, YOU NEED HELP ASAP<BR><BR>

Send 'em to Vegas....w/ a dog

Now that all the experts have told you what a lousy parent you are, let's get back to the topic. Altho I have to agree that letting a bunch of highschool kids loose is not my idea of a good thing and that children are allowed to grow up much too quickly - what will they have to look forward to. You are narrowing your choices to Aruba and GC that are not good choices but will match the Florida ambience. You want to go Caribbean not transplanted American resorts. Altho most places, even at home, alcohol and drugs are readily available, Aruba and GC are known for the availablility and the drug trafficing. The thought of highschoolers off on their own no matter how mature they are makes me shudder since you can trust them but not the others they will run into. And it's not the islanders that you have to worry about but the scum who are predators where ever you go. At least in a college environment they are still protected somewhat. Find a place away from the glitz and business of clubs and that whole scene and and let them enjoy the their time with the things that the beaches and water provide. Charter a boat and sail with lots of destinations at lots of places. You'll still have some supervision responsiblities but they will have the freedom but safety. It will be the trip that they will always remember not some prepackaged commercial experience.

Rachel and Ronny... back off. You know nothing about me, and neither I nor my daughter need your concern, or your online psychological evaluation. I am a 47 year old who very much understands the responsibility of raising children in a healthy, happy, stable environment. Yet, you are entitled to your opinion and the reason I put such questions in a public forum was to gain knowledge before committing to such a trip. I will continue to look at all the responses as a whole and try to find value in each of them.<BR><BR>Obviously, I've not traveled to the Caribbean before... or to Mexico. It's why I, the other parents, and the girls involved are all out there searching for advice, and why I appreciate forums such as this. <BR><BR>I welcome all suggestions, including those who mention cruises, family resorts, or other alternatives. Specifics resorts/destinations are very helpful; that allows me to do additional research. I've already been checking those places that folks have suggested (THANKS). <BR><BR>Our intention as a group is to gather information for about 2 months before we reach a consensus.<BR><BR>Hey, Parenting... can you suggest specific places away from the glitz?<BR><BR>Or T.J. in N.C. you also suggested an outof theway location - Specifics?<BR>And, oh yes, I've watched my share of MTV and E! spring break videos. It's why I'm asking folks who've been there to share with me.<BR><BR>Eric, thank you for the candid comments about other drugs... Alcohol is the one that gets all the press.<BR><BR>Hamlet... specific cruise destinations you suggest?<BR><BR>Mary... specific resort/hotel in Cozumel you can recommend?<BR><BR>Mr. Safety and others... are there teens at Grand Cayman? Is there a certain hotel/resort that would more likely draw kids that age?<BR><BR>THANKS EVERYONE

I have two neices (from different families)that just returned from seperate Senior Trips. One went to the Grand Caymans...it was a disaster...the 3 girls that went are beautiful and very mature looking. They were constantly persued for sex and drugs the first three days of the trip. It got so bad that all the girls wanted was to hang out with the parents (who were staying at the same resort but in a different room) so that they wouldn't be approached. Don't get me wrong, they had fun but felt unsafe. The second neice went with her parents, a sibling and they took 2 other girlfriends. They chartered a boat out of St. Thomas and sailed for 6 days. It wasn't a club scene by any means but they had a complete riot. They snorkled, explored and even went to some of the nice resorts to use their restaurants and pool area. They all said it was the best trip of their lives...even though before they left they thought it was going to be terribly boring! I understand that you want your child to experience their independance but this may be one of your last opportunities you have for a family trip. Enjoy this time together...they will have ample opportunities once college hits...believe me!!! good luck on your decision!

After doing some research, I found that the kids clubs at the AI resorts on Cozumel are for kids aged 4-12 (that's the norm anywhere I believe). That doesn't mean, however, that they're not suited for teenagers. The ones I've heard good things about are the Iberostar, Paradisus, and El Cozumelano. For what it's worth, each were give 4 "golden" apples in the Apple Vacations book. "4" meaning it's a resort hotel or condo with a good selection of facilities (a "6" is tops), and "golden" meaning they have been awarded the golden apple award by vactioners who have rated them as exceptional.

As far as cruise destinations go, you're "limited" by what is offered during a given season. Since you're planning on April, most of the cruises are Caribbean leaving from FL, there are some European cruises at that time but that might not be feasible for only one week. There are a variety of Caribbean and Mexican itinieraries so you can choose based on what they offer and what interests you. For example, do you (you and the kids) just want sun and beach and it doesn't matter where? Then maybe you can just choose based on ship and price. If you're interested in snorkeling or scuba diving or historical or nature sights then you may you may want to choose islands where you can enjoy those things. I've cruised several times, but I'm not an expert on the Caribbean so I don't want to steer you in a certain direction, but I did think cruising was a good option for you to consider given your situation.

<BR><BR>I rest my case. NEXT!<BR>

spend the money on parenting classes!!! You really need them!

Mary,<BR><BR>You have got to be insane to suggest that a kid's club designed for kids ages 4-12 would be suitable for 17 and 18-year olds.

You are crazy- You need to go to some type of parenting class......

That's not what I meant. When I said "they're" I was referrging to the resort, not the kids club.

I was referring "crazy lady" to the original writer not you Mary-

Kate...you should be ashamed of yourself!!!

X: I understand. But I replied again because I should have worded my original reply better.

Well, I'm still hoping that "Kate" is a motivated troll, but if not:<BR><BR>Kate,<BR>I think the verdict is in. I personally don't think you're crazy or should be ashamed; I pity you. With your mindset, I doubt there's anything anyone can say or do to get through to you, so you'll have to learn the hard way. No, we don't know you, but we've seen the result of attitudes like yours. I see it every day as a college counselor. Hopefully your daughter's relative maturity level exceeds your own -- at this point that's her only hope.

Mary, thanks for the clarification. I honestly thought that you had referred to the kids' club!<BR><BR>For what it's worth, I agree with Mary that Cozumel would be a good choice. The teenagers would gain exposure to a different culture and history (assuming you take them outside the resort). This will be more valuable than a week of lying around at the beach.

Kate, what's the matter.............you can't take the negative responses???