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