Cast a vote and decide where we're going and why! Write in votes will be considered too. <BR>Looking for worry-free T'giving '99 family vacation for Mom & Dad's 40th Anniv! We number sixteen - two 60+, six 30-somethings, and 8 kids (seven between 5 and 10, and one 14 yr old). Looking for Kids program, AI w/ lots of beach/water activities etc. (psst - the guys think golf would be nice).

<BR>Tim, here's my input, for what it's worth. I have been to Turks and Caicos and it is absolutely stunning, so I would definitely choose it over Negril. <BR> <BR>I was looking at the Beaches T&C website this morning and the resort looks amazing! <BR> <BR>Have a wonderful vacation, <BR> <BR>Laura <BR>

Spent a week at T&C Beaches last may. Yes Provo is a wonderful place. If you would like to hear more critical review of Beaches resort please e-mail me.

<BR>I love Jamaica, but it doesn't sound like it would be for your family. There are lots of places to have fun but not as much for kids and golfing is limited. <BR>November is also the rainy season, but it is still very nice most of the time anyway.

If you are planning to go during Thanksgiving, just be prepared that the resort will be VERY busy and hopefully the Kids playarea will be done. We were <BR>there during 98 Thanksgiving and there were approx 300 kids at the resort. <BR>If the kid's area is done by then , and it should be, that should relieve a lot of the pressure off of the restaurants. <BR>

Tim, <BR> <BR>I am a Travel Agent and saw your post. I just happened to complete a certification seminar on Beaches/Sandals. Both T&C and Negril would be great for your family. Beaches T&C just completed a phenominal renovation and is a great place for kids and adults. The snorkling/scuba is among the best in the world! Deep sea fishing and excursions are also fantastic. <BR> <BR>Beaches Negril is also a great resort, but not as elaborate as T&C. The good thing about Negril is that you have the other Sandals properties to go use exchange privilages. Remember though, Sandals are couples only and children would not be able to spend time at Sandals. <BR> <BR>Neither Beaches Negril nor T&C have real golfing options. At Negril you could use the Sandals Golf & Country club in Ocho (about 1 1/2 hours away), no green fees but transfers would not be included. T&C does not have golfing options included. <BR> <BR>Both facilities are fantastic, with tons of options for you. But I would prefer T&C. Good luck!

It's true that Beaches T&C doesn't include golf in their package price, but there is a golf course about 15 minutes away that is suppose to be one of the top courses in the Caribbean. I think it's called Provo Golf Club, and I'm pretty sure they have a website, tho I can't recall the address. <BR> <BR>We were at T&C in April and it was absolutely fantastic! We didn't golf, but talked to people who did and they liked the course.

I spent 10 days at Club Med on Provo. The snorkeling and diving there is fabulous, better than anywhere in the Caribbean (I've been around a lot). However, there is NOTHING else to do on Provo. It is a tiny desert island. You are either in the water or lying in the sun. Perhaps Beaches has something else for people to do. Club Med has some entertainment at night, but it is a singles club primarily. I've been to Jamaica 3 times. Once to Hedonism for a week and two other occasions on cruiseships. It is my least favorite island. It is the only place in the Caribbean I've felt in danger. Have you considered Hawaii????

Hey There! My husband and a group of others have been to T & C twice in the last 2 years and had a terrific time. We rented a fabulous villa on the south side of Provo that had its own pool,dock,laundry and access to tennis courts. The gentleman who owns the property is Henry Moog in Atlanta. We rented Stonecrest Villa which has 5 bedrooms, but he has several other lovely homes on the same area of the beach so if you need more space you can get several. Accomadations are outstanding. I'm currently out-of-town on business so I don't have his website handy,but his office in Atlanta is 404-351-2200 and he has great color brochures. We've been to the Caribbean alot and found this Grace Bay on Provo definetely the most beautiful beach. The island is just starting to explode with growth so I get there before it gets too over developed.

Have you considered a cruise. We're cruising the Caribbean for my parents 50th anniversary, and like you, have a total of 16 with half of them being children. We chose a cruise because we found that there are enough activities to keep everyone happy!! <BR> <BR>Have a good trip.

I think Negril is a very romantic place for couples, but families....I don't think so. I'd vote for T&C

We looked into both Beaches resorts and decided on Turks and Caicos for the following reasons (even though T & C is costing about $800 more than Beaches Negril would have cost: <BR>1. Supposedly there is a 3 hour bus trip on a windy road to get to Beaches Negril, my husband gets carsick and also didn't want to take the puddle jumper. T & C is (supposedly) a 5 minute drive from the airport. <BR>2. T & C seems less touristy, I think we'll be less apt to run into "pushy" street vendors. I think I would enjoy the hustle and bustle of Jamaica but worry about my 8 year old. I don't intend any criticism, but I think T & C might be safer. With all the troubles in the world, I think it might be better to be an american tourist in a more tranquil setting. <BR>3. Reportely more topless sunbathing in Negril so if you leave the beaches complex you don't know what you'll see. OK for adults, I'm not so sure for kids to see (and I'm not a prude). <BR>4. Or maybe the travel agent talked me into all of this because he got a higher commission from pricier T & C trip. Anyway, I'm hoping for a great trip, and wish you the best. It's a hard decision and I'm still hoping to get to Jamaica someday!! <BR>

And the Winner is: <BR> <BR>Turks & Caicos!!! <BR> <BR>We're booking the trip tomorrow. Thank you all for the valuable comments and insights in response to this and other messages! Keep posting all those trip reports, I've found them most usefull to really get a feel for all the different resorts and islands we've been considering. <BR> <BR>Thanks again, Tim <BR> <BR>[email protected]

Tim, <BR> <BR>I am also planning a 40th Anniversary trip next Feb/March (9 adults, 4 children) and I was wondering where you went on your trip, how was it, etc., etc., etc.? Did you stay at Beaches T&C? Did your parents enjoy it? I hope you can please give me some information that might help me. We are presently thinking of a Beaches resort, or the Franklyn D. Resort on Jamaica (ever hear of it). <BR> <BR>Any information would be appreciated. <BR> <BR>Thank you.