Help! We are having a very difficult time deciding where to go. "We" consists of myself and my husband (30's), our children (ages 4 yrs and 10 mos. at the time of travel), our parents (60's) and sister in law (20's). Our parents are world travelers and love luxury resorts. We also love luxury resorts but have a different budget. Basically, we are looking for champagne on a beer budget. We would like to travel in the month of January. We would like to spend under 300.00 per night. We have been considering Turks and Caicos, St. Maarten, Jamaica and the Mexican Riveria.

Aruba has something for everyone and very well priced.

Your money will go much farther in Mexico than anywhere else in the Caribbean, so I'd suggest you concentrate your search there. Also, try dates that do not include the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. The period between New Year's and the Martin Luther King holiday is typically the cheapest of the entire winter season; however, you get the best deals on rooms---though certainly not airfare---if you book later rather than sooner.

If you are interested in the Turks & Caicos, look at Grand Turk, which has powdery soft beaches as well as inexpensive guesthouse accommodations. You just have to remember that there's an extra flight---and an extra cost---involved in getting there. (An excellent article on Grand Turk appeared in the Washington Post travel section a year or two ago.)

Check out Villas Del Mar in Puerto Adventuras . It's about an hour south of Cancun,right on the beach. I have two weeks booked in July so I can't give you a report yet, but it has a beautiful beach that is suposed to be child friendly and it's well within your price range.

Out of the places you mentioned, Turks is my favorite, but your money will definately stretch better in the Mexican Riveria.

Puerto Vallarta is very nice in January, and also Los Cabos, too. They have good all-inclusive resorts with kids programs and lots of stuff for adults, too. The price seems high initially, but really turns out to be reasonably priced when you divide it out to daily rates. You basically won't have to worry about money for your whole trip! Beaches are good for little ones with the Sesame Street characters. Turks & Caicos is lovely, but expensive.

Have considered doing a private house or villa? What about a cruise? January-February has some great cruise prices....

Best Regards,
Julia

We just returned from the Iberostar Paraiso Maya in the Mayan Riviera. Our party consisted on Me (29), Husband (33), Son (12 Months), brother (27) and mom (56). This resort was wonderful and had a lot to offer everyone. It was extremely family friendly and everyone had a great time!

Good Luck!!