I'm looking for any advice on planning a last minute family vacation in April 2008. We have 2 kids under 4 and are looking for either an all-inclusive resort or a condo/house to rent for 5-7 days. We want to go somewhere warm, not crowded, laid-back, but also toddler-friendly. We also have 1 person with a severe food allergy. So we are a bit leary of the All-Inclusive resorts. We really want to go to the Caribbean, but we think the travel (multiple flight layovers) will be too much for the toddlers.

Any advice would be extremely helpful!

Sea temperatures in April in the FL Panahndle are only low 70s, and there can be some chilly nites. You have to go to the Caribbean to get reliable warmth in April. If you fly to MIA, one non-stop from there will get you to Jamaica, Cayman Is., Cancun/Cozumel on only about 1 1/2 hrs, or to Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands in a little more time, nonstop. In fact there are nonstops to those places from NY and some other eastern cities.

Depending on where you are flying from, there may be several Caribbean options available. Fla. panhandle would be a total crapshoot & you'd not likely be able to get into the water. We have two small children as well & always rent a cottage or villa. It will be cheaper than a resort as well (if you do your homework). My first choice would be Puerto Rico.

Thanks for the advice! We are flying from northern New England, so water temps in the low 70's is standard for summer here. Any recommendations on how to find safe condos/villas in the caribbean if we go that route?

St.Thomas can be reached nonstop from Boston. Barbados one stop. Both islands are interesting and have lots of villa rentals. See www.barbados.org www.islandhideaways.com caribbeanvilla.com www.villascaribe.com

Barbados is a very clean island with pure water, few insects, good food. Settlers' Beach is an apartment hotel on a calm beach with reasonable rates. Almond Village is AI on the same coastline.

We use www.vrbo.com, a lot. Probably 60-70 times w/out any issues. That is a start. Realty Companies are also a good place to start, particularly when dealing w/properties outside the US.

Brutforce, I just can't resist asking--you've used VRBO 60 to 70 TIMES? I'm a reasonably active traveler/vacationer and rent condos 2 or 3 times a year, but I'm still not anywhere NEAR 60 to 70 times, and my children are now in their 20s!

Thanks everyone! I think we've decided on the Seaside/Watercolor/Rosemary Beach area. (Maybe we can make it to the caribbean next year.) Now I just have to find the right rental unit...the search continues.