Hi. My family and I would like to go to a nice beach location in Feb / March 2009. Does anyone have any recommendations? We have been thinking of the Dominican Republic because they offer all inclusive. Which would be an advantage. We have not booked this type of holiday before can anyone recommend how I should book it, perhaps a website or a travel agent. We have 2 children, ages 9 and 6 so a kids club would be good. When is the cheapest time to go and could anyone recommend a resort? Lots of questions I know but I am not sure where to start. All help appreicated. Thanks

If you are US citizens, do your kids have passports? That will rule in or out the Caribbean - although you still have time for March - it is an added expense, however.

If they do or will have passports, you might try reposting on Caribbean section.

Actually we are UK citizens with green cards in the USA. We all have passports.

February and March is high season in the Caribbean, meaning that is the most expensive time to visit. However, the Dominican Republic is one of the less expensive places to visit in the Caribbean. I would suggest you post in the Caribbean forum instead of the United States forum. Be sure to include plenty of information in your post as to what your interests and goals are for this vacation, e.g. rest and relaxation, desire to snorkel, sight-see, etc. and you will get lots of feedback. It would also be helpful to give a budget range. Good luck!

Thanks I will do that

While Feb./March are the high season for the Caribbean, many hotels are slashing their prices to bring room rates near low season prices due to the economic situation.

I've received a lot of emails touting great deals from hotels in the Riviera Maya area, which is the Caribbean side of Mexico. There are many all-inclusive hotels from Cancun south to Playa del Carmen, and this is a great area for kids as there are water parks and plenty to keep them busy.

The Iberostar chain is supposed to be good in the Playa del Carmen area.

Mexican all-inclusives are considered better values than those in the Caribbean, and you can feel comfortable roaming off property (as compared to the DR, where I've heard that most people pretty much stay at their resort).

Post to the Caribbean board for more comprehensive advice.