Is a Caribbean island beach vacation for you? Do you like playing in turquoise seas, snorkeling, Scuba diving, reading a good book in a hammock between swaying coconut palms, tanning by a gorgeous free-form infinity pool, visiting historical sites, riding horseback on the beach, eco tour excursions, and shopping? Looking for a little romance? Want some family bonding time?
If you answered "yes" to even one of the above, a Caribbean vacation is perfect for you. As you can see, the Caribbean offers something for every one in your family.
If you want a romantic getaway, there are adult only all inclusive resorts. Family resorts cater to children with supervised chidren's programs that ensure parents also have some relaxation. The best part about all inclusive family resorts is the freedom it offers children to get their own drinks, snacks, and take part in activities without any additional charges.
Caribbean resorts are perfect for family reunions, allowing "space" for everyone -- adult family members get to choose fun "together" activities, children are entertained, and adults and children can play together also. But, sometimes togetherness needs a reprieve; so family members also can choose "time out", relaxing activities. Best off all, everyone is in one area. Have you ever been to a theme park with family where eveyone wanders off in different directions and then you can't find each other because no one met at the designated spot at the right time? Nix that at a Caribbean resort.
Most Caribbean islands have some all inclusive resort options. The most all inclusive resorts are found in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.
All inclusive vacations are increasing in popularity since they take the guess out of how much a vacation will cost. Virtually everything is paid for up front. What is usually included in an all inclusive vacation?
- Buffet Meals (Some resorts are a la carte or have reservation only speciality restaurants -- included in the cost and some resorts offer room service)
- Alcoholic Beverages (Some offer domestic brands only; some offer international premium beverages)
- Activity Programs (Day and evening & some resorts have discos and/or casinos)
- Non-motorized Water Sports (Some resorts also offer motorized water sports for an additional fee)
- Round Trip Airport Transfers
The most in-expensive resorts are usually found in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.
The islands with the easiest access from the United States are Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Marteen / St. Martin, Turks & Caicos, St. Lucia, and Grand Cayman.
All Caribbean island resorts offer wedding and honeymoon packages. Jamaica is the island with the easiest wedding requirements. There are three resort chains that offer free weddings: Sandals, Couples, and SuperClubs. The wedding departments at these resorts are easy to work with and setting up a wedding is virtually stress free. SuperClubs also offers one night free to all honeymoon couples. Sandals has resorts in Jamaica, Antigua, Bahamas, and St. Lucia. SuperClubs has resorts in Jamaica, Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic. Couples has resorts in Jamaica.
Getting Around: Renting a car or moped in the islands is not always a good choice. Many islands are mountainous with winding, narrow roads. Driving also is usually on the left side of the road. Roads can range from good to very bad. In some countries (besides watching out for other drivers) it's necessary to watch out for donkeys, cows, goats, and dogs. Local drivers know where they are going and get impatient with tourists (and with each other in some cases). For example, in Jamaica there are traffic lanes but no one pays any attention to them. Gas and car rentals are expensive since everything has to be imported. Gas in Jamaica can run $5 USD a gallon. So, my recommendation is to hire a driver for trip excursions or take sightseeing excursions through the resort.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Every island has snorkeling and Scuba Diving; however the islands most known for snorkeling and Scuba Diving are: The Cayman Islands, Belize, the Bahamas, Bonaire, Curacao, Turks & Caicos, the British Virgin Islands, and the US Virgin Islands. In the Bahamas, the best snorkeling is off shore unless you stay at Sandals Royal Bahamian by Nassau or at the Old Bahama Bay Resort on Grand Bahama Island near Freeport.
Other Sports And Activities: Deep Sea Fishing and Golf are available on all islands. Horseback riding is popular in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica but is available on other islands. Swimming with Dolphins is available in the Bahamas and Jamaica. The most famous Swimming with Stingrays excursion is found on Grand Cayman Island.
Hurricanes are active in the Caribbean from June through the end of November. In the past, most hurricanes have occurred August through the first part of November. Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao are considered to be outside the hurricane zone which make them an attractive choice during the summer and fall.