Why You Should Pick an All-Inclusive Resort for Your Next Family Vacation
Planning vacations when you’re single and kid-free is much different from planning one with your family. When you’re traveling solo, you can always crash with a friend and explore more adult-oriented activities. But as parents, our priorities change. We need to find a destination that’s fun yet family-friendly and a place to stay that’s both comfortable and affordable. We’d like to suggest one budget-friendly option for the next time you travel with kids: choosing an all-inclusive resort. While this may seem like more money up front, it can actually save you a lot of trouble and cash. Here are our tips on how to pick out the right ones for you and your littles.
Pick The Right Destination And The Right Resort
There are plenty of places to go in the world, but if you’re traveling with kids, you’re going to want to make sure it’s age-appropriate. Take Baja California’s Los Cabos, for example. San Jose del Cabo is much calmer than Cabo San Lucas, which draws the college crowd. Staying at a place like the Krystal Grand Los Cabos in the former will result in your family enjoying a much more chill vibe (while still enjoying proximity to family-friendly activities), versus staying at any of the bar-and-nightclub adjacent hotels in San Lucas.
Look Into Deals Or Freebies For Kids
Believe it or not, many all-inclusives will actually allow you to bring your younger children free of charge. The Holiday Inn in Montego Bay, Jamaica, for example, allows up to two children under 12 to come along with parents at zero cost. That means all you really have to worry about is the cost of transportation and off-property activities for your family.
Check Out Your Options For Kids Clubs, Camps, Nannies, And More
If you’re hoping to take a little time off from your 24/7 parenting gig, staying at an all-inclusive is your best bet. Places like Beaches Resort in Turks and Caicos have on-site nannies from 9am to 6pm whose services are included in your all-inclusive fee. Others, like the Isrotel Dead Sea Resort in Israel, have on-site kids club areas that feature toys, video games, and arts and crafts for young guests while mama enjoys a dead sea mud wrap at the on-site spa. Research your options ahead of time.
Do Some Research On Your Meal Options
Depending on your resort, you may or may not have one or all meals comped as part of your vacation package. The Isrotel Dead Sea’s packages only include breakfast, which could be beneficial if you plan on spending more time exploring off-site with your family. The Holiday Inn Montego Bay includes all meals at five restaurants, perfect if you’ll mainly stay on-site. Also, call ahead and check on what options are available for your family’s preferences. Ask if you have food allergy concerns and many will be able to inform you on how they can best accommodate you and your kids.
Find Out What On-Site Activities Are Available
Many all-inclusives offer a variety of daily activities that guests can sign up for. At the aforementioned Krystal Grand, parents and older kids can take advantage of aqua aerobics, cooking classes, beach yoga, and more. At Sandos Caracol Eco Resort, your family can enjoy live cultural performances, snorkel in a cenote, or check out their on-site animal rescue. And the Beaches in Turks and Caicos has a teen disco for older kids, Sesame Street characters for younger guests, plus a water park the whole family can enjoy. Figure out what works best for your family and their interests and abilities.
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(Photos via Krystal Grand Los Cabos/Instagram)