Caribbean Travel Dreams Blog

Family travel to the Caribbean and beyond ... Vacations are a time of less stress and more fun, but that’s usually easier said than done when it comes to family outings. That’s why more and more hotels are catering to clients with tots and teens in tow, offering amenities and programs for guests of all ages so everyone can enjoy the holiday.  Here's a sample of some special programs to make life easier for mom and dad ...

Kids receive the V.I.P. treatment at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples in Florida with the complimentary V.I.K. program. V.I.K.s or “very important kids” are treated like superstars from the moment they arrive with their very own pint-sized check-in desk and colorful kid-friendly registration forms. A guest services representative will “process” the registration and then provide all children with a V.I.K. bracelet and their very own working keycard that features resort mascot and resident alligator, Gumbo G. Gator. And waiting in the room for the V.I.K is a delightful assortment of playtime amenities including a beach ball, stuffed animal, rice krispy treats, sunglasses and more. The V.I.K.s and their entourages can partake in the many family activities the hotel offers, such as bicycle rentals, beach volleyball, sandcastle-building lessons, table games, and kite flying. Rates start at $220 dbl per night.

Casa de Campo in La Romana, Dominican Republic is in the know when it comes to family vacations. The hotel offers six programs, each geared to a specific age group: Toddlers n’ Casa (ages 1-3) entertains little ones with art activities, puppet shows, and musical games; Kids n’ Casa (ages 4-7) treats kids to days of swimming, beach Olympics, and treasure hunts; and the oldest of the younger kids can join Casa Tweens (ages 8-12) for daytime adventures like kayaking, horseback riding, and playing tennis. Teenagers can hang at the Bonche 4 Teens Club (ages 13-17) where they can shoot some pool, watch movies, listen to music and meet new friends. Mom and Dad don’t have their own club, but they do have helpers. Nannies n’ Casa provides parents with a nanny for extra help during the day or babysitting services at night. And for the whole family, there’s the Family Fun program, which provides lots of opportunities for everyone to enjoy time together with complimentary activities like dance lessons, bingo, coconut bowling, pool games and more. Through Sept. 30, book a 5-night stay and get the fifth night free, plus a $100 resort credit, and a 20 percent spa discount; kids 12 years and under stay free when sharing accommodation with parents. Rates start at $250 dbl per night.

South of the border, families can have an all-inclusive vacation at the kid-friendly Occidental Grand Flamingo Xcaret, in Mexico’s Riviera Maya.  For parents looking for a little peace-of-mind and alone time while still enjoying a family vacation, the hotel offers the Kids Club for children (4-12 years old), with access to a pool and play area. The Teen Club, open at night, provides teenagers with a cool non-alcoholic party atmosphere so the folks can go to the resorts’ nightspots with no worries. Finally, every guest staying at the resort receive one free admission to the Xcaret ecological and archaeological theme park (xcaret.com), perfect for kids of any age (even your adult clients) with shows, underground swimming rivers, a zoo and nature and history exhibits.

So don't fret ... family travel can be full of fun & adventure!

Pattie Mitchell, Travel Dreams
E-mail: traveldreams10@yahoo.com
www.traveldreams.us