Your next family vacation doesn’t have to be a bore, where you and your children sit and stare at each other for lack of anything better to do. The best family vacation resorts offer plenty of activities, from swimming to nighttime shows to classic vacation activities, such as tennis, golf or archery. Most resorts also have plenty of child-friendly dining options, as well as more exciting fare for parents.
All-Inclusive vs. Pay-As-You-Go
You may balk when you see the prices per person for all-inclusive family resorts, but keep in mind that the price includes any activities you may participate in, such as skiing, snorkeling or golf, as well as the cost of your rooms and food. While you only pay for the activities you do or the food you actually eat at a pay-as-you-go resort, you may end up with a surprisingly high bill at the end of it.
Far Away Or Close to Home
The best family vacation resorts don’t necessarily have to be far from your home; they should just make you think you have gone thousands of miles away. You can cut down on the cost of getting to your vacation by staying at a resort within driving distance of your home. Sometimes, truly getting far away is necessary, such as when you live in the Midwest and want to experience the warm sun in the dead of winter.
Broad Range of Activities
Look for a resort that offers something to keep every member of your family entertained. Some resorts only focus on activities for young children and their parents, which won’t work if you have teenagers. Sit down with your family at the start of your vacation planning, and ask them what they’d like to do on vacation. Your teenager may want to go para-sailing while your youngest wants to play golf. Hunt for resorts that fulfill most, if not all, of your family’s requests–while still fitting into your budget.
Time Alone
While you do want to spend time with your children during your vacation, you may also appreciate getting some time to yourself or time to spend with your partner. Look for a resort that offers activities that keep your children busy and that don’t require your constant supervision. Some family resorts offer “kid’s clubs,” which give your child the chance to meet and play with other children in his age group, while you spend some time resting and recuperating.
Other Considerations
Every family is different. When booking a resort, make sure it can accommodate any special needs your family may have. For instance, if you have a baby or toddler, make sure you ask for a crib in the room. If you are traveling with a physically disabled family member, make sure the resort is accessible. The best resorts should be able to answer any questions you have and will strive to make your stay as comfortable and accessible as possible.
Photo Credit
- family image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
