Caribbean Vacations

Let's start off with the built-in attractions:

• climate and beach:a big draw in winter-time!
• extravagant pools: top properties compete with waterslides, waterfalls, even private waterparks
• beautiful surroundings: some properties have spectacular grounds.
• grown-up pampering: a fitness center, spa, and at least one fine-dining restaurant arede rigeur. And it goes without saying that golf is available.

Now add:

ALL THAT ALL-INCLUSIVE VACATIONS INCLUDE

• watersports: non-motorized watersports such as kayaks; windsurfing; sunfish sailing; water-trampolines. Some resorts include snorkeling boat trips and scuba.

• kids programs:
many resorts have a basic kids' club for ages four to 12. Others go all out, with separate programs for 4 or 5 age divisions. Teens are a difficult age to please, but some properties try hard, with teen activities, and teen coordinators. Meanwhile more and more AI's offer infant care.

• family activities: Bingo, scavenger hunts, beach parties are popular. Most places offer nightly entertainment too, ranging from cute-but-amateurish to professional caliber. Many resorts have weekly theme nights. Club Med Punta Cana stands out with its weekly kids' club show staged professionally, in a real theatre.

• meal-time convenience:
Multiple restaurants, including casual poolside snacks. Buffets feed kids quickly with no waiting; many buffets have a kids' section. Most resorts have a la carte restaurants also, sometimes adults-only.

• drinks on tap:
Kids need plenty of cool drinks in a hot country. Swim-up bars are especially fun.

Bottom line about all-inclusive vacations:

All needs are provided for, fun is abundant, parents can enjoy a beautiful setting and relaaaaax. And with AI pricing, you never have to wonder "How much will this cost?" when your kids want more drinks or activities.

But about that bottom line... Do all-inclusive vacations cost a fortune?

Definitely, many properties cost hundreds of dollars per adult per night. Keep in mind, however, that these rates often include absolutely everything: taxes, gratuities, transfers to the resort, kids' programs, watersports including scuba, etc.

Other places are not so pricey. Starfish in Jamaica has affordable rates. Also, the Dominican Republic is known for lower rates; and a number of Mexican properties too offer a good price point.

Also, always check for deals. Some places repeat special promotions every year: such as "Moms Stay Free" at Franklyn D. Resort -- in Jamaica, with nannies for each family, or "Seven Day Weekend", at Club Med. And all resorts discount heavily in "summer" season, May through late December.

Points to watch out for:

Any glance at online visitors' comments reveals complaints about all-inclusive vacations. Many comments seem petty, or particular to the circumstance. However, a number of themes recur, and are worth mentioning here:

• most pools aren't heated, except by the sun; if the weather is bad, the pool may be chilly.

  • at many resorts, lounge chairs are at a premium and guests have to claim them early in the morning

• another common complaint is that making reservations for a resort's la carte restaurants is difficult

  If you feel that any of the above will spoil your stay, check visitors' comments for particular resorts and make your choice accordingly.