Vacations for Families

For family getaways and reunions, the Caribbean is hard to beat. There's plenty of sun, fun and time to relax in the islands. Create memories that will last a lifetime as you share this special time together in picturesque, tropical surroundings. There are bargains to be had as well to ensure you get the best value for your Caribbean vacation.

Islands in the Sun for Families

Getaway to a world of palm fringed beaches, gentle trade winds and sunshine. The Caribbean is the perfect retreat from the long, cold winter. Family reunions with several generations meeting up on vacation are in vogue and why not? Vacationing together gives you the best chance to share quality time together.

About 25 islands in the Caribbean cater to tourists with the most popular for Canadians being Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Barbados, St. Lucia, Grand Cayman, Turks & Caicos, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Aruba and the Dutch/French island of St. Maarten/St. Martin.

All have their special charm and the islands are family-friendly with resorts offering children's programs, connecting rooms and babysitting services. Many are equipped to accommodate families with three or more children and there are options to upgrade to larger rooms and suites.

Caribbean Cruising

Cruising gives you a chance to sample several islands on one vacation as well as enjoy shipboard life. You can decide which islands are worth a longer stay in the future.

Many ships are designed with families in mind, offering a fun-filled time for all generations on board as well as ashore. See this month's Family Cruising article for more on this family-friendly way to explore the Caribbean.

Enriching Experiences

Caribbean activities are enriching experiences as well as fun for the whole family.

Waters and beach ports of all kinds are popular. Parasailing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, surfing, boating, fishing, kayaking, beach volleyball and bocci ball are possible at resorts and beaches in the Caribbean.

Diving facilities and dive sites are outstanding on Grand Cayman, Virgin Gorda, Turks & Caicos, St. Croix, Bonaire, Curacao, Aruba and Saba.

Snorkelling is popular with the best facilities on Antigua, Tobago, the Grenadines, Curacao, Bonaire and St. Martin (the French side of St. Maarten.)

Hiking in the National Parks lets you enjoy the natural beauty of the islands. Dominica, The Nature Isle, is the leader with its lush and unspoiled wilderness, soaring peaks and hot springs making it unique. You'll find Nature Parks on other islands too including St. Lucia, St. John, Grenada, Curacao, Bonaire and Puerto Rico. Be sure to climb the rocks at beautiful Dunns River Falls, Ocho Rios Jamaica.

Golf and Tennis are enjoyed by many families at home so why not stay at a resort that offers these sports in the Caribbean? Facilities are excellent on many of the islands including the Dominican Republic where Casa de Campo resort has several award winning links and courts.

Also check out our list of other enriching experiences in Tips: Places of Interest in the Islands.

Caribbean Specials

There are many travel companies serving the Caribbean from Canada and they frequently have specials for families. Here are the types of deals that we can help you book:

Kids stay, play & eat free at select hotels on one week vacations.

All inclusive resorts mean you have one price tag for accommodation, meals, drinks and some entertainment.

Family packages at many hotels include connecting rooms with a discount on the second room.

Special rates are offered for groups of 10 or more, perfect for multigenerational family reunions.

Single parents don't pay a supplement when travelling with their children at some resorts.

Kids sail for free (pay taxes only) aboard MSC Cruises throughout the year.

Reduced rates for third and fourth persons in a cabin mean the family can travel for less.

Your family is in for a treat when you vacation in the Caribbean, a tropical playground the entire family will enjoy.

By Susan Milne