Some of my favorite memories with my children are from the vacations we have taken to All Inclusive resorts. No distractions, no daily grind of stress and schedules, no worries. We just focus on having fun and making memories together.
I am going to share a secret with you. Ready? All inclusive family vacations are not only some of the best options, but they are some of the easiest vacations you will ever take with your family. There. I said it! Family vacation + easy! Who would have thought?
So now that I have convinced you to go to an All Inclusive resort with your littles, let me share a few tips to make your vacation even better.
- Pick the right resort for your family
There are so many fantastic family-friendly all inclusive resorts. However, one resort that is great for my family may not be great for yours. It is extremely important to select a resort that offers exactly what your family will enjoy. Mega resort vs boutique resort? Fantastic beach vs unbelievable pools? Water park for toddlers vs water park for teens? Teen club? Spa? Swim out rooms?...the options are endless!
Hint: Your Skye's the Limit Vacations travel advisor can help match you with a great resort based on your family's needs and preferences.
2. Pack some favorite snacks
You are going to an All Inclusive resort with all your food and drinks included! Why would I recommend bringing snacks with you?
First, the plane. Certainly I am not the only parent who throws pouches, crackers, and granola bars at my kids when flying. With covid, it is important to keep masks on in between bites and snacks, but they can be a lifesaver for keeping kids happy and occupied.
Secondly, while food is plentiful at resorts, there may be a time when a little one really wants a favorite snack and you want to have something available for them. I am not suggesting bringing a whole suitcase full.... just a couple options to have to hold your children off between meals or treats at the resort.
3. Purchase travel insurance
We always highly recommend travel protection, especially when traveling internationally. Whether someone falls ill right before you are scheduled to leave, your luggage is lost, a hurricane develops while you are traveling, or you need to get home for an emergency, insurance may help for so many unforeseeable situations that may arise.
Kids are accident prone, and those accidents often happen in the most inconvenient times. Did you know most health insurance plans do not cover you when traveling internationally? Trust me, it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to purchasing travel protection.
4. Select the best room category for your family
When you are used to all sleeping in your own rooms and on separate sleeping surfaces, cramming into one room can severely impact the quality of sleep for the entire family...which then can make for some grumpy kids and parents during your special vacation. Make sure you select a room category that will lend to happy kids, happy parents, and happy vacation memories.
You may be set with a king bed with a pull out sofa for the little... or maybe you need a separate room for the kids so the adults can have some privacy (*wink wink). If you have teens or pre-teens, do they need separate beds?
There are endless options for room categories to fit every family's needs. We love a swim out room where we walk out on our patio and can jump directly into our own little pool. Parents can relax on the comfy loungers while the kids have a blast in their fancy private pool.
5. Take advantage of VIP airport service and private transfers
The most stressful part of family travel is often navigating airports. Making sure you have all the luggage, the carryons, the passports, the travel documents...oh, and don't lose a kid in the process! It can be a lot. However, some destinations offer this amazing service where your own little travel fairy is there waiting for you when you get off the plane or arrive at the airport for your return home, to usher you through the whole process, bypassing the long lines, and then delivering you to a relaxing lounge with food, drinks, and a play area for the kids. Yes, this exists! And it is absolutely worth purchasing for your family.
Private transfers to and from your resort can also be arranged for concierge service. It can get you to your destination quicker, which is always a plus, and you can add carseats if needed for the littles.
6. Pack extra sunscreen and aloe
Pack at least twice as much sunscreen and after-sun lotion as you think you will need. There is not much worse than having a little one who got too much sun. They are miserable, you feel awful and guilty, no one sleeps. It's not fun. While resorts will have some for purchase at their gift shop, it will likely cost you significantly more and it may not be your preferred brand.
Hint: Do not try a new brand. Stick with what you know works well and your kids tolerate.
7. Take floats and puddle jumpers
Some resorts will provide floats and life vests....but some don't. If you have a little that is not a strong swimmer yet, I highly recommend packing a puddle jumpers (or your preferred swimming device that is easily packable).
We often take a couple blow up floats and toys as well to use during our stay. They can provide a lot of entertainment in the pool and ocean.
Hint: Before you leave, pass along your floats and toys to another family to enjoy so you don't have to pack them to take home.
8. Relax and Make Memories
It's your VACATION! Relax and enjoy the precious time with your amazing family. Eat the ice cream. Drink the drinks. Build the sandcastle. Jump off the cliff. Snorkel with the amazing fish. Float in the lazy river. Jump in the waves. Make those amazing memories with the ones you love the most.
Let your favorite Skye's the Limit Vacations travel advisor help you find the perfect All Inclusive resort for your next family vacation. Contact us today!
