THE GETAWAY
WINTER WHITES GIVE YOU THE BLUES? PLAN YOUR ESCAPE
—FAMILY IN TOW—TO THESE SEVEN RED-HOT LOCATIONS.
Allow us to fast-forward: It’s the dead of winter. Your kids
have been stuck in the house all weekend; one is sick in
bed and the other is climbing the walls of the den, having
seen
Mary Poppins on a loop for the past six hours. You
and your partner are stressed out from work, bills, work,
bills, work, bills. The laundry is piling, the dust bunnies are
hopping and you just don’t think you can take one more minute of it all.
It’s cabin fever at its worst—and the only thing that’ll cure it is a heaping dose of get-the-hell-outta-dodge, aka a vacation.
Don’t wait for the gray days to color your world bleak and boring. Plan a family vacation now! Here, THE FAMILY GROOVE gives you seven ways to get away.
Note: The prices are based on a John and Jane Doe family, complete with an 8-year-old, 4-year-old and 10-month-old, staying at each locale for seven days and six nights, with nonstop airfare from New York City (unless noted) during the second week of January.
All-inclusive vacations are a dream for families who want to let go and let loose, because everything is taken care of for them. There’s just one cost for sports, activities, meals and snacks, tip, and room. No budgeting, no wallet drain, no problem—just add sunscreen.
The Place: Club Med in Sandpiper, Fla.
Recommended By: Liberty Travel, NYC
Why It’s the Place to Be: It’s an all-inclusive, riverside family resort north of Palm Beach, Fla. The kids can do their own thing while Dad is off golfing and you’re at the spa. There are also plenty of things to do with the family as a unit.
The Price: $4,822 for the whole family
Best Time to Go: Anytime
Where to Stay: A comfortable and elegant Club Room with adjoining door, a living area, dressing area and furnished terrace or balcony
You’ll Flip For: You and your children can literally flip out at the on-resort circus school. Additionally, the Baby Club (for babies ages four to 23 months), the Petit Club (for toddlers ages two to three years old), the Mini Club (for kids ages 4 to 11) and the Junior Club (for kids ages 12 to 17) are open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for Wednesdays, to keep kids occupied and entertained. The Junior Club reopens at 7:30 and closes at 9 p.m., giving older ones something to do at night—minus the 'rents.
What to Do: Golfing, water sports, basketball, volleyball, dancing lessons for children or a mid-day event, such as a water-ski show. Early evening brings the excitement of the Sandpiper 500 (little kids race pedal cars to tumultuous applause). The nightly show follows in the 700-person theater and is a point of pride with Club Med staff, who sing, dance and otherwise participate in well-executed shows always designed to be kid-pleasers.
What to Know: This Club Med location is close to other Florida attractions like Disney World, Universal Studios, the Kennedy Space Center, Miami and the Everglades. Club Med will even book those extras for you before you arrive.
What to Pack: Although it’s all-inclusive, you still need to pack diapers, bottles and formula. Club Med will provide milk and puree fresh baby food.
Family-Friendly Features: Parents will have access to refrigerators and microwaves, and the baby welcome service finds your room childproof and stocked with cribs, strollers and an infant tub. The Sandiper recently added a new program called the Club Med Crayola Creativity Program. The program highlights local culture, animals, flora and fauna, and the Spanish language with programs and activities for kids, adults and families.
For More Information: Club Med Sandpiper
The Place: Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa
Recommended By: Liberty Travel, NYC
Why It’s the Place to Be: Since Turks and Caicos is a newly discovered tourist island, it’s less crowded than the other popular places in the Caribbean, like Jamaica, the Bahamas or Bermuda. Hey, if celebrities and their families love Turks and Caicos, so will you.
The Price: $7,212 for the whole family
Best Time to Go: Mostly wintertime
Where to Stay: In a Deluxe Room
You’ll Flip For: Kids can do activities like cooking, dancing and exploring with
Sesame Street characters. Turks and Caicos is known for its wonderful diving and snorkeling sites. The on-resort water park is fabulous, and you can eat at a different restaurant for each night of your stay because there are 11 specialty restaurants.
What to Do: Golfing, water sports, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, traditional land sports, fishing, horseback riding, beach cruise, mountain bike tours, shopping spree (at extra costs)
What to Know: The resort runs on the American dollar. Bring everything you need for you baby and toddlers, including diapers, baby food, special food, swimwear, a sleeper, comfy toys, sunscreen, and a swim flotation device for children ages 4 and up.
What to Pack: Casual wear such as shorts, tank tops, swimsuits, short-sleeved shirts, sundresses and light slacks are the perfect day-wear fashion at Beaches. At night, the resort becomes casually elegant. Proper attire is required at dinner seating. Elegant dress shorts are permitted in some restaurants. And pack some white T-shirts for tie-dye activities during the day.
Family-Friendly Features: Supervised kids camp, butler service, nanny service
For More Information: Beaches Turks and Caicos
There are many reasons why a family with several children would rent a house at their vacation destination, including having enough room to spread out, the use of a washer and dryer, and the freedom and independence to do your own thing. This option is for you if you identify with the following phrase, “When in Rome…do as the Romans do” and you like to get a local living experience when traveling.
The Place: Rondel Village in Negril, Jamaica
Recommended By: Sunny Side Up Travel in Brentwood, Calif.
Why It’s the Place to Be: You can create your schedule and move at your own pace in paradise.
The Price: $4,596, which includes van pickup and drop-off from the airport and a nonstop flight
Best Time to Go: Anytime—but watch out for hurricane season
Where to Stay: A two-bedroom villa
You’ll Flip For: The at-home environment with all the amenities: a pool, a Jacuzzi, a full kitchen, daily maid service and a cook for meals—just provide the food from the grocery store nearby
What to Do: This location is very close to all the town’s attractions: ATV rides, tours, canopy rides, horseback riding and paddleboats, and it can be all set up by the villa staff before you arrive.
What to Know: Eating at the villa will be more economically affordable than eating out. There are babysitting services available as well.
What to Pack: Veteran renters and frugal travelers will bring a cooler of frozen foods. This is a great option for a finicky child who goes through a peculiar phase of only eating one thing one way.
Family-Friendly Features: Cribs are available. The pool and beach provide hours of play for the kids—and you, too.
For More Information: Rondel Village,
Jamaica Tourism
The Place: Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Recommended By: Wimco Villas and Hotels, Newport, R.I.
Why It’s the Place to Be: Many say that Seven Mile Beach is the best beach in the Caribbean. Here you can be on vacation in a homelike atmosphere—if your regular home were set against one of the most idyllic backdrops you’ve ever seen. The villa is a hop away from the beach action, shopping in Georgetown and family activities. The island is safe, clean and welcoming.
The Price: $5,662
Best Time to Go: During
Pirates Week in November and Batabano (Cayman Carnival) in May
Where to Stay: In a villa on Seven Mile Beach
You’ll Flip For: An amazing variety of local treasures await you, including shell jewelry, thatch work, wood carvings, crocheted items, pepper sauces, tropical fruit jams, honey and figurines made from Caymanite (Cayman’s semi-precious stone).
What to Do: Kids are never short of new things to experience in the Cayman Islands: playing with sea turtles in Boatswain’s Beach, riding the waves at Black Pearl Skate and Surf Park, rollicking aboard a pirate ship or learning about Cayman’s ecosystem at Sir Turtle’s Sea School. The turtle and butterfly farms will teach your child about nature and the island environment. The Atlantis submarine will allow your family to venture down under without getting wet. Plan a visit to Stingray City and Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park.
What to Know: Many places in the Cayman Islands have a unique hurricane guarantee that covers any cancellations made prior to arrival and offers a replacement stay if your vacation time is cut short because of inclement weather. All shopping in Georgetown is duty-free.
What to Pack: Lightweight clothing, sneakers, bathing suits and summer footwear
For More Information: Seven Mile Beach , Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Tourism
Many travelers forget about Hawaii and Puerto Rico when thinking about warmer locations. They’re great destinations for U.S. families—if there is an emergency or one of the children gets sick, you are still able to get good-quality health care. These islands provide an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle of life.
The Place: Kona Village Resort on Hawaii’s Big Island
Recommended By: Ciao Bambino, San Francisco
Why It’s the Place to Be: The closest faraway place you can go in the United States, it feels like a completely different country.
The Price: $12,164 (no nonstop flights available) for a villa, three meals per day and water sport activities
Best Time to Go: Any time of year is a good time to visit the Big Island. The average temperature here is between 75˚ and 85˚ F. December to March’s weather is a bit cooler.
Where to Stay: A beautiful seaside villa at Kona Village
You’ll Flip For: Weekly Hawaiian-style BBQ and luau
What to Do: Run over dozens of Japanese bridges in
Liliuokalani Gardens, picnic at pleasant
Spencer Beach Park on the Kohala Coast, explore an active volcano at the
Kilauea Visitor Center, learn about real-life Hawaiian cowboys and take a wagon ride at the
Parker Ranch. Or you can get celestial by exploring the planetarium and interactive exhibits in the
Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, then stargaze through telescopes at the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy, 9,300 feet atop
Mauna Kea. Note that the high altitude may not be suitable for younger children..
What to Know: Children under 4 stay free; there’s no TV/phone or Internet access in-room. Going to Hawaii from the East Coast is like going to Europe. Hawaii’s Big Island lives up to its name, so you should consider renting a car to really get the most out of your visit. The resort is 15 minutes away from Kona International Airport. Be sure to check out a Kona Coffee Plantation while you’re there.
What to Pack: Shorts, T-shirts, comfortable walking shoes, hats, sunglasses, swimsuits, swim trunks, flip-flops and sunscreen
Family-Friendly Features: It’s baby-ready, offering cribs ($25 extra per day) and high chairs. The resort has open and safe areas for toddlers to run around in, and child-appropriate activities for school-aged children nearby. Babysitters are available at $18 per hour, with a four-hour minimum. Kids must be 4 or older to attend the complimentary kids club.
For More Information: Go Hawaii Tourism,
Big Island,
Kona Village
The Place: Caribe Hilton–Puerto Rico
Recommended By: Ciao Bambino, San Francisco
Why It’s the Place to Be: So close yet so beautiful
The Price: $3,285
Best Time to Go: Anytime—it always feels like summer
Where to Stay: In a hotel room suite
You’ll Flip For: This resort is the only one with its own private beach on location. Plus there’s Old San Juan, El Yunque (the only rain forest in the U.S.), Ponce, Rio Camuy Cave Park, the weekly Le Lo Lai Festival and El Morro. The shaved ice refreshments in tropical flavors will be a hit with the kids.
What to Do: Beach/public beach activities nearby, swimming, boating and water sports, hiking and walking trails, picnic/campfire, horseback riding and cave exploring. There’s also the Children’s Museum, the playground at Luis Muñoz Marín Park, Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, Mayagüez Zoo, and Parque de Bombas (a wooden firehouse).
What to Know: No passport is required for U.S. citizens. Taxis, rental cars, buses and
publico vans are available from Puerto Rico’s airports and throughout the island’s major cities. You can also hop on a no-charge Trolley Tour in historic Old San Juan. Puerto Rico is a central hub and port for the Caribbean, so it is very easy to get to, with dozens of flights to the mainland. Driving rules are the same as they are at home.
What to Pack: Pack your favorite bathing suit, a pair of shorts and sandals. Bring bug repellent for your adventure, especially if you’ll be visiting a rain forest, and sunscreen if you’re planning to go to the beach or to one of Puerto Rico’s amazing outdoor attractions.
Family-Friendly Features: Four hours of babysitting services are free with a stay of at least three nights, children under 5 eat free and kids camp is seasonal. Waterfalls thunder down hills at the end of jungle trails so tame a 4-year-old can hike them. Some beaches have water calm enough for toddler play. If you forget or run out of something, you can definitely find essentials like Pampers in grocery stores.
For More Information: Caribe Hilton,
Puerto Rico Tourism
Family cruises are so much fun because there is so much to do. Families get to spend time together and create long-lasting memories. It’s great if you want the grandparents to come along for the ride, too. There are also plenty of places to gather and scatter while aboard and away from the ship.
The Place: Freedom of the Seas, Royal Caribbean
Recommended By: Liberty Travel, Miami, Fla.
Why It’s the Place to Be: In one seven-day trip, you will experience multiple locations, including Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico and Grand Cayman.
The Price: $ 6,406, including flights to port and back
Best Time to Go: Anytime
Where to Stay: In a family ocean-view room
You’ll Flip For: Who knew you could ice-skate on a cruise ship? You’ll love Labadee Luc’s Splash Bash, the Fisher-Price kids’ programs, Adventure Ocean, the Kids’ Fountain Soda Package (allows for your children to drink to their hearts’ content) and the boxing ring.
What to Do: Karaoke, talent shows, bingo tournaments, family disco, family rock climbing, mini-golf, sightsee, snorkel, visit ancient ruins or go to a museum.
What to Know: Your child must be 3 years old and fully potty-trained to attend Adventure Ocean programs. Wi-Fi capabilities are on board for cell phones and Internet. Tuxedo rentals are available for formal dinner nights.
What to Pack: On the first day, pack a small carry-on bag with your travel documents, a change of clothes, a bathing suit, workout clothes and any medications you need so you won’t have to wait for your luggage to get in your stateroom. When on board, you’ll need shorts, T-shirts, pants, blouses and sundresses. For pool lounging, take two bathing suits, casual shoes (flip-flops, sandals, etc.), shorts, and a T-shirt or cover-ups to get to and from the pool. Take some gym apparel for fitness center use. Be sure to pack some dressier duds for formal nights.
Family-Friendly Features: The Fisher-Price Aqua Babies and Tots programs combine playtime, learning and bonding with parents for babies ages 6 months to 3 years old. Adventure Ocean is a free program of learning and fun for kids and teens ages 3 to 17.
For More Information: Royal Caribbean
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Monique M. Johnson
Monique M. Johnson is a freelance writer based out of New York City.
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