Find the best all-inclusive value for vacations with a baby or young children

Living the dream: Vacationing at at an all-inclusive with my toddler and preschooler on the Riviera Maya. Photo by Tim Rivoli.

When you vacation with a baby, toddler, or preschooler, relaxation is the driving force between most families’ decisions on where to stay. And few scenarios sound as completely relaxing as staying at an all-inclusive resort. However, what families with babies and young children will get from one “family friendly” all-inclusive can be quite different from another. So before you jump on the next great deal you see advertised, be sure to read the fine print and consider these tips:

 

Some all-inclusive resorts include restaurants that will not serve children under a certain age, often 12 years, and some will not serve children at all. Check the fine print to know how many restaurants you’re family will really be able to use at the resort, and if that gourmet Tuscan Ristorante will really be an option, or if you’ll only be able to eat at the buffet with your toddler in tow. Sometimes you’ll need to visit the hotel’s website itself to find out.

 

Most all-inclusive resorts with “kids camps” and supervised children’s activities don’t offer anything for children under 3 or 4 years old, or those still in diapers. A handful of resorts do, however, so if this is important to your vacation success, make sure you’ll have your childcare covered to make the most of your vacation. Watch for deals like this one from FDR Pebbles where even a Vacation Nanny is “all-included” to care for your kids of any age during your stay:

 

 

 

Age matters when it comes to the cost of your family’s all-inclusive vacation, and chances are you won’t want to pay the full 3^rd adult price for your baby or toddler—or any child for that matter—if you don’t have to. Your best deal will be to get “kids free,” but even when resorts offer these deals the maximum age for qualifying free kids may be “kids under 5 years,” “kids under 6 years,” “kids under 12 years,” or “kids 17 and under.” These offers are usually given when there are two paying adults, with up to one qualifying child staying free in the same room per adult. Watch for deals like this current offer where two kids 12 years and younger stay free in Jamaica:

 

For more help planning an all-inclusive getaway with your baby, toddler, or preschool-age child, check out Chapter 2: Deciding Where to Go in Travels with Baby.

For more info: Subscribe to Shelly's "Travels with Baby" column for more tips on travel with babies and young children, and more news on the best deals going for vacations with young children.