winter vacation destination (2 adults, 3 kids)?

[Buster]

I've been looking at where to go this winter with the family.

We've been to Hawaii a bunch, usually renting a house.

But I'm thinking that it might be nice to do an all-inclusive or something similar with the kids in a resort. The proto-typical one of these is the Beaches in Turks. We would consider there, but it's a bit of a hike to get there from Calgary with a 7,5 and 2 year old. It does have a bunch of kid activities, so you can free up some time to relax while the kids are at camps and such.

Is there a realistic place that's easier to get to from Calgary that is worth it and compares?

[03ozwhip]

Montego Bay, Jamaica at a Sandals is my next choice. I went to MB a few years ago, albeit not a Sandals but it was still awesome there.

Sandals is an all inclusive plus, excursions included, premium food and I would think that it's still cheaper than Turks.

[roopi]

Sandals is adults only I believe.

[redline]

^^ beaches is the sandals for kids, we did our first sandals last yr and it was great. Would go back in a heartbeat

[tirebob]

Being as your kids are young, I would personally consider doing a higher end resort in Mexico as there patience travelling on a plane may be a bit short, and from experience I say it can be a bit stressful travelling on long flights and multiple layovers with tired, cranky kids.

That said maybe they are awesome travellers! If so, we loved Jamaica with our kids! The beaches are fantastic and the food is great! Beaches (Sandals for families) is a great way to go...

[A790]

Originally posted by tirebob
Being as your kids are young, I would personally consider doing a higher end resort in Mexico as there patience travelling on a plane may be a bit short, and from experience I say it can be a bit stressful travelling on long flights and multiple layovers with tired, cranky kids.

That said maybe they are awesome travellers! If so, we loved Jamaica with our kids! The beaches are fantastic and the food is great! Beaches (Sandals for families) is a great way to go...

Cabo/Mazatlan are less than 4 hours from here. If you're planning on hanging out at the resort, those would be my picks.

[Minimalist]

I'd do Mexico, direct flight and very little if any time change. Do you really want to spend two days in transit with three kids getting to Jamacia or T&C?

[03ozwhip]

Originally posted by Minimalist
I'd do Mexico, direct flight and very little if any time change. Do you really want to spend two days in transit with three kids getting to Jamacia or T&C?

Have you been to Jamaica? it's like 5.5 hour direct flight.

[jdmakkord]

I did Beaches Turks last year, with my 5 and 1 year old at the time. We loved the resort, and if you plan a stop or overnight in Toronto on route it isn't all that bad. We've also done Beaches Negril too which was nice too, but the buildings were not as well kept. We are flying out tomorrow morning for Coconut Bay Beach Resort in St Lucia, another great family friendly resort in the Caribbean.

[vw_rabbit2.5]

Do a cruise. Lot's of activities for kids, and depending on their ages, you probably won't see them until the end of the night when they goto bed.

If you can, go for a Disney cruise, which is geared for families. They have some staterooms that sleep 5 or 6.

Food is all included, and the kids will love the waterslides, kids clubs, arcades, shows, etc.
Plus you're in a new port when you wake up.

For adults, you can pamper yourself in the spas, enjoy the fitness centre, have a nice meal at the specialty restaurants, or watch shows. There are usually casinos and bars if you're into that as well.