Finding the Perfect Family Vacation at the Perfect Price

I have been in the travel business for 15yrs, and I am often asked the best times to travel to the Caribbean. My personal opinion is between the end of Thanksgiving thru December 19. The weather is great, the prices (especially this year) are low and the resorts are not crowded.

If you are parents of kids under 6, this could be perfect. However, for those of us who can not take our children out of school, we will have to deal with the extra expense of holiday travel, the long lines and crowded pools. Or do we?

As all of the deals pass my desk, I look for value and pick the best ones to share with my readers. I have NEVER seen prices this low for holidays and winter travel. Holiday travel usually is 3-4 times the regular rates, this year, it is the same or lower. If you still have your travel budget put aside - use it now, take advantage of these deals - because I have never seen rates like these before.

In thinking of family vacations, the first one that comes to mind is Club Med. Last time I was there, we still had to pay for drinks, now it is truly all inclusive - drinks, sports, you name it, it is included in the vacation cost. There are many resorts through out the Caribbean that I can recommend for families, but we will focus on Club Med right now, as their prices are phenomenal for the experience and memories the entire family will come home with.

If you do not feel like reading all of my descriptions - go straight to the deal, the best prices are from now to December 19, however, if you keep clicking, you will also find never before seen prices during the holidays and winter!

The basic deal is: 7 all-inclusive nights for the price of 3, which usually is $793per person ($114 a day).  Book by December 15 for travel between 9/15/08 - 4/25/09.

Kids Clubs:
Baby Zone 4mos -23mos: There is no day care for babies under two; however, when you make your reservation, you will tell them how old your children are so you are given the proper room and amenities. They will set you up in the "baby zone" including crib, changing table and all the comforts of home with a small baby.  Adapted to the nutritional needs of children, the meals are created by a team of specialist chefs from the Baby Restaurant. This Baby Restaurant is located in the Baby Club Med At the Baby Restaurant, the G.O® takes on the entire responsibility of lunch but parents can share this time with their child(ren) if they wish.  Children ages 2-4 can utilize the "Petit Club Med", this is a parents; dream day care center. There is an additional charge for this day care.

Kids 4-10yrs old "Mini Club Med": this is where if gets really fun and different! This club and all others are included in the basic price. The children are divided up into their age groups and given a plethora of activities to choose from whether it is learning how to sail, flying trapeze, and crafts are playing in the Kids only pool. The staff is dedicated and will teach the children new skills for sports, circus, crafts, etc..

Tweens & Teens: In my former life as a travel agent - these are the ones who had the most fun at Club Med. The activities are perfect for each age group ranging from water sports, learning how to be a DJ and mix, hip hop dancing, hang out rooms, teen only activities at night. There is even a theatre class where children can perform at the end of the week. These kids have a blast and the beauty is you do not have to worry about them as they are always somewhere on the property and there is always staff around to keep an eye on them.

Club Meds Best for Families that are part of this great deal:
Sandpiper: Located in Florida, a bit North of Palm Beach, easy to get to, but once you are there; you are in complete vacation mode. This Club Med has all the kids clubs from babies to teens. Sandpiper is a great, inexpensive short, family get away. Though you are still in the states, you will completely feel like you are away from it all as you feel that Club Med vibe as soon as you walk in. There are special family rooms, a kids room and an adults room; golf for the adults, five swimming pools and more.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: All the rooms are large suite like rooms - with different sizes depending on the family size. Renovated Resort with a long private beach bordered by palm trees. Circus school for the little ones, flying trapeze or fitness for adults. From babies of 4 months (at Baby Club Med® - extra charge) to teens, a club devoted to every age. Relax in the sun by the pool or through massages and treatments at the Club Med Spa (extra charge for spa).

Cancun, Mexico: This used to be a run down Club Med for singles - but not anymore! As the newest upscale discovery resort, Cancun Yucatan offers something decidedly different. Enjoy a free excursion and discovery the wonders of the Yucatan Peninsula with your family.
They offer luxurious Jade Suites, with an exclusive bar, concierge, room service and other upgraded amenities. Let your ‘teens and tweens hang out at their very own clubhouse while you take a cooking class. Enjoy an evening Mini Club MedTM performance, where your 4 year old presents a folklore dance on stage. Discover new cosmopolitan flavors at any of the three innovative restaurants at your own speed—Cancun Yucatan provides gourmet dining to satisfy your cravings at any hour.

Ixtapa, Mexico - On the West side of Mexico, easier to get to if you are in the South West or West Coast, this is the newest of the Club Med family. Facing the Pacific Ocean, an elegant hacienda it is coined as "The happiness of having a taste of everything". The architecture hacienda style offers a new type of elegance.

In summary, if you want a Island type, but different kind of family get away, where you know the kids will have fun and you will relax and try new sports, take advantage of this sale before all the rates go up again.

Whether it is a 3 day weekend from $250pp or weeks' vacation, from $350pp, take advantage of these incredible prices - if you add up everything included - you will see the savings!