Pool in the Caribbean Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos

When I was a kid, our family vacations usually consisted of long car rides and gas station food serving as bookends for a holiday spent with grandparents. In really good years, we got to add state parks or a visit to the regional amusement park to the mix. I was just happy to be out of school and sleeping in a house where I couldn’t get grounded. I had no idea what I was missing.

Today’s family vacations have been given a major upgrade by all-inclusive resorts like Beaches Turks and Caicos that cater to families. The Illinois countryside has been replaced with a Caribbean beach, and the pint-sized travelers can expect just as much pampering at the luxury compounds as the parents who are footing the bill. Read More »

The Westin St. John

Just in time for the arrival of the freezing cold winter weather here in New England, JetBlue and the US Virgin Islands have announced the start of direct service from Boston to St. Thomas.  The Northbound flights will connect via San Juan, Puerto Rico, while the Southbound flights are direct.  At this time, the service will run five times per week.

The US Virgin Islands are a fabulous destination for couples and families.  Each of the islands are unique, but they all have wonderful weather, fabulous culture, and beautiful resorts in common.  Guests to the US Virgin Islands traveling from the United States do not need a passport – making the trip so easy!

If you are traveling to the US Virgin Islands, you have your choice of many wonderful properties to choose from – from luxury resorts to all-inclusives, to family resorts and everything in between.  The Westin St. John Resort and Villas , pictured here, is one option.  The resort offers a kids’ club, and is adjacent to the Virgin Islands National Forest.  To get to St. John, you’ll need to take a ferry from St. Thomas – it’s offered several times per day.

Photo credit: The Westin St. John

Orange Hill Inn

Nassau, Bahamas is a beach lover’s paradise with pristine, uncrowded shores and pearly sand. But if you can tear yourself away, there’s more to this island than just sun and surf. One of the hallmarks of the local culture is the weekend fish fry on West Bay Street in New Providence.  It offers not just an endless variety of seafood possibilities but an lively connection to local music and customs. Read More »

The Mangrove Lagoon

The U.S. Virgin Island of St. Thomas is surrounded by four different types of mangroves and the best way to view them is a kayak and snorkel journey to the Mangrove Lagoon with Virgin Island Eco Tours.  Led by helpful guides, I kayaked to the Inner Lagoon Marine Preserve, which was declared a sanctuary in 1994 by Fish and Wildlife Services and is closed to all motorized boats. Read More »