You can bring everyone together – and have fun together or individually – on an all-inclusive family-friendly vacation in Mexico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Türkiye, and beyond.
3 reasons to take your family on an All-Inclusive vacation
Is there a worry-free vacation that will put smiles on everyone’s faces? You can have it all with a family-friendly all-inclusive resort. By Lisa Grabelle | May 11, 2021 (Updated August 2, 2024)
The dream family vacation exists. Imagine: an easily planned trip that will make everyone happy. How nice does that sound? “All-inclusive” translates into super easy when it comes to catering to family vacations.
If you’re ready to go all in to make new travel memories, then here are three great reasons to vacation with your family at an all-inclusive:
No surprises: As its name suggests, you can actually have a vacation where you don’t have to plan ahead. All-inclusive family properties come with accomodations and amenities, from water parks to kids' clubs.
Infinite choices: The answer on this all-inclusive family vacation is “yes.” There’s something for everyone, and your options are seemingly unlimited.
Time to connect: While kids play, parents can safely sneak away. There are activities for the whole family (and guests of any age) to enjoy.
The answer is yes
The best kind of fun is unlimited
You don’t have to pack stress on this vacation, especially when figuring out what to do next. One price at an all-inclusive covers all the basics — family-friendly accommodations, food, entertainment and activities for you and your kids. Staying at an all-inclusive can be a budget-friendly, stress-free way to explore the world with kids in tow.
You’ll find these properties range from standard to all the frills included and in places from Mexico to the Caribbean, Jamaica to the Mediterranean. The only decision you need to agree on is where and when you want to go. Many locations bring diverse activities, from historical towns to white sand beaches or stunning mountain views.
All-inclusive doesn’t just apply to the price. All-inclusive, family-friendly resorts offer daily schedules of suggested activities and continuous dining options from morning through night. Choose to spend time as a family or split up by interest – practice yoga, go to a water park, play beach soccer or take a pizza-making class. Kids can even try out the family resort's kids' club, while parents sneak away for a little romance time on their own.
One of the indulgent thrills of all-inclusive resort is that everyone can eat what they want, when they want it and as much as they want. And best of all — it’s already paid for. With oodles of restaurants, snack bars and ice cream shops, there is something to satisfy everyone’s cravings.
Themed buffets offer everything you dream of and more. Picky eaters will find their favorites, while the rest of the family can feast on an array of palate-pleasing dishes.
The restaurants at most resorts serve cuisines inspired by places including France, Italy, Mexico, the Middle East, the West Indies and Asia. Enjoy sampling dishes like ceviche or sancocho. While most all-inclusives have reservation-less dining, ask if you should book your dinner reservations in advance or as soon as you arrive so that you avoid hangry meltdowns.
Cheers to unlimited drinks! Kids can slurp fruit smoothies at the swim-up bar or at the kids' club while you sip mojitos under a palapa. Pack insulated mugs for taking coffee to the beach and keeping piña coladas icy in the sun.
Hilton hint
“Family all-inclusive beach resorts are great because they provide the flexibility for the family without having to carry any form of payments around the property. The kids loved it especially because they could walk to any restaurant within the property when they were hungry and order their own meals. They could also swim up to the pool bars and order virgin daiquiris and exotic drinks, which they enjoyed.” -John Pham, Hilton Team Member, Global Marketing
That’s entertainment…for all!
The best all-inclusive resorts offer shows for every age such as magicians, comedians, fire throwers and acrobats that will captivate your crew. Resorts also channel the region’s history and culture through events featuring local dancers and musicians. In Mexico, expect to see a mariachi band. In Jamaica, catch the rhythmic sounds of the steel drums.
At all-inclusive family resorts, look for family-focused entertainment such as watching a movie while floating in a pool (how awesome a memory is that?). Teens will feel so mature in a gaming lounge or a teens-only, glow-in-the-dark dance party.
Be sure to ask at check-in how the all-inclusive family resort publicizes the day’s activities, entertainment options and restaurant hours. Resorts may use an app, a printed flyer, a TV channel or signs throughout the property. While just about every activity is included, you may find there are extra fees for motorized water sports, spa treatments and excursions. Strike up a chat with other families who’ve been resort guests for a few days. They can offer real-time advice on restaurants, shows and things to do.
If you have water-lovers, check out the many all-inclusive resorts that offer a sprawling splash-tastic, over-the-top water park and swimming pools. Float along a lazy river or race down twisty-turny water slides. Little ones will flip over kiddie pools.
You can always purchase travel items at family resorts. However its best to pack essentials like sunscreen, goggles and sunglasses. Find out if you need to reserve lounge chairs or cabanas near the pool. Some family resorts have kids-only loungers for your little ones. If you pack wacky inflatable floats, they can help mark your chairs, as well as make it easy for your kids to meet new friends in the pool.
Throw in some thrills (and shh... maybe even some educational highlights) by using your all-inclusive resort as a reliable base to set off and safely discover a fascinating corner of the world. Go shopping in town, tour some ancient ruins or take an adrenaline-pumping zipline through a rainforest.
Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Family Resort
With spectacular, white-sand shoreline and breathtaking views, this resort is your ideal destination to enjoy endless, fun-filled family time.
Time for romance
Wait! A family vacation and romance? Yes! We did say all-inclusive, after all.
Enjoy guilt-free time with your partner knowing that the kids are entertained by kids’ camps, teen clubs or babysitters (services vary by property). Your kids will make new friends while participating in age-appropriate activities. While the kids are busy, enjoy a couples massage or a hand-in-hand moonlit walk on the beach.
Schedule a date night. When the sun sets, invite a babysitter* to step in so you can step out. Dine at the resort’s adults-only culinary gem, take in a grown-up show, tempt Lady Luck at the casino, groove at the disco or toast other adults at the martini bar.
*Services vary by property; confirm with your hotel before arriving.
Who says you can’t have it all? Whether in Mexico, the Dominican Republic or Egypt, book an all-inclusive resort for your next family vacation and make it easy to get everything you want. The best all-inclusive resorts are a 24/7 playground for the whole family.
Lisa Grabelle has been traveling all her life…and loving it! She lives in New Jersey.
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