10 great places to take the family for spring break

By Monica Hortobagyi, USA TODAY
March 16, 2011

If traveling with the family leaves you needing a post-vacation vacation, consider booking an all-inclusive kid-friendly package to help put the "break" back into spring break.

Family travel expert Eileen Ogintz of TakingTheKids.com, shares with USA TODAY's Monica Hortobagyi some ideas for hassle-free family vacations.

Atlantis

Paradise Island, Bahamas

Each family member is likely to find something to get excited about at this resort, from exploring 14 lagoons to shooting down nearly a dozen waterslides, from rock climbing to swimming with dolphins. Children age 11 or younger eat free when their parents sign up for a dining plan in advance. 888-877-7525; atlantis.com

Disney Dream

Disney Cruise Line

The first new ship in a decade for the line, the 2,500-passenger Dream was christened in January. Cutting-edge innovations abound, such as the "virtual portholes," showing real-time sea views in windowless cabins. The ship is good for all ages, Ogintz says. "Disney's spaces are amazing whether the kids are little or teenagers, and they make sure the adults are taken care of well." 800-951-3532;disneycruise.disney.go.com

Beaches Resort

Turks and Caicos Islands

With more non-stop air service to the Turks and Caicos, it's easier to plan a getaway to this all-inclusive resort. Younger kids will enjoy the 27,000-square-foot waterpark and the Sesame Street characters strolling the grounds; older kids can hang out at the teens-only Beach Shack, listen to non-stop reggae jams, or compete in the Xbox 360 Game Garages. "If your kids like the clubs or your teens are eating a load, then (the price) is worth it," Ogintz says. 888-232-2437; beaches.com

Azul Sensatori

Puerto Morelos, Mexico

Tennis, snorkeling, kayaking and scuba clinics are part of the package at this resort, 20 minutes from the Cancun airport. It also has a Fisher-Price toy-lending library for younger kids and Wii, beach volleyball and nightly dances for teenagers. "It's the kind of place where the staff would know your kids' names," Ogintz says. 888-280-8810; karismahotels.com

Four Season Guides

Grand Canyon, Ariz.

Now in its 12th year, the outfitter offers hiking, backpacking and kayaking trips in the Southwest. Trips range in length, price and difficulty level, but "if you are an adventure-loving family, you will have a memorable trip for probably not much more than an all-inclusive (resort) will cost," Ogintz says. 877-272-5032; fsguides.com

Curtain Bluff

Antigua

Since Ogintz honeymooned at this intimate all-inclusive 28 years ago, the upscale resort has added family-friendly features, including tennis camps. It's been on both the Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure "best" lists and attracts a loyal clientele. "Kids feel comfortable having the run of the place," Ogintz says. 888-289-9898; curtainbluff.com

The Moorings

British Virgin Islands

Sailing skills aren't necessary for families looking to rent boats from this outfitter, which offers the option of hiring skippers and cooks as part of the deal. "Think of it like camping on water," Ogintz says. "The boat is your entertainment." To keep costs down, families can share the experience and the tab. 888-952-8420; moorings.com

The Lodge at Chaa Creek

San Ignacio, Belize

Nestled in the rainforest, this eco-friendly resort offers nature-loving families the opportunity to immerse themselves in well-preserved beauty and a different culture. Guests can focus on land-based activities, like horseback riding among Mayan ruins, or choose elements of surf and turf with the Jungle & Sea family package. 877-709-8708; chaacreek.com

Bohio Dive Resort

Grand Turk Island

The resort offers all-inclusive packages for both divers and non-divers, and boasts an award-winning beach and top-notch scuba opportunities for certified divers. Just steps from the world's third-largest coral reef, it's a "cool place for introducing a teenager to your passion or (learning) to do something new together," says Ogintz. 649-946-2135; bohioresort.com

Kona Village

Kailua Kona, Hawaii

This quaint collection of thatched-roof bungalows is Hawaii's only all-inclusive resort. It offers a variety of packages, from water-centric activities to stargazing or golf. "You just get into the Aloha spirit," Ogintz says. 800-367-5290; konavillage.com

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10 great places to take the family for spring break

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