The travel industry is growing up, much like the people it serves. Growing up, of course, means accepting the inevitable differences for what they are and assigning new priorities where they most make sense. For the once all-night partiers who have since begun a family, this means those thrilling care-to-the-wind getaways have turned into tightly-orchestrated family vacations, and for the travel industry, it means catering to those families.

Take Las Vegas, for example. The city has been an entertainment Mecca in the United States since the mid-1930's, but even as late as 1980 it was no place a visitor would take his or her family. For traveling parents, it was very much a "leave the kids at Grandma's" kind of place. Today, Las Vegas is a sprawling monolith of family entertainment complete with shows, rides, stores, incredible sights, and inexpensive food for those who know where to look. As Vegas' costumers grew older and started families, the entire vibe of the city had to change.

The good news is that this means there are more family vacation options than ever, and trips ideas you wouldn't even consider with the kids before are now competing eagerly for your family vacation dollar. Competition, as we all know, breeds quality (and the right price).

One family vacation idea that has really taken off in the past few years is the all-inclusive Caribbean vacation in spots such as coastal Mexico and the Dominican Republic. At one time the exclusive playgrounds of couples on honeymoon, many first-rate all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean have refocused to provide a family-friendly getaway supported by kid-centric programming, all-ages activities, and family vacation packages that take the financial sting out of traveling with three to four.

Here we discuss some advantages of all-inclusive family vacations in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, offer a few tips for traveling with younger guests, and make some resort recommendations at the end.

The Advantages

#1 Variety

Pleasing a full family of travelers is a daunting proposition for any vacation destination to take on, and Mexico and Dominican Republic resorts respond with the "something for everyone" approach. The exhaustive catalog of activities of even a single resort may include tennis, golf, mini-golf, wall climbing, soccer, aerobics, video arcades, movie theatres, stage shows, ice skating (yes, ice skating!), ping pong, nature excursions, swimming, dancing, and so much more. By design, there is more to do at a Mexico resort than you could reasonably enjoy with a single trip, but that minimizes the chance that there will ever be an unfulfilled guest.

Of course, that's just activities. Variety in food is another important factor, especially when traveling with younger, pickier children. Every Dominican Republic resort will host anywhere from three to seven restaurants, nearly ensuring that you'll find something to make that finicky eater happy without sacrificing the ample selection of upscale delights for mom and dad.

#2 Kids' Programming

All of the activities listed above can be enjoyed by the family as a whole, which is the hallmark of a good family vacation destination. But just as important is allowing each member of the family to express his or her own interests. In other words, enough can't be said for the value of alone time.

As a result, with the exception of certain Mexico all-inclusive resorts that are specifically adults-only, most resorts today have extensive kids programs designed for the very young up to even 17 year-olds. There's a simultaneous benefit: kids get time away from the parents, parents get time away from the kids.

These programs, which can differ quite a bit between resorts, typically focus on collaborative activities, arts and crafts, singing, and movie watching, all with an educational bent, depending again on the resort.

For the very young, most all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic and Mexico provide babysitting services as well.

#3 Security

All-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean are big. It is important to be mindful of your child's individual comfort level before allowing them to engage in solo activities throughout the resort. However, unlike the hustling and bustling destination attractions of most cities, resorts are closed, private property entities staffed to the nines. Parents can take comfort in knowing that their children are being supervised at some level no matter what they are up to and that the closed, isolated nature of the resorts makes it very difficult for a child to wander off, much less get lost.

Travel Tips

#1 Documentation

International travel laws can be complicated and change often, so consult your resort well ahead of your trip should you need to order government documentation. As of this writing, here are the rules:

In Mexico, all children must have a passport valid for 6 months from the date of departure to travel in Mexico. Additionally, children traveling with only one parent (or guardian) must provide a notarized letter signed by the non-present parent (or guardian).

In the Dominican Republic, children aged 13 and under traveling with parents or otherwise legal guardians do not require a passport, however they should carry a birth certificate. If traveling with non-parents/guardians, the child will require a passport to enter the country.

#2 Sun Safety

Drink plenty of water and apply sun screen with at least a 30 SPF regularly to protect both yourself and your children. Be especially mindful when planning lengthy outdoor excursions such a sea life watching and archaeology tours.

#3 Altitude (Mexico only)

Certain Mexico resorts offer excursions in nearby mountains, which can come as a shock to those, especially the young, who live near the sea level. If this is true for you, be mindful of your child's strength and allow regular rest breaks.

#4 Necessities

Sundry items including diapers, toothpaste, and sun screen are readily available at all-inclusive resorts, although for a fee. However, you should take into consideration the remote nature of most resorts and pack carefully. Any unusual over-the-counter creams or medications and any prescription medication will be unattainable once you've arrived. Make a list weeks in advance so your mind isn't clouded with other last minute items and then stick to that list. When in doubt, bring it.

Resort Recommendations

Resorts in this article are sponsored by Barceló Hotels and Resorts.

For all-inclusive Dominican Republic vacations, Barceló provides four and five star-winning properties at Punta Cana, Bávaro Beach, and Dominican Beach.

For all-inclusive vacation packages in Mexico, Barceló presents top-tier resorts in Cancún, Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, the Mayan Riviera, and many more.

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