A beginner's guide to family vacations

Keeping everyone happy can be a nightmare when planning family vacations. Each of us has our own ideas on where to visit, but there's one thing we all agree on, it must be 'somewhere good'. That means that Atlantic City is out again this year. Sun, sea and sand seem to be the order of the day when deciding on the perfect destination for vacations with children, and of course mom and dad are happy to go along with this, so long as they're well catered for too. Not a self catering chalet in the north then. There must be good entertainment, for all ages, there must be good food, sights to see, places to visit, a list of attractions as long as your arm, and free WiFi. Not a big order then. Family vacations in the Caribbean, or family vacations in Mauritius are great choices and sure to make everyone smile. So, what is it about these particular locations that make them top choices for family breaks?

Great family vacations in the Caribbean
The Caribbean is a truly inspired choice for vacations with children. Barbados is a friendly island where the people have a reputation for being laid back. Taking life easy is a huge part of Bajan culture it seems, and it's hard not to agree on this beautiful island. For some of the finest and cleanest white sandy beaches you could ever wish for try Ju Ju's beach. The reef just offshore provides turtle spotting opportunities, and is a great site for scuba diving to spot other marine life. Ju Ju's Beach Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or rent a sun lounger so that you can keep an eye on the kids in style. Older children will enjoy trying out some of the great watersports on offer, here and at Sandy Lane beach. See Blackman's Gully with its bridge which dates back to 1682, or Harrison's Cave one of the best known landmarks in the Caribbean. This naturally formed cave is more than 3 miles in length and filled with amazing rock formations which will delight young and old alike. While mom relaxes in one of the first class spas, dad can enjoy a round of golf or watch the national sport, cricket, there's always a match being played somewhere. There are other great Caribbean destinations to choose from, each with its own distinctive character, such as the Pitons of St. Lucia or the soca music of Trinidad and Tobago, and all are ideal for vacations with children. Many have kid's clubs which provide all kinds of activities and entertainment to keep youngsters occupied and happy. As the sun sets over the shimmering Caribbean waters, enjoy a fabulous meal by candlelight, and just relax. It's what the locals would do.

Magical family vacations to Mauritius
2,000 miles off the southeast coast of Africa, lies the Indian ocean paradise of Mauritius, a fantastic choice for family vacations. The clear blue seas and white sand beaches are the perfect setting for watersports and kids clubs, while mom and dad lie back and enjoy the sunshine which is year round in this sub tropical retreat. You can expect unabashed luxury, and great nightly entertainment, as top hotels are abundant. Mauritius has won the World's Leading Island Destination accolade at least three times to date and is considered to be one of the most welcoming destinations you could wish for. Kids will adore the The Waterpark Leisure Village on the Belle Mare coastal road. With enough slides to keep them occupied all afternoon, mom can leave dad to keep an eye on things, and wander around the Flacq open air market, the largest market in Mauritius and as popular with locals as it is with visitors. Dad's can try deep sea fishing among the picture perfect islands, or a round of golf at one of the fabulous courses. The West of Mauritius is astounding, take in the fantastic colored earth, derived from volcanic ash and a melange or reds, greens and blues, or the salt pans at Tamarin. The whole family will love the Casela bird park, where not only can you spot some of over 140 species of bird, there are fish ponds, deer, monkeys and even tigers among the beautiful foliage and orchid gardens.

The only difficulty is in making a choice, will it be the beautiful Caribbean islands, or the magical Indian ocean island of Mauritius? Whatever decision you make, you're sure to enjoy the vacation of your dreams.