The Best Resorts for Family Deals

Sometimes, when you go on vacation, it can be easiest to just head to a resort. You pay one price, and you have plenty of activities for the whole family, as well as a place to stay. Some resorts are all inclusive where all the food is included and some give you vouchers to use at restaurants, so some of your food costs are covered.

During off-peak times, you can usually find fantastic deals at different resorts. Many people in my state like to take advantage of off-season Disneyland deals, since you can state at a Disneyland resort for cheap. It never hurts to call the resort and find out what is available. Find out if there are some “kids free” deals for younger children, or if you can get a fourth night free when you pay for three nights. If you are looking for some ideas (other than something Disney, of course) here are some resorts that offer family deals:

Bahia Principe
This company actually owns a number of resorts in Mexico, the Caribbean and Spain. If you travel off-season, you can find great deals. Even if you go the hotel-only route, you still end up with access to the pool and other options. You can find plenty of activities to enjoy at the resort and nearby. Plenty of special offers, and even vacation packages. The Gran Bahia Principe Akumal, in Mexico, will make you feel as though you are in the jungle, with plenty of nature and activities nearby.

Kahala Mandarin Oriental, Hawaii
You can find a number of family options and deals at this resort. There are dolphin programs, history classes and more. A free shuttle will take family members into Waikiki as well. You can spend time at the beach — where the water is calm and shallow, or take little excursions.

Tortuga Lodge, Tortuguero, Costa Rica
If you are looking for eco-tourism, you might find some good deals at this resort, which is owned by Costa Rica Expeditions. You can see plenty of wildlife, and enjoy great deals starting at $99 for doubles. Look for other vacation packages and deals for Costa Rica.

Earthshine Mountain Lodge
Enjoy the great outdoors in Appalachia. This lodge is located in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, about 50 miles from Asheville. It’s an all-inclusive resort that includes three all you can eat meals each day. You can go hiking, visit a Cherokee campsite replica, go through the zip-line course and enjoy a climbing wall.

Amelia Island Plantation
Located in Florida, you can choose all-inclusive packages, or hotel stays. The all-inclusive packages can be great deals, offering three meals a day, as well as access to activities like tennis and golf. There are biking trails, fishing opportunities and family crafts.

Sunriver Resort
Another outdoor lover’s paradise, this resort near Oregon’s Cascade Mountains is not all-inclusive. But it has a lot to offer — especially if you go between Thanksgiving and New Year: Horse-drawn sleigh rides, bonfires and dogsled tours. There is hiking and fishing for other times of the year, and even an observatory for star-gazing. A nature center and fish hatchery are fun for the kids. You can ask about specials on horseback rides and other activities.

Miranda writes about personal finance almost every day. An experienced freelance writer, she's covered your money online and in print from every angle and is always looking for new ones.

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