FDR Holidays Pebbles resort in Jamaica (www.fdrholidays.com/Pebbles) is like the vacation version of Santa Claus. This resort has the requisite white sand beaches, great food, and amazing views, and it promises to deliver a “worry-free, cashless vacation.” But what Pebbles does that most other resorts do not is provide a vacation nanny for every arriving family. Talk about free time for parents! The nanny, who is on duty during the day, can also babysit in the evening at a rate of just $4 an hour. Plus, teens and preteens get to do their own things (supervised, of course) with field trips including activities like camping, fishing, sailing, windsurfing, hiking, and mountain biking. Pebbles also encourages multigenerational travel by offering packages that allow families to bring grandparents on vacation for free deals. There are even families-fly-free packages to choose from.

Beaches Resorts has long been known to attract families for their multitude of family-friendly activities and programs dedicated just to families. Beaches has properties in Jamaica and the Turks and Caicos. They offer three family-oriented properties in Jamaica and another in the Turks and Caicos. What makes these resorts great for families, especially families with young children, is their exclusive deal with Sesame Street, which allows kids to eat and play with the their favorite Sesame Street characters. Children can participate in Crayola Art camps and play at the large water parks the resorts have built just for kids. There are kids-only pools and day camps that are managed by certified nannies. The resort also has family suites that can sleep as many as five people. The teen disco helps keep teens busy at night so parents can enjoy an evening on their own. (www.beaches.com)