Tips for Enjoying Caribbean Getaways with Kids

We interviewed a mother of two about exciting activities to explore in the Caribbean and why it’s an ideal destination for children.

Thanks to her parents, Connie has been traveling the globe since she was a child. She believes that family adventures helped instill essential values like empathy, open-mindedness, and a passion for learning that she cherishes today.

As a new mom, she was thrilled to share similar experiences with her two daughters. She recounted her family adventures across the Caribbean and provided fellow parents with insights on how to keep their children joyful, calm, and full of amazement while traveling away from home.

I've heard that you and your daughters have explored the Caribbean. What draws you to that region?

We’ve visited Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Aruba, Cozumel… so many places! The highlight for me was soaking in the stunning views, diverse cultures, and rich histories of the historic cities we explored. It truly felt like paradise.

What mode of travel did you choose for your journey?

We opted for a cruise because it was quite budget-friendly, particularly when I had just become a mom, and it was incredibly family-oriented with numerous activities for kids—games, dances, music, theater. Everything is set up for you, which is a blessing for parents.

As a parent, what aspects of cruising stand out to you?

I vividly recall how delighted my kids were in the children's areas—getting their faces painted and playing with other children. It was the first time I had left them in someone else's care, so seeing their joy was such a relief.

What are some major differences between traveling with kids and traveling solo?

Traveling with kids isn't as spontaneous. It requires a lot of patience, understanding, and thoughtfulness… There are times when you might want to rise early, but the kids would prefer to sleep in.

However, the experience is incredibly rewarding. Kids truly embrace the present and can teach us adults how to savor each vacation day, push us out of our comfort zones, and appreciate new adventures.

From your perspective, what does the Caribbean provide that keeps kids happy and stress-free?

Children love to play, and the Caribbean is an ideal place for that. There are pools, beaches, horseback riding, and ziplining! Wildlife tours… river tubing, and exploring underwater caves.

To keep them happy… I’m a teacher, so I know how to connect with kids on their level. Children are much more emotionally intelligent than many realize. It all boils down to communication. When you talk to them with kindness, address their needs, and explain tasks according to their maturity level, everything becomes manageable.

Managing travel with kids during the school year must be challenging. How did you juggle shorter trips with their schoolwork?

Traveling during the school year can be challenging, but it’s quite affordable to travel outside of the summer months. Since I’m from Florida, the Caribbean is just a short trip away, making it easy to plan quick getaways.

For homework, my kids would spend the day relaxing, so wrapping up the day with some schoolwork was no problem. As long as they’re having a good time, they’re more than happy to unwind with some reading and writing.

What did you enjoy most about traveling with your children?

Kids possess a natural sense of empathy, and allowing them to experience new and different things was beneficial not only for them but for me as well. Many believe that traveling with children means sacrificing your own needs, but for me, I gained just as much from the experience as they did.

Do you have any additional travel advice for parents?
Stay open to your kids’ preferences, pack lightly, and avoid over-scheduling! Kids don’t require much to have a good time.