Taking the Kids: An all-inclusive vs. beachfront condo in Turks and Caicos

The food may not be five-star, Greg Vogel said, but by opting for a villa with butler service, "it is completely stress-free." And there are all the activities to choose from, from the nine waterslides to scuba to nightly entertainment.

I guess it all depends on your vacation style -- and your budget. Certainly a condo can be significantly cheaper. (Starting rates at the Sands in a one-bedroom unit is $475 a night.) Maybe your family is like mine, where cooking together is a fun vacation activity, after sailing, snorkeling or diving.

Maybe you don't want to pay for drinks you won't drink or food you won't eat, no matter how many choices you're given. "I don't want to be at a resort where you don't leave," explained Anna Greenberg, from Connecticut, who got married here on the island and now is back with her family. "Part of the experience is to explore," she said.

Maybe you don't like crowds, though even sold-out the expansive resort doesn't seem crowded. "It was overwhelming for me, like being on a big cruise ship on land," said Melinda George, who tried Beaches before opting to buy a condo here because she loved the island so much. George visits often from Memphis and this time returned with her daughters, daughter-in-law and three young grandchildren.

This was my third visit to Turks & Caicos, which is comprised of 40 islands and cays and located just 575 miles from Miami, Fla., and wherever you choose to stay, there are a lot of pluses, whether you're visiting with your family or with your girlfriends. Turks & Caicos is easy to reach. (We flew nonstop on Jet Blue, www.jetblue.com, from NYC, less than four hours.) It's safe; it's a British Crown Colony. No one bothers you on the beach. (Read my trip diaries about my visit at http://www.takingthekids.com/travel-diary/).

Turks & Caicos is famous for its reef -- the third largest in the world -- diving, snorkeling, fishing (try bonefishing, www.bonefishunlimitedturksandcaicos.com) and a growing kite-boarding scene (www.kiteprovo.com). Walk up the beach to a protected marine sanctuary to snorkel, or just try a new restaurant. (We especially enjoyed the festive beach barbecue at the Somerset one night and Caribbean lobster at the year-old Beach House Turks & Caicos (www.beachhousetci.com.) Head out on a snorkeling trip or a sunset sail like we did with Ocean Vibes (www.oceanvibes.com).

Adventurous families may find their way to the brand-new Blue Haven Resort and Marina (www.bluehaventci.com) on the leeward side of Providenciales for the weekly pig roast, the chance to kayak in the Mangroves (check out the turtles!) or to explore neighboring North and Middle Caicos.

That's if you can get the kids off the beach. Good luck!

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Look for Eileen's new series of Kids City Guides from Globe Pequot Press. For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow "taking the kids" on www.twitter.com, where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments.