Taking a Romantic Vacation--And Bringing Along Your Teenagers

Whether the two of you are enjoying a honeymoon and blending your new families or just trying to squeeze in some romantic time on a family vacation, Caribbean resorts can make sure everyone's happy.

The recipe for a successful Caribbean with kids is simple: sand, sun, and, for some, supervised kids' programs. Many children enjoy independent time away from parents and the chance to meet other kids at the resort.

But don't expect the same response from pre-teens and teenagers. Kids' clubs are just a little too close to babysitting to suit most teens, even though some kids' programs welcome teen participants.

So what's the key to a successful Caribbean with teens trip? Know your teen. (OK, we understand. Let's revise that to say "know your teen as best as you can know any teen")

Ask yourself:

• Does my teen want to hang out with other teens while on vacation, even though they are strangers at first?
• Would my teen be happy hanging out with us on vacation?
• Would my teen enjoy the vacation more if there were a way he/she could bring along a friend from home?

If you answered "yes" to question one, look closely at the growing number of programs (no, whatever you do, don't call them kids' clubs) aimed specifically at teens. Check out Club Med Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and the Westin Rio Mar Beach Resort in Puerto Rico for examples of good teen-oriented programs.

If you think your teen would be happy hanging out with you on vacation, consider a getaway that gets you all out and about, whether that means renting ATVs and exploring the countryside of Aruba or ziplining over the lush countryside of Jamaica.

You might want to select a destination like the USVI or the Cayman Islands where it's easy to rent a car and explore like local citizens.

If your teen would like to bring along a friend (and has one that you can vacation with pleasantly), be sure to ask yourself if you feel comfortable turning the pair loose, even within the confines of a resort. Some destinations are much more comfortable than others in terms of safety and drug availability. Teens are prime targets for drug salesmen in the islands.

Also, remember that teens traveling without parents will need a notarized permission letter stating that it is OK to leave the country without parents.