St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

St. Thomas is a favorite recommendation for U.S. families who don’t have (or don’t want to deal with getting) passports for younger kids: as a U.S. territory, it doesn’t require one for U.S. citizens traveling directly.

Magens Bay is one of the most photographed beaches in the Caribbean, and the island makes an easy cruise port stop or a full stand-alone resort trip.

Dave’s tip: confirm passport requirements for your specific itinerary before booking: the exemption applies to direct U.S. travel but not necessarily if St. Thomas is one stop on a multi-country cruise.

Best time to visit St. Thomas

Mid-December through April is the driest and busiest period. Late spring and early summer offer lower rates and warm weather. Hurricane season peaks from August through October, so many travelers avoid that window or buy travel protection.

Top things to do in St. Thomas

Swim at Magens Bay

A long, protected beach with calm water and an entry fee, popular with families.

Visit Coki Beach and snorkel

A lively beach with easy snorkeling close to shore.

Take the Paradise Point Skyride

A tram ride above Charlotte Amalie harbor with views and a lookout bar.

Day trip to St. John

A short ferry ride reaches Virgin Islands National Park, with beaches and hiking.

Shop duty-free in Charlotte Amalie

Jewelry, liquor and souvenirs are common purchases in the historic downtown.

Where to stay in St. Thomas

St. Thomas offers a mix of resorts on the east end, such as Red Hook and Secret Harbour, and options near Charlotte Amalie. Many travelers combine St. Thomas with a St. John day or stay, or visit as a cruise port. All-inclusive options exist but are fewer than in Mexico.

Getting to St. Thomas and getting around

Cyril E. King Airport (STT) has direct flights from many U.S. cities. As a U.S. territory, St. Thomas does not require a passport for U.S. citizens arriving directly from the mainland, though some travelers carry one anyway. Confirm requirements for your itinerary, especially if you are combining islands or cruise ports. Taxis are common, and renting a car means driving on the left.

Planning tips for your St. Thomas vacation

Confirm passport rules for your specific itinerary.
Plan the St. John ferry in the morning.
Reserve popular sunset sails ahead of time.
Carry cash for small purchases and tips.

St. Thomas travel FAQs

Do I need a passport for St. Thomas?

U.S. citizens traveling directly from the U.S. mainland generally do not, but rules can differ on cruises that visit other countries, so verify before booking.

Is St. Thomas good for families?

Yes. Calm beaches, easy logistics and no passport hurdle for U.S. citizens make it a strong choice.

How many days do I need?

Four to six nights is enough to enjoy beaches and a St. John day.

Can Dave book St. Thomas as a cruise stop?

Yes. It is a common cruise port, and Dave also plans stand-alone resort trips.

Plan your St. Thomas trip with 7220 Travel

7220 Travel is a family and group travel agency based in Laramie, Wyoming, serving travelers nationwide. Dave Engel builds each trip around your group, your dates and your budget, then keeps watching for eligible savings after you book. Request a free quote or call 307-314-2517.

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Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel is best known as one of the busiest cruise ports in the Western Caribbean, but it’s also a legitimate stand-alone destination for anyone serious about scuba diving: the Palancar and Columbia reef systems are some of the best diving in the Caribbean.

For cruise passengers with just a few hours in port, Dave typically recommends a beach club day pass over a packed excursion: it’s the more relaxing option for families with young kids.

Best time to visit Cozumel

November through April is the driest and most comfortable stretch, with calm seas and good diving visibility. Summer is hot and humid, with lower prices and hurricane risk from roughly June through November. Divers often prefer the winter and early spring for conditions.

Top things to do in Cozumel

Dive the Palancar and Columbia reefs

Part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, these sites are known for clear water, walls and drift diving.

Snorkel from the shore

Calm coves on the island's west side are suited to beginners and kids.

Spend a day at a beach club

A day pass with food and a lounge chair is a relaxing option for cruise passengers.

Visit San Gervasio

Mayan ruins on the island, less crowded than mainland sites.

Take the ferry to Playa del Carmen

A short crossing makes combining Cozumel with the Riviera Maya easy.

Where to stay in Cozumel

Most visitors stay near San Miguel, the main town, or at all-inclusive resorts along the west and south coasts. Divers often pick dive-focused hotels, while families look at resort pools and kids' amenities.

Getting to Cozumel and getting around

Cozumel International Airport (CZM) has direct flights from some U.S. cities, or you can fly into Cancun and take a ferry from Playa del Carmen. Cruise passengers arrive at one of several piers, and taxis or beach club shuttles are common.

Planning tips for your Cozumel vacation

Book scuba and snorkel trips with certified, well-reviewed operators.
Choose a beach club day over a packed excursion if you have only a few hours in port.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen.
Carry small bills for taxis.

Cozumel travel FAQs

Is Cozumel good for scuba diving?

Yes. It is considered one of the best dive destinations in the Caribbean.

What should I do on a short cruise stop?

A beach club day pass is a relaxing option for families with young kids.

Can I combine Cozumel with the Riviera Maya?

Yes, via the Playa del Carmen ferry.

Do I need a passport?

Yes for flights. Cruise requirements depend on your itinerary.

Plan your Cozumel trip with 7220 Travel

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Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman is one of the most polished, easiest-to-navigate islands in the Caribbean: English is the primary language, the U.S. dollar is widely accepted, and Seven Mile Beach is genuinely one of the best resort beaches in the region.

Stingray City, a shallow sandbar where you can wade with friendly southern stingrays, is one of the most memorable excursions Dave books for families with kids of almost any age.

Best time to visit Grand Cayman

December through April is the driest and most popular time for a Grand Cayman vacation, with warm days and lower humidity. The winter holidays and spring break are the priciest weeks. May through November is hotter and more humid, with more rain, lower rates and hurricane risk from June through November. Seven Mile Beach and Stingray City are enjoyable most of the year.

Top things to do in Grand Cayman

Stand in Stingray City

A shallow sandbar where friendly southern stingrays glide around visitors. Morning trips are often less crowded.

Relax on Seven Mile Beach

A long public beach with calm, clear water, lined with resorts, restaurants and shops.

Snorkel Starfish Point or Rum Point

Shallow, easy spots that suit kids and beginners.

Visit the Cayman Turtle Centre

A conservation and education facility with turtles and a snorkel lagoon.

Dive the reefs and wrecks

Grand Cayman is known for wall dives and shipwrecks, with options for certified divers and discovery dives.

Explore George Town and the east end

Local history, rum cake and quieter coastal drives.

Where to stay in Grand Cayman

Most resorts and condos line Seven Mile Beach, from larger hotels to condo-style properties with kitchens that suit families and groups. Grand Cayman is among the more polished and easy-to-navigate Caribbean islands, with English as the main language and U.S. dollars widely accepted. Prices tend to be higher than at many other Caribbean destinations, so comparing options matters.

Getting to Grand Cayman and getting around

Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) has direct flights from several U.S. cities. Taxis are the standard option, and rental cars are useful for exploring the east end. Cruise ships also call at George Town, using tenders. A passport is required.

Planning tips for your Grand Cayman vacation

Book Stingray City tours early in the day.
Rent a car if you want to see the east end.
Compare condo-style stays for larger groups.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen.
Check cruise tender schedules if you are visiting by ship.

Grand Cayman travel FAQs

Is Grand Cayman good for families?

Yes. It is safe, easy to navigate and offers gentle excursions like Stingray City.

What is the best area to stay?

Seven Mile Beach is the most popular for resorts, restaurants and beach access.

Is Grand Cayman expensive?

Generally, yes, compared with other Caribbean destinations, though condo-style stays can help.

Do I need a passport for Grand Cayman?

Yes.

Can 7220 Travel plan a Grand Cayman trip?

Yes. Dave compares resorts, books excursions and monitors for eligible offers after you book.

Plan your Grand Cayman trip with 7220 Travel

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Cancún & Riviera Maya, Mexico

Cancún and the Riviera Maya corridor (Playa del Carmen, Tulum) are the backbone of Dave’s all-inclusive bookings: a short flight from most U.S. cities, a huge range of resort price points, and calm, warm Caribbean water that’s easy on younger swimmers.

Because there are dozens of resorts at every budget level, this is one of the destinations where having an advisor actually matters most: the difference between a resort that’s great for families with young kids and one built for an adults-only party crowd isn’t always obvious from photos alone.

Groups love this region too: many resorts offer strong group rates and can block a full wing of rooms for a wedding or reunion.

Don’t skip: a half-day trip to Tulum or Chichén Itzá if anyone in your group hasn’t seen Mayan ruins before: it’s an easy add to an otherwise all-inclusive week.

Best time to visit Cancún and the Riviera Maya

The dry season from December through April is the most popular time, with warm days, lower humidity and calm seas. Spring break and the winter holidays are the busiest and priciest weeks. May and June are hotter but still pleasant, and rates start to drop. Hurricane season runs June through November, with the highest storm risk from August to October. Travelers who book then often save money and should consider travel protection.

Top things to do in Cancún and the Riviera Maya

Visit Chichen Itza or Tulum

Mayan ruins are an easy add-on to a beach week. Tulum sits right on the coast, while Chichen Itza is a longer day trip best done with a guide and an early start.

Swim in a cenote

These freshwater sinkholes are a unique swim and snorkel experience and a favorite for teens and adults.

Snorkel at Puerto Morelos or Isla Mujeres

Reef snorkeling and boat trips to Isla Mujeres give a break from resort pools.

Explore Playa del Carmen's Fifth Avenue

A walkable pedestrian street with shops, restaurants and ferry access to Cozumel.

Do a nature park day

Eco-parks such as Xcaret and Xel-Ha combine snorkeling, shows and wildlife for a full day of family activities.

Where to stay in Cancún and the Riviera Maya

The Cancun Hotel Zone has big resorts along a narrow strip with both sea and lagoon views. The Riviera Maya, running south toward Tulum, offers more spread-out all-inclusives, quieter beaches and a wide range of styles. Families often choose resorts with kids' clubs and water parks, while couples look at adults-only options. Because resort quality and atmosphere vary widely at the same price, matching the property to your group matters more than the brand name.

Getting to Cancún and the Riviera Maya and getting around

Cancun International Airport (CUN) is a short flight from most U.S. cities. Pre-arranged private or shared transfers are the simplest way to reach your resort. Passports are required for all travelers. Ask how far your resort is from the airport, since the Riviera Maya can mean a transfer of an hour or more.

Planning tips for your Cancún and the Riviera Maya vacation

Choose the resort for your group type first, then compare room categories.
Book excursions through your resort or a trusted operator to avoid last-minute pricing surprises.
Bring pesos or small bills for tips and local shops.
Ask about group rates if you are planning a wedding or reunion, since many resorts block full wings.

Cancún and the Riviera Maya travel FAQs

Is Cancun or Riviera Maya better for families?

Both work well. Cancun is more developed and closer to the airport, while the Riviera Maya often feels quieter with more space between resorts. The right choice depends on your kids' ages and your budget.

What does all-inclusive include at Cancun resorts?

Typically meals, snacks, drinks and many activities, but inclusions vary by resort and room category, so it is worth checking exactly what your package covers.

Do I need a passport for Cancun?

Yes. U.S. citizens need a valid passport to fly to Mexico.

Can a travel agent get better rates on Cancun resorts?

A travel advisor can compare resort options, flag the best room categories and watch for eligible promotions after you book. Dave also helps coordinate group room blocks for weddings and reunions.

Plan your Cancún and the Riviera Maya trip with 7220 Travel

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Los Cabos, Mexico

Los Cabos (Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo) has a different feel than the Caribbean side of Mexico: dramatic desert cliffs meeting the Pacific and Sea of Cortez, generally more upscale resort inventory, and a slightly more adult-leaning crowd, though plenty of resorts here do family travel well.

December through April also overlaps with gray whale migration season, and whale-watching trips out of Cabo are a genuine highlight, not just a tourist add-on.

Good for: couples’ getaways, milestone anniversaries, and groups wanting a slightly more upscale all-inclusive experience than the Cancún corridor typically offers.

Best time to visit Los Cabos

Los Cabos sits in the desert, so it enjoys sun almost year-round. The high season runs from November through May, with mild days and cooler evenings. Whale-watching peaks from roughly December through April. Summer is hot and humid, with lower prices, and hurricane season stretches from late summer into autumn. Many travelers find spring the sweet spot for warm water and fewer crowds than the holidays.

Top things to do in Los Cabos

Go whale watching

Humpback whales visit the waters off Cabo in winter, and small-boat tours offer close but responsible views.

See El Arco

The rock arch at Land's End can be reached by water taxi, glass-bottom boat or kayak, with sea lions often nearby.

Spend time in San Jose del Cabo

The quieter art district has galleries, restaurants and a relaxed historic center.

Take a snorkel or sunset cruise

A boat day on the Sea of Cortez adds variety to a resort stay.

Try a desert adventure

ATV, camel and zip-line outings show off the desert landscape beyond the beach.

Where to stay in Los Cabos

The Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo has many of the larger resorts, often with swimmable beaches in select coves. Many Cabo beaches have strong currents, so swimming conditions matter when choosing a property. Cabo San Lucas is livelier, while San Jose del Cabo is calmer. This is a good destination for couples, milestone celebrations and groups that want an upscale all-inclusive option.

Getting to Los Cabos and getting around

Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) serves the area with direct flights from many U.S. cities. Transfers to Cabo San Lucas take roughly 30 to 45 minutes. Arrange transfers in advance, and plan for taxis or ride options for dining outside your resort.

Planning tips for your Los Cabos vacation

Ask the resort which beach areas are safe for swimming.
Book whale-watching tours in season ahead of time.
Use a private transfer on arrival to avoid timeshare pitches at the airport.
Pack a light layer for evening breezes.

Los Cabos travel FAQs

When is the best time for a Los Cabos vacation?

November through May has the most comfortable weather, and whale-watching runs roughly December through April.

Is Los Cabos good for families?

Yes, many resorts welcome families, though swimming conditions vary by beach. Choosing the right property matters.

Do I need a passport for Cabo?

Yes. A valid U.S. passport is required.

Can Dave plan a group trip to Los Cabos?

Yes. Weddings, milestone birthdays and reunions are common, and Dave helps with room blocks and group rates.

Plan your Los Cabos trip with 7220 Travel

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Nassau & Paradise Island, Bahamas

Nassau is both a fantastic stand-alone resort destination (Atlantis on Paradise Island is a full water park in itself) and one of the most common cruise ports Dave books for Caribbean itineraries out of Florida.

For families who want a big, activity-packed resort where kids genuinely never run out of things to do, Atlantis remains one of the strongest recommendations in the entire Caribbean, but it’s not cheap, so this is a destination where Dave typically shops multiple room categories and package options to find the right value.

Good for: short 3–4 night getaways from the East Coast, and as an add-on before or after a cruise out of Florida.

Best time to visit Nassau and Paradise Island

December through April has the driest, most comfortable weather and the highest prices. Late spring brings warm water and lower rates before the summer heat and hurricane season, which runs June through November. Many families time visits around school holidays, which also raises demand, so booking early helps.

Top things to do in Nassau and Paradise Island

Enjoy Atlantis on Paradise Island

The water park, lagoons and marine habitats keep kids busy for days. Some activities are open to resort guests only, so check what your package includes.

Visit Cable Beach and Junkanoo Beach

Both are easy beach options for guests who are not staying at a beachfront resort.

Explore historic Nassau

Fort Fincastle, the Queen's Staircase and the straw market give a taste of local history and shopping.

Take a day trip to the Exumas

Boat trips to see swimming pigs and clear shallow water are among the most photographed Bahamas outings.

Eat conch fritters at Arawak Cay

The Fish Fry is a local favorite for casual seafood.

Where to stay in Nassau and Paradise Island

Atlantis and neighboring resorts on Paradise Island offer big-resort convenience, while Cable Beach has a mix of mid-range options. Because costs at the largest resorts can rise quickly with fees and add-ons, comparing room categories and packages is worthwhile before you commit.

Getting to Nassau and Paradise Island and getting around

Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) is under 3 hours from most East Coast cities by air. Many visitors also arrive by cruise ship from Florida. U.S. citizens need a passport to travel to the Bahamas by air.

Planning tips for your Nassau and Paradise Island vacation

Compare package inclusions before paying resort fees on the spot.
Consider adding a pre- or post-cruise night in Nassau.
Book popular excursions ahead in peak season.
Plan one non-resort day to experience Nassau beyond Atlantis.

Nassau and Paradise Island travel FAQs

Is Nassau good for a short getaway?

Yes. Short flights from the East Coast make it a practical 3 to 4 night trip.

Is Atlantis worth it for families?

For many families, yes, especially with younger kids who love water slides and marine exhibits. It is pricey, so comparing packages helps.

Do I need a passport for the Bahamas?

Yes, for air travel.

Can I combine Nassau with a cruise?

Yes. Nassau is a common cruise port, and a pre- or post-cruise stay is easy to arrange.

Plan your Nassau and Paradise Island trip with 7220 Travel

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Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos is where Dave sends clients who want the postcard Caribbean beach. Grace Bay is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world, without the density of a mega-resort strip. Most properties here are smaller and quieter than Cancún or Nassau.

It’s a pricier destination overall, with fewer true all-inclusive options, but the payoff is calm, extremely clear water that’s excellent for snorkeling right off the beach.

Good for: honeymoons, anniversaries, and families who prioritize a quieter beach over a packed activities schedule.

Best time to visit Turks and Caicos

The dry season from December through April is the most popular, and prices peak around the winter holidays and spring break. May and June offer warm water and smaller crowds. Hurricane season runs from June through November, so flexible plans or travel protection are wise in late summer and early fall.

Top things to do in Turks and Caicos

Relax on Grace Bay Beach

Long, powdery sand and shallow turquoise water make it an easy choice for swimmers of most ages.

Snorkel Smith's Reef

Close to Grace Bay, this reef is a popular spot for first-time snorkelers.

Take a boat to Iguana Island or Half Moon Bay

Day excursions combine beaches, wildlife and sandbar stops.

Visit Chalk Sound

The bright turquoise lagoon is a favorite for kayaking and paddleboarding.

Dine in Provo

Conch and fresh fish at casual beach spots and fine dining at resort restaurants.

Where to stay in Turks and Caicos

Most visitors base themselves on Providenciales in the Grace Bay area. Smaller boutique resorts and condo-style stays are common, and all-inclusive options exist but are fewer than in Mexico. Because this is a higher-priced destination, matching the property to what you will actually use is key.

Getting to Turks and Caicos and getting around

Providenciales International Airport (PLS) has direct flights from many U.S. cities. Taxis are the typical option, though renting a car is useful for exploring beyond Grace Bay. Passports are required.

Planning tips for your Turks and Caicos vacation

Choose beachfront or near-beach lodging to maximize time on Grace Bay.
Book boat excursions early in peak months.
Look at condo-style lodging with kitchens for larger groups.
Plan for higher dining costs and consider a meal plan if one is available.

Turks and Caicos travel FAQs

Is Turks and Caicos good for honeymoons?

Yes. The quiet beaches and smaller resorts are a favorite for honeymoons and anniversaries.

Are there all-inclusive resorts in Turks and Caicos?

A few, but the destination skews toward boutique and condo stays rather than large all-inclusives.

What is the best island?

Providenciales is the main resort hub, while Grand Turk is a quieter cruise port.

Can a travel agent help with Turks and Caicos pricing?

A travel advisor can compare properties, find package value and monitor for eligible offers after booking.