For those of us without kids, it is important to find travel destinations that are “adult only,” which is increasingly difficult in the “family friendly” world in which we live.

The easiest (and sometimes most expensive!) option is a resort that caters to those who want to travel child free – which also includes parents who need a break from the kids.

Believe it or not, according to the Travel Industry Association of America, more people travel WITHOUT kids that WITH kids! (Probably a reflection of our increased disposable income) In 2003, TIA reported that 32% of the 634.5 million people who traveled in the United States were “adults only” trips, compared to 26% who had kids in tow.

TIA also reports that more married people take trips than singles or even families. A total of 62% of all vacationers last year were married couples, representing the largest group of travelers overall.

Here’s a run-down on some of the lingo you’ll need to know when planning a child-free vacation at an all-inclusive resort:

* “Adults Only” means there is an age restriction for the resort/cruise ship, usually 16 years old, but sometimes it's 18. Guaranteed child free!

* “Adult Oriented” means all of the activities are geared specifically for adults, but everyone is welcome. You might run into some (extremely bored!) kids at these destinations.

* “Couples Only” spots are geared for romance. Intimate settings, candle lit dining, and spa facilities are common. Most are restricted to male/female couples.

OK, so where are these great kid-free vacation spots?

A quick internet search turns up vacations for swingers and nudists (whose trips are apparently now called “clothing optional”). Not exactly what my husband and I would look for in a vacation.

To get you started, here are some adults-only resorts to check out:

* Couples Resorts – Jamaica

* Sandals – Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua, and The Bahamas (NOTE: One reader wrote to tell me that when she and her husband were at Sandals in the Bahamas, the crowd was very young couples, and the all-inclusive alchohol policy fostered a "party atmosphere" -- just something to think about when planning your next trip -- whether that's what you're looking for, or if it's not!)

* Cambridge Beaches - Burmuda (Children under 5 are not allowed at all -- they have very strict policies in place for where the "over 6 crowd" is allowed to go, at what age, and when -- ie: children 10 and under are not permitted in the restaurant after 7:30, and to quote their website: "provided they are well-behaved and capable of sitting through a gourmet five course dinner")

* El Dorado Resort – Quintana Roo, Mexico

* Sans Souci (French for “without a care”) – Jamaica

* Super Clubs Grand Lido Negril – Caribbean

* Breezes Montego – Montego Bay (couples, singles, and adult families 14 and older)

* Breezes Runaway Bay – Jamaica (couples, singles, and adult families 14 and older)

* Breezes Bahamas – Nassau (couples, singles, and adult families 14 and older)

* Secrets - Caribbean

* Villa Premiere – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

* Golden Crown Paradise – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico location ONLY


And for the more adventurous…

* Hedonism II – Jamaica

* Hedonism III – Jamaica


When planning a child-free vacation, your best bet is to contact a travel agent and tell them what you’re looking for. They have the inside knowledge that will connect you with the trip of your dreams!

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Check back soon for more “budget-friendly” child free travel options.

Do you have a child free travel destination you’d like to share? Drop me an email!