This way your kids have each other as a constant playmate, AND you have another pair of eyes so one couple can watch the kids at the pool while the other gets everybody drinks.

FYI- Getting drinks does not mean you will ever have the luxury of actually drinking them. A beer was spilled, a glass of wine was moved out of reach from overly curious children and a daiquiri was left to boil in the sun as I was called upon for sunscreen duties. But a melting Pina Coloda is a nice thing to look at, even if it eventually goes to waste.

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To make things even sweeter, our friends brought their parents along for the trip. Isn’t it weird how traveling with your parents has suddenly become the ultimate vacation windfall? I guess built-in babysitters trumps family drama every time.

We went out at night on the hotel premises so we were never too far in case something went awry. But the two of them got along great and Mazzy never once put up a fight about going over her friend’s room for a “Movie Night Pajama Party!!!!!!”. (It’s all about how you sell things.)

After three nights of picking up Mazzy’s lifeless body out of their room and depositing it into ours, we owe our friend’s parents a huge thank you. Like a bottle of champagne. Or maybe a car.

Here’s another tip. If you used to be someone who liked to travel off the beaten path, you will find that an all-inclusive resort works much better for your current lifestyle.

Your current lifestyle being one that demands French fries are available for unlimited consumption at all times. (If you are what you eat, it’s a good thng we went home before Mazzy turned into a deep fried potato.)

Also, children have no interest in seeing the local culture. All they want to do is swim in the pool.

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If a resort has multiple pools, this will blow their minds. Be prepared to pool hop in fifteen minute intervals. Basically, as soon as you get settled with an ideal spot at the main pool, your child is ready to switch things up.

“Let’s go to the kiddie pool!!!!”

You gather up your sunscreen, your clothes, your sandals, your towels, your plate of french fries and your untouched drink. Then you take the plunge and have to adjust to the cold water temperature all over again.

“Let‘s go to the waterfall pool!!!”

You get out, gather up your stuff and move again.