| Whether you are a recent empty nester, a | | | | The best way to assure yourself a kids-free |
| 60’s + couple looking to celebrate a special | | | | vacation is to book your stay at an adults-only |
| anniversary, or a grandparent who helps out with | | | | resort. Popular all-inclusive, adults-only resorts |
| your grandchildren’s childcare, you may be | | | | include the Sandals chain which offers resorts in |
| considering a child-free vacation. Sometimes, | | | | Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia and the Bahamas, the |
| however, that is not as easy as it sounds, | | | | El Dorado properties by Karisma Resorts in |
| especially if you’re traveling during summer or | | | | Mexico. Or select AM Resorts "Secrets" |
| holiday time when kids are out of school. | | | | throughout the Caribbean and Mexico. A travel |
| But with a little advance planning this may not be | | | | agent can help you sort through the options and |
| as difficult as one might think. | | | | choose the destination and adults-only property |
| Try to avoid traveling during school holidays like | | | | that’s right for you. |
| Christmas and Easter. September is often an | | | | When planning a vacation to a destination which |
| ideal time to travel since the kids have just | | | | doesn’t offer adults-only hotels, investigate |
| returned back to school and much of the U.S. is | | | | your options before choosing your |
| still experiencing good weather. You may want | | | | accommodations. Avoid the popular budget |
| to travel during the week rather than on | | | | chains and instead opt for intimate bed and |
| weekends; you’ll avoid both kids and their | | | | breakfasts, historic inns or upscale hotels. Check |
| working parents. | | | | out the properties’ website or give them a |
| If your getaway involves a major city, plan your | | | | call to find out about their children’s policies. |
| trip during the destination’s off-season if | | | | If they offer children’s programs or family |
| possible. Arrange excursions that are | | | | packages, you might want to continue your hotel |
| adult-friendly like pub tours, art galleries, botanical | | | | search. |
| gardens and museums or monuments (call ahead | | | | If you are limited on time or working within a |
| to make sure that there is not a school group | | | | budget, you might want to consider other |
| scheduled the day you plan to visit). Choose | | | | adult-friendly vacation options such as spa |
| restaurants which are a bit more upscale rather | | | | vacations or a casino trip to Reno, Atlantic City |
| than the casual chain restaurants. Or opt for an | | | | and yes, even Las Vegas. It wasn't long ago that |
| ethnic restaurant; children are notoriously picky | | | | Las Vegas was threatening to go family-friendly |
| eaters and parents avoid those restaurants at all | | | | and shake off its decades-old reputation as |
| costs. Also try eating later in the evening if you | | | | "sin-city". In recent years we have seen the |
| are hoping for that quiet, uninterrupted dining | | | | pendulum swing back in the direction of good |
| experience. | | | | old-fashioned adult-focused entertainment. |
| Cruising has become an increasingly family-friendly | | | | As you plan your child-free vacation, it’s |
| vacation option but there are plenty of ships | | | | important to remain guilt-free. Remember that |
| where you won’t have to worry about being | | | | vacations are an important part of life. The |
| splashed every time you walk out on the pool | | | | freedom that retirement offers provides an |
| deck. Try an upscale luxury line such as the | | | | excellent time to see our country and the world |
| Yachts of Seabourn, Silverseas Cruises, or Crystal | | | | and doing so in a "kid-free" manner is nothing to |
| Cruises which tend to draw a more mature | | | | be ashamed of. You’ve worked hard to get |
| crowd. You’ll also see fewer children if you | | | | to the point in your life where you can choose |
| book a longer cruise (more than seven nights) or | | | | your travel experiences. What’s holding you |
| try a more exotic cruise itinerary such as Tahiti | | | | back? The options for a child-free vacation are |
| or South America. And you’ll have fewer | | | | endless and experienced travel consultants, such |
| children in the dining rooms if you choose the late | | | | as those at Fox World Travel can help you make |
| seating for dinner. | | | | your vacation dreams become realities. |