Passport with a purpose: A look at child friendly resorts

Your family vacation should be a memorable one for both you and your children. Important vacation amenities will include; infant cribs or beds for your baby or toddler, engaging activities that won't only keep the kids having fun but also have an educational twist. What I think is most important however is making sure my vacation is stress free. Resorts that cater towards a family's needs are becoming increasingly more popular, as travel still remains a great way to create happy family memories.

So let's take a look at my top 5 child-friendly resorts...

Our First Stop:

Beaches Turks & Caicos
http://www.beaches.com/main/tc/tc-home.cfm

Beaches Turks & Caicos is a one of a kind resort! With a state of the art waterpark, Sesame Street characters, an XBOX 360 Game Garage and a teen disco this fun filled resort is sure to amuse your children from 0 to 16!

Why I recommend this resort: How could I not? All their programs are 100% geared towards family. Find yourself really reconnecting with your inner child as you and your children are swept away with scuba-diving, a dedicated toddler pool, family suites, 16 restaurants, a supervised kids camp and a teens-only game room.

Our Second Stop:

Kaanapali Beach Hotel - Hawaii
http://www.kbhmaui.com

Kaanapali Beach Hotel prides itself on being the most "Hawaiian Hotel" focused highly on local culture. Children and adults alike will enjoy the shows, history and crafts available on a daily basis. Try lei-making, hula-dancing or playing the ukelele.

Why I recommend this resort: Culture is something I find so important to share with my son. My personal feeling is that an understanding of the world's differences helps to build awareness. I recommend it because they turned education into fun filled activities and you will leave there feeling a real sense of local customs.

Our Third Stop:

Franklyn D. Resort - Jamaica
http://fdrholidays.com/

Franklyn D. Resort in Jamaica took all inclusive to a whole new level by including an amicable vacation nanny per family, big family oriented suites, and a load of all-included activities!

Why I recommend this resort: Who wouldn't want a nanny to help out with the kids, join along on activities and make helpful suggestions? This resort also has kid-meals with specialized kids restaurant, kids-corners at buffets as well as ice cream stands. The perfect place for your little picky eater!

Our Fourth Stop:

Nickelodeon Suites Resort - Orlando, FL
http://www.nickhotel.com/

Nickelodeon Suites Resort in Orlando is so much fun your kids might not even wanna visit the theme parks! This resort boast two waterparks as well as games and entertainment from Nickelodeon. With SpongeBob and Dora the Explorer your kids are sure to be entertained!

Why I recommend this resort: They have a kids spa: offering mani-pedis, hair braiding and even air brush tattoos. This resort is so geared towards kids that you feel like a kid again as soon as you step foot on the property.

Last Stop:

Loews Coronado Bay Resort - San Diego, CA
http://www.loewshotels.com/en/Coronado-Bay-Resort

Loews Coronado Bay Resort in San Diego, CA offers Fisher-Price welcome gifts for parents. There is also a seasonal kids camp and programs for mommy and baby from 6 to 18 months, and 19 to 36 months and a huge list of activities for kids 4+. Loews loves Kids and so do I which is why it made my child friendly resort list!

Why I recommend this resort: My number one reason would have to be 'The Did You Forget? Closet', how many times have you been on vacation and freaked out because you forgot a special toy, the baby swing, or rain coats? It happens to all of us and this resort has thought of it all, on top of it the loans come at no charge.

Beaches Turks & Caicos: