Family friendly  : Dominican Republic

This large island (the other half is Haiti) is known for attractively-priced package vacations, especially in Puerto Plata. Playa Dorada, 10 minutes east of Puerto Plata, has the largest concentration of hotel rooms in the island's north. Boca Chica is a resort town close to the airport and the capital city, Santo Domingo. Its beach is a reef-protected lagoon with white sand; wade out 100 yards and you'll be only waist deep with soft sand underfoot. It's perfect for children, with no waves or deep waters. Boca Chica is crowded on Sundays when city dwellers commute there. The rest of the week, tourists enjoy the sand and sun. If you want a family-friendly all-inclusive in the DR, consider Club Med Punta Cana, which has terrific kids' programs, Sunscape Casa del Mar, where horseriding is part of the price, Sunscape The Beach, which offers infant care, Breezes Punta Cana, with a trapeze, or Casa de Campo, which has horseriding and kids' programs.