9 budget-friendly all-inclusive family resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean

Costs can quickly add up when you're traveling. That's why choosing an all-inclusive resort can be a good way to stay on a budget. You pay one price for your accommodations and access to restaurants, amenities, recreation, activities, and entertainment, and then you can just relax and enjoy your vacation.

Got a super picky eater or a teenager who never seems to stop snacking? No problem! Traveling in a multigenerational group where everybody seems to have different interests? It's all good at an all-inclusive resort, where the kids can hit the pool or teen club, and the grownups can enjoy a cocktail or some time under an umbrella at the beach.

All-inclusive resorts can, of course, vary widely in price. But these nine highly affordable, family-friendly options in Mexico and the Caribbean give you lots of value for your money. And even with a smaller price tag, they're still tons of fun.

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Budget-friendly all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean

Many of the more budget-friendly all-inclusive resorts are in areas where resorts are abundant and properties need to offer competitive prices to attract guests. More remote destinations, or spots where all-inclusive resorts are less common, will see a higher per-night rate. Expect to find more price-friendly options in destinations such as Punta Cana and Cancun rather than, say, Bora Bora.

So, what kind of prices are we talking about? Everyone's idea of "affordable" or "cheap" is different, of course. For this list, we chose properties with reasonable starting rates and frequent deals and promotions to add more value but that still had long lists of amenities and activities. The lowest all-inclusive rates will always be midweek and during the slower tourism seasons. With that in mind, here are my picks for family-friendly, all-inclusive resorts that go easy—or at least a little bit easier—on the wallet but still make for a fun vacation.

1. Velas Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

This 10-acre all-inclusive resort situated on Banderas Bay is just five minutes from Puerto Vallarta International Airport but feels like a total escape. The resort’s 345 studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites offer space for families of all sizes and features like a kitchenette or fully equipped kitchen and goose-down pillows and comforters.

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Guests can cool off at the resort’s beach or three swimming pools, where activities take place each day. The Kids’ Club gives young guests a chance to learn about things like sand sculpture and mariachi, while nightly entertainment includes everything from comedians to dance and circus shows. Active types can take part in yoga sessions, tennis lessons, beach volleyball matches, and aqua aerobics. Restaurants shine a spotlight on local cuisine, and a Mexican Fiesta takes place every Sunday night. All-inclusive rates start at $208 per person per night, and special deals can often be found throughout the year.

2. Beaches Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

The whole family will find plenty of ways to have fun at Beaches Ocho Rios. The resort’s much-loved Kids Camp programming is offered for infants through teens and is run by certified nannies and staffers. Younger kiddos can make crafts, play on the beach, and show off their skills during scavenger hunts and talent shows, while older kids and teens can mix and mingle over karaoke, dive-in movies, and tennis clinics.

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Set on 22 acres, the all-inclusive resort features five swimming pools, the Pirates Island Waterpark with slides for kids big and small, and scuba diving programs for kids and adults with a dedicated scuba practice pool. Hobie Cats, paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment are available for use at the private beach, and live shows, beach parties, and Junkanoo parades led by Sesame Street characters will keep everyone entertained. Rates start at $194 per adult per night and $47 for kids, and Beaches often has special promotions to make a stay even more affordable.

3. Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun

Cancun, Mexico

All of the 438 suites at Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun have private balconies for taking in views of the Caribbean Sea and the property’s tropical landscaping. But you might not spend a lot of time in your room, with nine pools to enjoy, an oceanfront water park with waterslides, and an inviting stretch of beach where you can kayak, paddleboard, play volleyball, or just relax.

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The all-inclusive resort’s Kidz Club offers supervised beach sports, arts and crafts, and other games and activities for guests ages four to 12. And while the kids are having fun, the grownups can head to the fitness center or spa or take part in a mescal tasting or sushi class. Eight restaurants and seven lounges and bars feature everything from French cuisine to burgers, and nightly family-friendly entertainment helps you end the day with even more fun. Average daily rates start at $189 per person per night, and there are often special offers for extra perks or savings.

4. Sunscape Dorado Pacifico Ixtapa

Ixtapa, Mexico

Located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Sunscape Dorado Pacifico Ixtapa sits along the sands of El Palmar Beach. The whole family will stay busy here, where activities include a rock-climbing wall; a pool, waterslides, and splash park for younger kids; a fitness center and exercise classes; and two tennis courts with an on-site tennis pro. And there’s always something on the entertainment calendar, like nightly movies on the beach and wine and coffee tastings.

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At the Explorer’s Club, kids ages three to 12 can meet new friends while taking part in movie nights, sandcastle competitions, crafts sessions, and other activities. Teenage guests can head to Core Zone Teens Club for karaoke, video games, and water sports. Six dining options include a buffet and the Snack Machine food truck, and the kids will love ordering fun nonalcoholic drinks from the Kids Korner bar. The spa even offers treatment options for kids and teens like the Cocoa Tropic Pedicure with a chocolate leg and foot scrub and mask. Double occupancy rates start at $210 per night, and special offers are available with extra savings or add-ons like a family photo on the beach.

5. Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort

Nayarit, Mexico

This eco-conscious, beachfront, all-suite resort designed by renowned architect Sordo Madaleno recently unveiled a slew of new family-friendly features. That includes a new water park with three waterslides and a food truck and ice cream shop nearby. Suites feature private balconies or terraces, and the new Dreams Preferred Lounge provides an exclusive space for families who book upper-level room categories with ocean views and special food and drink offerings.

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The Explorer’s Club welcomes kids ages three to 12 for arts and crafts, games, movie nights, and other activities, while the Core Zone Teens Club offers video games, a mini disco, and other teen-focused fun. The whole family can enjoy surf lessons, pickleball, and nightly entertainment at the resort, and eight restaurants and seven bars should keep everyone happy. Rates start at $120 per person per night.

6. Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The recently renovated Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda takes inspiration from the local Taino culture, offering themed dining experiences at its Taino Restaurant and cultural learning opportunities at its kids club. There’s a lake-style pool and an on-site water park ideal for younger guests, and a spa for grownups in search of a little me time.

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Pick your spot under the straw umbrellas on Bavaro Beach, where you’ll find games and water sports to keep the whole family entertained. When it’s time to eat, you have your pick of seven restaurants and six bars. You won’t be disappointed by everything that’s included here, which ranges from bathrobes, slippers, and a pillow menu to aerobics and yoga classes and free use of kayaks and snorkeling equipment for an hour each day. Rates start at $159 per person per night.

7. Sandos Caracol Eco Resort

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

With so much included in a stay at Sandos Caracol Eco Resort, your money will definitely go a long way. The kids will be fans of the resort’s Sandos Aqua Park, the largest water park in Playa del Carmen, and there’s a full range of games, activities, and entertainment day and night to keep everyone happy. Young guests can also head to the kids club to hang out with their peers (and give parents some time to relax).

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One of the coolest features of the all-inclusive resort is its focus on nature experiences around the property. Families can go on guided photo safaris in search of interesting wildlife, learn about Mayan culture and the resort’s jungle setting on guided bike and walking tours, kayak in the Caribbean Sea, visit with rescued animals at the resort’s farm, and even swim in a cenote. Guest rooms and suites in the resort’s family section feature bunk beds and other fun touches plus views of the lush natural setting. Nightly rates start at $170 per person, and there are often deals to help you stretch your dollars even further.

8. Seadust Cancun Family Resort

Cancun, Mexico

Located on the beachfront in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, Seadust Cancun Family Resort is just as action-packed as its setting. The all-inclusive resort offers a slew of amenities for guests, including 19 restaurants and bars, four pools, two tennis courts, a spa, and nightly entertainment.

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Kids of all ages will find lots to like here. The resort’s Treasure Island Water Park has slides for both big and little kids, and on-site mini-golf and ziplines amp up the excitement. Babies, kids, and teens all have their own hangout spaces where they can take part in storytime, games, and other activities. All 502 guest rooms have private balconies overlooking the Caribbean Sea or Nichupté Lagoon, and family suites have bunk beds for the kiddos. Rates start at $230 per night for double occupancy, and special offers throughout the year can add even more savings.

9. Royalton Bavaro

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Be warned: It may be tough to go home after a stay at Royalton Bavaro. Situated on Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana, the all-inclusive resort makes it easy to enjoy the water with included access to snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding equipment. You can also take a dip in one of the five swimming pools or float along the on-site lazy river, which stretches across the resort and takes guests through a mini cave and past a splash pad and swim-up bar serving cocktails and mocktails.

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There’s a full schedule of daily activities and nightly entertainment, plus amenities for sporty types that include mini-golf, tennis and pickleball, and a top-notch fitness facility with expert-led classes and personalized training options. Kids and teen clubs give young guests their own places to hang out and play and allow the grownups to check out the on-site casino and spa. The starting nightly rate for a family of four is $266, and the resort is part of the Marriott Bonvoy program and frequently has special offers available.

Budget-friendly all-inclusive family resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com.

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The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: These 9 all-inclusive resorts make it easy to stick to your budget