It wasn’t that long ago that my husband are I were planning romantic getaways for two when all we had to worry about was each other and if I packed enough bikinis to get me through the week. I remember both of us saying things like, “ugh, I’m bored…let’s go do something.” while laying in the sun – something that hasn’t been uttered in years now that we have children. There’s never a dull moment but life with little boys is perfect. Vacations are awesomely busy, hectic, loud, exciting and just plain ridiculously fun. We get to create amazing moments  for our boys that are etched into their memory banks and that’s what life is all about. The moments don’t have to be extravagant all the time but when the biggies roll around they’re definitely not easily forgotten! The last time we went on a family vacation to Mexico my boys were 2 years old and 5 months old. My then 2 year old still remembers sitting at the pool bar ordering “fancy drinks” (sprite with an umbrella)  and it being the best trip of his little life! And then there was Ethan, at 5 months old, who obviously took maxin’ and relaxin’ very seriously. Cutest baby on the beach, right?

Now it’s just a matter of finding another great family friendly resort that’s geared more towards kids since a baby pool won’t exactly keep a 5 and 3 year old occupied all day.  Booking at a family resort is a given but we need lots of activities, super fun slides, sports, games, toys…and preferably above a four star.  If you don’t do your homework and really dig deep and read review after review after review on tripadvisor you can be in for a real disappointment especially if you’re booking purely based on a last minute pricetag.

Thomas Cook Kids First (TCKF) is a program designed to create memorable family vacations. The selection of resorts under the TCKF category are handpicked and approved by kids and parents to ensure that your resort choice is the best one for your family. Have a family of 5 or more?  Need a babysitter once you arrive so you can reconnect with the hubs at an à la carte? All these needs are taken care of through the TCKF program.

You can watch Kid Reviewed, Parent Approved videos that detail resorts in the Caribbean, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico and the Riviera Maya. Once you find the resort that fits your family’s style you then receive $500 in extras when you book! A $50 visa card, $25 indigo card, $25 Shopper’s Drug Mart gift card, a magazine subscription, free seat selection, free airport lounge pass and kids activity books.

Thomas Cook is also running a contest where you could win a family vacation for 4 to the Gran Bahia Principe in the Riviera Maya! We’ve been there and it’s fantastic!  Click to enter here. Are you booking a winter holiday? I’m soooo itching to go somewhere warm this winter…the -40 degrees over christmas did me in!