8 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean For Families, Couples, and Friend Groups

Zip in seven minutes by boat from the mainland and you've tumbled into a quiet world of warm trade winds and water so clear you can see starfish nudging around at the bottom. Undoubtedly one of the most luxurious all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, Jumby Bay is a 300-acre private island that lures the well-heeled who want their paradise washed down with slick service and sand so powdery it's sieved daily. The new ocean view suites with pools and more rooms are fab for families—crisp and fresh, the pinnacle of seaside living in a Nantucket-meets-Provence style. Sweet staff appear with fruit kebabs and a scoop of mango sorbet when you least expect but most need it, and not only remember your name but also how many ice cubes you take in your vodka tonic. Everyone is on the all-inclusive plan here, so there's a relaxed feeling to the place. You can do whatever you want (waterskiing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, and snorkeling excursions) wherever you fancy, eat in all the restaurants, and drink as much Champagne as you desire. Once bitten, you just can't keep away.

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Forbes

an hour ago

• Forbes

A Biologist And Avid Spearfisherman Offers 3 Rules To Avoid Becoming ‘Jaws Bait' This Summer

Summer is the best time to enjoy the sand, sea and surf. Here's how to do so safely, without letting ... More irrational fears spoil a great vacation. Anyone who has ever seen the movie Jaws (which turns 50 this week) has probably thought at one point or another 'Nah, I'll stick to the pool today' or 'We'd better stay in the boat and save the swim for another time.' In many ways, this thinking comes at the cost of having a great time. It's akin to saying something like, 'No, I don't want to take that European vacation because I'm too scared to get on a plane' or 'I'd rather not go camping because I'm afraid of getting bit by a snake.' Sure, there's the possibility that you die in a plane crash, get bit by a snake, or get eaten by a Jaws-size great white shark. But there's also the risk that you develop heart disease, contract cancer, or die in a car accident. I don't have to tell you which outcome is more likely. This might come off as a bit insensitive. But, keep in mind that you're reading a column by a guy who catches venomous snakes for a living and, in his spare time, spearfishes striped bass in one of the most dangerous inlets on the eastern seaboard. (At some point I'll tell you about all the amazing sharks I've seen while spearfishing, but I'll save that for another article.) Suffice it to say that my risk-odometer is a little different than most. Of course, like any intelligent human being, I'm a big believer in taking calculated risks. And, yes, swimming in the ocean, any ocean, comes with risks. Sharks are absolutely one of those risks. Here are three rules to help you manage ocean risks, while doing so in a way that preserves your ability to have a good time. 1. Be Aware Of All Ocean Risks, Not Just Those Posed By Sharks Despite their fearsome reputation, sharks cause far fewer deaths worldwide than rip currents, ... More jellyfish, or even sun exposure. Knowing the real risks can help you enjoy the ocean safely. Do you know what the biggest risk of ocean swimming is? It's not a trick question. The answer is drowning. The likelihood of drowning in the ocean in the United States is about one in three million. The odds of experiencing a deadly shark bite is less than one in 264 million. We're talking about orders of magnitude here. Keep this fact in mind the next time a scary Jaws scene pops into your head while wading knee-deep into the whitecaps. The single best way to avoid drowning is to swim at a guarded beach. Don't break this rule. Furthermore, the odds of being attacked and killed by a shark isn't even the most common cause of death among marine wildlife and human encounters. Jellyfish, for example, are reported to kill about 50 people per year while sharks only kill 5-10 people per year. That said, fatalities from jellyfish stings are generally more geographically restricted than shark attacks, occurring mostly in northern Australia and Southeast Asia where the deadly box jellyfish is found. Rip currents are another danger – far more deadly than sharks. They account for over 80% of rescues performed by beach lifeguards. These fast-moving channels of water can pull even strong swimmers away from shore. Additionally, sunburn and heatstroke are also common beach-related health issues that can ruin a vacation. Being mindful of the weather, staying hydrated, using reef-safe sunscreen and knowing how to identify a rip current are all practical ways to minimize risk while maximizing enjoyment. 2. Not All Beaches Have An Equal Shark Attack Risk Some U.S. counties, like Volusia in Florida and Maui in Hawaii, have recorded dozens of shark ... More attacks. But even in these hotspots, bites are rare and usually non-fatal. You can read this article if you're interested to know exactly where most shark attacks take place, but I'll provide you with the cliff notes here. The International Shark Attack File (ISAF) provides detailed, publicly accessible records of unprovoked shark attacks worldwide. In the United States, certain counties stand out for higher-than-average shark activity – due to a combination of factors like warm water, active surf communities and high marine biodiversity. Volusia County, Florida, leads the list with 351 recorded attacks, particularly around New Smyrna Beach, nicknamed the 'Shark Bite Capital of the World.' The nearby Brevard County has logged 158 attacks. Further down the Florida coast, Palm Beach County (83 attacks), Martin County (41 attacks), St. Lucie County (39 attacks), and St. Johns County (45 attacks) also make the list. Each of these areas is a popular beach destination, increasing the chances of incidental encounters between people and sharks. Hawaii features heavily, too, with Maui County (75 attacks), Oahu County (42 attacks), and Kauai County (33). These islands host vibrant marine ecosystems and strong surfing cultures, which naturally lead to a higher rate of contact with sharks, especially tiger sharks. South Carolina's Charleston County (40 attacks) and Horry County (36 attacks) have also seen their share of incidents, as have places like Duval County, Florida and Brunswick County, North Carolina. Still, it's crucial to remember that even in these 'higher risk' zones, shark attacks remain incredibly rare and often non-fatal. In fact, many of the injuries are minor, involving quick bite-and-release behavior from a curious or confused shark. 3. Always Swim On A Guarded Beach Swimming at a lifeguard-monitored beach is the single most effective step you can take for ocean ... More safety. The single most important thing you can do to stay safe when going to the beach is to stay near the lifeguards and always swim between the flags. These designated swim areas are monitored constantly, and lifeguards are trained to respond rapidly to any kind of emergency, whether it's a rip current, medical issue or wildlife concern. Guarded beaches are also far more likely to close temporarily if a shark is spotted, ensuring that you aren't in the water when one is actively hunting or patrolling nearby. In addition, lifeguards often have access to real-time information about water quality, tides, jellyfish blooms and other hazards that the average beachgoer wouldn't otherwise be aware of. If you're unfamiliar with a beach, check local advisories before entering the water and don't swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk, when sharks are most active. Wondering how afraid you are of sharks, and other dangerous creatures, compared to others? Take the Sensation Seeking Scale for a science-backed answer.

Business Insider

7 hours ago

• Business Insider

I've lived in Seattle for 22 years. If you want to have a good time in my city, there are 6 things you need to know.

Perched on the edge of the Puget Sound, surrounded by sparkling water, snow-capped mountains, and lush, evergreen forests, it's easy to see why Seattle is nicknamed the "Emerald City." It's also well-known for its diverse music scene, coffee culture, and thriving tech industry. After living in Seattle for more than two decades, I've learned a lot about how to enjoy the city and make the most of all it has to offer. If you want to have the best time on your trip, here are a few things I recommend keeping in mind. Seattle has 78 distinct neighborhoods To really experience the "Emerald City," I recommend expanding your travels beyond the downtown corridor and immersing yourself in some of the city's unique neighborhoods. For example, the Alki neighborhood in West Seattle is a great place for a walk on the beach on a nice day. In addition to the stunning views of the water, it's possible to spot some whales or other sea life depending on the time of year. Meanwhile, the historic Columbia City neighborhood is where you'll find plenty of diverse food choices, including Mexican, Caribbean, Ethiopian, and Vietnamese cuisines. There's also a farmers market every Wednesday from May to October. Other neighborhoods I recommend include Queen Anne, which is home to the Museum of Pop Culture, and Capitol Hill, which has a variety of LGBTQ+ bars, clubs, and community events. The weather probably isn't as bad as you think, but it's good to dress in layers Although Seattle's weather is best known for providing gray skies and plenty of rain, it's nice to know that this doesn't last all year long. In my experience, most of the city's heavy rain is concentrated between November and April. The spring and fall seasons can be gray and drizzly, but they're also filled with incredible sun breaks that seemingly come from nowhere. July and August are typically the sunniest, driest months of the year. The unpredictability of Seattle's weather has taught me it's best to dress in warm, water-resistant layers that can be easily removed, stored, and put on again whenever the weather changes. There are plenty of opportunities to get out on the water Instead of driving, I recommend taking a water taxi from downtown Seattle to West Seattle. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes and the fare costs just $5.75 for adults ages 19 to 64. There's also a 35-minute ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island and an hour-long ferry ride from Seattle to Bremerton. Both are perfect for taking a day trip to explore different parts of the state. In line with its "Emerald City" nickname, there are acres of parkland worth exploring Whatever you do in Seattle, don't miss Seward Park. With 300 acres of forest, a 2.4 mile bike and walking path, and miles of shoreline and beaches, I think it's one of the best parks in the area to connect with nature and learn about local wildlife. Another place I love is Seattle's expansive new Waterfront Park. Although it's not complete yet, the area has already been transformed to include public piers, a promenade, playgrounds, and artwork, with more to come. Speaking of artwork, there are thousands of pieces of public art in Seattle In the 70s, Seattle became one of the first cities in the US to mandate that 1% of eligible city capital improvement project funds be dedicated to art. As a result, the city has thousands of pieces of public artwork, including both permanent and temporary structures. You can see the work of local artists everywhere from libraries and parks to bridges and lampposts, and even while riding trains underground. There's always something to celebrate No matter what your interests are, Seattle offers dozens of festivals related to art, culture, food, film, and more. From the Northwest Folklife Festival to the Capitol Hill Block Party and the Seattle International Film Festival, be sure to consult an event calendar before planning your trip so you can book accommodations accordingly.

Yahoo

10 hours ago

• Yahoo

Teen ‘Lost It' After Parents Upgraded Her Younger Sister to Business Class on a Long Flight — and Not Her: It's 'Unfair'

A teenager said she 'lost it' on her parents after they upgraded her younger sister to business class for a long flight, but didn't do the same for her The 17-year-old said in a post on Reddit that she is upset her parents would treat her and her 14-year-old sibling "differently" "It's just the fact that they have two children, and they would leave the other one out when there were other solutions,' she saidA teen girl said she "lost it" after her parents got her younger sister a business class ticket for a long flight and didn't do the same for her. In a post on Reddit's 'Am I the A------?' forum, the 17-year-old wrote that she and her family will be traveling to China later this year for a family vacation. She and her mother will be flying separately from her father and her 14-year-old sister, as her sibling will be finishing summer camp. 'My dad decided to use all of his frequent flyer points to upgrade him and my sister to premium economy on the way there (12 hours), and business class on the way back (14 hours),' the teen said, adding, 'He sent a message after he did this to the family group chat without discussing it with anybody.' According to the Redditor, her mom then attempted to upgrade herself to business class, but didn't have enough points, so she ended up upgrading both herself and her daughter to premium economy seating instead. The teen girl said she attempted to 'confront' her parents about the travel ordeal, telling them that she thought they could have tried harder to come up with a 'fair solution.' 'My father could've gifted some of his points to my mom so that she also could've upgraded both of us to business class too. In this case, we would've all flown there in economy and back in business,' she explained. However, the teenager wrote that her parents did not appreciate her complaints. 'My father just told me that life isn't fair. My mother said that I'm selfish and the a------ for not being happy for them," she said. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. At that point is when the teen said she started to "lose it" and asked her parents why it was considered 'selfish' to 'want to be treated equally as my sister.' Further explaining that she's 'actually not jealous' of her sister, but rather 'hurt" that her parents didn't try to work out a fairer solution between their two children, the teen continued, "I think my parents can use their points on themselves [because] it's their money, and I wouldn't mind if they only upgraded themselves." "It's just the fact that they have two children, and they would leave the other one out when there were other solutions,' she added. 'This truly isn't about me complaining about being in economy — I don't care about that. I'm just sad they would treat us differently." In the comments section, Reddit users were divided over whether or not the teen was being unreasonable. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! 'You're getting a trip funded by your parents and are complaining about not getting the same upgrade as your younger sister,' one person pointed out. They added, 'You have three years of having your parents to yourself before she arrived. How many things did you get first, or only because you were born first? Why does everything have to be equal to what your sister has? Life isn't fair, and your parents don't have to bend over backwards to make everything be even for you and your sister.' Other Redditors, however, said that they thought the teen's feelings were entirely valid — and that the parents should have worked harder to try to create a fairer solution. 'There is no way in hell I would do this to one of our kids," one person wrote. "It's not about the better seats. It's being left out and being told she is unreasonable for feeling left out." 'As a parent, I would do my best to be fair to both my children. If both the kids seats couldn't be upgraded then don't upgrade either. [On] a family trip that we took, my parents got the upgraded seats, and my brother and I were back in economy. But at least then neither one of us felt like the other was being treated better. You just want to be treated equally,' said another. Read the original article on People