My husband and I would like to take my daughter on a surprise Caribbean vacation for her 13th birthday. Can you recommend someplace, preferably all-inclusive, that would interest both her and my husband and me? Thanks!

Wow--sure beats an 'N Sync CD! The Beaches Resort at the Turks & Caicos could be the perfect location for you and your newly-minted teen. Located halfway between Florida and Puerto Rico, this chain of islands (a British Crown Colony, by the way) offers aqua water and white sand--everybody's fantasy image of the Caribbean. We give this one high marks due to its European spa and great diving (learn to dive in these bathtub-warm seas, if you're not certified, and you'll be spoiled forever). The resort, fairly new, is set on a 12-mile stretch of beach in Providenciales. Features include a freshwater swimming pool and nine gourmet restaurants (you'll need those watersports). Now that she's a teenager, your daughter will need some time with her own kind; Beaches excels here, with special activities for the 13-plus crowd, including sand-sculpting contests and disco parties. Oh, and they offer that absolute must amenity: a Video Games Center. Rates for adults and children start at $245 per night. Call (888) BEACHES.

Another option to consider: Beaches' Boscobel Resort in Ochos Rios, Jamaica. For Mom and Dad, there's an Adults Only west wing, with a private pool, jacuzzi, pool bar, piano bar, restaurant, and entertainment area (so you can enjoy music you like, without watching her roll her eyes!). And, in addition to all the watersports you'd expect on the beach, they offer a fitness center, fitness classes, and jacuzzis. For teens, there's a private, supervised teens-only hangout, with Gamewaves Interactive Zone, a jukebox, group activities, and watersports galore. A bonus here: Kids under 14 stay, play, and eat free. Rates for adults and children start at $168 per night and vary depending on length of stay and season. Call (888) 232-3435 or visit the Beaches' Boscobel website.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses and prices are subject to change. Originally published in March 2001. Updated April 2006.

Diane Bair and Pamela Wright have worked as a travel-writing team since 1988, when their first book, FUN PLACES TO GO WITH CHILDREN IN NEW ENGLAND was published. The Bair-Wright team has gone on to write more than a dozen more books, including ADVENTURE NEW ENGLAND: AN OUTDOOR VACATION GUIDE and WILD ENCOUNTERS: THE BEST ANIMAL-WATCHING ADVENTURES IN THE U.S. They are frequent contributors to several national magazines, including FAMILYFUN, BETTER HOMES & GARDENS, BACKPACKER, TRAVELAMERICA, PARENTING and NEW ENGLAND TRAVEL & LIVING. Bair and Wright are based in a 200-year-old brownstone in the seaport town of Newburyport, Massachusetts.