THERE is no fool-proof way of choosing a holiday destination. Even the most reliable personal recommendations hinge upon the giver and recipient of the advice sharing a similar outlook on travel. It can't always ensure that travellers spend time and money in the places best suited to them.

That is why the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) has set up its new Interactive Trip Planner.

Using the Internet, it acts as an aggregator of details about all the islands of the region to produce an easy-to-navigate mine of information ranging from island profiles, through accommodation options, tours and eco-information.

The Planner came in very useful when researching a Caribbean holiday for myself and my 12-year-old son.

Sand, sea and sun were guaranteed, but kids these days require a lot more besides to keep them occupied and allow Dad at least the odd hour to hit the rum punch - at least that's my experience.

The CTO site - www.caribbean.co.uk - reveals a whole range of choice; more than 30 countries are listed from large but uniquely different islands such as Cuba and Jamaica, to tiny Robinson Crusoe-like places such as the Grenadines, Turks and Caicos.

We chose Barbados, the most easterly of the West Indies islands and therefore one of the shortest and most direct flights. It seemed big enough to take more than half an hour to explore, yet intimate enough to give a feeling of familiarity after only a few busy days.

When it came to accommodation, the trip planner defined hotels, resorts and villas in terms of location, likely prices, and type of accommodation.

We chose two resorts, both on the sheltered west coast where the sea is calm and clear, in the popular St James's area. Both are offered in the Kuoni brochure and although just a mile or so apart are very different in flavour and experience.

The Tamarind Cove Hotel is, as you would expect, right next to the beach with wonderful sunset views and although the three swimming pools are pleasant enough, it's little wonder that it's the sea itself that attracts the majority of guests. Crystal clear, it laps against a beautifully clean and extensive beach - quite an unusual feature on what is largely an indented and often rocky coastline.

Meals, a la carte or buffet-style, are taken in the hotel's two distinctively different restaurants with live, but far from intrusive, music most evenings. Rooms are light and airy, but ask for availability of those above ground floor level if you want a truly memorable view.

Our other choice was the Crystal Cove, half a mile to the south and with interestingly shaped pools and swim-up bar beneath a waterfall. This hotel seems a hit with families with young children, probably because its 'all-inclusive' package means you know the exact cost before you get on the plane.

Both hotels, and their sister establishment, the Colony Club, a mile or so further north, are linked by regular shuttle boat; guests can use this complimentary transport to sample the other resorts and compare the various beaches and facilities.

We did just that and witnessed a sight money simply could not buy. As our water taxi drew up on the sandy beach, a crowd was gathering by the surf-line. Literally dozens of newly-hatched sea turtles were emerging from the sand and struggling purposefully towards the sea.

A turtle conservation expert who had been called to the scene explained these were Hawksbill turtles, hundreds of which nest on the shoreline each year. While there were more than 170 hatchlings from this nest it takes more than 30 years for these animals to reach breeding age - and just one in a thousand make it back to Barbados to reproduce.

Less serious but more predictable are the water sports on offer, which are provided at each hotel with windsurfing, dinghy sailing and snorkelling all being popular activities. For the more adventurous there is water-skiing and, what can only be described as being dragged at speed behind a speed-boat on an inflatable ring. This latter activity is great fun for anybody under the age of 15 - for the rest of us it's a case of grin and bear it.

Also available from the beach, but at extra cost, are jet skis (great fun but not exactly soothing on the ear for those dozing on their sunbeds) and para-sailing. The latter, a seemingly scary endeavour, is in fact one of the most relaxing things I have done for some time, offering a bird's eye view of the beaches and the azure sea below.

If you ever tire of lying on your sunbed, there are plenty of other things to do in Barbados. The island is one of the most historically interesting in the Caribbean - rum was invented here, for example. But you might find more excitement on one of the so-called island 'safaris'.

These tours of the interior via Land Rover and motor-mouth driver-guides are great fun; the day we tried it there was heavy rain which meant plenty of mud made it a memorable tour.

The more sedate might try a catamaran cruise from the historic Bridgetown harbour. These all-inclusive day trips usually involve a snorkelling stop, food and plenty to drink - as well as the unique experience of swimming with turtles. Guides attract juvenile green turtles which live on the coral reefs around Barbados, with titbits of fish while we, the tourists, float around in an ungainly attempt to photograph them.

Other child friendly attractions include a tour of the Harrison Caves in the centre of the island full of stalagmites and stalactites. Go in the early evening to enjoy the special music show and try the local - and usually very spicy - culinary specialities.

TRAVELFACTS

* John Spencer was a guest of Kuoni Travel (01306 747 008) which offers two-centre stays in Barbados based on three nights full-board at Tamarind Cove and four nights all-inclusive at Crystal Cove, including flights from Manchester and Heathrow, during 2005 from £1,092 per adult, £983 per child.

* Kuoni special offers in Barbados in November/December, include seven nights full-board at Tamarind Cove from £1,159 until Dec 15, saving up to £175 per person, and seven nights room-only at Colony Club from £1,039. Flights leave Heathrow on Mon, Thurs, Sat, Manchester on Fri.

* Contact the Caribbean Tourism Organisation for information and holiday planning advice on 020 8948 0057 or visit www.caribbean.co.uk