All inclusive vacation worth it?

[metta2006]

Hi,
I'm looking into going to Mexico, Cuba or Jamaica or somewhere in south, all inclusive resort. Is it a good deal if it is 1000 dollars per person for a week?
My hubby has air miles so he can travel free but I wonder if it would be cheaper to buy the package rather than arranging all ourselves.
I'm usually quite frugal and I haven't really pampered myself like that before. It feels like a waste of money but my hubby really wants to go. Would you say it's worth the money?

One more thing, we have a 18mo old so that's another reason why we just want to hang out in the resort. It would be hard to do much with a baby.

Can you recommend a resort or online travel agent where I can book a well priced pacakage? Thanks so much.

[fireguy9]

I have been to Aruba all inclusive and air hotel only and would not do that again,,,, it cost easily double what all incl would of been and it is so convenient not having to worry about paying for basically anything unless you leave your resort.

[metta2006]

I have been to Aruba all inclusive and air hotel only and would not do that again,,,, it cost easily double what all incl would of been and it is so convenient not having to worry about paying for basically anything unless you leave your resort.

Fireguy, are you saying you are not going to air hotel only again and would do all inclusive if I understand correctly?

[Pete_Coach]

I'm with the OP, Fireguy...what are you saying?
As for the OP's question, generally the tour operators get a much better combined deal than you can find. If they can load a whole aircraft of folks going to one or two of the resorts, they can get a better deal than you could. You will be paying full price for airfare and trying to slice a deal for the all inclusive stay at the resort. $1000 per person seems to be OK. It seems that prices are a bit lower this year than previous years. Just make sure what the "all inclusive" tag means. Some of these are limited to the one buffet restaurant, the one type of beer and drinks, others are a bit more flexible.
Save your airmiles for a free flight to Europe (before you child turns 2 or it costs another ticket)

[3weddings]

Good advice PeteCoach!

I am an adventurous traveler and enjoy sampling local fare. It can be a little more expensive of course.

IMO since it's your first treat, you should try the A.I. route and get your feet wet. $1 all in, sounds reasonable to me. But to check what it includes.

If you're looking for a stress free vacation, look no further then an all inclusive vacation package. With an all inclusive vacation package you can pretty much leave your wallet at home as everything you need is included in one affordable price. At Escapes.ca we offer discounted all inclusive packages from Canada to sun destinations throughout Mexico, Cuba, the Domincan Republic, the Caribbean and Central America.

With everything included in one convenient price, its no wonder why all inclusive vacations are the most popular choice amongst our vacationing customers. For the last deals on all inclusve packages, search and book online or call and speak to one of our knowledgeable vacation specialists.

What do all inclusive packages include?
All Inclusive package inclusions can vary between hotels and tour operators, but generally, this is what they inlcuded...

* Roundtrip airfare from major Canadian gateways
* 7 or 14 night hotel accommodations
* Transfers to/from the airport/hotel
* Tour operator representative in destination
* All meals, drinks and snacks
* Daily activites with entertainment staff (water sports, pool games, etc.)
* Nightly entertainment
* Hotel taxes

When booking your all inclusive package, please refer to each hotels specific all inclusive features as inclusions vary from each hotel.

[Psubs]

I'm with the OP, Fireguy...what are you saying?
As for the OP's question, generally the tour operators get a much better combined deal than you can find. If they can load a whole aircraft of folks going to one or two of the resorts, they can get a better deal than you could. You will be paying full price for airfare and trying to slice a deal for the all inclusive stay at the resort. $1000 per person seems to be OK. It seems that prices are a bit lower this year than previous years. Just make sure what the "all inclusive" tag means. Some of these are limited to the one buffet restaurant, the one type of beer and drinks, others are a bit more flexible.
Save your airmiles for a free flight to Europe (before you child turns 2 or it costs another ticket)

You're more likely to get chinced like that if you're going to a 3-star or less resort. Though I suppose the price is reflective of the service but definitely of the quality of food.

$1,000 seems great for an all-inclusive during the reading week and March break time of the year.

[jl001]

I'm a fan of all inclusive vacations, and I've done numerous all-inclusives in the Caribbean and Mexico.
If you can get a package below $1000 (tax included), then it's a bargain.
Don't go anywhere below 4 stars though - higher star rating generally means more ammenities in the resorts and more variety of restaurants...

[laptop-tech]

I LOVE these AI vacations....did it the first time last year and now I think its a necessity.

WELL worth the money. Basically pay for the package, and worry only about tips and extras (like local tours or attractions outside the resort) with some extra cash. If you're bringing the baby, some resorts have sort of a "day care" and you can give yourself some free time to just relax and toast on the beach.

[gei]

Worth it??? Wow you definitely would not be asking that question if you had been on one before.

[fireguy9]

Fireguy, are you saying you are not going to air hotel only again and would do all inclusive if I understand correctly?

I would only do all incl ,,,, would never do air hotel again,,, as that will always cost more in the end

[mlc2000]

When u go all inclusive, bring about $50 in $1USD bills for tipping.
You will get faster service at the bars.

Unless you go to Sandals, where tipping is verbotten (except in Cuba)

[patriot]

There are some destinations where you would be better off not booking a A/I. Two that come right to mind is Cancun/Acalpoco, there are so many restaurants on the strip and in old Cancun and Acalpolco which are easily accessible by either a bus/taxi or walking. And the cost and experience is really worth while.

Having said that there are also some destinations where financially it would be prudent to go A/I. As mentioned Aruba or the ABC islands,Turks & Caicos.

Cheers

[mlc2000]

There are some destinations where you would be better off not booking a A/I. Two that come right to mind is Cancun/Acalpoco, there are so many restaurants on the strip and in old Cancun and Acalpolco which are easily accessible by either a bus/taxi or walking. And the cost and experience is really worth while.

Having said that there are also some destinations where financially it would be prudent to go A/I. As mentioned Aruba or the ABC islands,Turks & Caicos.

Cheers

Aruba is one of the ABC: Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao

[metta2006]

There are some destinations where you would be better off not booking a A/I. Two that come right to mind is Cancun/Acalpoco, there are so many restaurants on the strip and in old Cancun and Acalpolco which are easily accessible by either a bus/taxi or walking. And the cost and experience is really worth while.

Having said that there are also some destinations where financially it would be prudent to go A/I. As mentioned Aruba or the ABC islands,Turks & Caicos.

Cheers

That's what I thought. If I can get a good hotel at a reasonable rate within a walking distance to a beach and the town, I don't really need to do a A/I. I can go to any restaurant I want to eat. Does anyone know a good site where I can book a hotel or bungalow in Mexico? Thanks.

[3weddings]

A friend of ours just bought a gorgeous townhome in Playa delCarmen (outside of Cancun) which he rents out weekly. Stunning homes in the are, a very short walk to the beach with a pool onsite.

Perhaps you can look into renting private properties, unless you prefer a hotel environment.