All Inclusive Resorts

Shawn,
I've stayed at a bunch in Mexico and last year in Costa Rico. I'm staying in one in Panama this coming January. I've enjoyed all. Look at Vacationstogo.com for good deals.
 
I'm a fan of "all inclusive" deals. But I eat a lot of food and drink a lot of booze on vacation. ;)

Plus... I can just pay the cost of entry and not worry about how much I'm spending the whole time.
 
Good points here.

My wife went on a cruise last year with her sister and their tickets were all inclusive. They had a great time and really liked the up front pricing without having to worry about the food/drink bills piling up and so on. I don't have any personal experience myself, but I will fix that.
 
There is one we've stayed a few of times and we really liked it. I like the part about only pulling out the pocket book once, but it isn't my preferred way of visiting someplace.
I've traveled a fair bit and tend to like to roam and see how the place is lived in. My favorite meals are almost always the ones at locally owned places a bit off the primary tourist paths. If I've already paid for my meals at the place I am staying, I am much less likely to even try the local places and I feel like I've experienced the resort, but not the community.
If it was my nature to stay on campus, I would be much more inclined to all inclusive, especially if it meant the Mrs. Got a spa deal.
 
veinbuster said:
I've traveled a fair bit and tend to like to roam and see how the place is lived in. My favorite meals are almost always the ones at locally owned places a bit off the primary tourist paths. If I've already paid for my meals at the place I am staying, I am much less likely to even try the local places and I feel like I've experienced the resort, but not the community.
Click to expand...

Excellent point.

I think my wife had a blast because while on the ship it as all included, but you were on your own once you docked. Best of both worlds perhaps. It makes me want to take a cruise.
 
That's a great idea! I'd pay to spend a week of vacation at the PRS Factory learning different jobs and eating donuts with the crew. It could be like Rock Star Fantasy Camp for wannabe luthiers.

But you probably meant a vacation for you. In that case, my family and i had a great time in Punta Cana a few years ago. Not all of the food was the greatest, but it wasn't bad and the beach and the inclusive drinks were awesome along with the pool, pool bar and room.
 
I have done a few and they can be a great deal. It is nice to not look at prices on the menu or not order another 13 dollar frozen drink on the beach. I would check out reviews of the restaurants at the resort though because unlimited is not good if the food got bad comments from past visitors. Also as pointed out above you might want to spend a dinner or two off site and weigh that into the equation.

We did two vacations this year in Mexico and Aruba. Mexico was a freebie at an all inclusive resort as a perk for my wife hitting a sales goal and it rocked drinking and eating with no worries of cost. Mexico was on us with our daughter and we did not do the all inclusive because we would not drink near as much with her long and it made sense to not spring for it.
 
Hey hay Hay! I wanna know all about these too! Screw culture! I wanna drink, tan, read, smoke, and know what I'm payin' up front... kinda like I do everyday of my life.
 
I totally agree with veinbuster. We've done a few all-inclusives, but prefer to explore and and experience the culture wherever we are. Of course, if you are thinking of sitting back and just relaxing, everyone's comments about not worrying about the costs (or carrying a wallet) is spot on.

Where are you thinking about going? Seems like a lot of experience and local knowledge here to share.
 
My wife and I did Sandals vacations in December 11 and 12. (Adult couples only) Both were great. No tipping is permitted. There was plenty to do without ever taking out your wallet. Copious amounts of food and drink assure significant weight gain. Beaches (sp) is similar, but geared towards families with children.
 
To echo Tiboy...make sue you know what the resort caters to. Some are for families, some are for couples-only...some are for those who like to be active and have water sports and lots of activities,, some are for those who want to lay on the beach and relax.
 
Thanks for the input folks. I've never done an all inclusive and I'm not sure how i feel about them. The commercials make them look great. Nice accommodations, flashy nightlife, beautiful people, etc. I just wonder if the reality lives up to the perception?
 
I only have done one and that was at sandals in St. Lucia and I liked it a lot. Like others have mentioned that it's nice not having to worry about prices once you're at the resort and just focus on enjoying the food and drinks.
 
I also appreciate the points about exploring. We rented a condo last year in Barbados with another couple. We had a kitchen so we fixed about half our own meals. Eating out can be a big expense. We rented a car and drove the circumference of the island. However, I think it depends on the country. I used to do that in Mexico, but not anymore.

So, I'd rather rent a house or condo if I felt safe, but an all-Inclusive is nice if security is questionable. Most all-inclusives will offer side excursions if you want guided exploration, too.
 
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