Thoughts on all inclusive vacations???

i went to a riu all inclusive resort in punta cana, dominican republic, for my senior year trip a couple of years ago. it's a beautiful place, and there is no real need to leave the hotel. we left only once, to go to a shopping area about 20 minutes away, you go through some sketchy areas but the shopping area is beautiful. the ocean at the hotel was amazing. it's kind of cool how they have that hotel set up. there are 3 hotels in the complex, one super nice one, and 2 nice ones. we were staying at the super nice one, so we had access to all of the hotels and all of the amenities, whereas those that were staying at the less-nice ones could only use their hotels amenities, all said and done, with airfare and hotel (everything else other than the usual stuff, shopping and outside food were included, with the exception of drinks in the casino and in their club, which was fine because there was a bar right outside of the club and you could bring drinks in) i think it cost me (for one person) 1200. (a tad on the pricey side, but i think it was well worth it.)

 

If you consider Jamaica, I'd recommend Negril over Montego Bay. The beaches in Negril are much nicer, IMHO. Overall though, I wasn't too impressed with Jamaica. The country is a dump (no offense) and there's really not much to see outside of the resorts that isn't a complete tourist trap. Maybe I just went to the wrong places, but I'd pick many other destinations before I returned to Jamaica.

I went with an all-inclusive package and would do so again, but there are some drawbacks. My package included tips and such, and as a result the service at the restaurants was quite poor (even though I tipped). Most employees seemed to act like they didn't expect to receive any tips so they certainly didn't work for them. That was probably my biggest annoyance, because I liked everything else about the all-inclusive package.

 

I concur, skip Jamaica.

Look at Playa Del Carmen near Cancun.

 

Stay as far away from Jamicia as you can...

Hit me up after next week-end, doing an all inclusive in Playa del Carmen...I'll let you know how it went.

 

Skip Jamaica...look at the BVIs... www.b-v-i.com ... we have been going with our three children, my parents and other relatives several times a year for years...there are several great kid friendly-family resorts... www.beyc.com ... www.leverickbay.com ... www.littledixbay.com ... all of these places are great for children ...our 9, 11 and 13 year old took sailing lessons at the Bitter End Yacht Club only two months ago... the BVIs will give you and your wife a romantic holiday in the Caribbean and your children will be occupied with much better activities than go-carts, water slides and kids clubs ... such as learning to sail, snorkeling, hiking, even kids SCUBA discovery ...my girls even learn something every time we go down... and they will have a lot more fun than they will with the typical beach resort...

 

As far as all inclusives go, I highly recommend it if you don't mind the initial expense. It's nice to walk up to the bar all day long and never have the "these beers are $7 each" thoughts in the back of your mind. Eat and drink to your hearts content for one set price.

Frank, did they ever get A/C in all the rooms at BEYC? When I was there 3 yrs ago they didn't have it. It was ok at night, but brutal during the day. I also wasn't a fan of their beaches, but the fleet of Boston Whalers made it tolerable.

Add www.caneelbay.com to Franks list. Same company that owns Little Dix, but Caneel has 7 beaches on the property versus 1 at Little Dix. Here's a pic I took from the balcony of my room when I was there 3 weeks ago, sorry for the crappy camera phone quality...
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I do all inclusive in Cabo usually once a year, it was worth it. I think we pay $75 more a day, unlimited drinks and food. That could be worth looking into.

I also would suggest maybe a cruise in the Caribbean? Or a Club-Med.

 

Yes, our villa had A/C and we all thought the beaches were fine...we spent a lot of time boating going to other islands as well...

 

Try Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, its kid friendly. Also Disney has their own cruise ship out of Florida I think, very kid friendly.

 

GROSS...a bunch of glass high rises on a sand bar hardly qualifies as a vacation IMHO...neither does a floating hotel like a Disney cruise...take a Caribbean vacation for fun and relaxation along with an opportunity to teach the children something about the Caribbean, its people and culture...children are already exposed to crowds in school and other activities in day to day life...let them have some real fun without concrete, glass and plastic everywhere...

 

Some Beaches of Mexico:Cancun,Playa del Carmen,Cabo San Lucas,Isla Mujeres,Ixtapa,Acapulco...and we have more

 

I love Isla Mujeres..best of the Yucatan Peninsula IMHO...laid back..no glass high rises...just fun and sun...

 

My wife and I did a little get away a couple months ago in "The Mexican Riviera" (near Playa Del Carmen). We stayed in an all inclusive resort that was great with super friendly and helpful staff. We are looking forward to going back - beautiful, excellent food, and services without crappy attitude like most everywhere else in The Caribbean.

 

Playa del Carmen is nice too...and that "crappy attitude" is usually found only in the high touristy areas...yet another reason to travel off the beaten path away from the glass high rises and tiki bars...like islands in the BVIs, such as Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke, Peter Island, ect...

 

My dad went on an all inclusive vacation to the Dominican Republic and he really liked it.

Edit: I found the e-mail he sent me because he wants me and my brother to go, lol. Punta Cana. Scroll down: http://www.applevacations.com/special.do?command=showSpecials&selectedGateway=PHL&categoryId=LM

 

There all nice places i would go to Hawaii for my first one then Cancun for my 2nd choice

 

Hilton Waikoloa Village

 

Amen to Cancun and Playa Del Carmen. In 30yrs, tis will be where i spend my golden years.....and both places offer many wonderful all-inclusive resorts. if you travel w/ just you and your significant other, stay at Le Blanc (near downtown Cancun). Otherwise, go to Playa Del Carmen and stay at one of the Riu....Very kid friendly (warning: you might run into a nude sunbather or two....every now and then on the beach....it's not allowed but rarely enforced).