Is allinclusive worth the money?

ruthyjo

I can't resist butting in to point out a disadvantage of AI. In my experience AI is taken as a challenge by many holiday makers to see how much alcohol they can possibly consume. The resultant spectacle is one I do not want my kids to be around.

Also, whilst I know ethical points can often get short shrift on this site, I think it's a real shame when people travel half way round the world and then stay within the confines of some multi-national hotel complex and put nothing into the local economy.

That said if you do go AI hope you all have a great holiday.

Lorian

ruthyjo wrote:

In my experience AI is taken as a challenge by many
holiday makers to see how much alcohol they can possibly consume.

Depends on the type of resort I guess, I've never seen this happen and been to several AI resorts. I wouldn't want to be in an AI resort full of "single sex parties" for sure.

Becles

ruthyjo wrote:

I think it's a real shame when people travel half way round the world and then stay within the confines of some multi-national hotel complex and put nothing into the local economy.

It depends what you want from a holiday. Some people like to do nothing but laze in the sun all day, then party all night. At the other end of the scale, other people like to be out sightseeing every day.

Personally, I'm happy with a half and half measure! I like to see the local area, but I do like some laze in the sun days to recharge the batteries!

davidjohndean

ruthyjo wrote:

I can't resist butting in to point out a disadvantage of AI. In my experience AI is taken as a challenge by many holiday makers to see how much alcohol they can possibly consume. The resultant spectacle is one I do not want my kids to be around.

Also, whilst I know ethical points can often get short shrift on this site, I think it's a real shame when people travel half way round the world and then stay within the confines of some multi-national hotel complex and put nothing into the local economy.

That said if you do go AI hope you all have a great holiday.

Fair point, however what about all the jobs within the hotel that you are partly helping to employ?

There are always people that abuse the system and try to drink as much as possible - but I have been on a few AI holidays and there are a lot of people who don't.

Ali_UK

I would just like to say that yes, AI can be great, however, if you go to a cheapish (low star rating) hotel don't expect the earth! I've been AI a few times in the Caribbean and it's excellent - everything you could want and food and drink 24 hours a day.

I did, however, used to work as a rep in an AI hotel in the Costa Brava. Sadly I used to live in it too which was a nightmare! This was a two star hotel and pretty reasonably priced for what it was, however people seemed to be disappointed with the quality of the food and the availability of items (i.e. only cheap local spirits and cheapo cola - no diet - on tap, no snacks after dinner service and ice-cream stopped at 6pm etc).

Think along the lines of you get what you pay for and you shouldn't go too far wrong!

budgetflyer

I personally couldn't face eating at the same place for 2 weeks, even if the food was good.Weve booked AI weekends and even after 2 or 3 days I've had enough. Even with the ones where the meals were OK I doubt if any of my children would eat much of what was on offer.
I would rec self catering or B+B set your children a reasonable per day budget AND STICK TO IT.

amc1

Been a couple of times and would recommend for families. However, food (even if good) can get boring after week 1 so be prepared to eat out (& escape) during week 2. Food has been good (not great). Drinks, food and ice-cream for kids is wonderful. Alcohol is watered down or local produce so can actually drink all day (if that's what you want) without making too much of a fool of oneself.

richardw

You pay extra for what you don't want which is a waste of money.

swizzle_2

Thanks for all your replies, which seem to point that it is a good idea with children.

I am only thinking of a resort in the med, I have travelled the world, plus done lots of spanish,Greek resorts and seen the sights.

All I want is a relaxing holiday, where I won`t be thinking about how much it is costing all the time. Plus where children can go get a drink/snack by themselves once in a while.

We are not drinkers, just the odd glass and aslong as there is a pool and a playground the children will be happy. If they are happy i might even get a holiday!

Thanks again for your comments

richardw

Perhaps the question could be broadened to

"What is the best value holiday for a family of 2 adults and 2 children that will be aged 6 and 8 at time of travel, where the adults can relax and the children can be occuppied, is AI the answer or should we consider other types of holiday?"