Turkey All inclusive info ( never been, never done all in)

Moto2

I've only been AI once and didn't really enjoy it, more to do with going 'stir crazy' than the food or drink on offer or even the cost.

Others that I know do AI don't just do it for the -relatively- fixed budget, although that helps a lot of people no end.
Also to its advantage is the lack of stress, constantly having to either give in or say no to a couple of kids can be stressful and draining at times and isn't conducive to a pleasant break for a lot of folks.

So if it suits you, go for it.

~Chameleon~

Just because you go AI doesn't mean you're restricted to the hotel resort. You can just as easily go out during the day to explore local areas, or further afield if you so wish. If you have a large cooked breakfast then there's absolutely no reason you need to be at the hotel to eat at lunch time, just return at dinner time which is often served right up until 9/10pm in the evening. Most hotels will give you a pack-up of breakfast or lunch if you're going off on a day's excursion, or lunch will be included in the cost.

PompeyPete

There's not really a lot of fun getting stuffed at breakfast just so you can skip lunch. If you're out for the the day, especially in the heat of the summer, you need a break at lunchtime, and the best places to enjoy that break are at busy inexpensive local restaurants serving up delicious food.

In my experience hotel prepared packed lunches are pretty bland affair, and most kids won't even bother with it, and you end up paying out for something more to their liking.

And when you eventually get back to the hotel after a long day out who really wants to enjoy what's left in the canteen restaurant!

Eating and drinking out is simply an inexpensive pleasure in Turkey.

maman

~Chameleon~ wrote: »

Just because you go AI doesn't mean you're restricted to the hotel resort. You can just as easily go out during the day to explore local areas, or further afield if you so wish. If you have a large cooked breakfast then there's absolutely no reason you need to be at the hotel to eat at lunch time, just return at dinner time which is often served right up until 9/10pm in the evening. Most hotels will give you a pack-up of breakfast or lunch if you're going off on a day's excursion, or lunch will be included in the cost.

Many Turkish hotels don't do this just a sort of continental breakfast perhaps including eggs.

Sorry this has turned into a 'don't do it' thread OP.

I know people who do go AI for a variety of reasons. Some just want to control costs. Others want no more from a holiday than sun and swimming. Others are not very adventurous travellers and others go to places where it's the safest option (security etc).

You sounded like you wanted to explore Turkish culture so maybe that's why all the caveats.

~Chameleon~

PompeyPete wrote: »

There's not really a lot of fun getting stuffed at breakfast just so you can skip lunch.

You don't need to "stuff" yourself to stay full most of the day. Good food choices will ensure that, i.e. choosing eggs, meat & cheese rather than cereals and pastry.

A small snack on the go early afternoon for those feeling peckish should be more than sufficient. People eat far too much as it is, especially whilst on holiday. And you don't want to be eating much during the day if you're going swimming/snorkelling in the sea etc.

~Chameleon~

maman wrote: »

Many Turkish hotels don't do this just a sort of continental breakfast perhaps including eggs.

Eggs are cooked

Moto2

PompeyPete wrote: »

There's not really a lot of fun getting stuffed at breakfast just so you can skip lunch.

Wouldn't work for me anyway, big breakfast usually means I want a big lunch followed by a big dinner with snacks in between

maman

PompeyPete wrote: »

There's not really a lot of fun getting stuffed at breakfast just so you can skip lunch. If you're out for the the day, especially in the heat of the summer, you need a break at lunchtime, and the best places to enjoy that break are at busy inexpensive local restaurants serving up delicious food.

In my experience hotel prepared packed lunches are pretty bland affair, and most kids won't even bother with it, and you end up paying out for something more to their liking.

And when you eventually get back to the hotel after a long day out who really wants to enjoy what's left in the canteen restaurant!

Eating and drinking out is simply an inexpensive pleasure in Turkey.

http://villamahal.com/facilities/

Thanks pompeypete, you transported me to my favourite lunch spot. What a tonic on a cold, wet, grim day.

I love this place but I'm just as happy having meze with the locals in their equivalent of a trasnsport caff!:)

jhe

Grand Pasa did a full cooked breakfast when we were there a few years ago, minus the bacon.
just because folk go all inclusive doesnt mean they dont all get out and about see culture, visit attractions,eat and drink out sometimes, some people do enjoy staying around the pool all day but the majority of people do leave the hotel.
i have to add the Grand Pasa was one of the decent all inclusives with good reviews when we went, but comparing it to other 4* hotels in other countries i would say it doesnt represent the best of all inclusives for anyone trying it for the first time, just my opinion

moneysavvy35

Thanks so much for all your comments guys - each and every one has been noted!!

Can just ask? All you guys saying don't do it - is that just don't do it in Turkey (cause it just not worth it thier) or is it because you don't recommend AI in general? I want to try to AI concept- but it could technically be anywhere (bar spain) I wouldn't mind tunisia or morroco even gran canaria at a push - its just that everyone I have spoke to say turkey is such a beautiful country.

I really want to try AI just because I believe it will be cheaper in general for my paticular family.

We definetly would not like to stay on resort - we like to get out and about. Maybe half board would be better then? I'm abit confused now to be honest.

Oh I don't bleedin know.....:undecided

We usually go to the states or do city breaks so spending money on food has always hit our bank balance hard. thanks for your comments though everyone - they have all been noted. Oh and by the way the budget is £3000 tops.

ps my partner dosen't eat chicken or fish - so I suppose we have to take this into consideration as well!!