AustinCountyAg said:

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Sounds like you need to do better research of which resort you choose before going there.

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Not sure if you're just being clever by suggesting to research an AI when most people say the benefit is not having to do research or serious, my sarcasm meter doesn't seem to work on this site

But, either way, we've been to 4 and all of them were for family/friends weddings. So no research or input into the resort from me.....

The Anchor said:

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I once spent 80 hours planning a 2 week European trip. It was a blast and I loved the planning. But, sometimes I don't want to spend a lot of time for a quick beach get away. An all inclusive is super convenient.

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This.

Wife and I, with kids input, just spent who knows how many hours planning a fall break trip to nashville area to see mammoth cave and smokey mountains. We are staying in 3 areas.. so each one we had multiple decisions on lodging.. hotel, cabin, vrbo, etc. Now we have to plan our day trips, figure out food, etc..
We also planned a missouri trip this year with friends.. lots and lots of hours of finding the right spot and lodging.. we haven't talked excursions or food yet.

When we go to mexico, we pick which marriott property we want to see this time, I hit 'reserve', get my flights, and I'm done with the planning. And marriott's aren't even all inclusive; we buy some food, might go out to eat a few times, and eat on site a few times.

Browsing airbnb or vrbo for some random property, that ain't on the beach.. nah.

The Anchor said:

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I once spent 80 hours planning a 2 week European trip. It was a blast and I loved the planning. But, sometimes I don't want to spend a lot of time for a quick beach get away. An all inclusive is super convenient.

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I'm in the middle of that right now. Planning, booking, cancelling, re-booking. Nah, I'd rather go all-inclusive.

62strat said:

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We are staying in 3 areas.. so each one we had multiple decisions on lodging.. hotel, cabin, vrbo, etc. Now we have to plan our day trips, figure out food, etc..

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Yeah, I've actually just given up some times because the research and logistics seemed too overwhelming. I hate to make a bad choice when that much money is involved so sometimes no choice seems like a better option.

Some people feel safer at an all-inclusive resort on islands such as the Dominican Republic. Several years back authorities in the DR were advising tourists not to leave their resorts. I don't know if this is still true today.

You can get service on the beach or pool, run a week-long tab, have a lot of the same conveniences as AI without doing AI. And then you are not stuck with the same restaurants, same bars, same people for a week.

We always stayed in town at PDC at a boutique on the beach. Going up and down 5th Avenue was not a problem, and probably as short of a walk than getting across an AI megaresort.

Same with Costa Rica last year. Stayed in Tamarindo, had a great time -- no AI.

rlb28 said:

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Why are people acting like you can't venture out of an all-inclusive? There aren't bars and gates at the front entrance. We went on a large boat, checked out the center of the city, saw nigthlife areas and had a blast, but we also like to relax and not have to get our fat asses off the chair and out from under the umbrella at times, all the while being pampered moreso than a regular hotel.

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I think the idea is that if you go to AI, then end up drinking/eating out at local places, then you kinda wasted money on AI.

I understand that, but we spent next to nothing outside the gates. Ate and drank at the AI.

rlb28 said:

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I understand that, but we spent next to nothing outside the gates. Ate and drank at the AI.

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… so you didn't venture out of the AI then, in terms of eating drinking locally.

It's one of the other.

We are going to Cabo next week and doing AI. Just made sense for this trip for us. For a 4 night stay I figure that we are paying about $300 more than to stay at a comparable non-AI resort. So if we eat one meal a day at the resort and each have several drinks per day there but still go and eat/drink in town every day we break even or come out ahead still. Not a bad option to have if the price is fairly comparable anyway.

All Inclusives are pretty much in line with pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony and sloth.

62strat said:

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rlb28 said:

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I understand that, but we spent next to nothing outside the gates. Ate and drank at the AI.

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… so you didn't venture out of the AI then, in terms of eating drinking locally.

It's one of the other.

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I've got some friends who love "Mexico" and always stay AI. The first time they went I asked if they went to town to any of the local restaurants and bars, and they said no. Oh, then you must have enjoyed the beautiful Caribbean water and beach? "No, we mostly hung out at the pool. Mexico is awesome."

EclipseAg said:

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I hate it when people enjoy different vacations than I do.

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To be fair most aren't saying they hate it that other people enjoy different vacations. They just don't understand it personally and are discussing….on a discussion forum….

I'm more of a get out and explore the vacation destination type of guy. But I can see why AI is appealing for a lot of people. Getting drunk and eating by the pool, while everything is included, sounds like a good time to me!

AI is the onshore version of cruise people. Nothing wrong with it, just a different style of vacation.

People often enjoy all-inclusive vacations in Mexico for several reasons:

1. Convenience: All-inclusive resorts provide a hassle-free vacation experience. Once you've paid for your package, you can enjoy various amenities, meals, and activities without having to worry about additional costs or making individual arrangements.

2. Value for Money: All-inclusive packages can offer good value for money, especially if you plan to indulge in a wide range of activities and amenities. Meals, drinks, entertainment, and sometimes even water sports or excursions are typically included in the upfront cost.

3. Variety of Options: Mexico has numerous all-inclusive resorts located in stunning beachfront settings, catering to different preferences and budgets. Whether you seek a family-friendly resort with kid-friendly amenities or an adults-only retreat with luxurious spas and gourmet dining, there are options to suit various tastes.

4. Relaxation and Entertainment: All-inclusive resorts often provide an array of amenities and entertainment options within the premises. You can relax by the pool, enjoy live shows or music, participate in sports activities, or pamper yourself at the spa. These offerings make it convenient for guests to unwind and have fun without leaving the resort.

5. Safety and Security: Many all-inclusive resorts in Mexico prioritize guest safety and security. They may have gated entrances, security staff, and strict access control measures, providing a sense of safety and peace of mind for visitors.

Of course, individual preferences may vary, and not everyone may enjoy all-inclusive vacations. Some people prefer more flexibility and exploration, while others may find the inclusive nature restrictive. It ultimately depends on personal preferences and the desired vacation experience.

/ChatGPT

DannyDuberstein said:

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Resorts are good for avoiding the dirty, poor, dangerous locals.

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And the backward, unseemly, and woefully un-American local culture.

Nailed It

Yes. This has been my thought, and brought to you while eating at Olive Garden.

My favorite thing about traveling to Costa Rica is talking with the locals and people at the Sodas and air bnb's. I have even met several very friendly locals in a tourist town like Jaco. I could not imagine spending one second in an all inclusive there. Different story in Mexico.