All-Inclusive or not?

[plimsoll]

I'm looking to take my neice on a vacation for her Graduation in June '09. I was thinking of Cancun. Many of the resorts are Mandatory All-Inclusive.

Does anyone have any have any experience/thoughts on whether to go all-inclusive or not? There will be 4 of us - 2 adults, 2-18 year olds. The adults are not drinkers, so we won't really be taking advantge of the included alcohol.

Is it worth it to trade your timeshare and pay the extra fee for All-inclusive or is it better to just pay for an all-inclusive outright?

Also, if not going to an all-inclusive, any thoughts about the costs for food/entertainment in Cancun or Riviera Maya?

Thanks,

Janice

 

[lprstn]

I wouldn't do All-inclusive in Cancun as there are plenty of nice restaurants around with decent prices. However, if you want "easy" and to be pampered, go "all-inclusive" and live it up like royalty.

 

[janapur]

After paying for the all-inclusive many times in Mexico, we actually purchased a 2BR Mayan Palace specifically to avoid the AI. Here are the main reasons we do NOT prefer AI:

We are not big drinkers. Although we do consider ourselves big eaters, we can eat way more (especially in Mexico) for way less than the AI.

If one of our kids wants to bring a friend, as our 18 yr old did last year, I won't worry about imposing this fee on them. Likewise, if we invite other adult family or friends.

We felt stuck on the property with the AI and guilty for being wasteful if we ate anywhere else. There are sooo many day trips in the Riviera Maya, not to mention so many great places to eat. The AI at some resorts does get a little boring by day seven.

Be sure to do the ziplines while in Cancun. It was our kids' favorite activity. (and the lunch is included!)

Jana

 

[pjrose]

Consider one of the Royal Resorts - they are not AI, there are lots of reasonably priced restaurants on-site, and there is no shortage of good restaurants in Cancun.

Our resort bill at the end of the week (for restaurants, take-out, lunches at the pool, groceries at the mini-mart, and misc purchases at the resort's boutique) is about $500-$800 for Mom, Dad, and two teenagers.

If you search this forum for AI or all inclusive, you'll find lots more posts.

 

[sun starved Gayle]

You might check www.skyauction.com for all-inclusive deals, though it might still be too early for the dates you want. I have seen some very good deals for all inclusives on this site. Make sure you read all the details and be aware there is a "taxes and fees" add-on to your final bid.

Gayle