to go on an All Inclusive Holiday??

[TheClitterati]

I'm a single parent (now lone parent as DC no longer seeing their father - long stressful story, much pressure on me) - 2 DC, 7 & 10. I work FT.

All Inclusive/Package holidays are not normally my/our thing - we usually go glamping, or to a cottage in UK, or to visit friends and family. This year I was planning on Inter Railing around northern Europe for a couple of weeks as youngest is now 7 and can take a small suitcase herself. We like exploring and have always had lovely holidays.

But....

We've had a mega year, with lots of stress, anxiety, change and tension. DD1 has 11+ exams coming in early September. 7yo has been anxious to the max and we are working on that now, but it has all come down to me. And I have been super stressed out - some days I honestly feel like I might have a breakdown or physical collapse.

The though of 2 weeks of sun, reading, with all food prepared, not washing up etc sounds heavenly. Inter railing, though it would be amazing, is just too much on me to plan out at this stage - it feels too much. Not enough rest involved. A cottage is lovely but there is no break for me from cooking, cleaning etc.

All Inclusive is more than I would usually pay - a lot more. But we all really really need to chill out and have fun. I'd choose somewhere with a water park and kids club and I am thinking of going to a resort in an area not far from where friends live, so we can have some evenings off site visiting with them. So I'm thinking fuck the money, spend some savings and lets do it! Its what savings are for right???

Not sure if I might have completely lost my mind just thinking about this. But 2 weeks of same same food and deckchair/towel wars might just finish me off. AIBU to go? Will I really hate it? What do I need to look out for when choosing somewhere?

On the plus side the DC love pools and I have a large reading list.

[MrsJayy]

Do it, you don't have to do a fortnight a week won't be samey you can lounge the kids can pool whats not to like go to a quieter resort

[PaulAnkaDog]

All inclusive was not my idea of a decent holiday. Until a big family trip for a special occasion last year. Was heaven for a week. I feel bad for my prejudging it! Do it!

[BananasAreTheSourceOfEvil]

Do it.

Take the break from doing everything yourself and enjoy every single book. Sounds like you deserve it.

[Hisnamesblaine]

Do it. You can still go off site and visit the beach's local sight etc. The kids will make friends if they attend kids club's. And you can read and sip cocktails. It's a no brainer

[Canwejustrelaxnow]

Do it! Well jel!

I needed a beach holiday for similar reasons last year (not usually my thing) but went against my instincts and booked a busy city break. Completely hated it and regretted it. It was stressful and i just kept thinking of that beach! Bet the kids will love it. Sometimes you just need to stop.

[Wildlingofthewest]

Do it. Choose a resort that’s close to a town or beach so that if you start getting cabin fever you can wander off/get something different to eat etc

[Ginorchoc]

Do it, I’ve been on only one all in, also a single and lone parent as we like to experience explore and usually hotels only but it was such a rest for the mind (dinner was very chaotic/hell and had to time it correctly) but otherwise it was great and no, no’s to the endless drink and ice cream requests.

[19lottie82]

Do it but make sure you do your research before booking a resort. Some AIs are really bad food wise, so just have a look on TripAdvisor and make sure it’s got plenty of decent reviews.

[TheClitterati]

I love that you all say "DO IT" - I'm a bit overwhelmed and teary with the shout outs of support.

[TheClitterati]

Guess I'll spend the next few nights researching.
As I will go to an area friends live close to it will act as a bit of a filter. :)

[Chasingsquirrels]

I did with the kids last year, I just needed something totally different for us after DH died.
We went for a week and I wouldn't have minded a few more days but not a fortnight, but then we usually do 10-12 days anyway.
I basically did nothing the whole time and the kids loved it.
I booked very last minute and think I got a cancellation following the Kos earthquake.

[EnormousDormouse]

We did last year (10 days in the Carribbean) after 20 odd years of backpacking, budget hotels and self-booked road trips.
All my friends said I'd be bored. Nope. Lay on the beach dozing for most of the time, only interrupted by the arrival of rum-based beverages.
It was joyous not having to worry about booking different elements of the trip, or the cost of drinks or whether you are being ripped off or whether you need to tip.
Just about to book again

[BitchQueen90]

I'm a single parent and always do AI. It's not a holiday for me if I'm doing the same things like cooking and cleaning that I do at home. I want it all done for me. I'm also not comfortable carrying a lot of cash so knowing all food and drink is paid for means I only have to take a bit.

We usually go on a couple of day trips as well to see more of the country.

[TheClitterati]

sorry for your loss Chasingsquirrels .

I'll probably book for 2 weeks, but we can stay for some of that time with our friends - 2 or 3 nights I would think while the fiesta is on. I could easily go a way for a month at this point.

[hockityponktas]

DO IT!
All inclusive not normally my thing either, but We've had a few stressful years too and a weeks all inclusive was just what we needed last summer. Wish we had gone for two!

[DNAwrangler]

Why wouldn't you?! Sounds like the best option by far!

[TheClitterati]

Lay on the beach dozing for most of the time, only interrupted by the arrival of rum-based beverages
this sounds most excellent!

[blackteasplease]

I reckon I will do it one day!

[Redrunbluerun]

I’m an AI convert... it isn’t a holiday if 1) I’m in the uk and 2) I’m doing cooking and cleaning still! So abroad AI or half board is our way forward now.
We still go on touring holidays, but ones with everything thrown in! (Like great rail journeys)

[Blaablaablaa]

Do it! I've just returned from one. It was amazing! Food was lush, drinks on tap and plenty of entertainment for the kids.

[FullOfJellyBeans]

Go for it if you fancy it! Another option might be an organised group tour with an operator like "explore" where they organise everything for you and you go with a small group. Still that might involve more moving around than you fancy. If you like the idea of the all inclusive just go.

[silverlace]

Have you thought about a cruise? Huge choice of food, excellent facilities for children and a new place every day.

[popcorneveryminute]

YANBU be good to yourself and your DCs.

Have fun!

[theycallmebabydriver]

Do it! Holidays don't have to be educational or 'worthy' a bit of flopping about and enjoying yourselves without having to think about anything will do all of you the world of good. Have a look at the excursions would be my advice and see what tickles your fancy.

[Chasingsquirrels]

Where are you looking TheClitterati?
A couple of days with friends in between sounds ideal!