Budget all inclusive greek island experience

[Dreamsofthebeach]

I have never done this sort of holiday with DC. Wondering in anyone has gone on budget all inclusive breaks and was it good?

I cancelled a holiday, now planning on booking next Easter but for various reasons with less money. Kids set on Greek island. It'll be April and it won't be particularly warm.

I originally planned all inclusive by beach as desperate to relax. But thinking now if it's not warm maybe better to be somewhere interesting.

Also all inclusive seems good value but if not paying much maybe quality dodgy so perhaps better to self cater and eat in local cafes restaurants.

You sound a touch disparaging of Brits who go abroad to countries whose language they don't speak @newnortherner111. Whilst I take your point, that's extremely limiting for the vast numbers of Brits who don't speak a foreign language, and probably also not very helpful for the countries relying on tourism for much of their economy. As it happens, I always think I'll feel more comfortable holidaying in countries where I speak the language (France, Italy, Germany to an extent) but I've had fantastic holidays all over Europe and learnt so much, not just in terms of language. (There's actually a thread on MN at the mo from a poster looking for a good way for her son to learn some Greek, following a memorable holiday there.)

I agree with what you say @walkoflifewoohoo. The hotel staff where we stayed and the taverna and shop owners we spoke to all said the same. They really resent the AI resorts, most of which are owned by the large tour operators.

Maybe the smaller, family owned places could offer a package where all meals are included?

I can understand why AI appeals to families and young people, but it has absolutely no appeal for me.

We don't have small children, so we avoid hotels/complexes aimed at young families and we don't like buffet style meals. We like to linger over a bottle of wine in a quiet taverna and enjoy a traditional Greek meal (when in Greece). We like to walk, explore and sightsee. most of the appeal of going on holiday abroad is to immerse myself in the local culture, eat local food and drink local drinks.

I think the best way to find a good AI resort is by word of mouth. A work colleague had his honeymoon ruined when the fellow holiday makers in his resort spent all day binge drinking. He said that it felt like he was intruding on a stag weekend.

Which islands offer good value tavernas, I’ve visited Mykonos, Kefalonia, Santorini, Rhodes, Corfu, Kos, Aegina plus six different mainland places including Athens and found prices for my family of four adults pretty expensive to eat out every night for dinner? I’m not sure if I’m going to the wrong places. My family tend to have lunches out when we’re sightseeing.

We went to Chrissi Amoudia in Crete with Tui a few years back. It was really lovely and very reasonably priced. Definitely can recommend.

I should add it was All inclusive, the snacks, ice creams and drinks were lovely. Great for families. All meals great and had a couple of lovely outdoor seating areas.

I think you should be takings look at Tunisia. Marhaba royal Salem in Suosse is brilliant value all inclusive and highly rated. If it absolutely has to be a Greek island then look at Kos. Other wise I second the canaries in April.

If you are set on Greece, I would def do May half term and Crete.

We have done Corfu a few times in May half term and the weather can be lovely or it can be torrential rain.

Crete will also have more AI if you are set on that. However, tourism in Greece is not very AI focused and there are so many amazing food options you would miss out. You can eat very cheaply in Greece - we lived on Gyros and Beer (pre kids :) )