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Original poster

Are all inclusive holidays worth it?

33 replies

Burritoe · 08/04/2023 20:18

We haven’t been on holiday since we have had children but would like to go away this summer. I am trying to decide whether all inclusive is worth it or whether we would be fine self catering. Children will be 4 and 7, we will just be looking for something in Europe. Any recommendations welcome. Thank you.

OP posts:
FusionChefGeoff · 08/04/2023 21:26

DueyCheatemAndHow · 08/04/2023 20:22

It depends 2bh. For us AI is a really good break - no cooking, no worries about cleaning up or meal planning, drinks and ice cream on tap, kids clubs etc. But - we are really fussy about where we go, because we like decent food!

Snap! We've done 2 AIs and they were a very relaxing break but VERY expensive as we wanted to avoid the bear pit buffet. Took a lot of very careful research to find too.

PeonyFairy · 08/04/2023 21:33

When I had two teenage boys it was perfect. None stop ice cream, drinks and snacks.
For just two if us, not worth it unless you are very heavy drinkers, we just go HB.

Get the best you can afford, somewhere with a choice of restaurants not just one buffet.

starsinthegutter · 08/04/2023 21:37

Ikos is very good for food and service but a little bit lacking in water slides etc. TUI sensatori was good but nowhere near as nice as ikos, especially the food.

McConkeysPlate · 08/04/2023 21:38

I am on holiday at the moment. One of the Lopesan hotels booked through Hays. We came last year. It’s was so good to do nothing. The meal times last 3 hours or more so there is no rush to eat or get up early.

Radi06 · 08/04/2023 21:39

Can't think of anything worse! But I spent 8 years travelling the world, backpacking and working here and there. So it's another world away. I prefer an adventure and to discover stuff myself.

McConkeysPlate · 08/04/2023 21:47

Forgot to add in Gran Canaria.

Whatthetrolley · 08/04/2023 22:06

We're currently in Tenerife on a Jet2 holiday. When I priced it up, the original holiday was for B and B, it cost me a total of £50 to upgrade to HB for the 3 of us for 5 nights, so that was a no brianer. If I wanted to go Al it would have been another £274. I decided against it as knew we had unlimited entry to the water park so knew we wouldnt be at the hotel to make use of it. However, when we checked in we were given the option to upgrade to AI for €40 per day for the 3 of us. So had I have chose that it would have been about £100 cheaper than booking direct with Jet2. We've had buffet every day, loads of fish, king prawns, sushi, tempura vegetables and lots of cheese, meats and salads. I definitely eat healthier at a buffet and even my picky child has found something to eat for every meal . Tonight we had a chocolate fountain as it's Easter! Price up the different options, read the trip advisor reviews and enjoy yourself.

YWTS · 16/06/2024 09:52

Xrays · 08/04/2023 20:33

We’re going to one in June in Ibiza for the first time and I’m nervous so I’m curious about the replies. We’ve chosen the best one we can afford (Tui magic life cala Pada) and it’s got lots to do on-site and consistently good reviews so fingers crossed! We’ve also looked at Tui blue aura in Ibiza and for next year we’re considering Aska Lara resort in Turkey or the Tui Blue in Side there. Our son is 11 so happy to just eat lots and swim etc. We do plan to have some days out doing things as well though, I don’t think I’d like to be stuck in the resort the entire time.

I know this is an ancient thread but just wanted to say after hours of looking at nigh-on identical holidays, I gave up and Googled 'mumsnet all inclusive'.

Stumbled across this thread, and booked Magic Life Cala Pada with 5 weeks' notice.

Came back last week, we all had a wonderful time, so thank you for the tip.

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