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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to go on an All Inclusive Holiday??

103 replies

TheClitterati · 23/05/2018 17:26

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.

OP posts:
MrsK1087 · 23/05/2018 20:37

Would you consider an all inclusive cruise OP? We don’t mind all inclusive holidays (have had some amazing experiences!) but last year we did an all inclusive cruise with TUI and it was PERFECT. Managed to explore different countries and cities and then be waited on hand and foot on the ship, perfect balance.

ghostyslovesheets · 23/05/2018 20:37

yeah and all those private villas raking in money are great for local people wanting to buy a home - swings and roundabouts really

MadMags · 23/05/2018 20:41

Can anybody recommend one that’s not...I can’t think of a way to word it...that’s quite naice?

Also, OP, keep in mind that whilst it’s marvellous for the kids to make friends, sometimes those friends come hand in hand with parents who also want to be friends/stalkers. Fine if that’s your thing but I hate people trying to make friends with me on holiday.

Theimpossiblegirl · 23/05/2018 20:44

Do it, your kids will love it and you will actually be able to relax. AI isn't a prison, if you get bored you can go out.

We always did self catering/back packing type holidays before kids but for our main holiday we go AI so it's a holiday for everyone, not the same cooking/housework etc. just in a different location.

I love looking at holidays, even if they are not for me. Feel free to PM me some links and I'll help you choose. :)

Wildery · 23/05/2018 20:46

I'd say do it as well. Our holidays are usually "educational" and they're exhausting. I was a snob about AI until I found a really reasonable deal last year and we tried it out. I LOVED it. The food was great (loads of lovely salads), the hotel was really lovely and by the beach, it was perfect for us and DD. I wanted to go back to the same place but it's beyond our budget this year. I'd def go back again though.

Wildery · 23/05/2018 20:53

Though I'd add two weeks might be too much. Maybe you could go camping in the area for a week, then a week at an AI resort as a treat.

Alvinne · 23/05/2018 20:57

I definitely say go for it. After staying at the Ikos hotels in Greece I am a total convert as a good AI place is so relaxing. Not sure where you are looking at going but any of the Ikos hotels are definitely worth a look, lots of different restaurants, all 3 hotels have beaches and pools and kids clubs and everything is included (a la carte food, room service, mini bar, branded spirits, activities, spa access).

flamingnoravera · 23/05/2018 21:02

@MadMags Club med, it's not full of brits abroad (but there loads of French) food is good, wine good and the standards are high. I've been to two of their resorts one in Turkey one in Portugal and I went from AI hater to "great for families and relaxation". Naicer than many I think.

yikesanotherbooboo · 23/05/2018 21:33

In normal circs it wouldn't appeal to me either but I totally understand your reasons and I am sure you will have fun.
One half way house option you could consider would be a bed breakfast and evening meal in a seaside hotel somewhere. We did this in France for a week one year. I had just upped my hours at work and we were all desperate for a rest. We alighted on an area in Brittany and took pot luck from the Michelin guide.. Like lots of family run hotels in holiday time they wanted Demi pension and a full week but that was fine.it was a revelation to me! If you are presented with food at breakfast and dinner and don't have to think about meals at all there is so much extra time in the day. There was a choice or possibly two for each course at dinner and it was all very easy. The children were learning to ride bikes and we were near the beach for rock pools and a bit of chilly swimming.we had driven there so had the car for excursions but didn't stray far.
At the time we priced it up against eurocamp which was more expensive. That particular hotel has closed but I am just suggesting the type of holiday if you were looking for an option.
I love all types of holidays but having so much time in which to relax and have fun with the children was a huge treat .

Twofurrycats · 23/05/2018 21:47

Go for it. My holidays usually involve hire cars, trains, itineries and exploring. One particularly exhausting year I said sod it and went AI. Picked a huge resort with loads to do and a variety of food options. Also in the middle of nowhere so no trips to town. Didn't go on any trips. The only decision I made on a daily basis was pool or beach. I loved it and came back chilled and recharged!

happypoobum · 23/05/2018 21:50

I have done it in the past when DC were younger.

The only caveat from me would be Prepare to put on a stone or two

Have a great time Smile

pandarific · 23/05/2018 21:53

I can recommend the Mitsis Laguna in Crete (champagne bar!) though you'd be best off with a car, Mitsis Falikraki in Rhodes was lovely - and though I've never been I'd love to go to the Mitsis Blue Domes and the Mitsis Alila in Rhodes town looks gorgeous too.

I promise, I'm not obsessed or anything. Blush

MadMags · 23/05/2018 21:56

Thanks @flamingnoravera :)

MadMags · 23/05/2018 21:57

Thanks @pandarific !

Cleanermaidcook · 23/05/2018 21:57

Madmags barcelo.
We're off on an ai tomorrow, can't wait it's bliss.
Do your research, I'd say you get what you pay for so we've started spending more and going less often and that way we can afford a 4* which seems to mean better food and not crammed in.

HemanOrSheRa · 23/05/2018 21:58

Oh I LOVE AI hotels. We went in our first one a couple of years ago to the Ikos Oceania. We'd had a terrible year and it was an amazing break.

I wish we'd tried AI sooner as DS is 13 now so classed as an adult in some hotels. We also went to the Iberostar Playa De Muro Village hotel in Mallorca last year which was absolutely fantastic and lots to do in the surrounding area.

UrgentScurryfunge · 23/05/2018 22:49

We've been on a couple and they are good for a relaxing sun holiday.

DS1 had a few food allergies so we had to self cater for a few years. By the time he was growing out of them, he was 3 and DS2 18m. Not having to cook was amazing! However we did book last minute and chose a resort that was a bit remote and few things to do with the DCs.

We went to another last year. Booked earlier and put more thought into the location. We were able to catch a public bus to the real world. Being a bit older, the DCs were a bit more relaxing. We looked at self catering but AI was better value and reliable access to food, drink and refreshments great for us all.

It's not my "thing". We alternate with camping and long term will return to "travelling" but it is a relaxing way to enjoy a family sunshine holiday.

Enjoy!

Petitepamplemousse · 23/05/2018 22:51

All inclusive for a few days can be a lovely way to completrly de stress. 2 weeks would be too much for me, I’d get bored and be itching to go and explore.

But go with what you want!

Original poster
TheClitterati · 23/05/2018 23:03

@yikes I really love that idea. But even that is just too much for me to take on planning wise at the moment. I sound so pathetic - I've never been so stressed and in need of a magic wand.

I hope I will remember for next year.

Those mentioning cruises I have NEVER even considered ever going on a cruise. Especially not with kids - I just imagine one going overboard. But I will take a look - my colleague is a big fan.

OP posts:
Rollonweekend · 23/05/2018 23:23

There is definitely a time and place for AI and it sounds like you need it. Its a great break...relaxing, no cooking for yourself etc. Personally I can only do a week but you have a break in-between to see friends so that would help.

Is there a nearby town you could visit for half a day, mini excursions like that?

pandarific · 23/05/2018 23:54

I also agree, a week is plenty for me AI.

Also, make sure once you’ve identified the hotels you like, that you’re running them through trivago and the other big hotel search engines to get the best deal possible (moneysavingexpert has a whole guide on this).

AlonsosLeftPinky · 24/05/2018 00:06

I was never a huge fan of all inclusive, and then I discovered the Excellence group.

I'll now quite happily switch off and enjoy lazing about with a book and a cocktail without a care in the world!

jade9390 · 24/05/2018 00:22

A holiday is what you make it. An all inclusive did not appeal to me, I like to eat local food and go on excursions, so do not like to be tied but I enjoyed one which was good value and saved me a lot of money, so not always expensive, weigh it up and work out if it is cost effective or cheaper to just eat out locally instead. I would do it again in other places but not Bulgaria where eating out was stupidly cheap. Check reviews, as some at 3 stars and under can serve awful food or the same thing every night. For kids, it is great, they do not have to ask you and can go and get snacks and ice cream. If you go on excursions, you can ask for a packed lunch in most hotels, so you do not waste money. Also, read the small print, it can be annoying when many of these all inclusive places have time limits. I had to pay for drinks after 11pm which happens in a lot of hotels, or the simply stop serving.

RockinHippy · 24/05/2018 00:34

Definitely do it!

It wasn't our thing either, but your kids are the perfect ages for it to be the best Kingdom of holiday for you. The kids love the freedom of getting their own ice creams & drinks by the pool & soon make friends. You get to relax. We did it for years when ours were younger & it's definitely not our sort of thing either. We're way more back backing & camping & cute b&bs

RockinHippy · 24/05/2018 00:36

We found the kids grouped together in a big gang & the teens enjoyed looking after & playing in the pool with the little ones. It's been fantastic all round

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