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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

All inclusive, don't even need to leave the resort!

358 replies

Borgenstein · 30/07/2018 17:28

I'm not judging but I'm genuinely curious as to what people do all day on these all inclusive, all in, don't need to leave the resort, type holidays?

I love travelling. Normally if someone suggest some I go somewhere I go but I've been asked to go on on every of these types of holidays next year. All food is in. There is nothing of interest nearby that doesn't involve alcohol.
The couple that have asked us went to Egypt some years back on a similar holiday. When she got back I asked her if she'd been to see the pyramids? Been to the desert? She laughed and said "god no, we didn't leave the resort, it was bliss".

But what on earth do you do all day then?? I have asked her this very question and she said you go for breakfast (sounds like the same shite menu every day), laze by the pool until lunch time, go for lunch, laze by the pool until dinner, go for dinner (again same shitty menu every day) and then get drunk whilst watching the "entertainment".

Now I don't want to upset this friend as she's been through a hard time lately and she'll be gutted if I say no but the whole thing sounds like two weeks of boring hell.

AIBU to make an excuse as I just can't see what I'd do after 10am each day??

OP posts:
trinity0097 · 30/07/2018 17:38

I read and do puzzles, and occasionally have a snooze! It’s bliss as I never get to spend time doing that sort of stuff normally as I am too busy. I have a waterproof kindle cover, so sit in pool and read

DNAwrangler · 30/07/2018 17:38

Ten minutes?! No books you want to read then Grin

DieAntword · 30/07/2018 17:39

I imagine the resorts in Mexico serve a lot more Americans than Brits. Course some people go there for easy access to ceirtain drugs that are more expensive in Europe.

KatieKittens · 30/07/2018 17:39

I think for some people it’s the escapism they enjoy- they don’t have to think about what’s for dinner or where to eat out.

People go on holiday to take a break and everyone recharges their batteries differently. Some like to lounge by a pool or beach, others like visiting cultural attractions or hiking.

Each to their own. If it’s not for you then just say so.

CuriousaboutSamphire · 30/07/2018 17:39

No idea. But I couldn't, partly cos I would find it incerdibly boring but also because I know how much damage those resorts do... see Cancun in Mexico for an example. Bloody shocking!

somewhereovertherain · 30/07/2018 17:39

AI is also killing a lot of resorts so soon there’ll be fuck all to do as businesses really struggling.

onemouseplace · 30/07/2018 17:40

I would have always said the same as you - but the last couple of years I've done a week AI with kids club and not left the resort - and it's been amazing! I don't think I could do a fortnight without a trip out to see somewhere, and the resort we went to had several different areas and a lot of different restaurants so there was always something different to do.

hammeringinmyhead · 30/07/2018 17:41

Very true on the drugs!! I have done all inclusive but we ate out every other night and were usually not around for lunch as we always hired a car.

Original poster
Borgenstein · 30/07/2018 17:41

I can read at home, I don't need to get on a plane to do it!

It's not snobbery, if someone came on saying their mate wants to go on an action packed holiday but they don't see the appeal, would that also be snobbery?

My AIBU is asking if I WIBU to not go and risk upsetting my friend?

OP posts:
Girlfrommars77 · 30/07/2018 17:42

So you prefer activity holidays to poolside holidays. shrugs

Why don’t you suggest going for one week instead of two and you can do day trips and meet your friend for breakfast/dinner/drinks?

holycityzoo · 30/07/2018 17:43

I do a mixture of AI and self catering holidays.
I must admit the reason I love the ai is the not having to think about preparing food or amusing my four dc. They love it which makes for a lovely relaxing break for us.
However even though I'm not really into sightseeing holidays I do love experiencing different cultures and going out and eating in nice restaurants.
If I didn't have kids I don't think AI would really appeal as much.
This year we did an amazing AI in Turkey which the kids loved which meant I got to lie in the sun and read my book.
But I'm really looking forward to going to Spain in a couple of weeeks which is sc and wandering down cobbled streets and eating tapas.

flamingofridays · 30/07/2018 17:43

I couldn't think of anything better to be honest but I have a full time stressful job a 2yo and 13yo and dp works about 50 hours a week. Were also trying to sell the house.

Doing nothing sounds like bliss.

If I was woken up at 7am to go see a pyramid or trek up a mountain I would not be amused.

NotBuiltForThisWorld · 30/07/2018 17:43

Read read read read read whilst warming yourself in lovely surroundings, cooling off in a pool periodically and scoffing whatever you fancy from a huge selection.

It's a terrific way to spend a few days. It's same vibe as being at a spa. Slowing yourself down and actually relaxing, not buzzing around like a blue arsed fly trying to fill an itinerary.

I go with my sister every other year and devour about ten books in five days. Come back relaxed.

It's an easy holiday for families too, not the most exciting perhaps but if there's a beach within walking distance and a pool, and a hundred kids from different countries, they seem to have a good time too.

KC225 · 30/07/2018 17:44

I backpacked through Egypt via Israel and then three yeara later later joined some friends on an all inclusive beach holiday. The resort had a private beach and a pier that you could snorkel from - it was like stepping into an aquarium. I snorkelled every day. I never thought I would be someone to enjoy a holiday like that but it was amazing. I wouldn't do it every holiday but I can see the appeal and wouldn't judge someone for doing so.

PaulRuddislush · 30/07/2018 17:44

People have different expectations/preferences for holidays shock! Don't go if it's not your thing but there's no need to be so snobby and dismissive.

We went AI 5 years running when dc were younger, it was perfect, now we go long haul every second year and European city breaks in between, we also love uk cottages and lodges and camping, my point being there's plenty of different choices and none are "better" just different.

PotteringAlong · 30/07/2018 17:44

Pre-kids all my holidays were travelling with a rucksack and a lonely planet type affair.

I’ve got 3 kids under the age of 6. Glossing over the fact that we can’t afford it, I would love a holiday now where I didn’t have to source / cook / clean up and where I could be in the pool / out of the pool / kids club stuff for the oldest.

Tastes change, relaxing changes.

Hadalifeonce · 30/07/2018 17:44

Had always hated the thought of AI, until we did one about 4 years ago, we went out to local towns and villages, and further afield to historical sites; the choice of restaurants on site was reasonable, but didn't always eat in the resort. Some days we generally hung around by the pool or beach, there were often activities arranged. The children could go to lunch or breakfast when they wanted, without us.

niketrainersarecomfy · 30/07/2018 17:44

Oh god the mumsnet snobbery for all inclusive.
Dont go then!

Hoppinggreen · 30/07/2018 17:45

It’s not my cuppa but I know a lot of people enjoy it, I’m not too keen on hotels at all for more than a long weekend
We did do it once for a friends wedding where we didn’t have a choice but we still rented a car for a few days and explored. We actually bumped into some hotel staff on their day off who were amazed but really pleased we were actually having a look around their island. We got quite friendly with them and they showed us some incredible places off the tourist trail and we had an awesome time. Some even sang at the wedding ( and refused payment)
They said it was difficult because they and a lot if their friends and family relied on jobs in the AI resorts but they felt they were killing the island
I don’t think I would do one again, although the DC might like it ( we went Pre kids)

100kindsofwonderful · 30/07/2018 17:45

It is not my sort of thing either, sounds like a prison camp! I don’t want to holiday with people who have unlimited free alcohol at their disposal either, for some that means trouble.

OP, your friends probably would hate your sort of holiday also. They may find museums boring and sightseeing a waste of effort. It’s like someone I know who said “What for? You’re not at school!” when I said I’d been to the theatre see Hamlet lol!

WorraLiberty · 30/07/2018 17:45

It's not snobbery, if someone came on saying their mate wants to go on an action packed holiday but they don't see the appeal, would that also be snobbery?

It would if they wrote the sort of judgement OP that you have.

Are you really sure you're friend is going to care?

Just say it's not your thing and let them find someone who'll enjoy it.

Hellywelly10 · 30/07/2018 17:45

Try a cruse. You get day trips and all inclusive on the boat. I went on one and had a great time.

jellytott · 30/07/2018 17:46

We always book all inclusive, and have been all over the world. Doesn't mean you don't leave the resort, we only spend about 2 days of each holiday in the resort. But it's a convenient base and often cheaper giving us more money to spend going out and about. If you book with a company, eg. TUI, they offer days out and activities wherever you are.

DurhamDurham · 30/07/2018 17:47

We moved house in February, I got a new job at the same time and life was stressful for a while. We went to an AI hotel in the Dominican Republic and it was perfect, just what we needed.
People like all sorts of different holidays; just don't go if it's not your thing, you don't need to be so sneary about it.

RachelAnneJ · 30/07/2018 17:47

I did my first AI last year & surprised myself how much I enjoyed it. Had always done busy holidays or cities before.

I didn't think I'd be able to sit and relax but I could and had a fabulous time doing so! We did go out and about a bit as well but not everyday, AI doesn't stop you doing this.

I would say don't knocking til you've tried it, maybe do a week or 10 days instead.