What can you tell me about all inclusive holidays?

[freeforall]

I haven't been on a package holiday (or a plane) in more than a decade.

This year I would like to see some sun. I think I like the idea of somewhere where the DC (9 & 11) can meet up with other children and where we know the total cost of the holiday before we start

but,

I don't like the idea of somewhere rowdy or of getting up a dawn to get a spot by the pool.

We usually holiday in the Lake District in a sweet private cottage.....

just got back from my first all inclusive in Mexico, it was 5 * and excellent for a group holiday as every body has paid in advance for drinks and meals out. but you cant stay in the hotel complex for two weeks solid so you still need to pay for days out and food and drinks on your outings. probably would rather go self catering as a family, as you can choose to do different activities and go to different restaurants every day but with groups it is a brilliant way to go.

WELL i am glad i couldn't sleep tonight and found this thread!!!!

Like OP, me and 3 ds(11/9/8) have never had "hot"holiday ever..exdh went 1x year for formular 1 grand prix so not enough £ left for us to go somewhere as family(now you know why x ha ha !)

Anyhow this year i feel brave enough as a sp to take them abroad.

It is going to be cheap and i have been looking at costa brava...does any one have any recomendations or advice.

Deffo need AI as it costs me a fortune at home to keep them fed and watered so i can imagine in the heat it will be non stop.

Planning to go mid Aug..Have got 2 shortlisted...is it too early too book....would i save a bit if i waited ...

OP i have read reviews for lots of the hotels and i think what you and i might think a fab holiday from the kids side of things alot of them wanted more for their money ..so be open minded.....did pick up alot of negatives on the food side of things..?? But i think ours are of an age where, chips/ice cream/drinks all day long IS 5* !!!!

Let us know what you decide and where!!

"I did not enjoy self catering as I do not like to cook when on holiday."

When I say we that we go self catering I mean that we don't actually self cater, except for breakfast, which isn't a big meal for us anyway. We eat out in the evenings and lunches are usually just a sandwich.

We only have one DD so extras like drinks and ice-creams aren't too onerous for us. I can see why large families want the AI option, but it isn't for us as we tend to avoid resorts that are mainly aimed at families with lots of children as we are unsociable old gimmers like peace and quiet.

bizzey check out your short listed two on tripadvisor and this will give you a more.What two have you selected?
I have to agree our level of 5* and our DC's is some what different! All day ice creams/ hot dogs and fizzy juice is the diet of choice for my DS9 ! Coupled with a good kids club and fairly acceptable food for me and Dh and we have a winner

We've just come back from a week AI here, with Thomson. I cannot fault it in any way. It was so wonderful, it's in danger of turning me into one of those saddos who go to the same hotel every year. I put on 5lbs

We worked out that, going by the prices on their drinks menus, DP and I were doing about 60 euros a day just in drinks. Then there were the DCs' drinks throughout the day, drinks with meals and the meals themselves... We were definitely quids-in.

Bunbaker I'm with you there, no cooking involved.

Pastries from the local baker for breakfast, with fresh bread, meats and fruit bought each morning for lunch at whichever practically deserted beach we can find.

Our evening meals range from 3 course extravaganzas to a pizza - depending on where we are, what's available and how much we want to spend. The villa we use has a giant BBQ, so some meat thrown on there a couple of evenings if we've been out all day doesn't really count as cooking.

Perhaps those who like AI or FB are more sociable, but I don't go on holiday to spend my time with anyone other than DH and DS.

www.luabay.com/es/hoteles-tenerife-sur-luabay-costa-los-gigantes.html

This where we went the year before last ! Fab place and out of the way of Las America's which suited us!

Just to add, I'm the most unsociable person I know, honestly I don't play nicely with others, as I said in a previous post I've been on 3 or so AI holidays and haven't felt the need to speak to anyone I didn't want to or haven't made any new friends [stamps foot - am I doing it wrong?]

I'm not especially sociable on holiday either. I like to lie undisturbed on a sunlounger and have a quiet meal with DP in the evening. I'm defintely not one for joining in with activities. Never felt pressured or obliged to speak to anyone I didn't want to.

Same for us. We did wonder last week while we were in Cyprus, whether we ought to be those people who make friends with everyone on holiday, but we just can't be arsed with other people! It was me, DP, DS and DD, and none of us felt under any obligation to socialise with others. We had a wonderful week, and it was like we were the only 4 there for all the socialising we did!

We love all inclusive! You don't have to eat every meal at your hotel - but it's so good knowing you can! There's a great travel rewards club I'm in that let's you book cheap as chips and even gives you money off future travel- it's frikking amazing! I've just saved £100 on our holiday next month 🤗