All inclusive - what do you do?

[iniati]

We are considering an AI type holiday for the first time - we usually do self catering in a nice location, do a load of day trips etc.

The kids have reached the age where they really enjoy pools and water parks which is why we're thinking about it - up to now, they have been happy with the odd beach day.

I am a bit unsure about an AI holiday because I am not really sure what people usually do on them? I realise we could just use it as a base and do the sorts of things we usually do, but I think most people stay in the resort most of the time, I am just not clear on what they actually do? I love reading but I can do that at home so not sure it would feel that worthwhile to just read books all day. I would enjoy a swim for a couple of hours but then what?

Maybe it just isn't a good idea for us or we need to make sure to pick somewhere close to a town

Weird how fast you get used to the AI life once you get there! It’s v relaxing. Your every whim is catered to, and so you immediately slow down. There’s usually lots of activities so everyone can do their own thing or do stuff together. I went recently and my days were: wake up, lounge in bed for a bit, sit out on the balcony with a coffee, have a shower, go to the gym or for a proper swim at the indoor pool, breakfast, shower again, head out to the pool areas to chill out, read, have a wine etc, then lunch, then a snooze, eventually go for dinner - it was lovely!!

Currently on an AL holiday. Granted it’s adults only. But done a few with kids.

we mix it up and do 3/4 day trips and rest chilling. I had never done one before till last few years. I like the fact you can eat and drink whenever. This morning I had an iced latte and pastry by the pool. Also had breakfast, but choose fruit.

it’s in the location of hotel. Stayed at one’s remote and I hated it. I can’t stay by the pool consistently, I like to wander.

we choose hotels never towns so we can wander in the evenings and go out for dinner for a change. But we also choose hotels that have al a carte included

egypt had great hotels with water parks. The adults were able to chill and the kids made friends.

We really are quite similar - we literally did the Bilbao/San Sebastien combo last summer! It was great and a formula that has served us well.

I think you're probably right that a full on AI experience isn't really for us. A lot of what people describe as a plus isn't appealing to us - I hate napping (somehow always makes me feel groggy and then I can't get to sleep at night), I like a swim but for like an hour not all afternoon, I am not really a daytime drinker and nor is DH, my kids like an ice cream but it's not a biggie to buy them one a day.

I am now thinking perhaps we just adapt our usual formula and do something like a city with sight seeing for a few days and then go to a Eurocamp with a good waterpark for a few days so the adults get something and so do the kids.

Maybe Amsterdam and Duinrell or Barcelona/Sanguli. Something like that

Denmark might suit you, with Lalandia.

We’ve been to Lalandia in Billund a couple of times (at the end of August when German and Danish kids are mostly back at school). I suspect British numbers are down now that the overnight ferry to Esbjerg is no longer running. That said, the small airport is only a mile or so away. When we flew we hired a car to explore Jutland and Odense (and go to local supermarkets - the onsite store is a bit limited and pricey).

The premium lodges are lovely and well spread out. Legoland is across the road and the Lego house is in the town centre.

They email out plenty of offers.