Have I wasted money booking all inclusive for teenagers?

[OboePiccolo]

I’ve booked a week all inclusive in Spain for next summer for me and my two (14 and 16) and now wondering if I’ve made a bit of a mistake.

I’ve always done self catering before, usually caravans or apartments, and tbh I’m sick of spending half my holiday in supermarkets and then cooking tea when I’m supposed to be having a break. I found a deal I could just about afford and thought it would be nice to not have to think about money every time they want a drink or something to eat. I’m paying for it myself and have been putting money away for ages so it’s not something I can just change on a whim.

Anyway showed them the hotel and neither of them seemed particularly bothered. The eldest said they’d rather go somewhere near an actual town where they can wander round shops and go out for food, and the younger one has now decided it’ll be boring sitting round a pool all week. They’re not refusing to go or being horrible about it, just very underwhelmed which has made me wonder if I’ve picked something they’ll hate.

I thought they’d like having a pool, snacks and food there whenever they wanted it, without me having to keep saying no because everything costs money. We’ve had holidays before where I’ve spent the whole time adding things up in my head and worrying about what we’ve got left for the rest of the week. I really wanted one where I could relax a bit as well.

I know they’re teenagers now and don’t want the same things they did when they were little. The older one especially wants a bit more freedom and I do understand that, but I also don’t want to spend a fortune on a holiday where we’re all off doing our own thing and barely see each other.

The booking isn’t refundable without losing money and I couldn’t afford to book something else on top. I’m now wondering if we’d have been better off with a cheap apartment somewhere with restaurants and shops nearby, although then I’m back to sorting meals and paying for everything separately.

For those who’ve been all inclusive with teenagers, did they enjoy it or did they get bored? Is it actually worth it when they’re older or would you go somewhere you can get out and about more? Feel like I’ve booked what I wanted rather than what they’d want but I honestly thought we’d all enjoy it.

Where are you going?

Most are near something else, a small town or shops - so they can still go out.

Not cooking, planning or cleaning is such a gift- I do like the other types of holidays but AI is the most relaxing

Teenagers are meant to be unenthusiastic, its in the job description. Keep expectations low, say you've booked it and can't change now, but can go somewhere different next year if they don't like it. But they probably will. They will meet other young people and moan together, and you can have some down time.

My teens enjoyed hotel holidays, they loved the water sports, days out, strolling into the local town or visiting pyramids, caves, boat trips etc. They really enjoyed the buzz of the resort and trying new activities or simply reading in an hammock for the afternoon. Playing cards in the bar with us after dinner was always popular or hanging out with new friends and playing football and so on.

Some people love all inclusive, others hate it. No one on here will be able to tell you exactly how your DC will feel. I’d just explain to them that it’s booked and you can’t get a refund now but also spend some time researching things to do whilst you’re there. I completely understand you wanting a rest on holiday but maybe next time sit down and discuss it before you book the next one. It saves all the drama of I worked so hard to pay for this and my teens are ungrateful.

Just back from an All inclusive and my ds 14 ended up with a pack of friends and we didn’t see him from morning to early evening. Will depend on size of place and other kids and possible activities where they can meet. The choice and lay of resort will help and a few little shoves to inter each with other kids. Other parents do this a dad came wandering up to us and basically said I think I’ve got a son the same ages as ours can we get them chatting

Also endless fizzy drinks and desserts - until they’ve experienced it they might not be excited

They will love it! There will be activities, limitless food and drink, sunshine and a pool. Wait they get there! You will never go back to self catering holidays.

It's odd that you didn't involve them in the holiday choice/planning - why not? Maybe you can plan one or two days out if funds will stretch to that?

No it isn't. Op knew her budget and what she needed. And she is paying - they have their whole adult life to decide their holidays.

And going on holiday, is a treat, even if it isn't exactly what they want (which they don't know because they haven't been)

They can go out and do things, it isn't a prison.

I think it's odd not to include them in the planning too at that age, the OP might be paying but they are all going to be spending the week there, we have always included the DCs in holiday decision making, within reason.

My DH and I always chose the actual holiday and then let the DC pick some days out, excursions, shore excursions (when on a cruise) etc.

At that age wouldn't it be better to discuss holiday options beforehand? Rather than just showing them what you chose?

We always did this, or we would get nowhere letting teenagers pick because they couldn't agree ! We did take them to Florida and they had more input but in General we picked and they chose days out etc.

It’ll be absolutely fine, I’m sure. The food, drinks, snacks on tap will please every teenage boy alive I think!

Maybe you can do some research into how far it is to the town, if there is a shuttle and how available taxis/ubers are? 10 mins on google should give you plenty of info.

Then suggest that they save up some money between now and then for Going Out - they can then fund their evening trips into town which is probably a good way for them to realise how much it all costs.

And perhaps offer one night out in the town for dinner/drinks/wander round; early in the week to get your bearings and then if they want to go another time then they can?

I wouldn't let DC choose - you're paying! but I think to not even discuss the destination/type of trip with a 14yo and 16yo is odd. As well as making it more likely they'll be excited and appreciative, travel planning is a life skill.

We didn't ever give them free reign over the choices but would run a few options past them and see what suited us all best, it has worked really well over the years.

If the eldest wants freedom when they’re there - are they old enough to have the freedom of applying for Saturday jobs to have a little bit of their own spending money?