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We tend to travel independently and have never been on an all-inclusive family holiday. I don’t think we’ve ever even thought of going on a holiday like that. But I can see the appeal.
All inclusive holidays for families
It sounds like there’s tons to do for children on all-inclusive holidays which are designed for families. I love our family holidays for the chance they give us to relax and be together away from the demands of work and school. But my eldest is a teen now, the youngest still at Primary school, and it’s getting trickier to keep everyone happy on holiday. My husband and I like to explore and get to know the local area. The teen mainly wants to sunbathe, read and sleep – with an unlimited source of WiFi to hand. The youngest craves other children to play football and swim with. With the range of family activities on offer at the all-inclusive First Choice Holiday Villages there’d definitely be something there he’d enjoy and I’m sure he’d make friends with other kids. I think that the teen would be well-provided for in terms of sunbathing spots too, but I’m not sure about WiFi – I guess that would depend on the resort.
The financial aspect of all-inclusives is appealing in some ways too – everything’s included in the price so you know in advance how much the trip will cost and can plan accordingly. This sounds good for families who are forced into paying high season prices by the rigours of the school calendar. And there must be a huge saving if you don’t have to fork out for snacks and drinks the whole time – the cost of this can really mount up. But if everything’s included in the holiday price and provided by the hotels, I wonder what the effect is on local businesses? I hope that guests still go out and about to eat in local restaurants and explore the area – I know that we would!
Over to you
What do you think about all-inclusive family holidays? Have you ever been on one? If not, would you consider it?
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by First Choice, who offer all-inclusive holidays to a range of destinations. All words and opinions are my own, as ever.
I’ve just booked my All Inclusive holiday for my husband, 4 year old and 1 year old. Turns out I can reserve a cot after booking but they can’t guarantee one will be available. Awaiting comment on this from First Choice. Came across same issue with either Premier Inn or Travel Lodge 3 years ago. Assumed all would be ok but no cot available when we arrived. Sleepless night spent trying to stop baby falling out of bed! This isn’t our preferred style of holiday but being catered for around the clock makes it an actualy holiday for me – relieved from cooking and cleaning duties. Love eating out local on holiday but trekking around restaurants with 2 hungry, cranky kids does not appeal compared to instant access of All Inclusive. Good luck!
It’s ridiculous that they can’t guarantee a cot will be available – what on earth are you supposed to do? I’m really surprised to hear this. I hope there’s a cot there for you and that the holiday is relaxing for you.
I’ve been to an all-inclusive just for the benefits you mention. Easy food options for the kids, and lots for them to do. We do go out for excursions though. The food can get boring for the adults and it’s nice to have lunch off premises. Many other people don’t leave though. I heard that complaint about Beaches Jamaica where we went – the money doesn’t trickle out to the local economy. They are one of the biggest employers in Jamaica but the profits are for the owners, the workers are on a salary.
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It’s interesting to hear what all-inclusives area actually like for families – sounds like it worked for yours. I think I’d definitely need to get out and about.
Sometimes all inclusive works well, especially if you have small children, it can make it all “easier”.
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