never realized all-inclusive snobbery was such a thing

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's all just a matter of taste.

The biggest problem with many AI resorts is the access to alcohol. People have paid for it, and feel the need to drink it. Which = lots of drunk folks. Which = an atmosphere some of us are not into. This is going to be a problem everywhere, and it might not be a problem at all times at the places where it can be. But it is a problem for those who are not interested in that. Especially for folks really wanting to get away from it all and relax; loud drunk people at the beach or pool get in the way of relaxing under the palm trees. At least for some of us who are quieter and more introverted.

And the food is never great if you have decent taste. There is no sense in arguing about this; tastes differ. My sister, who has more money than just about anybody and can eat anywhere, swears that the food on a Carnival cruise was "Incredible!" She also chooses Outback for her birthday dinner. So. No arguing with people like that. But some of us want good food, and don't find the food at AIs "good" like OP did.

That said, really small AIs are often great. We really enjoyed The Caves in Jamaica. Highly recommend.

I'm the OP. I would never go on a Carnival cruise, and I also would never choose Outback for my birthday dinner. I guess my telling you that the food is good at this particular AI will fall on deaf ears. I too would abhor a resort where people walked around drunk, but that's not the case at this place. Everyone is well behaved. Perhaps the fact that it's an older crowd helps.

I still think you are over-estimating your own taste.

Okay, then!

[Anonymous]

It's OK to like what you like, OP. No need to defend yourself or convince anyone.

I used to like all kinds of fancy craft beer. Then my taste buds changed and now I like a low key pilsner. It's pretty much the only beer I drink now. It's not garbage, but it's the kind of thing my fancy beer drinking friends would find boring.
*shrug* oh well! I like it the best now!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went to an AI with a group of close girl friends in my late 20s and we had a fantastic time. Loved getting up early for the free yoga, the water sports, the buffets, the ice cream bar, the swim up bar, all of it. 20 years later and I'm going with my family (2 kids in ES) and two other families for spring break. We've never done this kind of trip before but, as a family that travels often to places that involves a lot of logistical considerations (language barriers, transportation systems, cute hotels in "the perfect" location, restaurants, local grocery stores etc etc) and as the self-appointed primary planner for those trips, I cannot WAIT to just show up and hang at the beach all day while my kids hang out with friends and do the kids club and we all eat ok food from a buffet.

OP here. Exactly! It's such a nice break from the incessant planning that I normally have to do, and we were pampered and spoiled to boot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I always went to all-inclusives as a child, because my parents were too busy to plan trips by themselves (and it was harder pre-internet). But they were not luxurious - just Club Med stuff around the Mediterranean. Usually it was fine. One time we had rats scampering about in our room in Greece and the gardener came in and, with unerring accuracy (you could tell he did this every day), broke their skulls with the side of his rake. I will never forget it.

Our not luxurious trips growing up were staying at the Holiday Inn in Denver. Even with your gardener story, I can't must any sympathy or shock about your childhood visits overseas.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sometimes I travel, sometimes I take a vacation. For me they are not the same thing. If I go to an AI or Disney that's a vacation. Meals and activities are onsite and I don't have to think much at all.
Travel is trying new things, doing research, taking more risks. I like both and think they are all valid, good uses of money and time.

Let me guess ... you "like to get off the beaten path" and "avoid the touristy stuff." Lol, sure.

Not at all! I love tourist traps! When I say risk I mean “oops this place is more difficult to get to/actually closed/sucks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think there is a lot of DCUM "snobbery" about travel to Mexico in general. This is a combination of rich white people racism and folks on this board being wealthier and/or better-traveled than your average American.

I've lived here almost 30 years. It takes a lot to impress the average DC area person when you're bragging about vacations.

I don't take people discussing vacations as "snobby" though, I enjoy hearing about people's experiences even if they can afford more than me. But I also have self-confidence and DGAF what others think which is clearly not something OP has mastered.

It's not snobby to not want to go to a dangerous place. People get gunned down on the beaches. No thanks. There is a reason why Mexico is cheap.

Kids and teachers get gunned down in classrooms in the United States. No thanks.

[Anonymous]

I love all inclusive resorts and don't care what other people think. If they're not your cup of tea, fine. I'm going and enjoying myself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some people like a very corporate, catered experience when they “travel”, and that is fine.

It’s called a vacation, pp. Travel is something you do for work.

Unless you are one of those insufferable people who rush to tell others you are a traveler and not a tourist?

DP. Travel is not just for work, how ridiculous you are!

[Anonymous]

I've never been to one, but recently have been feeling burned out and like I need a lazy vacation, something not "travel" which I have done plenty of. Would love to know where you like, OP!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some people like a very corporate, catered experience when they “travel”, and that is fine.

It’s called a vacation, pp. Travel is something you do for work.

Unless you are one of those insufferable people who rush to tell others you are a traveler and not a tourist?

DP. Travel is not just for work, how ridiculous you are!

I think the point went over your head. DP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've never been to one, but recently have been feeling burned out and like I need a lazy vacation, something not "travel" which I have done plenty of. Would love to know where you like, OP!

Not OP, but if you like spas check out the Body Holiday in St Lucia.

[Anonymous]

I’d be down for a smaller, boutiquey all-inclusive that was truly luxe. But I haven’t come across many of them, if any.

Same with cruises; I might actually try a small & boutiquey ship/expedition.

I personally would not enjoy massive AIs or cruises. I hate crowds.

[Anonymous]

Is it Grand Velas, OP? Went to a wedding years ago at the Cancun location. When we looked it up, it was touted as essentially the ‘nicest’ of the All-Inclusive resorts. The alcohol tasted strange, the food was gross and there was sand in the sheets. If I’m a snob for paying top dollar at a regular five star resort so be it.

[Anonymous]

Well, most of those resorts are on the larger side and don't offer much by way of privacy and peaceful seclusion. There are some exceptions, but usually I see "all inclusive" and keep looking.

[Anonymous]

We really liked Hotel XCaret in Riviera Maya. We also don't like to sit around, but excursions are all included, so we had a blast doing cenotes tours, zip lining, swimming in underground caves, Xenses experience, etc. The hotel also caters a lot to Latin Americans and Mexican-Americans, so the food and ambience of the hotel reflects that, which is neat (except for the inability to dine at 5pm with young children). It is still more of a "vacation" than it is "traveling" (if you think of traveling as authentic real-world experiences of life in another country) but we had a great time.