Hello fellow travellers !
I’m seeking some advice/ recommendations that are outside the box.
We (my husband and I and kids) are avid travellers and not accustom to all-inclusive resorts- it’s just not our typical travel experience; however we have done one in Mexico and one in Egypt.
My husband has invited his entire family to go to Mexico over Christmas this year and it seemed the simplest option was to meet at an all-inclusive resort. I realize that simplest is not always the cheapest..lol
Once you break it down most places work out to 700$/day EXCLUDING flights ( I realize we would be paying a Christmas premium). I just can’t rightly justify paying 700$/ day give or take (families vs single couples). I can’t help but think what else we could be doing for $700/day. Sure it’s great to have access to food at any moment, but as far as activities go - we leave the resort to explore and don’t really stick around to do water aerobics or archery lol- I mean no disrespect). But are happy to chill out on a beach for a few moments.
So aside from the novelty I’m having a hard time seeing the attraction / value in an all-inclusive.
We will have 5 families / couples with 14 people (4 kids aged 9,6,3,<1).
What are some other options? / any recommendations - it doesn’t have to be Mexico necessarily, however shorter flights under 10 hours.
We have considered renting a house (a very big house lol), hiring a chef, house keeper or such and a driver / charter for exploration (vs renting 3 vehicles or renting a passenger van if possible ). But we know EVERYONE will not be doing everything together all the time.
We are open to any creative innovations / suggestions. I’m hoping there are some out there that may have done something like this before ? Or can offer a recommendation.
Thank you so much

How about Belize? A former coworker raved about this place, super affordable and lots of activities - http://junglejeanie.com/search-results-3/?mphb_check_in_date=05%2F03%2F2019&mphb_check_out_date=12%2F03%2F2019&mphb_adults=2&mphb_children=0&mphb_check_in_date=2019-03-05&mphb_check_out_date=2019-03-12

Lisa Côté thank you! Have done Belize! Love it- have considered again for sure. I will check this out.

Airbandb for sure.

Bayview Grand in Ixtapa or Celeste Beach Residences in Huatulco gives you the option of multiple condos/residences in close proximity. Both are direct flights and hiring the services you mentioned are inexpensive in these areas.

$700/day seems extremely high for all-inclusive. Usually when booking all-inclusive resort the price includes airfare. A couple of years ago at Christmas we did an all family vacation to Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya, we paid about $2000/person including flights. It was a great option for a family that ranged in age from 4 to 75+. I would contact a travel agent.

As well all of our rooms were right next to each other.and awesome snorkelling, beach volleyball and Mayan ruins right on site

Sheryl thank you ! Indeed pricey. We did reach out to a travel agent this is what she came up with. We typically book airfare separate with points or westjet dollars depending on the airline.
However sometimes can be cheaper or equal value to include a flight in the package - so we will also get quotes that include airfare. We did an all inclusive in Mexico Mayan riviera for 3500$ all in for 2 people over Christmas so we have that price point in mind too.
Thanks I will check this one out !

Because you are traveling as a group I would check into group rates as some resorts (booking all inclusive) offer free trips (besides taxes) for a certain amount of passengers/rooms booked. Example 5 rooms at double occupancy (10 adult PAX) would get you one free for flights and hotel. Your travel agent should be able to give you options. (Speaking as an agent myself!) this May only be applicable to certain resort chains or carriers but worth checking into!

Look into renting a large house in Hawaii! I love Hawaii and my family of 5 went for 2 weeks for about $5000 (flights, airbnb and one excursion) we obviously paid for our own food, car rental and a few more excursions but that was just extra.

Rent a place in turks ans caucos provo. Youll die happy

F

I’d do a cruise- lots of stuff happening on board and at different stops there’s always lots to do for all ages.

Wendy I was going to recommend that as well!

We just came from los cabos area and it is super cheap to rent a house and car. Lots to do. San Jose Del Cabo is very cozy.

How about bungalows in Costa Rica ?

Www. lapazdelcaribe.com

I’m definitely not a fan of all-inclusive. I don’t care for alcohol and I can’t eat enough food to justify the cost.
Having said that, my preference when I travel is to rent places. I like melting into the culture.
My family has travelled together to Oregon to meet up with other family members and have rented a house. Between us we cook, clean together, but do our own thing unless we plan an outing or an evening that we come together. It’s just a matter of setting your boundaries before you travel together.

Rent a house in Costa Rica. Or somewhere warm.

We rented a house in Costa Rica for a group of nine and it was amazing! We cooked for ourselves but there are places with options to have meals made for you. So much to do and see in Costa Rica!

Check out Barcelo Mayan. It has so much to do so everyone can do their own thing. Easy excursions. We went for $4500 right before Christmas for a family of 4 including flights. Otherwise renting a house will be your cheapest option if you can find cheap flights but it’s so much work plus 5 families is a lot of people under one roof no matter how large.

I do this at least twice a year in Mexico. I will be renting a house again in April. I can give you some suggestions if you want to pm me. I specialize in doing custom vacations in Playa del Carmen

I would definitely recommend doing a western Caribbean cruise. You can usually hit up 3-4 places in time span of 1 week. Especially with 5 families coming together and with children, cruising is the simplest option. On board usually have lots of activities for the kids so they wont be bored. You guys can book together for dinners/meals without having to worry if the restaurants/eateries can accommodate that many people. You can do a few days tours together. But cruising gives you the options to do your own thing as well.
Try https://www.vacationstogo.com/
I’ve booked with them for a Mediterranean cruise and it was wonderful!

Thank you so much for all the suggestions! We are looking into a variety of options!

Are you looking at the resorts on their website and flights separately? That seems much more expensive then it should be. I noticed at a recent travel show that resorts were saying$300+ per night... But I've gone to a few all inclusives in Mexico and Cuba & it has never cost that much. I always book a package deal such as through westjet, Transat, sunwing, red flag deals. This includes flight and hotel. I've never paid more than $1500 per person total. Just a thought!

Cassandr yes. Initially the plan was to try and use westjet companion fares and westjet dollars. However if it is not a substantial savings then we will book all together as you can still use westjet dollars with westjet vacations.
Thanks will check out

So many beautiful vacation rentals in Costa Rica and direct flights to Liberia or San Jose should be available over Christmas travel season. Pacific coast and southern half of the country. Jaco is gross and not really suited for a large extended family holiday. Dominical and south of there offer tons of huge rentals.

I would suggest renting a house in Puerto Vallarta in (or close to) the Zona Romantica. It’s a wonderful, safe and friendly small city with lots to do, good transportation options (from uber to public transit) and great restaurants, galleries and tours. Take in oceanographer Oscar & friends’ Banderas Bay whale watching tour (Ocean Friendly is the name of their company, very knowledgeable, educational and exciting)! Between December and end of March you are guaranteed to see humpback whales in the bay, and, at other times of the year, the tour of the Marietta Islands is great. There are reef fives and many other activities as well.

We rented a house (airbnb) on isla mujeres (island off cancun) with family this past xmas. Rented a golf cart to get around. Much cheaper Nd more fun than an all inclusive at xmas time