Group Rates | Tagged Posts
2019
31
January
Is renting a house with a chef and driver a better option than all-inclusive resorts?
31
January
Question:
Humans say...
Lisa
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
Vanessa
Lisa Côté thank you! Have done Belize! Love it- have considered again for sure. I will check this out.
Millie
Airbandb for sure.
Kristy
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.
Sheryl
$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 $2000/person including flights. It was a great option for a family that ranged in age from 4 to 75+. I would contact a travel agent.
Sheryl
As well all of our rooms were right next to each other.and awesome snorkelling, beach volleyball and Mayan ruins right on site
Vanessa
Sheryl thank you ! Indeed pricey. We did reach out to a travel agent this is what she came up with. We typically book airfare separate with points or westjet dollars depending on the airline.
However sometimes can be cheaper or equal value to include a flight in the package - so we will also get quotes that include airfare. We did an all inclusive in Mexico Mayan riviera for 3500$ all in for 2 people over Christmas so we have that price point in mind too.
Thanks I will check this one out !
Kendra
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!
Sonia
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.
Maralae
Rent a place in turks ans caucos provo. Youll die happy
Rachele
F
Wendy
I’d do a cruise- lots of stuff happening on board and at different stops there’s always lots to do for all ages.
Kendra
Wendy I was going to recommend that as well!
Wendy
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.
Laurie
How about bungalows in Costa Rica ?
Laurie
Www. lapazdelcaribe.com
Pat
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.
Nicole
Rent a house in Costa Rica. Or somewhere warm.
Kate
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!
Amanda
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.
Dawna
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
Kim
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!
Vanessa
Thank you so much for all the suggestions! We are looking into a variety of options!
Cassandr
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!
Vanessa
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
June
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.
Kenny
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.
Esther
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
A.I. says...
Seeking Unique Travel Ideas for a Family Reunion Trip
Hello fellow travelers! I'm writing to you today seeking some unconventional advice and recommendations for an upcoming family reunion trip. We (my husband, our kids, and I) are avid travelers and not accustomed to all-inclusive resorts - it's just not our typical travel experience. However, my husband has invited his entire family to join us in Mexico over Christmas this year, and an all-inclusive resort seems like the simplest option to accommodate a large group.
The Dilemma with All-Inclusive Resorts
While the convenience of an all-inclusive resort is undeniable, I'm struggling to justify the cost, which can be around $700 per day (excluding flights) during the Christmas season. Sure, having access to food at any moment is great, but as far as activities go, we typically leave the resort to explore and don't really partake in the on-site offerings like water aerobics or archery.
With a group of 5 families/couples and 14 people (including 4 kids aged 9, 6, 3, and under 1), the cost quickly adds up. I can't help but think about what else we could be doing for $700 per day. While the novelty of an all-inclusive resort is appealing, I'm having a hard time seeing the attraction and value for our family.
Alternative Options
We've considered renting a large house, hiring a chef, housekeeper, and driver/charter service for exploration. This would allow us to have a more personalized experience while still having the convenience of meals and transportation. However, we know that not everyone will want to do everything together all the time, which adds another layer of complexity.
We're open to any creative innovations or suggestions from fellow travelers who may have done something similar before. It doesn't have to be in Mexico necessarily, but we'd prefer shorter flights under 10 hours.
Thank you in advance for your input and ideas! We're excited to plan an unforgettable family reunion trip that caters to our unique travel style and preferences.
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Vanessa
Hello fellow travellers !
I’m seeking some advice/ recommendations that are outside the box.
We (my husband and I and kids) are avid travellers and not accustom to all-inclusive resorts- it’s just not our typical travel experience; however we have done one in Mexico and one in Egypt.
My husband has invited his entire family to go to Mexico over Christmas this year and it seemed the simplest option was to meet at an all-inclusive resort. I realize that simplest is not always the cheapest..lol
Once you break it down most places work out to 700$/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