All Inclusives for Families – The Only Way to Go!

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Don’t even consider anything else for a carefree family holiday with small children, teens or intergenerational. Been there…done it. There was no such thing as an all-inclusive when my children were small and McDonald’s had just started their voyage into posterity. Traveled with games, toys, watched expensive food dropped, spilled and uneaten because they didn’t “yike” the icky food. Can you imagine I had to amuse them all day by myself without the aid of free, all you can drink Pina Coladas by the pool? Shudder to think of that.

It wasn’t until grandchildren came along that we discovered a Jamaica All Inclusive (Ta-Da…) followed years later by Hualtuco and Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Ah… Jamaica. I remember it well.

- Grandchild picked up a hot dog. It wasn’t two seconds before the dog slid out of the bun and on the floor. No problem. Get another one at no extra cost.

- Grandchild tasted pasta (among other foods) and goes “…eww…I no like it…doesn’t taste good…”. Get another plate and try something else. If the kid wants to live on taco chips, ice cream and kiddy cocktails for one week, he/she will survive.

- Grandchild is thirsty or hungry or bored at any hour of the day. Order from room service – free – get unlimited ice cream – free – find an activity – free…anything.

- There are childrens/teen clubs, and shows designed for them at night. Some, with kiddy discos.

- A constant choice of activities with chances to learn something new. Grandchildren even joined in the swimming pool aerobics with the ancient parents and me.

- We buried each other in the sand and made humungous sand castles.

- Looked for sea critters along the shore, took banana boat rides, jumped waves, helped teach them to swim and snorkel (some learned, others just gulped in mouthfuls of water), Marco Polo in the pool…and so much more,

It will cost extra for some excursions and activities. For example:

- Tandem parasailing in Mexico. Another memorable experience. Lexi (grandchild) was riding tandem with me and got airsick once we were airborne. Major puking until our feet touched sand again.

- Glass bottom boat rides. Four grandchildren turning green in the boat looking down at bleached coral and no fish. (The parents weren’t looking too well either.)

- Ceramic painting. Every resort has this activity but ceramic painting is worthwhile. Child picks what they want to paint. Child runs to you…”Grandma/Grandpa, I need money…” You pay. Child paints. The pottery concession touches it up, glazes and at least child goes home with a memory.

FYI: All the resort “paid for excursion desks” lie to you! What…they’re going to turn away money? Ask them, are we going to see fish? Of course as they show you glossy photographs of marvels to behold! Liars. Buyer, definitely beware and do some homework.

Wonderful, happy days reliving my children’s early years but even better. I didn’t have to amuse them, settle “he/she started it” and could send them back to parents during hissy fits and crabby times.

If you are looking for a gourmet, Ritz Carlton experience, forget an all-inclusive. It ain’t gonna happen. But you’re not at an all-inclusive for those reasons are you? No. You are here because it is easy, convenient, everything is included and there’s something for everyone to do. Give it a try…and there’s always those caloric, unlimited Pina Coladas at the swim-up bar… Have a great time.