barbbodner

We are several families traveling with our high school seniors over spring break. I am looking for suggestions of All-Inclusive resorts in Mexico & Central America. We prefer to avoid extremely large properties.

Stewbear

Why AI?

KVR

Because, with a group of high school teenagers, AI is going to a lot less expensive and uber convenient for them.

Look at the RIU resorts in the Playa del Carmen/Riveria Maya area of Mexico. Their Palace resorts have more options and amentities, but the regualr resots will be smaller.

Also, look at the Iberostars, Barcelos and the Occidentials.

suze

As above, I'd first look to the "Mayan Riviera", the Caribbean coast of Mexico. You'd fly into Cancun, then head south.

Stewbear

"Because, with a group of high school teenagers, AI is going to a lot less expensive and uber convenient for them."


Well maybe so Maybe Not.
The reason I asked is unusually it's families with smaller kids that prefer AI but to each their own.
I know I can spend far less not doing AI & have a better experience. In my experience by the time they are Seniors most kids want to explore not hang at a closed resort.

KVR

I have been to 15 AI resorts with number 16 in December. I have also done several non-AI resorts/vacations. I spend lots less money on an AI vacation than I ever have a non-AI vacation. Plus the added convenience sometimes makes it worth more. I'm thinking with several teenagers who eat and snack a lot throughout the day the cost benefit as well as the convenience is going to be worth it.

On AI vacations, we do spend time off the resorts and do activities, tours, excursions and a few dining/bar experiences also. Just because someone chooses an AI resort, doens't mean it's "closed". You can walk off the resort anytime and do/see/experience what the destination has to offer.

If the person balances their budget right they can enjoy the best of both worlds without feeling like they can't since it's an AI. We do it all the time and have been since the year 2000.

suze

Just because you take an all-inclusive food plan doesn't mean you can't leave your hotel property or that it is "closed resort". You can still go out and explore to your heart's content. Just means the families know in advance the costs, and that food/drinks are covered.

I've personally never gonge the AI route, but then I am not a parent traveling with several families including a bunch of teenagers.

suze

There are AI's in Puerto Vallarta. Is that an area you'd be interested in?

SiteC_er

The AI's in PDC are packed over spring break with high school senior trip groups