AI v. Non-AI

Photo is my own - taken in Cancun 2011.

Are you confused by the title of this post? Perhaps you think AI stands for American Idol. Au contraire, AI, in this context, stands for All Inclusive...Resorts, that is (AIR)! 

We are nearing ever closer to our second Mexican vacation in less than a year, and it's pretty much all I can think about. Because we only travel to all inclusive resorts, I thought I'd share their benefits with you.

• What Is Included: accommodations, transfers, taxes, gratuities, glass of champagne and cold towel upon arrival, bellboy service,room service, nightly turn down service, all meals and late night snack bars, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), entertainment, non-motorized water sports, pool and beach towels, internet, palapas or cabanas on the beach, fitness center, sauna, steam room, tennis or golf facilities (if applicable).
• What Is Not Included: spa services, motorized water sports, scuba diving, airfare, excursions away from the resort,  upgrades to nicer rooms.
• Tipping at all inclusive resorts is accepted but not encouraged. We know this from experience, as we did not tip and were not treated any differently than those vacationers who were tipping.
• Food is never ending. You can order the salmon, not like it and send it back to get something completely different, and you don't have to pay extra. We have never done this because all the food is fabulous, but you get the idea.
• Who wants to pull out a wallet every time you need something while on vacation? You spend half your trip just worrying about everything you're spending. If you travel to an all inclusive resort, you don't have to worry at all. You've already paid, so you can just relax!
• Drinks are always top shelf and are typically poured pretty heavy handed, so if you're into having a really good time, you can!
• From the time you arrive at these resorts, you stop doing much of anything for yourself. Champagne and a cold, damp towel is given to you during check in. A bell boy takes your luggage and delivers it to your room. House keeping goes into your room each night while you are at dinner to straighten up, turn down the lights and the bed and put out chocolates. This is in addition to the regular room service that comes to clean up your room each morning while you're at the beach. Food is prepared, delivered and cleaned up for you. Drinks are done the same way. Entertainment and activities are provided for you at no additional cost. It is the most luxurious and relaxing vacation you will ever have!

AIRs might cost a little more upfront, but in the end, it is a much more economical vacation than paying for everything a la carte. We love to travel this way! If you're wondering what resorts are AI (other than Sandals and Club Med), click here for a comprehensive list of adults only all-inclusive resorts. We stayed at The Royal in Cancun in 2011 and are staying at The Valentin Imperial Maya this year.

If you are thinking about booking a vacation for yourself, shoot Alex Case at Exley Travel an email and tell her we sent you. She is our travel agent and is fabulous! If you're unsure of using an agent, read my post here that debunks some of the myths about travel agents.

Happy Traveling!