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Originally Posted by APhiAnna
I agree with NinjaPoodle...although I will admit that I am more of an "adventure" traveler rather than a "relax with a daquiri" traveler. Costa Rica is SUCH a beautiful, dynamic and vibrant country. I think if you stayed at an all inclusive resort you would miss all the incredible cultural and biological elements of the country.
I thought it was kind of pointless to travel so far and never really see the country when you can do that in America.
But I do think it is important to get out and actually see the countries, and in my experience people who do the all-inclusive hotels vs. the normal luxury hotels are not really seeing the "real deal", and even the tours they book are often far more touristy than they would be if you simply explored on your own.
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Agree completely. What is the point of going all the way to Costa Rica, Mexico, Bahamas, etc. and then just staying at the hotel? If all you want to do is sit at the pool/beach with a drink in your hand, there are some amazing beach resorts in the U.S. where you can do that, and save a bunch of money.
I travel because I want to experience a foreign/new culture. That includes sightseeing, shopping, dining, etc. I've stayed at two AIs in Mexico with my family, and thought it was a waste of money - the activities were uninteresting or stuff for kids, and the food was mediocre buffet style. I had some drinks when I was there by the pool, but since I like to get out of my hotel and see the city/town, I wasn't often around at lunch or dinner time, or to take advantage of free drinks.
Re: food. Be aware that at some AIs, if you're on the meal plan (some AIs let you opt out of the meal package) you can only eat at one or two restaurants. Sometimes there are many restaurants on the property, but they aren't always included in the meal plan.