If I could, I'd go on a vacation every day. I'm high maintenance when it comes to vacations, so I generally skip activities that require sleeping and cooking my meals outside, like camping. The only vacation I've had that's considered roughing it was at a jungle lodge. OK, I really wasn't roughing it because honestly, it was a luxury resort that's located in a rain forest. It also has private lodges as guest rooms, complete with a spa and an award-winning restaurant at the property. So what? Isn't the whole point of a vacation to get pampered?Because I am spoiled when it comes to vacations, I usually check out resorts in various countries. My favorite resorts are located by the beach, but still somewhat close to the mountains. Maybe that's why I like Puerto Rico , Bali and Belize so much.
One of the few resorts that I generally try to stay away from is all-inclusive resorts. It's nice when I just want to sit by the beach with unlimited food and drinks. But it's just too tempting! Plus, I prefer a more active vacation where I can go hiking, check out historic sites and shop for local crafts. When I go to an all inclusive resort, I feel obligated to just stay at the resort to get my money's worth. So far in my life, I've only been to three all inclusive resorts and each time, I came home with a few more pounds on my hips.
Anyway, it seems like I'm a minority when it comes to all-inclusive resorts. It's definitely very popular among vacation goers. It tops our list of top searched resorts and I just can't seem to get away from seeing their ads everywhere.
So what kind of resorts do you like? I'd love to get ideas for my next vacation ... any specific countries or resorts you'd recommend?
This month's top searched resorts on AOL Search:
1. All-inclusive resorts
2. Beach resorts
3. Family resorts
4. Luxury resorts
5. Romantic resorts
6. Spa resorts
7. Resorts casino
8. Gay resorts
9. Clothing optional resorts
10. Golf resorts
See sponsored links for: all-inclusive resorts, luxury resorts, family resorts.
To check out more resorts, go to AOL Travel. Also search for resort destinations on AOL Search, such as Caribbean resorts and Cancun resorts.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
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Posted at 9:48PM on Jun 25th 2007 by MB
2. I took my wife and kids recently on a big orlando resort vacation in Florida...we used
http://www.Themeparks.org and I used a resort booking site listed there and I probably saved about $1200 on the package overall which included tickets. There is no sense going direct through a travel agent anymore when you can use the net and save a big chunk of cash to use on your vacation instead!
www.ThemeParks.org
Posted at 2:10PM on Jun 26th 2007 by johnny
3. My husband and I are in our late 40s and never had children (by choice). When we vacation, we ALWAYS make reservations for ADULT ONLY destinations. Kids are great, as long as they're nowhere near us - especially on vacation!
Posted at 2:23PM on Jun 26th 2007 by Kids R NOT us!
4. The picture at the heading of this article is glorious! Where was it taken?
Thanks!
Posted at 2:31PM on Jun 26th 2007 by Terri
5. Thailand beaches are the most beautiful in the world!
Posted at 2:37PM on Jun 26th 2007 by Jennifer
6. Me and my husband went on a Disney wonder cruise to a few tropical islands earlier this year, it was really nice looked just like that picture! They run a bunch of specials this time of year for couples:
http://www.DisneyWonderCruises.com
Posted at 2:39PM on Jun 26th 2007 by Tana
7. I prefer Aruba for my annual adult adventures with the g/f, some nice cruises going there this time of year too! I might have to check out that disney cruise, a full 5 star rated huh..
Posted at 2:47PM on Jun 26th 2007 by greg
8. All inclusive vacations can have unforseen downsides. My spouse and I purchased an all inclusive (including airfare) package from Club Med several years ago. On the return trip, because of weather conditions we were stranded in Boston 500 miles from home, with summer wear and 11 degree (F) weather. Having been forced to buy additional tickets home, we wrote to Club Med for reimbursement. Response: Total silence. Because we had the foresight to pay by credit card, we reversed the charges through our credit card company. Response: Lawsuit from Club Med. Ultimately, we won. Have not purchased an all inclusive vacation since.
Posted at 2:48PM on Jun 26th 2007 by R Golden
9. A few years back my husband and I went on an Alaskian Cruise. I loved it. I can't wait to go again. It was drizzling most of the time but it was so fabulous I didn't seem to care. You have to have a room with a balcony though. And the main mistake we made was not booking enough excursions. I will definitely be going back.
Posted at 3:10PM on Jun 26th 2007 by Christy
10. I really love cruises to resort stays! They aren't THAT much more expensive and there is something for EVERYONE! Disney is my favorite because you can go with the whole family OR you can go as a couple ... it doesn't matter how old you are or what you're looking for because it meets all your needs. They can be long (10+ days) or short (3-4 days) and you get to see a lot of really cool places.
I would call it "semi all-inclusive" because while the food is paid for, you do need to pay for alcohol and spa. You can stay on the boat with free entertainment and activities or you can go OFF the boat and experiance the locale (most activities cost extra). You get to make it your own experiance!
Posted at 3:26PM on Jun 26th 2007 by Sarah
11. Yeah, Internet discount sites are the very best place to buy expired, used, or otherwise voided, theme park tickets! You won't know until they're scanned at the park entrance. Buyer beware!
Theme park-approved, ASTA accredited travel agency much better source for purchases and advice.
Posted at 3:29PM on Jun 26th 2007 by MagicCTrav
12. The new Hyatt Regency Lost Pines between Bastrop and Austin Texas is awesome! They have something for every age. Golf, lazy river, horseback riding, Spa, you name it they have it. We took our grandchildren and children and they what to make it a yearly vacation spot!
Posted at 3:32PM on Jun 26th 2007 by Mary
13. Yeah, buying theme park tickets from an Internet discount site is the very best way to buy Expired, used, or otherwise voided tickets. You won't know until they're scanned at the park's entrance. Buyer beware!
Theme park-approved, ASTA-accredited travel agency is a much better value for purchases and advice!
Posted at 3:49PM on Jun 26th 2007 by Eugene Nicewonger
14. Buy Resale!! Florida Timeshare Resorts 50-75% off developer prices. fixed weeks, floating weeks, Points, www.atimeshare.com Belong to the BBB with no complaints.
Posted at 4:45PM on Jun 26th 2007 by carrie
15. I would also like to know where the picture was taken at the top of the article...Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted at 4:46PM on Jun 26th 2007 by dana
16. I'm with the writers of #3!! If I wait all year to vacation somewhere relaxing, the LAST thing I want around me is screaming, whining kids swimming in the pool with diapers on! If I go on an all-inclusive like Club Med, it's an ADULT ONLY destination! Actually, that's pretty much the only way to stay away from the precocious tykes!
Posted at 4:47PM on Jun 26th 2007 by inknwink
17. http://www.atimeshare.com
Posted at 4:50PM on Jun 26th 2007 by carrie
18. You can own a weeks vacation every year Deeded property at a 5* gold Crown Resort in Florida, exchangeable.
Posted at 4:52PM on Jun 26th 2007 by carrie
19. Here Here, Kids R NOT Us!
I'm still wondering why kids even NEED a vacation, their wimpy parents bend over backwards to ensure that their life is nothing BUT fun.
I'd rather be on vacation with dogs than with kids. At least dogs listen.
Posted at 4:56PM on Jun 26th 2007 by J
20. any ideas about reasonable family vacations to Europe: Italy, UK, France
Posted at 5:04PM on Jun 26th 2007 by avanti