There comes a point in time when all-inclusives feel a little...rinse and repeat. Don’t get me wrong, there is absolutely a time and place for the all-inclusive and they remain dear to my heart, but eventually it happens.
For us, that happened when our youngest was 7. We were in Cozumel and the kids started pushing back on the kids’ club, and we realized we were also a little bored with our options. Here we were, literally complaining in paradise. What the heck!
So, for our next trip, I decided to let my well-traveled husband pick some ideal activities we could manage and I sourced the rest. We’ve gone snorkeling, scuba diving, zip lining, horseback riding, museum wandering, biking, and hiking in a variety of countries and have never looked back. Our favorite surprise trip was to Panama.
It wasn’t just about changing destinations—it was about changing our mindset. Rather than fitting into a pre-set itinerary, we started building trips that matched our curiosity and energy. The kids were more engaged, we felt more present, and every new spot came with a sense of discovery we hadn’t felt in a while.
All-inclusives will always be there when we need them (hello, winter break escapes!), but this shift has been a game-changer for our family. We travel differently now—more intentionally, and with a bit more adventure.
Where do you love to travel? Are you all about the resort life, or are you craving something new?
