Are AI trades to Mexico through RCI a good deal?

[TrickyD Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close TrickyD]

IMHO, I think not. When I calculate the AI fees shown on RCI, exchange fees, maintenance and taxes, this usually comes out to more than I find on airline or travel sites. Granted, with the airlines you get a hotel room versus a 1 or 2 bedroom via RCI, but how much time do you really spend in your room at a beach resort? Airfare is of course extra through RCI. I believe that RCI states a $15 U.S. per person tax is charged in Mexico while the same resorts through DAE are in the $8.00 range. Other than the difference in accomodations am I missing something here? I have been watching various airline/trave sites since Oct. and I can usually find a week in Mexico AI in the range of $900 - $1000 per person. This includes the all incluse, and return airfare from Edmonton. The costs of getting to Edm. would be the same either way, drive to and back and hotel for a night prior to departure and on return.
Fill me in!
TD

[tonyg Goomba & Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tonyg]

It looks like you found the answer. One other advantage of the airline/travel deals is that they don't downgrade or bump you to another resort, like the MP and Palace groups have been known to do. The not so nice thing about AI is that you can overpay, over eat and over drink - so unless you are going to a resort where it is best to stay on the premises or where there are no rerasonable alternatives to AI - I prefer to pay as I go.

[TrickyD Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close TrickyD]

Thanks for the reply Tony! I realize the tendency is there to overindulge at an all inclusive but I would like to give the better half a break for once and not have to cook for a whole week! We normally go out several times on vacation anyway and probably would even if staying at an AI, just for a change of menu.
A lot of my co-workers go to Mexico, DR, or Cuba AI every year and they all seem to really enjoy it. They claim that just laying around on a beach and vegging for a week makes it all worthwhile. Not very adventurous IMHO! But, like they say...different strokes...
We will probably try one out this December, should be lots of availability in early Dec. I'm on vacation from Nov 17 - Dec 20 so should be able to find some pretty good deals in that timeframe!
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TD

[Barbeque Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Barbeque]

Tricky D,
We did an all inclusive in Jamaica, Sandals it was before we started timesharing. I don't think I would do Jamaica any other way, we didnt really feel safe outside the resort. We have also done a couple of cruises and they were all inclusive on the food, Liquor was extra.
We have been both to Puerto Vallarta and Cabo in Mexico both of these resorts are full of fabulous restaurants. We have generally eaten breakfast in the room, fruit, juice, beans and eggs are cheap, and we have the kitchen to use. I would really hesitate to do all inclusives in these areas as part of our experience is going out to eat at different places. I believe you also buy what you need and it is not the glutton bowl to get your moneys worth. I used to put a big dent in the smorgasboards but not anymore.

We generally go out to eat but to different restaurants. My wife wont cook dinner in on vacation and insists on going out.

The one resort in Mexico that I would consider an all inclusive is the Grand Velas. From everything I have seen on the internet and what I have heard while in Mexico is it is excellent. The mandatory all inclusive prices I have seen on RCI are very expensive. I wouldnt do a cheap all inclusive as they are generally buffets. I have read that this is where many people get sick. The food is left out on the buffet lines, and maybe reused. We have talked to some people who had all inclusives that have been very dissapointed in the food and the quality of booze they received.

[jjking42 Member Find all posts View Profile Close jjking42]

what about last call Ai resorts

if you get a last call vaction at a rci resort fro under 300.00 than would it be worth paying the high AI fee?

[Barbeque Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Barbeque]

Maybe but check them against specials elsewhere like cheapcarribean.
Or costco or expedia or Skyauction. Compare with other sources.

[tonyg Goomba & Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tonyg]

I got an offer for a $ 149 week (not including the AI fees) for 5 Cancun resorts this fall. AI in Cancun is not popular and an easy trade most of the year because AI is really not a good exchange option.

[TrickyD Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close TrickyD]

Wow, it's hard to believe this thead is still active! I just had to post tonight because it is a great day! I booked 2 weeks at Bonaventure in Weston instead of Mexico, because of the political situation in Mexico these days. Anyway we are celebrating tonight because the "boss" was pronounced C-free this afternoon!
Think I'll start looking for a week cruise after the Bonaventure to really make this vacation memorable!
I really do appreciate the comments and information shared here by all and I know I don't post often enough!
Heck, everyone, have a great life!

TrickyD