Numerous times over the past couple of years Jenn has subtly hinted at taking an all-inclusive vacation. Saying things like “Jonathan I want to take an all-inclusive vacation” or “Jonathan, wouldn’t it be soooo nice to take an all-inclusive vacation?” It took some time for me to read between the lines and decipher exactly what Jenn wanted, it took me even longer to figure out how we could do on a budget.
I stumbled upon a website that listed all the Hilton All-Inclusive resorts you could book with points – JACKPOT! Out of all the locations Jamaica seemed like the most fun option (read: we had enough airline miles to get us there for free). And so the free all-inclusive vacation planning was full steam ahead!
The whole trip was a surprise for Jenn, she had no idea where we were going until we boarded the plane in Atlanta and the gate reading Montego Bay.
I stumbled upon a website that listed all the Hilton All-Inclusive resorts you could book with points – JACKPOT! Out of all the locations Jamaica seemed like the most fun option (read: we had enough airline miles to get us there for free). And so the free all-inclusive vacation planning was full steam ahead!
The whole trip was a surprise for Jenn, she had no idea where we were going until we boarded the plane in Atlanta and the gate reading Montego Bay.
As if that surprise wasn't enough, the real surprise came when we checked into the hotel and they slapped all-inclusive wrist bands on us. Jenn cried. Actual tears. Guess after all these years of hostels and shared bathrooms this was a real treat.
We spent two days rotating between the poolside bar, the ocean side bar, and the lazy river/water slide bar.
My yearn for exploration overcame me by the third day, so we ventured beyond the “safety” of the walled resort and rented a car (free with points). We set off along the coast in search of local beaches and waterfalls.
I know, I know – you are thinking – WHAT you left a place that was feeding you and boozing you for free? Believe me, I thought of this before we left and brought ziplock bags so we could load “to go” meals from the buffet to hold us over while we were outside the freeness of our resort.
Somehow Jenn navigated us by the only fabric store in Jamaica and went on a shopping spree. Bringing the total spend for the vacation to $7.25.
Somehow Jenn navigated us by the only fabric store in Jamaica and went on a shopping spree. Bringing the total spend for the vacation to $7.25.
Day four we drove along the coast in the other direction in search of more adventure and discovered several local beaches along with an epic bar called Ricks Café.
Although I enjoyed our vacation, I can say that I am not really an all-inclusive type person, unless the total vacation costs less than $10, then I am totally down…