For us, non-AI does not end up costing less. When you take into account airfare, hotel, meals & drinks we spend more. We buy booze at the store and make the majority of our own drinks, but we still spend more. We also don't stay at the cheapest place on the beach, so we could do it for less if we had to. One of the big factors is airfare, keep an eye on WestJet, they have some great airfare deals out of Ottawa (if you're lucky enough to catch them) & many times they're direct flights.

We've done 2 non-AI trips now, have 2 more booked and I doubt we'll ever go back to an AI in Jamaica again. Just because it isn't cheaper doesn't mean it isn't better!