Non-AI questions

[nutz4travel]

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!

[nutz4travel]

Oh - and I forgot to mention - no dress code for dinner - that means no dress shoes or long pants required for men! The restaurants, even the nicer ones, are so much more relaxed and casual than the a la cartes at an AI! And there's no lining up for reservations!

[billndonna]

Oh - and I forgot to mention - no dress code for dinner - that means no dress shoes or long pants required for men! The restaurants, even the nicer ones, are so much more relaxed and casual than the a la cartes at an AI! And there's no lining up for reservations!

We have to agree with 2nutz on this except for when we stay at Hedo,seems to be no serious dress code there,grin!!

[nutz4travel]

We have to agree with 2nutz on this except for when we stay at Hedo,seems to be no serious dress code there,grin!!

LOL you guys kill me

[JaJodi]

After honeymooning at Sandals, we tried a cheaper AI in Negril and found ourselves spending most of time eating other places and out and about. We went non-AI a few trips ago and for us it works out cheaper since we like to get out. Our big expense is massages which you would pay for whether you are AI or not. We've found the beach masseuses to be just as good and much cheaper than the spas at the AIs.

[TandJ]

Wow - lots of good feed back! Thank you all!

Back to price though - last year, we paid $1955 Canadian for 10 days at RPTB. That included airfair. So, roughly $200 / day for EVERYTHING. I just can't seem to find a non-AI that can beat it.

As for the experience, yes - the best time we had was just beach-bumming on the long stretch.

[St. Anthony's Kitchen]

I tend to agree with what most are saying.... and always keep in mind that if you like to drink alcohol and don't like to walk the roads looking for places to eat, then go with the AI.

St. Anthony's Kitchen

[Slightly Stoopid]

Totally agree .. the whole A/I vs. non A/I thing is a crapshoot ..
air carrier/hotel quaility /food /drink & even time of year travelled ..ALL factor into it ..
Personally we've never done the A/I thing .. & most likely never will -wherever we travel
..just a matter of personal choice
& YES .. although we budget like most here @ $100.00 per day ..
We just perfer the freedom of the "non wristband"
Do we spend more going Non A/I ??..
It's a never ending debate

[murph]

TandJ lets break down the #'s... what would a typical RT flight cost for you both?(Just the flight).

[goldilocks]

Two things frighten me about big A/I's: dress codes and entertainment teams