Two months ago I booked my first all-inclusive. My boyfriend and I decided for our anniversary we wanted something romantic, relaxing and totally stress-free—so we booked an all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. With one click, everything was handled: flights, airport transfers, meals, activities, even the drinks. I thought I had cracked the code to the easiest vacation ever.
And in many ways, I had.
We arrived to sweeping ocean views, a sprawling resort with palm-lined pools and a gorgeous suite that looked like something off a travel magazine cover. It was, in a word, stunning. The sunsets were unreal, the beach was pristine and we genuinely had a great time together. But by the end of the trip, something didn’t quite sit right—and it wasn’t the margaritas.
A Taste of What Was Missing
Here’s what surprised me most: the food. With multiple on-site restaurants, we expected variety and quality, but most meals were just… fine. The flavors felt muted, like they were trying to appeal to everyone and ended up exciting no one. We found ourselves joking that every meal somehow tasted the same.
Worse? We never left the resort.
At first, that felt like a perk. The property was massive and full of amenities—there was technically no need to go anywhere. But by day four, I realized we hadn’t actually seen Playa del Carmen. No local food stands. No day trips. No chance encounters or stories from strangers. We were in Mexico… but also kind of in a bubble.
What I Wanted Instead
I missed the sense of place that travel usually brings. I wanted to walk cobblestone streets, try tacos from a food truck, talk to someone who actually lives there. I wanted moments that weren’t on an itinerary or built into a resort package.
I didn’t want more convenience—I wanted more connection.
And that’s when it hit me: I’m not an all-inclusive traveler. I’m a bespoke traveler.
What I Do Differently Now
Since that trip, I’ve shifted how I travel. I now seek out personalized experiences—local guides, intimate dinners, boutique stays that reflect the destination. I plan slower, with more intention, and I never regret spending extra time (or money) to create a trip that actually feels like mine.
When I think about my favorite travel memories, they’re never the pre-scheduled group tours or the buffet lines. They’re the quiet dinners cooked by a local chef in Costa Rica, or the unplanned moments on a tucked-away street in Barcelona. That’s the kind of travel that stays with you.
Final Takeaway
If you love all-inclusives, I get it. There’s a time and place for easy escapes. But for me, that Playa del Carmen trip taught me something important: beautiful views and a big resort can only take you so far. The real magic of travel happens outside the walls of a resort—when you connect, explore, and let the unexpected in.
So yes, my first all-inclusive trip was also my last. And I wouldn’t change a thing—because it led me straight to bespoke travel, and I’ve never looked back.
With love, Ava
Ava Stepanian 