For years the thought of all inclusive was an anathema to my idea of a good holiday. I like to get out and about, try different bars and restaurants etc.
However both i and the world have changed. i am no longer single and we have a young child. Children are happier in a place they know and do not particularly enjoy walking around looking for different places to eat- and often if you find a restaurant the kids like you end up using it a lot anyway-so much for choice!
For the first time ever we have booked to go a/i. Some of the more snobbish types will no doubt be pleased however to hear we are taking our business to Lanzarote. We will obviously be wearing union jack shorts, drinking beer (god forbid) , singing football songs and watching Eastenders) . This is the first "main holiday" that i havent spent in Ibiza for 8 years.
Some people do need to face facts -the economy is in meltdown (and will get worse), the pound has crashed through the floor and ibiza was getting damn expensive BEFORE the recession.
I am sorry but a four star A/I for 3 people at �1300 for a week in Playa Blanca is good value in difficult times. My family has an apartment on Ibiza, but school holiday flights alone are in the region of �800 (once we have had to pay for a tiny suitcase, check in fees etc). Last year we spent �1000 in a week (and that was watching what we spent). In case some people havent noticed a jarra in a ("nice")restaurant is �3 to �4 in San Eu, Ice creams (Walls/Frigo) seem to be double the price they are in the UK. The "Main" meal price list increases year on year by a couple of euros...
I still hope to get to Ibiza twice this year, but looking at a Thursday to Tuesday long weekend in June I have been quoted �550 for the flights alone (with only one case between 3). Add to that �30 each way for a taxi (if i can get one...dont get me going about Ibiza taxis...) and already transport costs are over �600 just to get to the front door - thats hardly a bargain!
I do not intend sitting around in the hotel all day everyday BUT and this is an important but, lifes been tough this year, we have worked hard, gone through quite a bit and to be honest...a week sitting by or in the pool or on the beach without having to worry about whether we can afford another beer or another ice cream, and just chilling out in the sun is perfectly acceptable as far as i am concerned.
If Ibiza tries to make decisions for it's customers they will go elsewhere and may not come back. Perhaps the answer lies not in trying to make up for lack of bookings by putting UP prices and blaming the customer for their lack of discretion but maybe in attractively priced alternatives to a/i. If you dont believe me....try and see how much you have to pay for a 2 bedroom apartment in a complex with a pool in San Eu this August!!!!!
