Can you book AI without a tour?

[Calimari]

I'm wondering if I can book a trip directly through an All-Inclusive resort or am I stuck having to go w/ a tour like Apple or Funjet? I'm trying to see if I can get down there for less than what I've paid in the past, if I book air & accomodations separately.

Yes you can. Although you might pay more. Last December I booked the Viva Maya directly through Wyndham and got an EXCELLENT rate, something like $69 a night (not per person!)

Originally Posted by Calimari

I'm wondering if I can book a trip directly through an All-Inclusive resort or am I stuck having to go w/ a tour like Apple or Funjet? I'm trying to see if I can get down there for less than what I've paid in the past, if I book air & accomodations separately.

[usagi_sisa]

Wow! How did you find that rate? Was it a special..right on their website?

We were trying to get additional rooms for wedding guests, not staying the full week at the IB* Tucan, and the hotel was hesitatnt to sell direct, and when we finally got a rate, it was ~$300 per person per night!

That rate was a special discount but I would call them up if I were you and see if you qualify for any type of discounted rate whether it be a coorporate discount rate or something as simple as a AAA Rate. To find the best rates you have to pull out all stops and shop around as much as possible.

[usagi_sisa]

Thanks Scott! I'll remember that next time 'round....

[kjd469]

Best rates I have found are at beachdestinations.com and cancun.com. Really great prices on Iberostar resorts! I have found that I will save a ton of money booking that way over a package. Good luck.

I found beachdestinations.com to have the best rate for the Tucan also. For some reason, they make it tough to book directly through them. Many other AIs allow it, but they are more difficult.

[KevKaos]

Originally Posted by LA_FadeAway

I found beachdestinations.com to have the best rate for the Tucan also. For some reason, they make it tough to book directly through them. Many other AIs allow it, but they are more difficult.

Be careful about those rates for the Tucan. I already have our trip to the Tucan booked with Apple (thanks Shammy). When I checked this site and put in the same dates, I did get a cheaper price, but The first day of the vacation was totally shot because we would not arrive until 11:17PM and that is just to the airport. Add to that immigration, customs, timeshare dodgeball, waiting for transportation and then the actual ride to Tucan, and you may be getting to your first Tucan drink around 2am of day two of your trip. But that booking would save me about $200 per person on a five night trip. Wooo Hooo. Before you ask, there were other flight options, and some were as good or slightly better than USA3000, but with that my savings disappeared. I must admit that I did not read enough on this site to see if trip insurance is included and what it covers. I ALWAYS booking trip insurance. Anyway, I do not doubt that there may in fact be some good deals on that website, but thought a warning based on a comparison with an actual booking was in order.

The deal I found was on hotel only, as we already had a free flight lined up. I didn't try comparing with airfare.

[KevKaos]

Originally Posted by LA_FadeAway

The deal I found was on hotel only, as we already had a free flight lined up. I didn't try comparing with airfare.

OHHHH, I see. Well that does make a difference then. I guess my warning is still valid for people who are usually looking for airfare as part of their package. Thanks for the clarification.

[suzeq]

Yes, I booked the RIU last summer by phone direct to them. Did pay a higher rate but got a better deal on the airfare with a scheduled airline. Better flight times and transfers (no waiting for the bus).