Summer 2009 Travel

So I am starting to plan what my vacation will be for 2009. So far I have 2 options, which really is at least 1 more than I can afford or take time off for. Not to mention that'll be right before I head off to Grad. School, so who knows if I'll even have any money at all? Why oh why is there never enough time or money to do all the things I want to do? Perhaps one of these days I may seriously contemplate going to work for the Travel Channel or something like that so I can have my cake and eat it too.

Anyhow, Tyler and Sue are FINALLY getting married next summer in Playa del Carmen, Mexico (near Cancun). They want everyone to stay with them at an all-inclusive 18+ resort for a few days. Good news, there is great diving and lots to see in the Cancun area. Bad news, if paying for an all-inclusive, why would I want to pay extra to go do other things? I suppose it depends what type of traveler you are, but I am not the type that likes to just lie around and sunbathe (for starters because I don't tan, at all) for days at a time unless I am scuba diving. I would rather spend my time exploring a place there is a good chance I may never return to again. Thus, I am contemplating just getting a separate hotel nearby and save all the over the top expenses added onto an all-inclusive. On the other hand, my parents swear that all-inclusives are the way to go, so we'll see.

On another note, my "2nd parents" invited me to join them on a dive boat for a week in Jamaica next year. I've always wanted to do one of those as they are the best way to improve your scuba skills. After all you are diving 4-5 times a day for a week straight. Not to mention no need for cooking, making your bed, etc. Plus plenty of time in between dives to TRY to get a tan. OTOH, there is really no sightseeing to do.

So I'm torn... really wishing I could do both.