Travel hacks, tips, and pros & cons of planning an all inclusive vacation!
Should you book an all-inclusive vacation? Is it worth to spend the money at an all inclusive? What are the pros and cons of staying at an all-inclusive resort? These questions and many more are answered in this article, where we dish about the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of planning an all inclusive vacation!
Why You Should Plan an All Inclusive Vacation
All-inclusive vacations offer several advantages that can make them an appealing option for many travelers. The cost savings of bundling your accommodation, meals, beverages, and sometimes even airfare helps simplify the vacation budgeting process while providing the convenience of a hassle-free trip. These tips for planning an all inclusive vacation help you decide if this way of traveling is right for you, and how to go about creating an epic trip!
Tips for Planning an All Inclusive Vacation
Here are our top ten tips for planning an all inclusive vacation, including how to decide if an all inclusive vacation is right for you.
1. Research Your Destination Before You Choose an All-Inclusive
Some vacation destinations offer a plethora of all inclusive packages to choose from including Mexico and Caribbean countries like the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, and Jamaica. Others such as the U.S., Costa Rica, and most of Europe do not have nearly as many options. So once you decide where you want to travel to, research if there are all inclusive resorts in that location. This is step one.
Step two is pinpointing the top things you want to see/ do/ experience on this vacation to help you determine where you should go. If you want to be surrounded by lush green mountains or relax by turquoise beaches, the options are all out there.
And don’t forget to research the weather as well! In South America and areas with lush vegetation and rainforests, the rainy season is several months long and the humidity can be sky-high. The majestic and pristine Caribbean has hurricane season to deal with, that runs from June through November most years. These are all things to consider when planning an all inclusive vacation.
2. Decide on Family-Friendly vs. Adults Only
You already know we are a family-focused blog, but sometimes you need a vacation as a couple alone. And honestly if you don’t have kids, you may not want to be surrounded by rafts, water slides, pool games, and the like. Adults-only all inclusive resorts cater to the calm and relaxed atmosphere that travel without little ones can bring.
That being said, many family-friendly all inclusive resorts offer areas of rest and relaxation that only 18-and-up can enter, similar to the adults only lounge areas on a cruise ship.
And if you are traveling as a family, certain resorts make a much better choice than others. From wave pools, water slides, and kids-only sections to playgrounds, child-approved nightly entertainment, and even teen clubs, some resorts offer a definite edge over the competition when looking for areas to travel with kids.
3. Narrow Down Your All Inclusive Resort Options Based on Amenities
There are a LOT of resorts out there claiming to be fabulous. Once you’ve decided on where to go, now it is time to research what you want to do while there. Whether you want to relax on a pristine beach while drinking unlimited frozen drinks out of a coconut, tube along a lazy river, or hang out at a swim-up bar, there are tons of options to choose from to get some much-needed R&R.
Now if action is more your speed, look for all-inclusives that provide tons of activities. Anything from daytime concerts by the pool, golfing, bowling, tennis, pickleball, learning to surf, kayaking and water sports, fitness classes, gambling in casinos, and nightly dance parties can be offered. The opportunities are endless!
4. Read the Reviews
The quality of amenities, services, and dining options can vary significantly among different all-inclusive resorts. It’s crucial to research and choose a reputable resort to ensure a positive experience. Know what is included ahead of time, and be sure it’s a well-known resort.
Tip: If the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Cost is most often related to quality.
Our experience: We recently stayed at an all-inclusive in the Dominican Republic as a family. I researched exactly what I wanted to see and decided on Punta Cana: white beaches, turquoise Caribbean water, mountains for ziplining… the pictures were amazing. But, I didn’t read any reviews of our specific resort.
Reality was most of the resorts are just outside of Punta Cana with a Punta Cana address. To get to these beautiful beaches was a 45-minute drive from our resort and you had to pay (a lot) for any excursion or transportation. We still had a great time, but this was slightly disappointing.
5. Lower Your Expectations Slightly
This is not to say don’t plan an all inclusive vacation, but you do need to know what to expect. The drinks are free so they are (typically) not top-shelf and the options are limited. Also, the food can be a little lackluster or have very limited hours of availability.
Since the resort has so many people to feed constantly, unless you make reservations at one of the “nicer” restaurants you are probably going to be eating buffet-style. This can be exciting at first until you realize the dining options are all cafeteria-esque, or include fixed menus and limited variety. This can be a drawback for those who enjoy exploring local restaurants and trying different cuisines.
It has been our experience that most all inclusive resorts have walk-up restaurants, all-you-care-to-eat buffets, and dining options that require reservations. These are all still included, but it is something to note before you arrive. Some of these reservation systems are streamlined, and you can reserve them right from the concierge desk when you check in.
Others, unfortunately, require you to wake up at a certain time (the earlier the better) to stand in line for a reservation that evening, and hope there is availability when you get to the front. Not only do I not like being on a schedule while on a vacation, but waking up early to stand in line is probably the last thing I want to do. So this goes along with researching the reviews to see what “hidden details” aren’t listed on the resort website.
6. Everything is Not Free at an All Inclusive
While the upfront cost is known, some all-inclusive packages may have hidden fees for certain activities, premium services, or off-site excursions. It’s essential to carefully review the terms and conditions to avoid unexpected expenses, and read the resort reviews. Many resorts include food, drinks, and non-motorized water activities, some include airport transfers and even airfare. But spa treatments and excursions involving leaving the resort are typically an extra charge.
Also some all-inclusive resorts are divided into “regular” and “exclusive” or “privilege” areas. Here the premium restaurants, drinks, pools, and even services like room service, late check-out, and upgraded mini-bars come at a higher price point.
7. Prepare for Lines and Crowds
Even though you are staying at an exclusive resort, there may still be lines and wait times. Popular all-inclusive resorts can attract a large number of guests especially during peak seasons. This can result in crowded pools, beaches, restaurants, and other facilities, leading to a less tranquil and intimate vacation experience.
Also much like on a cruise (unfortunately) people get up early and reserve the good seats around the pool. While this is discouraged, it is done everywhere. So if you want a shady spot in an ideal location, you’ll have to get there before everyone else. Your best bet is to find a location that is close to amenities like the pool, bars, and restrooms, and make yourself comfortable!
8. Book Airport Transportation Ahead of Time (if not included)
Private or group transfers to and from the local airport can be included in your all inclusive package, so double check on this before you book separately. This goes hand in hand with doing your research, plus (if you are a high-anxiety traveler like me) knowing exactly where to go once you get off the plane brings such peace of mind. Some of the airports in highly-trafficked tourist destinations can be very confusing, especially if you aren’t familiar with the local language.
Some destinations may have higher safety risks than others. Check travel advisories and consult official government sources for information about the safety of the destination. Exercise caution when using external transportation services, and verify the legitimacy of any transportation arranged outside the resort.
9. Don't Forget to Factor in Flight Prices
I have found some ah-mazing deals on all inclusive resorts in tropical destinations that seem too good to be true. But when you add in the cost of the flights to and from the region, the dream vacation you’ve envisioned flies (literally) right out the window. Even living in Florida and having access to multiple airports on either coast, flights to areas like the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Mexico have been astronomical.
If you can, try to find a bundle that includes airfare and airport transfers. If not, check WayAway to search for cheap flights and set price alerts.
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10. Remember to Relax Once You Arrive, You've Earned It!
You worked hard to get here. You’ve done your research, chosen your location, and spent half a day traveling to your destination. It’s time to relax! The major plus to planning an all inclusive vacation is that once you arrive, you can be worry-free. With all the essentials taken care of the focus turns to relaxation and enjoyment, rather than logistics. Enjoy your stress-free getaway!
One more thing, you don’t have to worry about safety when traveling to a new region if staying at an all-inclusive resort. Often located in well-developed tourist areas, the safety and security of the resort guests is a top priority. This can provide peace of mind, especially for those who may be concerned about traveling in unfamiliar destinations.
Common Questions About Planning an All Inclusive Vacation
Is it worth it to visit an all-inclusive resort?
This all depends on the type of vacation you are looking for. If you want relaxation, no worries, and knowing the only decision you have to make is what drink to order, then an all-inclusive resort is definitely worth it. When you package together the travel between the airport and the hotel, all of the meals, included activities and entertainment, and the best place to stay, planning an all inclusive vacation can be a time-saver while helping you stick to a planned budget.
However if you are looking for cultural immersion, exploring the region that you are staying in, and activities outside of the resort, an all-inclusive may not be right for you. Some people prefer more flexibility in their travel plans and may find that all-inclusive packages limit their exploration of local culture and cuisine. It’s essential to consider individual preferences and travel goals when deciding on the type of vacation that suits you best.
How many days should I stay at an all-inclusive resort?
Again this is a matter of preference. Since you are most likely not leaving the resort, it can feel like a cruise without leaving the ship. There are plenty of amenities typically to keep you busy, but by day 3 or 4 every day can begin to feel the same. This may be exactly what you are looking for, or you may feel like you are in the movie “Groundhog Day”. In our opinion, 4 nights at an all-inclusive resort is the sweet spot.
Do you have to tip at an all-inclusive resort?
Absolutely. Tip the housekeepers, bartenders, servers, and anyone else who goes out of their way to assist you. Most of the countries that offer all-inclusive vacations are paying their employees very little and a small tip can go a long way.
That being said, you don’t tip 18-20% like you do in the US. We bring ones and fives (USD) and this has always been much appreciated.
Can you eat all you want at an all inclusive resort?
Yes and no. Yes, there are food options available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But most of the eateries have posted hours, i.e. you can’t wake up at 11 AM and expect a hot breakfast. Unless: you are staying in one of the “exclusive” areas where room service is available 24/7. At least, this has been our experience.
On our most recent trip to the Dominican, lunch was served during a posted time and if you missed it your options were limited to burgers by the pool. Those in the “Privilege” section had access to more lunch dining spots, exclusive Privilege-only restaurants, and 24-hour room service with a much larger menu. The kids were disappointed and I felt we were misled, but that’s another story!
That being said, our dining experiences at all-inclusives in Mexico have been better. These were prior to Covid though, so possibly it is just a lack of staff availability.
Do you save money at an all-inclusve resort?
Once you factor in the fact that your drinks, meals, room and entertainment are included, typically you will save money by staying at an all-inclusive. But if you want to leave the resort at all you are going to pay a pretty penny, along the same lines of the price for a cruise excursion.
When planning an all-inclusive vacation, it is important to carefully research the resort’s offerings, read reviews from other travelers, and choose a destination that aligns with your preferences to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable getaway. And of course, have a great time!
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Happy Travels!
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