Tired of the pricey meals, expensive activities, and that feeling that you’re being “nickel and dimed” while on vacation? Savvy travelers know that an all-inclusive is the way to go – no surprise bills at the end of your trip, or as we like to say, “no wallet, no worries”!
You can spend as little or as much as you’d like on the experience, and book anything from a five-star luxury resort to a more economical option. But having so many choices can make it difficult to decide where to stay and which level of service you prefer.
Here are questions to ask yourself as you narrow down your choices.
Do You Want an Adults-only or Kid-friendly Resort?
In an effort to lure childless couples (whether you have none or are just leaving them at home), most all-inclusive brands have “adults only” properties in their all-inclusive portfolios, where the focus is on romance and relaxation… and many have added kids-free areas and adults-only accommodations and restaurants to their family-friendly properties, giving options to both kidless couples and families. If you’re heading to an all-inclusive resort without the kids, an adults-only option can offer a more refined setting and more adult-oriented options for dining and entertainment, while family-friendly resorts with adults-only areas/accommodations give parents a place to relax free of the distraction of children for a few hours.
Bringing the kids doesn’t have to spell vacation doom. In fact, many all-inclusive properties were designed with children in mind. Family-friendly entertainment, water parks and large kid-friendly pools are all-inclusive mainstays. Plus, some family-oriented properties, including many Iberostar all-inclusive properties, offer on-site kids’ clubs with babysitting services (as well as teens’ clubs), so you and your better half can soak up some sun and surf or enjoy a romantic dinner and know that your kids are safe & secure and having a great time too.
Do You Want to Travel at an Off-peak Time or in Peak Season?
If you’re traveling with the kids, you might have to plan your vacation around their school schedule. But if you’re planning a trip with friends, you could save a bundle if you’re willing to travel during the shoulder months or basically any time school is in session.
If you’re heading to an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean or Mexico, popular travel times generally fall between December and the end of spring break. So, if your schedule offers enough flexibility to travel between mid-April and November, you could score up to 40 percent in savings.
Which Destination Do You Want to Visit?
While a handful of all-inclusive resorts sit outside of the Caribbean, the vast majority of properties can be found in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Aruba, Barbados, St. Maarten and other tropical islands.
While many of these places offer similar scenery and amenities, the culture, language and ambiance of each can be drastically different. Which one should you choose? The answer depends on a variety of variables, including your budget, travel goals, companions and personal preferences.
If you’re on a set budget, the best values can generally be found in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. But if it’s culture you seek, you’ll need to learn more about each destination to decide which place offers the food, arts and entertainment offerings that appeal to you.
While there’s no wrong way to pick a destination for your all-inclusive vacation, figuring out which place best matches your interests and needs is the best way to ensure a satisfactory trip.
What Are Your Activity and Amenity Preferences?
Are you a “relax at the beach or pool with a good book” type of vacationer? Do you prefer to get out and explore the local shopping and cultural scene? Is screaming while you fly above the treetops on a zipline your thing?
Beyond varying levels of luxury, you can also expect different perks and services available at different resorts. At most all-inclusive resorts you can expect nightly shows and some on-site entertainment, as well as additional amenities such as equipment for paddle boarding, kayaking, and snorkeling, and typically fitness classes, group games and activities.
Before you book your stay, consider which types of amenities are available at your desired property to mitigate overpaying for unnecessary add-ons. For example, Check PricesHotel Xcaret includes complimentary admission to their ecological adventure parks (definitely worth exploring!), and Check PricesUNICO 20° 87° arranges local cultural experiences with artisans and expert guides, while Check PricesPalace Resorts offers packages that includes complimentary Golf.
And if you just want to relax on the beach all week, you may want to choose a less expensive property that doesn’t offer all the bells and whistles of luxury resorts.
The Bottom Line.
From opulent properties with lavish amenities to cost-effective retreats with family-friendly perks, all-inclusive resorts run the gamut. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide which type of experience you want, and ultimately, how much you’ll pay for it, but having a clear idea of what you want before you make a booking will help you avoid a less-than-amazing vacation.
See you at the beach!
~Jake
“A vacation is what you take – when you can no longer take what you have been taking.”
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