Is an all-inclusive resort right for you?
Destinations like Aruba, Cancun, St. Thomas and the Bahamas have an infrastructure that is well suited to all-inclusive and non-all-inclusive resorts because there is a wide variety of restaurants and amenities for tourism. Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, on the other hand, do not have the tourist infrastructure and are best suited for an all-inclusive vacation.
You will need to consider this carefully before choosing an all-inclusive resort. The resorts vary: some are designed for couples, some for singles, some for gays, and some for families. Some cater to a younger or older audience. There are also some that offer clothing optional activities. For obvious reasons, most of them do not allow children under the age of 18.
Resorts come in all shapes and sizes. Some include airfare and hotel. Some include airfare, hotel, transfers and some meals. Others include all meals and activities, but not airfare. Often times, buying airfare as part of the package can be a better deal than buying it separately, unless you’re using frequent flyer miles.
Many all-inclusives have, as part of their program, child care facilities that are often a resort within the resort for children, a “day camp” that is special and that children look forward to attending. And many all-inclusive resorts offer incredible discounts to kids (they don’t drink liquor after all), while some don’t even charge for kids 17 and under who share their parents’ room.
What are the benefits of all-inclusive resorts?
The security of knowing that one price covers everything, without any of those nasty surprises that can put a hole in any family’s travel budget. All meals, entertainment, activities and sports, as well as airfare and accommodation, are generally included in one price. You can forget about the worries about carrying a lot of extra spending money and just sit back and enjoy your vacation.
Who should take a look at an all-inclusive?
Travelers who are: on a tight budget, traveling with the kids, receiving the trip as a wedding gift, or getting married on the honeymoon.
So is an all-inclusive resort right for you?
If you are the type of traveler who enjoys trying all the local fare, then spending all your time at an all-inclusive resort is probably not for you. If you like to go somewhere just to relax and not worry about pulling out your wallet every couple of hours to pay for food, drinks, or activities, then there is probably an all-inclusive resort that is right for you.
If you like staying up all night partying and drinking, if you want to take advantage of all the activities and water sports included, if you want to have food and snacks available all day and if you don’t want to have to worry about the final bill when you check out, a all inclusive is definitely a viable option. Some resorts even have 24-hour room service.
All-inclusive resorts can be expensive. On the other hand, they can also add great value. If you’re going to a destination where the cost of meals, snacks, liquor, and activities are expensive, and your hotel or resort is high-end with an expensive nightly rate, an all-inclusive could end up saving you money.
If, on the other hand, you don’t drink much, enjoy lazing on the beach and sleeping early at night, are on a diet, and choose simple salads for your meals, you’d probably spend too much at an all-inclusive resort. Note that the drinks are only cheap locals that are not very strong.
On the downside of an all-inclusive vacation, some people get a bit tired of dining at the same restaurant night after night. Resort rooms may be smaller than standard hotel rooms. Some, not all all-inclusive resorts, offer shows. And some of them have a different show every night.
Some resorts have kids’ clubs for the little ones. Kids clubs start at any hotel at 4 years of age. Babysitters or babysitters are additional costs that are not included in the all-inclusive package. Almost everyone included has activities from beach volleyball to bingo and other games.
It is a good idea if you want a cashless holiday in a safe environment, if you are satisfied that the dining options on offer will suit your tastes, if you take advantage of water sports, nursery and bars.
If you are adventurous and want to spend your days exploring the country you are visiting and your afternoons trying out gastronomic options in the city, you would be better off choosing a resort that offers that kind of flexibility rather than an all-inclusive.
What is normally included in the all-inclusive vacation package?
All food and beverages, beer, wine, spirits and premium tips, government taxes, tips, entertainment, activities and sports, as well as airfare and lodging, are generally included in one price.
Airfare and hotel transfers are optional when purchasing the all-inclusive package. Tips are not allowed. One of the benefits of the all-inclusive resort is that the one-time upfront price covers unlimited activities.
Phone calls and items purchased from the gift shop are included. The pricier all-inclusive resorts will have good sit-down restaurants. The next step down will have all the buffet meals.
Tennis and squash courts can be free and often night lit courts free of charge, but bring your rackets as you will likely have to pay to rent them. Most packages do not include golf fees. In most cases, you must rent a golf cart, but compared to the price of the game on most courses, that cost is negligible. Sailing boats are free most of the time. Snorkels, masks, and fins are usually free, but may have a time limit (note: bring masks from home if you can, considering the one-size-fits-all variety is often useless on small faces, so that leaves the kids snorkeling). miserably with a face full of salt water). Snorkeling on the property is free, but the most interesting underwater views are often elsewhere. The latter will cost you, if not for the snorkeling itself, then for the round trip transportation. With motorsports, costs can run up to more than $ 60 an hour. Parasailing is another expensive adventure. Several may also find all-inclusive profitable. Tanks must be paid for separately, but dive excursions are included at some of these resorts. If you are not certified, most resorts offer a “resort certification” that will allow you to take closely supervised guided dives. A resort certification is an excellent introduction to the sport. However, if you are already a certified diver, some resorts, such as Sandals, Beaches, and Gala Resorts, offer one or two tank dives per day in their all-inclusive packages.
Many all-inclusive resorts offer spa treatments as part of their packages, with the option to pay for more intensive therapies.
Don’t forget to budget extra money for some excursions that were not included in the all-inclusive package. A swim with dolphins, for example, costs around $ 100 per person, more than a small change if you are traveling with a family of four.
Consider these additional factors carefully before purchasing an all-inclusive vacation package.
Price is usually related to quality. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. However, sometimes it is possible to get an amazing, legitimate deal, as long as you look in the right places: Apple Vacations, Funjet Vacations, TNT Vacations, and numerous smaller wholesalers.
Look for deals. Check the websites for details. Check what is included in the price, so you do not incur additional costs that you are not willing to pay.
Organize visas and travel insurance policies well in advance. Your tour operator and travel agent should advise you on all of this, but you should also contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting for visa information.
It is important that you speak with your doctor about the necessary vaccinations for the areas you are traveling to. When traveling to Mexico, you should be especially careful with drinking water or cool drinks to which tap water can be added. Also check the ice – ask if it was made with tap water – it is unlikely that your ice was made with tap water; but it is worth asking in more rustic establishments and rural areas. Salads can also be dangerous if rinsed with tap water. The rule is: if in doubt, ask first! All the major hotels and good restaurants use purified water everywhere.
To be eligible for special honeymoon deals and discounts, it is advisable to bring a copy of your marriage certificate as proof that you are on honeymoon.
If you are a single parent, or if your partner will not be traveling with you and your children for any reason, you must obtain a notarized letter from the absent parent, giving your consent for the child or children to travel with one of the absent parents.
If you are separated from your partner and are the legal guardian of your child / children, you can take a copy of the court order (note: only the original, no copies!) And this will be enough to take your child or children with you.
If you are a widower or widower, you will need to write a letter to explain this and obtain it, and a copy of the death certificate, notarized and take both documents with you when you travel.
If you are under 18 years of age and wish to travel without your parents, you will need to carry a notarized letter of consent signed by both parents.
If you are a single parent or are traveling with your children but without your partner, or if you are under 18 years of age traveling alone, obtain the required documentation before leaving. Airlines are now refusing to board single parents and children and children traveling alone without this notarized letter of consent.
Many hotels in Mexico establish age restrictions during spring break. Here’s an example of the spring break policy for many hotels:
The hotel will accept individual and group bookings of students.
A refundable deposit of $ 200 per person and credit card is required at check in.
All credit cards used must be in the guest’s name.
Guests may be required to sign an agreement / list of rules upon check-in.
At least one person per room must meet the minimum age requirement to register for individual student bookings.
At least one adult for every 20 students is required for student group bookings.
If you or someone in your group is confined to a wheelchair, you will want to explore accessibility issues very carefully. Ask your travel agent specific questions that may concern you.
Always have a way out. Ask about cancellation policies and look for travel insurance, especially if you are booking through an online agency. Choose wisely and make sure the resort’s amenities and programs fit your lifestyle and character, and you’ll have the time of your life!
