What To Know Before You Vacation At An All-Inclusive Resort

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

26 Nov 2006 11:43 AM

Ah, the lure of the all-inclusive resort. I have written about the benefits of visiting all-inclusive resorts in previous blogs. Studies show they are extremely popular travel options for families and newlyweds. And when it comes to the types of all-inclusive resorts, well, the sky is the limit. There are all-inclusive resorts which cater to family's with young children, and ones that ban children from their properties all together (they are the ones offered to singles or couples-only... no offense to the children of course). The tricky thing about traveling to an all-inclusive resort is determining what exactly is included under the umbrella term "all-inclusive."

You should always check with the particular resort that you are intending to book a reservation with, but on the whole most all-inclusive resorts abide by these rules:

ALMOST ALWAYS INCLUDED:

· All meals and snacks

· Activities such as tennis, golf, diving or snorkeling, use of gym facilities, water-skiing and other water sports such as kayaking.

· Amenities, airport transfers, taxes, and gratuities.

ALMOST ALWAYS NOT INCLUDED:

· Airfare and airport taxes

· Spa treatments (massage, facial, pedicures, manicures, seaweed wrap, salt baths, etc.)

· Tours conducted off resort property

· Phone calls

· Gift shop items

BE CAREFUL ABOUT THE WAY "INCLUDED" IS USED:

For example, when you go to dinner the wait staff will bring you the "included" wine with your meal, but in most cases if you don't like the wine being served, you have the option of purchasing the wine you really want. Also, at most all-inclusive resorts the only liquor included under the "all-inclusive" rule is domestic liquor, so if you're in Mexico for example, you'll have to pay extra for a Guinness beer instead of a Corona.

Also, get the facts on meal reservations. Sometimes, if you don't make a reservation, you don't eat, so ask your travel agent or the resort prior to leaving on your vacation.

Finally, check on the "included" water sports. In some places motorized water activities are NOT included.

BEFORE CHOOSING AN ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT:

· Get the facts. Ask as many questions as possible. Remember there is a broad range of all-inclusive resorts. The full all-inclusive is going to have the nice sit-down restaurants. The next step down will have all buffet dining.

· Consider whether you are looking for a vacation where you just remain at the resort and not be bothered with where to eat dinner or what to do. Or, if you want to spend the majority of your time off resort property and eat wherever you want.

· Many sure you do your research on a particular resort. Check to see if there enough activities to keep you entertained and if the food choices meet with your approval.

One nice thing I like about all-inclusive resorts is that tipping is not allowed so you don't have to worry about always having cash on hand.

What is your favorite part about all-inclusive resorts?

Related Articles:

Vacationing with Elmo

Travel Deals: Single Parent Caribbean Vacation

All-Inclusive Couples Resorts

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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