Why Try an All-Inclusive Resort?

July 18th, 2008 by Susan - NWA WorldVacations

The popularity of all-inclusive vacations and resorts has skyrocketed in the past five years. They offer programs for everyone including families, couples, and singles. All-inclusive vacations and resorts come in all shapes and sizes, from ultra-luxurious mega resorts to quaint, boutique-style hotels.

But everyone always wants to know…Do they really include EVERYTHING? The answer is yes… and no.

Here’s what’s usually included (ask about your particular resort to be sure):

• All meals, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages and most alcoholic beverages.
• Some activities, depending on what your resort has available, such as tennis, golf, diving or snorkeling, other water sports, and workouts.
• Other amenities, like staff gratuities or direct transfers.

Here’s what’s usually NOT included:

• Airfare and airport taxes
• Spa treatments (massage, facial, etc), but access to facilities is usually included
• Off-site tours
• Phone calls
• Items purchased at the gift shop

A couple notes on “inclusions”

• You will get the “included” wine with your dinner, but you can usually purchase a specific wine. Also, sometimes only domestic or local liquor is included, so if you’re in Mexico for example, you may have to pay extra for a Miller beer instead of a Modelo or Presidente.
• You may have to make reservations for your meals at select restaurants on site. And sometimes, if you don’t make the reservation, your options may be limited. You also may be restricted to how many times you can eat at some of the fine dining restaurants at the property.

Where are all-inclusive vacations and resorts available and a good option?
Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, especially Cancún and the Riviera Maya

Some questions to ask yourself before choosing an all-inclusive resort:

1. Am I looking for a vacation where I want very little outside influence…just want to relax and not be bothered with where to go to eat dinner or what to do?
2. Do I want to see something and experience something different every day?
3. Are there enough activities at this particular resort, and are the restaurants suitable to my taste?
4. Am I looking for a “no surprise”, carefree vacation, where you have a budget, you pay that up front and don’t have to worry about how much money you will need to spend while there(except souvenirs, of course). In fact, you don’t even need to exchange large amounts of dollars to the local currency or even carry a wallet around at the resort.

(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
 Loading ...