Oct 20 2008
Ever tried an All-Inclusive Vacation?
For years, I’ve explored the idea of all-inclusive vacations - and eventually I’ll take one. The two biggest draws for me are the ease of planning an all-inclusive, and the final budget of knowing exactly how much we’ll spend. I was trying to think of the two biggest reasons NOT to take one of these vacations - and I haven’t come up with any! Have you experienced an all-inclusive before? Share with us some of your own thoughts below.
As you research, keep a few things in mind. First, you’ll need to decide what kind of vacation you want. Resorts offer a variety of options, and some of the things you’ll need to decide upon are:
Who are you traveling with? Family-friendly resorts are available if you’re taking the kiddos. But if you’re traveling as a couple, check into the Couples Only resorts. Be sure to check the ages allowed - there may be minimum age requirement at a few of the locations.
What activities do you enjoy? Golf may be included at some resorts, while skiing or scuba diving is offered at another. Some offer a little of it all. Some have spas, sports, casinos, numerous dining options, special activities for children. Explore all the options offered to make sure what’s included best fits your idea of vacation.
Where do you want to go? Is there a particular location you’re wanting to discover? Search for all-inclusives in the area you’d like to go.
Depending on the time of your travel, it’s a good idea to invest in travel insurance. Some of the resorts offer it themselves, but I’d check with a travel agent or do a search online and compare prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Check your chosen resort for their Hurricane Policy, too, if applicable.
Some companies have “add-on” fees for some activities, or events, or meals, or drinks, while others do not. Be sure to check the fine print, and ask any questions you may have before you make the reservation.
Look for the specials offered by each company. Some have seasonal specials, single-parent specials, or discounts for special events. If your schedule is flexible, plan your vacation to fit the deals.
Planning a wedding? Check into all-inclusives for special options. Some include a free wedding when you book the honeymoon!
Here are a few Web sites to help you get started:
Beaches - these all-inclusive resorts cater to families, with special activities planned for different age groups.
Sandals - Same company as beaches, but these resorts cater to couples only. Locations include Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua, and the Bahamas.
All-Inclusive Vacations - a “mega-store” for all sorts of all-inclusive vacations - an “online travel agency” for discounted vacations. This is a great site to do research on MANY types of vacations. I’ve never used this service, so I can’t offer a recommendation one way or the other, but their Web site is loaded with information to help you make wise choices for your vacation.
Club Med - You’ll find a variety of options here, including short stays, last-minute deals, and even a “7-Day Weekend.” One interesting note I discovered on their Web site - they work with Carbonfund.org to help reduce their carbon footprint. ClubMed resorts are located worldwide, and they even offer a Club Med cruise line.
SuperClub Resorts - These resorts include Breezes, Grand Lido, Hedonism, and Starfish.
Palace Resorts - Locations throughout Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
This is more than enough to whet your appetite for now. I’d love to hear a trip report if you’ve been to an all-inclusive, so share it with us!
47 Responses to “Ever tried an All-Inclusive Vacation?”
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I’ve been planning on an all inclusive beach honeymoon! I can’t wait!
I went on an Apple vacation for my honeymoon, as well as with a friend, and both times I had the best experience! I loved not having to worry about anything…we were picked up at the airport and brought to our hotel, we had food, activities, and really enjoyed ourselves. I would definitely recommend going through Apple!
Thank you for the information on websites for all-inclusive vacations. I’ve wondered about them, but never been on one.
Thanks for all the comments - I love hearing everyone’s experiences.
@ Rachel R - no, the all-inclusives aren’t all pre-planned. Just included.
For example - a particular resort may offer golf, scuba diving, snorkeling, beach bikes, massages and/or spa treatments, dining, drinks. You book the trip, and then you have your choice of doing anything or nothing that the resort offers. The more activities the resort offers, the more options you have - BUT that’s where you really need to read the fine print. Some resorts/all-inclusive companies include EVERYTHING in the one price. Others may include only certain activities or certain meals and charge you for others. Ask questions to make sure you know exactly what’s included. Many of the Web sites offer “menus” you can view before you book.
I hope that answers your questions. Let me know if you have more.
I’m ready for a vacation - it’s turning cold here this week!
We looked into one in Puerta Vallarta but never went with it.
We’ve actually stayed at one of the Palace Resorts (Cancun Palace) and it was exceptional! I loved the all-inclusive vacation. This was our 10 yr anniversay present. If we went back I would stay at a palace resort again. We visited Xpu-Ha Palace while down there. I would stay here, except I think the beach was eroded with their last hurricane down there :-(. I’m always planning my next vacation, I will be sure to bookmark/subscribe to this blog! Great information!
I’ve never tried it- because I always think I’ll be able to get a better deal if I don’t - but I’d probably save money in the end. I don’t know. good blog
I’ve never tried an all-inclusive, but I’m going to this winter - my brother’s getting married at an all-inclusive in the Dominican Republic. I’m sure it’ll be an interesting experience.
I haven’t been on one yet, but I would love to someday. The Sandals resorts look really cool.
I’m afraid that the All-Inclusive might be a bit of a waste of money for us. I have the palate of a three year old and I don’t play many sports. Hubby doesn’t paricularly like shows or anything, so we usually do lots of walking and card playing (gin rummy) on our vacations.
We are thinking of doing an all inclusive at a couples only resort. I really like the idea of everything (or most) being paid up front so there are no money worries during the trip, it would be nice to eat, drink and relax without budgeting!
We havn’t tried an all inclusive yet. I’m hoping for a Disney vacation in the next couple years, though. All goodies included.
I havent YET! but I would love to! not having too much to care about sounds fantastic! we usually go see music on our vacations. next one, this would be great!
Hi! I am here from the Bloggy Giveaway. I have never tried an All-Inclusivw Vacation but it definitely is something I would consider in the future. Thanks for all the helpful information and links
YES—I have been on one all-inclusive vacation. We stayed at the Moon Palace and I must say I was overwhelmed at first by the great service and all that the resort had to offer. It was definitely quite different than any other vacation that we went on. We quickly adapted, though, and really liked the idea that we really did not have to leave the resort if we did not want to. We really enjoyed the convenient dining options and enjoyed the fact that most everything was already included, so we did not have to worry about a whole lot additional spending. Even when the weather was bad, we still had plenty of options of things to do onsite. Also, even though gratuity was included, the service and hospitality was outstanding (not like they were really working for tips)–we couldn’t help but to tip extra anyway!
i have never done this because i like to have some flexibility in my vacation but i can see how this can be convenient for some people!
Thanks for the info! We have been looking at all inclusives for a trip to Mexico next year.
Thanks for the info! We have been looking at all-inclusives for a trip to Mexico next year.
We did an all-inlcusive at Sandals St. Lucia, and it was SO worth it. A large resort where we could get lost, and we didn’t have to worry about having cash if we went right from the beach or pool to a restaurant. That was the best part…the freedom to do whatever we wanted and not worry about paying.
I have always wanted to stay at one of those upscale all inclusive resorts. I have been to a rinky dink one in Mexico. It was meh.
We stayed at one in Mexico. Loved not having to pull money out all the time. The only negative and really not a negative is the alcohol seemed to be watered down……..semtaylor(at)yahoo.com
I have been to an all-inclusive once and it was nice to just be able to order whatever I wanted and not having to keep getting out my wallet!
We have never been on a “land” all inclusive but are about to take our third cruise - which is a “sea” all inclusive! We love not having to decide where to eat/go/do — and have everything right there, and it’s already been paid for! (I know on a cruise liquor isn’t included but we don’t drink so it’s not an issue for us).
I never have tried an all inclusive vacation. In fact, I haven’t had a true get-away type of vacation since my honeymoon, and even that was a fairly simple, local thing. I keep dreaming about a time that I’ll be able to go off and really relax and having everything taken care of. I appreciate the website links and tips here. Now I can fantasize even better.
Thank you for the information on all inclusive vacataions.
I will definitely consider this when planning our next vacation.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
I went to palace resorts a couple years ago right outside of cancun. It was great the food was good the service was good. They even brought drinks to the beach. I would definitely suggest it. I think the main thing is check the food reviews because if the food is awful its kind of pointless.
We are thinking of an all inclusive vacation just for the convenience. You are right you have to watch for hidden fees.
I think they are isolating. I did it once at a resort in Fiji - but of course all inclusive doesn’t mean tours or food outside of the resort so you tend to stay put! I’d do it on an isolated island where there were no other options - but somewhere like Cancun - that others have mentioned above there are so many places to eat, and lot cheaper than at a big hotel!