5 reasons to book an all-inclusive resort for your next vacation

If you’re looking to spend a vacation in the Caribbean or Mexico, you will find that teh all-inclusive resort is a popular option. With 500+ resorts offering this type of pricing structure, many travelers are finding the practice to be favorable. But how do you know if an all-inclusive is right for you? Read on to find out.

1. All-inclusive rates are easy
   With nearly every expense included, you don’t have to worry about calculating costs for every little thing, adding tips (see #2 below), carrying cash around, etc. You can stay up and party all night, eat all day long, relax at the pool or beach, enjoy entertainment and join in activities without bringing your wallet – just go and do what you want!
2. There’s no need to worry about tipping
   This is only partially true. Although the price usually includes tips and gratuities, savvy travelers know to reward a worker who gives them great service. Not only are you showing appreciation, but word gets around and soon you will find that you are given the very best treatment from the staff.
3. All-inclusive properties are full-service
   There are usually a myriad of facilities to choose from at an all-inclusive resort. Typical amenities included in the fee are your nightly room accomodations, airport transfers, buffet breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, alcoholic beverages, watersports, nightly entertainment and dancing clubs, unlimited use of the hotel’s facilities (pools, spas, fitness room) and all taxes and gratuities. Guests usually have to pay an additional fee for premium services such as spa treatments and golf.
4. You are content to spend most of your time at the resort
   If you are the type of traveler who likes to explore the area and sample the local fare every day, an all-inclusive may not be for you. Because guests at all-inclusive resorts feel they need to get their money’s worth, they typically spend most of their time on the resort grounds. This is actually recommended for some locations, where venturing out into the local area can be an issue of personal safety. But if you’re the type who wants to get a taste of the surrounding area on a daily basis, you might want to reconsider.
5. All-inclusive rates can save you money (but sometimes they don’t)
   Before booking an all-inclusive vacation, be sure to do your research and do the math. Estimate what you would spend on all meals, drinks, entertainment and activities without going all-inclusive. Then, compare the cost of the all-inclusive with that figure, taking into consideration that you may want to have dinner out a few times, and maybe take an excursion or two which won’t be included. How does it balance out?

As with any major investment, be sure to do your research before reserving an all-inclusive vacation. What exactly does the rate include? What doesn’t it include? How many restaurants are there to choose from (unless you’re content to eat at the same one seven nights in a row)? Knowledge is the key to avoiding suprises and disappointment, and ensuring you have the experience of a lifetime.