travel

5 tips for planning your next all-inclusive vacation

tips for all inclusive resort vacation

All-Inclusive vacations are vacations that funnel the costs of your room and board, food, and drinks in one lump sum. This type of vacation helps when planning a vacation, especially for those with families. These vacations can also make your trip more relaxing, as you do not need to worry about budgeting for your basic vacation needs. All-Inclusive vacations can be the best vacations for those who are looking to relax and enjoy themselves. Here are four major tips that can help you to have the best all-inclusive vacation possible.

1. Understand What is Considered “Inclusive”

Each all-inclusive destination will have its own definition of “Inclusive”. You need to understand the exact meaning of “Inclusive” for each vacation spot that you consider. Some of these “all-inclusive” destinations will include stay, food, beverages, and certain amenities and attractions in their overall cost. Others will only pay for stay, food, and a specific amount of beverages. Don’t ever assume “beverages” include alcoholic beverages. Understand the exact definition for each destination so that you can budget and plan accordingly for your all-inclusive vacation.

2. Check Out Amenities

If you are trying to choose between inclusive vacations, look at the surrounding amenities. You should look at the amenities that are in the “inclusive” package as well as those that aren’t. The amenities that you find may give you more of a reason to choose one destination over another. For example, say one of your vacation goals is horseback riding. One destination may include horse-back riding, while another may have it as an extra. Based on the other amenities, you may want to choose one location over the other.

3. Go In The Off-Season

If you are looking for a vacation that is less-expensive, look into the off-season for tourism. Different all-inclusive vacations will have different off-seasons. The tourists do not travel to these places during the off-season as much as they do at other times in the year. Destinations will generally offer discounts or lower prices to woo tourists to their destination during the off-season. For example, tourists flock to Europe during the summer. The temperature is very pleasant and for many families it is the only time they can visit. If your vacation is adults only, you can score some good deals in the early spring or fall.

4. Plan For Extra Spending

The most important tip for inclusive vacations is to plan for extra spending. Vacationers will often blow their entire budget on their all-inclusive package. They fail to realize that there will still be other costs with their all-inclusive vacation. Remember, the resorts are skilled and creative at coming up with tempting offers to part you with your money. No doubt they will have excursions and other offers you’ll never find out while researching. Armed with that information, you will be aware to take more money on your all-inclusive trip. Be sure to budget to be prepared for any and all extra spending.

5. Finding the Best Price on Excursions

Knowing that there will be other amenities that you will be tempted to take part in during your “all-inclusive” vacation, put on your deal-hunting hat. Lots of times, companies will have an exclusive deal with the hotel to be their recommended vendor for certain activities. But ask other guests or take a stroll offsite and you’ll most likely find other vendors offering the same service for far less. Note: Always be cautious. While most vendors are there just to make a living, some may be out to do you harm. Always have presence of mind and be aware. Tell hotel staff where you are going and when you plan to be back, so they can alert the authorities if it comes to that.

You need to make sure that you fully understand the definition of “All-Inclusive” for each inclusive vacation destination. This will help you to be fully aware of the costs that you will need to cover after you have paid for your trip. This will help you to plan for any extra spending on the trip. You need to plan for the full cost of the trip, beyond the inclusive package. These 5 tips will help you to be better prepared for that cost.

About the author

Malika Bowling

Malika is the author of several books including Culinary Atlanta: Guide to the Best Restaurants, Markets, Breweries and More! and the founder of Roamilicious. She is also a Digital Marketing and Social Media Consultant. Follow us @Roamilicious on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for the content not shared on the blog. And don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter (subscribe box below) and never miss a contest, giveaway or the latest must visit restaurant!