All-Inclusive Resorts: What You Need To Know Before You Go
Greetings from the Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in Cancun, Mexico! There’s tons of All-Inclusive resorts in Cancun, and they’re becoming more and more popular around the world. For first-timers, there are some rules and tips that are helpful to know before you stay at an all-inclusive resort. After our first visit, I’ve pulled together 17 tips for your first visit to an all-inclusive. They are a good value and can be lots of fun, even if it’s different from how we usually travel.
All-Inclusive Resort Tip #1: Research Your Destination & Resort
Many All-Inclusive resorts are tailored to specific groups. Some may be geared towards singles, or families, adults-only, or senior citizens. There’s all kinds of All-Inclusives out there, so do your research beforehand to see what the resort has on offer. I enjoy All-Inclusive resort with cultural excursions like Chichen Itza near Cancun. Make sure you read the online reviews and make sure you know the best time of year to visit. Don’t show up in Cancun with your children and be shocked by the crazy Spring Break crowds.
All-Inclusive Resort Tip #2: All-Inclusive Does Not Always Include Everything
A true All-Inclusive will include breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks, plus airport transportation and more. When you are researching the resort, check to see what’s included – is it “full pension” or is it just dinner or lunch that’s included? A lot of time spa treatments, golf outings or local tours will cost extra. Beer, wine and cocktails are usually included in the all-inclusive rate.
All-Inclusive Resort Tip #3: Do Not Lose Your Wristband
You need this wristband for everything. It gets you into the restaurants and the bars at the resorts. You can incur some pretty hefty fines if you lose the resort wristband, with some resorts charging from $75-$100 per day. A lot of resorts will require you to return the wristband when you check out as well.
All-Inclusive Resort Tip #4: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Service at All-Inclusive resorts is usually pretty good, so don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re not sure how something works. From the concierge to the cleaning staff, the hotel staff is usually very friendly. When you check in, have them go through the basics of how the resort works – when you can eat, where can we go, how do we get drinks, etc.
All-Inclusive Resort Tip #5: Expect Bland Food
At our All-Inclusive resort in Cancun, there’s American food, Asian food and lots of options, but no Mexican food! They tend to make everything bland – the bigger the resort, the blander the food. A lot of times, you can ask the waiter for the local specialty, but it’s not always on the menu.
All-Inclusive Resort Tip #6: Tipping at an All-Inclusive
Tipping is not always included at your all-inclusive resort, so you have to ask. On many all-inclusive cruises, tipping is additional, however at this Cancun resort, the staff won’t accept tips. So, tipping at an all-inclusive will vary from resort to resort.
All-Inclusive Resort Tip #7: No Cash Needed
Your wristband will cover any charges or fees you incur. You need to know your room number, and always have your wristband, and you won’t need cash at all during your stay. If you do need to buy anything at the gift shops, you can either put it against your room credit, or charge it to your credit card. (Always know your PIN in case it’s required)
All-Inclusive Resort Tip #8: Take Note of Operating Hours
All-Inclusive does not mean “always open.” Be sure you know the hours for the swimming pools, the spa, the gym and the restaurants.
10 Things That SHOCK Travelers About All Inclusive Resorts
All-Inclusive Resort Tip #9: A Lot of People Will Pass Through Your Room
Expect a lot of staff to be passing through and attending to your room. People will be dropping off food, picking up food, towel service, housekeeping and turndown service. It’s a good idea to secure your valuables. Also, always have a robe handy to throw on in case the staff stops by your room.
All-Inclusive Resort Tip #10: Be Aware of Sectioning
Your wristband color may entitle you to different levels of activity or service. The resort may try to upgrade you to a VIP package, which would have a different wristband color. So, even though it’s an all-inclusive resort, there may be restaurants you can’t dine in with your level of wristband. On the same note, some of the nicer restaurants or bars at the resort may have dress codes. Don’t plan to wear your swim attire everywhere. I recommend bringing at least one nice outfit for dinner.
All-Inclusive Resort Tip #11: Get to Know Local Traditions & Culture
In order to learn about local culture and traditions, talk to the staff at your All-Inclusive resort. Most of the guests will be international tourists, so to get the inside scoop, talk to the locals who who at your resort.
All-Inclusive Resort Tip #12: Pack Basic Needs or Prepare to Overpay
Basic health and beauty supplies are way overpriced at all-inclusive resorts. A simple $4 bottle of sunblock can cost as much as $27 at the resort shop. You won’t have access to nearby convenience stores, so just pack all your basics like aspirin and sunscreen. Buying just a few supplies at the resort can add up to more than the cost of a checked bag, so consider that when you are packing for your all-inclusive vacation.
All-Inclusive Resort Tip #13: You Don’t Have to Eat & Drink it All
Just because it’s all-inclusive doesn’t mean you have to drink the bar dry, or clean out the buffet. You’ll feel miserable afterwards, so it’s best to drink and eat responsibly. Don’t ruin your vacation by overindulging!
All-Inclusive Resort Tip #14: You Get What You Pay For
Not all all-inclusive resorts are the same. If you go for a cheap all-inclusive resort, you’re liable to get poor service, watered-down drinks. If you pay a little more for a nicer all-inclusive, it will show in the quality of service, food and activities.
All-Inclusive Resort Tip #15: Arrange your Arrival & Departure Connections
A lot of all-inclusive resorts offer airport connections, but make sure you make reservations for the shuttles ahead of time. When you make your resort reservation, ask them how airport transportation works. Don’t expect to show up at the airport and summon someone.
All-Inclusive Resort Tip #16: Bring a Copy of Your Reservation Confirmation
Both when checking in and checking, have a copy of your reservation which shows your final price plus inclusions or upgrades, in case there are any questions.
All-Inclusive Resort Tip #17: Bring Sunblock and Bug Spray
Just to reiterate tip #12: prices for these sundries are insane! Don’t forget to bring them with you, or be prepared to pay exorbitant amounts at the resort gift shop.
All-Inclusive resorts are great fun for the whole family, and great for a multigenerational trip. I hope these tips help you enjoy your all-inclusive vacation! Check out some of our other helpful travel videos: