Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about all-inclusive resorts. While most of our travel adventures are more cultural in nature, we do occasionally enjoy some downtime at an all inclusive beach resort. These resorts aren’t for everyone, but there are many different types of resorts and packages, so you might be surprised at how much you enjoy an all-inclusive vacation! To help you plan your next trip, we put together some tips for all inclusive resort vacations.
Don’t Skip Your Research
Just because these resorts are supposed to be an “easy” vacation, it doesn’t mean you don’t have to do any research up front. All-inclusive resorts can vary quite a bit from one property to the next, so it’s really important to pick the one that is best for you. If you’re looking for a quiet honeymoon, you might not want a resort that has nightclubs that are bumping until 2 a.m.
A few types of all-inclusive resorts are:
- Couples only
- Adults only
- Singles only
- Family-friendly
Less expensive resorts are going to be more popular with college-age spring break crowds, and people who want to party. Make sure you read reviews and ask around; you can even call the resort to see what clientele they cater to.
Some resorts offer different packages within the resort. Sometimes you can do lodging only or food but no alcohol, or truly all-inclusive where all meals and drinks are included. Some resorts also have “premium” amenities like a waterpark or spa that might require an extra fee.
When it comes to dining at all-inclusive resorts, some of the bigger resorts will have many different restaurant options. Some of the nicer restaurants might be an additional fee per person, and they might require reservations, or have a dress code. If you don’t research all this before your trip, you might miss out!
You also need to know if your resort includes airport transfers or not. If it does, be clear on where to meet your transportation. If the resort does not pick you up, then ask them to arrange something for you. This allows you to skip right through the gauntlet of taxi drivers and timeshare presentations at the airport exit.
Don’t Forget to Sign Up for the Loyalty Program
Once you’ve chosen an all-inclusive resort, find out if they have a loyalty program you can sign up for. Some resorts may be part of larger chains like Marriott or Hilton, where you can earn points for stays at hotels around the globe. Often, loyalty members will get extra perks, like free WiFi or a small discount at the gift shop. You might even get a room upgrade, as those are given to members first!
Don’t Forget to Ask Questions at Check-In
Checking into an all-inclusive resort can be overwhelming as there’s a lot of information to take in. Sometimes the front desk isn’t always forthcoming with information, because many guests are repeat guests and already know the details of the resort. So you might have to pry a little bit to get all the information you need.
Don’t Forget to Explore the Resort
After you check in, take a few minutes to review all the information they gave you when you checked in. Sometimes, they can send this to you before you arrive as well. Review the map in detail as there may be hidden pool areas that are less crowded, or fun events and activities held throughout the week. You don’t want to miss out on activities that are included in your package!
Don’t Lose Your Resort Wristband
When you arrive at the all-inclusive resort, they’ll give you a wristband to wear throughout your stay. It gives you access to the resort areas, plus access to restaurants and bars. Some resorts have electronic wristbands that serve as your room key and credit card, so it’s really important not to lose it! If you do lose your wristband, you will probably have to pay to get a new one, and it can be very expensive. Resorts we’ve stayed at charge anywhere from $50 to $120 to replace your wristband!
Don’t Expect Strong Drinks
As you are checking in, you will probably be offered a welcome drink that is the hotel’s specialty. It might be a rum punch or a frozen margarita. These are often featured and pushed at the resort bars as well. Keep in mind that these house-special drinks are mixed in huge batches, and they are not very strong.
You can also bring your own beverage containers and have them filled up for you. Whether you want water or a mojito, just bring your cup to the bar. Otherwise, the drinks they serve are quite small, so you’ll be running back and forth to the bar a lot for refills.
Don’t Forget to Talk to the Staff
The best tips for all inclusive resorts come from the employees. The staff at a resort will be your best resource for information and tips about the area you are visiting. Whether you’re looking for the most authentic local food on property, or the best places to visit off property, the staff is your best resource! If you make friends with your bartender, you just might find your drinks are a bit stronger, too!
Of course, it’s always a good idea to learn a few words of the local language before a trip. They won’t expect you to carry on a conversation, but it’s a nice gesture of getting to know the locals.
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Don’t Expect Local Cuisine
Most all-inclusive resorts cater to the masses, so you can expect the food to be pretty basic, like burgers, steaks, and pasta dishes. The restaurants at an all-inclusive tend to resemble your local food court: a burger place, a Chinese place, a Mexican place, a pizza place, etc. Oftentimes, there is one local authentic restaurant if you ask around. The staff will be able to point you in the direction of the most authentic local cuisine.
Don’t Expect Local Culture
These resorts are catering to travelers who want to eat, drink, and lay on a beach. They are not necessarily geared towards cultural travelers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t seek out your own cultural experiences. Just know that you might have to go off-property. This does seem to vary by property, as a lot of family-friendly properties will have kids’ activities, like language lessons or local crafts.
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Don’t Be Afraid to Venture Off Property
All-inclusive resorts are designed to keep you on the property during your entire stay. The larger resorts are typically a ways away from local attractions and restaurants, but that doesn’t mean you can’t venture into a nearby town to explore. Just ask the hotel staff if there are any areas to avoid and ask them to book your taxi to and from town. Just because all of your meals are included in your price, doesn’t mean you can’t go into town for an authentic dinner one night.
Don’t Forget About Excursions
Resorts will typically offer some off-property excursions, whether it’s a boat tour, snorkeling trip, or cultural experience. If you book excursions through your resort, they are typically a 3rd party that will include guests from other resorts. Most resorts don’t run their own tours but work with other vendors to arrange them. You don’t have to book them through your resort, but sometimes that is the easiest way. If booking on your own, you might also be able to negotiate the price and get a better deal.
Don’t Forget to Pack Your Sundries
All-inclusive doesn’t include everything! Make sure you are packing sunscreen and bug spray for your trip, or you might end up paying triple at the resort. It’s not enough just to bring them; you have to apply and reapply them throughout the day! Our All-Inclusive resort in Cancun was charging $32 for a $12 can of sunscreen, so it’s an expensive mistake to forget your sunscreen at home!
Don’t Forget Your Beach Supplies
Most all-inclusive resorts are located on a beach, but most of the kids’ activities will be at the pool area or in the kid’s club. So make sure you bring your beach toys from home so the kids aren’t running wild driving everyone else crazy. You can buy anything you need at the resort, but you’ll pay a premium.
Water shoes are also great to have, whether you are on the beach or hiking to waterfalls and swimming holes.
Don’t Eat and Drink Everything
Your first time at an all-inclusive can be overwhelming. You feel like you want to get your money’s worth and eat all the food and drink all the drinks. The food doesn’t change much from day to day, so you can always try that extra dessert on another day. And don’t get caught up in the frenzy at the breakfast buffet; there will be enough food for everyone!
There’s always one person who drinks too much and then ends up sick, gets in a fight, or just ruins their trip. I’ve seen people miss out on fun because they are so full or have too much to drink, and they end up passing out for the rest of the day.
Don’t Forget to Use the In-Room Safe
One of the great things about an all-inclusive is that you don’t have to carry your wallet around with you. Once you check in, put your wallet, keys, passports, and any other valuables in the safe for the rest of your stay.
(Just remember to get everything out of the safe before you leave!)
Don’t Forget to Tip!
Many resorts are tip-free, meaning that gratuity is already included in the price of everything. However, you can always tip extra for service that is above and beyond. A few bucks here and there can really go a long way for the people working at the resort. So, make sure you have lots of singles or whatever the small bills are where you are visiting. (This is also an easy way to get in good with your bartender and get stronger drinks!)
Don’t Expect to Bring Guests to the Resort
Most all-inclusive resorts do not allow guests to visit you. Resort amenities, including the pool, are for resort guests only. This is one of the reasons for the wristband. Some resorts will sell a day pass. So, if you have friends locally or make new friends, find out the rules ahead of time so you can make plans to meet elsewhere.
Don’t Forget to Make Friends at Your Resort
One of the great things about traveling is the people you meet. Typically, you will meet like-minded people who have the same travel style as you, which usually translates to getting along. We made some great friends from all over the world at different all-inclusive resorts. They are always happy to share their favorite destinations and tips for all inclusive resorts.
Don’t Reserve Pool Chairs for Hours
Some resorts have rules against this, and others should. I have seen people sneak down at 7 a.m. to reserve a bunch of chairs and then not show up until noon. This is just inconsiderate of your fellow resort guests. Likewise, if you’re a late sleeper, don’t expect to find a chair at the pool! They fill up quickly, so you may have to go to the beach for a spot or wait until late afternoon when people start heading indoors for the day.
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
These are our travel tips for all inclusive resort vacations. You might be surprised that they can actually be pretty fun, and a great way to travel, especially if you need a relaxing vacation! Interested in more tropical vacation tips? Check out these blog posts!