The Good, the Bad and the Not-So-Ugly of All-Inclusive Resorts.
- Carrie Thomson
- Dec 22, 2017
- 2 min read
When planning a resort vacation, most of us are just looking for some fun in the sun. But how do we know what kind of resort will be best for us? Will an all-inclusive resort fit into our vacation needs? Well let’s start by looking at what an all-inclusive is.
What is an All-Inclusive resort?
An all-inclusive resort is one in which you pay one price, per person, and you receive all meals, drinks, lodging, sometimes gratuities, and access to water-sports and other activities.
Sure this sounds amazing, but is it really the right thing for you?
The Good
For those of you looking to do nothing more than lay by the pool, soak up the sun and sip on a fancy drink, then an all-inclusive is right up your alley.
They are also an excellent choice for families. You can lay by the pool in peace, without worrying about your 15-year-old wanting another order of $25 chicken strips or a virgin daiquiri. They can eat and drink to their hearts delight, and you can return home at the end of your vacation and not have to worry about taking a second mortgage out to pay off the credit card bill. You know your costs before you even leave home.
The Bad
One of the biggest reasons that my husband and I travel is to experience new cultures, we like to meet the locals, and experience things in a new light. So all-inclusive resorts are not necessarily for us. We like to explore authentic restaurants and night-clubs, and we’ve found that if we pay for all of our expenses in an all-inclusive resort up front, we feel guilty for leaving it. It's almost as tho we are trapped...(in paradise???) NOT the experience that we are looking for.
The Not so Ugly
If you really can’t decide on what you want from your trip, you’re in luck! There is a solution to the should I? shouldn’t I? debate. Do both. Most resorts will let you pay the all-inclusive rate for part of your stay, and the standard rate for the other part. This way you have the best of both worlds.
When deciding on an all-inclusive vs regular resort, keep in mind these 4 things:
What are my travel goals?
What is my budget?
Who am I traveling with?
Can I have it all?
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