Everything You Need to Know for Your First Trip to an All-Inclusive Resort

As a travel agent, I get a lot of answers about all-inclusive resorts. Each resort is unique, but there are quite a few questions that are general enough to apply to each one. I wanted to compile a resource for you to go to whenever you have a question about vacationing at an all-inclusive resort. For this blog, I am focusing on the traditional all-inclusive resorts located in Mexico and the Caribbean.

Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions about all-inclusive resorts.

Where are all-inclusive resorts located?

Traditional all-inclusive resorts are located in Mexico, Jamaica, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, and a few other Caribbean islands. There are some traditional all-inclusive resorts sprinkled throughout the world, like where I went for my honeymoon in the Maldives, but most are found in Mexico and the Caribbean.

How do you choose a resort? How does one compare the different resorts?

With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know which one would be a good fit for your vacation. This is where working with a travel advisor comes in handy. There are travel agents that specialize in all-inclusive resorts (like me!) I visit and tour all-inclusive resorts, build relationships with the staff, and take classes to learn about each resort. All of this helps me know which resorts to recommend to you, and which ones are best to avoid. You can try and compare resorts online, but photos can be deceiving. It’s best to consult with people that have actually visited these resorts and have first-hand experience.

Are all-inclusive resorts worth it? 

Like most things in life, this isn’t a simple yes or no answer. It all depends on the type of vacation you are looking for. I go into great detail on this question here. Check this blog out and if you still are wondering if an all-inclusive resort is the right choice for your next vacation, email me at hello@thekeystotravel.com, and I can help answer your questions.

What is included at an all-inclusive resort?

For the most part, all food, drinks, non-motorized water sports, onsite activities, and accommodations are included at an all-inclusive resort. The type of quality of these inclusions depends on the resort. 

Room service is sometimes included. Some resorts, like Sandals Resorts, only allow room service for certain room categories. If this is important to you, make sure to check with the resort or your travel agent prior to booking.

What is not included at an all-inclusive resort? 

Most of the time spa treatments, excursions off-site, motorized water sports, specialty services like a private dinner on the beach, and airport transfers are not included in the price of your stay at an all-inclusive resort. 

Some resorts do include these things in their all-inclusive price. For example, UNICO 20*87 and Hard Rock Resorts include certain spa treatments and excursions in their all-inclusive price. You just have to pay a 25% service fee. Couples Resorts and Sandals Resorts include transfers to and from the airport. 

If you want to spend a lot of time at the spa, for example, choosing a resort like UNICO 20*87, although maybe slightly more expensive upfront, could save you money in the long run. Check with your travel agent to find the best resort for your specific vacation wishes.

Is alcohol included at all-inclusive resorts? If so, is there a limit on how much you can drink?

Yes, alcohol is included at all-inclusive resorts. Some resorts include top-shelf liquor in their all-inclusive price, and some you have to be in a preferred status room to get top-shelf liquor or pay an additional cost. There aren’t limits on how much you can drink, but the staff definitely have the ability to cut off anyone who is over drinking.

How do they deal with dietary restrictions?

Many resorts are very conscious of dietary restrictions. For the resorts I have visited, the staff will ask you about any dietary restrictions while seating you for your meal. When it is a buffet style situation, they often have signs sharing what is in each food item. If you have any concerns, just make sure to ask!

Do you have to tip? 

That is completely up to you. I personally always bring about $50-$100 per trip for tipping for exemplary service. I recommend tipping $5 for transfer drivers, $1-$3 per bag for bellmen, $1 per drink for the bartender, and $1-$3 per person at a meal. If you do get a butler, it is recommended to tip. You can tip each day, or do one large tip at the end of your stay. If you tip at the end of your stay, I recommend tipping $20-$30 per person. 

Some resorts have tipping included in the price. For example, Sandals Resorts do not allow you to tip, unless you have a butler. The staff that accept tips at these resorts can actually get fired. Another resort brand that does not allow tipping is Couples Resorts, located throughout Jamaica.

Are there adults-only all-inclusive resorts?

Yes, there are all-inclusive resorts that are adults-only. These are perfect for travelers that need a break from the kids at home, honeymooners, couples getaway, groups like Bachelorette parties, and adults celebrating big milestones, like birthdays. Here are some of the best resorts for an adults-only vacation. 

What are good all-inclusive resorts for families?

Some of my favorite all-inclusive family resorts are Hard Rock All-Inclusive Resorts, Azul Beach Negril, Dreams Resorts, Hyatt Ziva Resorts, and Beaches Resorts. These resorts provide a great variety of entertainment for family members of all ages. I think it is important for resorts to have plenty of variety from food options to beach activities to pools and nightly entertainment in order to make a family vacation memorable for everyone.

Is there a list of onsite activities to choose from or do you plan those yourself?

Yes! Each resort shares their daily onsite activities. Some resorts have an app that they update daily. Others will print out a daily list of onsite activities. These activities can range from morning group fitness classes to afternoon tequila tasting, to evening live music. 

If you don’t want to participate in planned, group activities, you can always use the non-motorized water sports at your leisure, hit the gym for a workout, or play games like ping pong that can normally be found around the resort.

How can I support the local economy besides the resort?

Go on an excursion or take a tour off the resort! There are plenty of quality local tour guides that you can book an excursion with. If you need help finding a reputable company to book an excursion with, email me at hello@thekeystotravel.com.

Some resorts, like UNICO 20*87, provide easy ways for guests to help support the local economy. UNICO 20*87 has a program called Vacation for a Cause. It is a very simple volunteer program. They provide a list of needed items on their website and all you have to do is bring those items to UNICO when you visit. The staff then brings the donations to local non-profit organizations in their community. Before heading to your resort, check to see if they have any programs like this that you can participate in.

What are some good tips to know when vacationing at an all-inclusive resort?

• Bring cash for tips
• Bring a reusable tumbler
  One of the best tips I have for vacationing at an all-inclusive resort is to bring your own insulated tumbler for drinks. This helps keep your drink cold at the pool all day long and cuts down on the number of trips to the bar. 
• Clothes & reservations for restaurants
  Some restaurants have a dress code and require reservations. Make sure to check on this before arriving at the resort. 
• Sunscreen
  Some resorts provide sunscreen, but most do not. Don’t forget to pack your own because purchasing sunscreen the onsite gift shop can get very pricey.
• Book excursions & activities on-site or with your travel agent before
  You can book off-site excursions right at your resort. If you know exactly what you want to do on vacation, ask your travel agent to book the excursions for you beforehand. 
• No need to bring a beach towel
  There is no need to waste space in your luggage with a beach towel. The resorts provide them for you. 
• Activities schedule 
  If you don’t get a schedule of onsite activities when you check-in, make sure to ask for one! You want to make sure to take advantage of everything the resort has to offer while on vacation.
• Just ask
  If you forgot something, need something, or have a question, just ask! The staff at all-inclusive resorts want to help provide the best experience possible and will often go out of their way to help.

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