Are All-Inclusive Resorts Worth It for Families? What to Know Before You Book

All-inclusive resorts have become increasingly popular with families, especially those looking for a relaxing vacation. While some resorts are exclusively all-inclusive, others offer an all-inclusive package.

If you are booking a vacation and wondering whether an all-inclusive resort is worth it for your family, this post will show you what's really included and what the experience is like.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and a purchase may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you. We've received complimentary stays at some all-inclusive resorts and have paid our way at others. All opinions are my own.

Are All-Inclusive Resorts Worth It for Families?

What's Really Included in an All-Inclusive Resort

It's important to know that all-inclusive resorts do vary quite a bit. Because this post is focused on general all-inclusives, you'll need to research the one you are going to book specifically.

Typically, an all-inclusive resort will include the following:

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at your resort
• Alcohol
• Shows and entertainment
• Fitness centers
• Activities such as kids' clubs
• WiFi

They usually don't include:

• Specialized water sports
• Gratuities (but sometimes they do)
• Spa treatments
• Excursions
• Private transportation to and from the airport (sometimes shuttles are included)
• Anything sold at the shop
• Premium food or alcohol (often offered at an additional cost)

If you book a resort with an all-inclusive option, you'll typically be given a bracelet or other identifier indicating you have the package. It's usually the same menus for both groups.

What the Experience is Like at an All-inclusive Resort

All-inclusive resorts aren't for everyone. The biggest thing to know before booking an all-inclusive resort is that the vacation experience is very different from a traditional hotel stay.

At an all-inclusive resort, you should plan on most of your time being spent at the resort. While you may go out on excursions, you get the most value for your money by eating at least most of your food on the resort property. You'll also want to have your drinks there, and skip visiting many local bars or restaurants.

Because of that, it's a more relaxing vacation. Typically, you'll be able to relax by the pool or on the beach (depending on the resort), and you may enjoy included entertainment, beach rentals (such as kayaks and paddleboards), and fitness classes. These are the types of vacations where you pack your swimsuits, sunscreen, and books.

To get the most value from an all-inclusive resort, you probably won't go out to explore the local area much. This isn't a city vacation, where you are touring the area all day and come back to the resort just to sleep. In addition, with the exception of anything hosted at the resort, you really won't spend too much time learning about the culture of the area.

Who an All-Inclusive Resort is For

An all-inclusive resort is perfect for a family vacation when you want to relax and spend time together. It's also a fantastic way to budget for your vacation, since there are few surprise charges. In general, you'll know exactly what your vacation will cost. At a Caribbean beach resort, breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks, and dinner for a family of four can easily add hundreds of dollars per day if you don't have an all-inclusive package.

It's also a great option for families with kids of all ages. Families with younger kids will appreciate the easy logistics of staying on the property for most of the vacation. In addition, there are often kids' clubs and other programming that is fun for kids.

Families with teens can also enjoy this type of vacation. Often, teens just want to relax and enjoy some quiet time at a beach or pool. An all-inclusive resort also gives them the freedom to explore on their own. When we visited an all-inclusive resort with our kids when they were teenagers, they loved being able to get snacks and smoothies whenever they wanted.

Who an All-Inclusive Resort is Not For

If you want to explore the local area, take a bunch of excursions, or eat at many local restaurants, an all-inclusive resort is not for you. If you stay at an all-inclusive resort, you'll be paying for meals and drinks that you aren't having. It would be better to stay at a local resort or hotel.

This is also true for resorts that offer both all-inclusive and à la carte options. It's better to choose the à la carte option if you aren't planning to spend most of your time at the resort.

Best Types of Trips for a Family Vacation

• Spring break
• Multigenerational vacations
• First Mexican or Caribbean trip with kids
• Parents who want an easier vacation
• Trips to escape the winter weather