If you are planning on taking an all-inclusive resort vacation, you may be wondering what to expect. Staying at an all-inclusive resort generally means that your vacation experience will be different than other types of vacations, so it's a good idea to be prepared before and after booking.
Disclosure: We've stayed at all-inclusive resorts at no cost for review, but have also paid our own way. This post contains affiliate links, and a purchase through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no cost to you.
What to Expect at an All-Inclusive Resort (From My Experience)
What a General All-inclusive Experience Is
When you book an all-inclusive resort, you are booking a specific type of experience. To get the best value from an all-inclusive, you'll want to stay on the property for most of your time there. It's not worth it to pay for the extra expense of an all-inclusive resort if you plan to spend most of your time dining outside the resort.
When I've stayed at all-inclusive resorts with my family, we've been able to enjoy the resort fully. On-property amenities will vary but may include beach access, pool activities, water parks, water activities, kids' clubs, and entertainment.
Booking Your All-Inclusive Resort
Some resorts offer all-inclusive as an optional add-on. If you are considering that, just think about how you plan to spend your vacation. Determine whether the add-on's price is worthwhile. Including everything can be a great way to budget for your vacation, but if you don't drink alcohol or plan to eat off-property, it may not be worth it.
Researching Your Experience
Before you book, and before you go, there are some things you'll need to ask.
- Do you need to book transportation between the airport and the resort?
- Are reservations required for the restaurants?
- Are gratuities included? If not, how can they be paid - in cash, or included on the bill?
- Is the mini bar included, or does it cost extra?
- Is room service offered and included?
- Do activities need to be reserved?
Checking In to Your All-Inclusive Resort
Arriving at an all-inclusive resort can be exciting because after a long flight, you'll be so excited to get your vacation started. In my experience, check-in to these resorts can follow a similar process (but every resort may vary).
Typically, when you arrive, you'll be greeted by a bellman. They'll take your bags and save them for you as you check in. You'll want to have some cash available for tips if gratuities aren't included.
When you check in, you may receive a bracelet or another item that indicates you are staying at the resort. You'll be asked to provide a credit card for incidentals, and you should receive information about resort activities. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions that you have about inclusions or required reservations. Depending on the country's regulations, the resort may need to get a copy of your passport.
This is also a great time to learn about the resort's kids' clubs. Some require reservations to maintain appropriate staff ratios; learn that in advance. If the resort offers different activities (such as arts and crafts) throughout the day, ask for a schedule.
Some resorts will have a bellman escort you to your room, while others will deliver the luggage separately. If you arrive early, you'll usually be allowed to use the amenities and restaurants before your room is ready. Have your swimsuits and sunscreen ready to use in an easy spot in your bags so you can change quickly.
It can often be disappointing to find that your room isn't ready. However, there's always that risk when your flight arrives early. Make the most of it by preparing to use the amenities without having to go to your room.
Your Standard Day on an All-inclusive Vacation
The best part of staying at an all-inclusive resort is the general relaxing environment. You can spend all or almost all of your time relaxing at a pool or the beach (or both). The ability to vacation without needing a car or taking cabs can be so enjoyable and relaxing, especially when traveling with kids.
If your kids are going to visit the kids' club, figure out when they want to go. You can arrange your day around that.
At many all-inclusive resorts, you can get food at the pool and beach. Or, you can go to one of the restaurants for lunch. We always try to plan our meals around the time that we are ready to get out of the sun.
In the afternoon, you'll start to see guests leaving the beach and pool areas to get ready for dinner. Usually, by late afternoon, we are ready to pack up and go inside. At some resorts, dinner is a dressier affair, while at others, it is more casual.
What if it rains? If your plan is to spend all of your time at the pool or the beach, rain can really put a damper on your plans. In most tropical locations, rain is common but typically lasts only a short time.
On one of our trips to an all-inclusive resort, we were traveling with 24 people. It rained heavily for most of the day, so we enjoyed playing cards and other games under a covered area of the resort. While it may not be what you planned, you can always make the best of it.
On occasion, you may opt to take an excursion outside of the resort. For instance, when we were staying in Akumal, Mexico, we decided to visit Tulum for the morning. We booked that excursion through the hotel, though you can also book with outside vendors. Just do your research in advance to make sure the company you reserve with is reputable and safe.
What You Should Pack For An All-Inclusive Vacation
Assuming you are visiting a resort in a warm-weather destination along a beach, you'll usually be spending a lot of time in a bathing suit. You also won't generally be leaving the resort, so you'll need to make sure that you pack everything you need.
I typically bring two swimsuits, so I never have to put on a wet bathing suit. You'll want to pack every toiletry that you'll need. I always bring my own hair products because pool and salt water can destroy my hair without the right products.
I pack a nice outfit for each evening, and a handful of casual outfits. You can rewear these, because you'll usually only wear them for a short time between your swimsuits and dinner outfits.
Although almost all all-inclusive resorts offer sunscreen in their gift shops, I prefer to have my own. It can be expensive to purchase these types of essentials on the property.
If your resort encourages cash gratuities, you may also want to pack cash in small denominations. I always go to the bank before I leave and get some $1s and $5s to make sure I have plenty of cash for tips.
Leaving the Resort During the Day
When you stay at an all-inclusive resort, you never have to leave the resort during your trip. Everything you need, from food to entertainment, is offered right on property.
However, there are times you may want to leave. It's important, however, to assess the area's safety before you venture out. In some places, it really isn't safe to leave beyond the resort.
Typically, the easiest way to leave the resort during the day is to book an excursion. Transportation to and from the resort can be easily arranged. Booking directly from the concierge or tour desk at the resort is the easiest and safest option.
Common Mistakes First-Time All-Inclusive Guests Make
Here are some mistakes you'll want to avoid before you go on your first all-inclusive vacation:
- Not making restaurant reservations early enough (check to see if they are accepted/required)
- Not bringing enough sunscreen
- Not understanding what is and isn't included
- Not ensuring that transportation between the airport and the resort is covered
- Not bringing enough small bills and assuming the resort will have change (they don't always)
- Not considering your room location (this can matter a lot when you spend most of your time on the property)
Doing a little research before you go and packing appropriately can make your vacation relaxing and enjoyable.
Have you been on an all-inclusive vacation?
Leave a Reply