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All Inclusive Resort Packages: What You Need to Know
by G. Allen
Destinations such as Aruba, Cancun, St. Thomas, and Bahamas have an
infrastructure that is well suited to all-inclusive and not all
inclusive resorts because there is a wide election of restaurants and
amenities for tourism. Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, on the other
hand, don't have the tourism infrastructure in place and are best suited
for all inclusive vacations.
You'll want to consider carefully before choosing an all inclusive
resort. Resorts do vary -- some are designed for couples, some for
singles, some for gays and some for families. Some cater to a younger or
older crowd. There are also some that offer clothing-optional
activities. For obvious reasons, most of those don't allow children
under 18.
The resorts come in all shapes and sizes. Some include airfare and
hotel. Some include airfare, hotel, transfers, and some meals. Others
include all meals and activities, but not airfare. Often, purchasing
airfare as part of the package can be a better deal than doing so
separately, unless you are using frequent flier miles.
Many all-inclusives have, as part of their program, child-care
facilities that are often a resort-within-the-resort for children, a
"day camp" that is special and that kids look forward to attending. And
many all-inclusive resorts give incredible price breaks to children
(they don't drink liquor, after all,) while some even have no charge for
children up to 17 sharing their parents' room.
What are the advantages of all-inclusive vacation resorts?
The security of knowing that one price covers everything, with none of
those nasty surprises that can blast a hole in any family's travel
budget. All meals, entertainment, activities and sports, as well as
airfare and accommodations, are generally included in one price. You can
forget your worries about carrying lots of extra cash for expenses, and
just sit back and enjoy your vacation.
Who should check out an all inclusive?
Travelers who are: on a tight budget, traveling with the kids, receiving
the trip as a wedding gifts or getting married on the honeymoon.
So, is an all inclusive resort right for you?
If you are the type of traveler that enjoys sampling all of the local
fare, then spending all of your time at an all-inclusive resort is
probably not for you. If you like to go somewhere just to relax and not
worry about taking out your wallet every couple of hours to pay for
food, drinks, or activities, then there's probably an all-inclusive
resort that's just right for you.
If you like to stay up all night partying and drinking, if you want to
take advantage of all the included watersports and activities, if you
want to have food and snacks available all day and if you don't want to
have to worry about the final bill when you check out, an all-inclusive
is definitely a viable option. Some resorts even boast 24-hour room
service.
All-inclusive resorts can be costly. On the other hand, they can also
provide great value. If you are going to a destination where the cost of
meals, snacks, liquor and activities are expensive, and your hotel or
resort is high-quality with an expensive nightly rate, an all inclusive
might end up saving you money.
If, on the other hand, you don't drink much, you enjoy lazing on the
beach and getting an early nights sleep, you are dieting and choose
simple salads for your meals, you would probably be overspending for an
all-inclusive resort. Bear in mind the drinks are only the cheap local
which are not very strong.
On the down side of all-inclusive vacations, some folks get a bit weary
of dining in the same restaurant night after night. The resort rooms may
be smaller than standard hotel rooms. Some, not all of the all-inclusive
resorts provide shows. And some of them have different show every night.
Some resorts have kids clubs for the little ones. Kids clubs begin at
any hotel at 4 years of age. Nannies or babysitters are extra costs not
included in the all-inclusive package. Almost all the allinclusives have
activities from beach volleyball to bingo and other games.
It's a good idea if you want a cashless vacation in a secured
environment, if you are satisfied that the dining options offered will
be suitable for your tastes, if you take advantage of the watersports,
child-care and bars.
If you are adventurous and want to spend your days exploring the country
you are visiting and your evenings trying in-town dining options, you
would be better off choosing a resort that offers that kind of
flexibility instead of an all inclusive.
What is usually included in all inclusive vacation package?
All meals and drinks, beer, wine, premium liquor and tipping, government
taxes, gratuities, entertainment, activities and sports, as well as
airfare and accommodations, are generally included in one price.
Airfare and hotel transfers are optional when buying all inclusive
package. Tipping is not allowed. One benefit of the all-inclusive resort
is that the single up-front price covers unlimited activities.
Phone calls and items purchased at the gift shop are included. The more
expensive all-inclusive resorts is going to have the nice sit-down
restaurants. The next step down will have all buffet dining.
Tennis and squash courts may be free and often night-lit courts at no
charge, but bring your rackets, as you'll probably have to pay to rent
them. Most packages do not include golfing fees. In most cases you have
to rent a golf cart, but compared to the price of play on most courses,
that cost is negligible. Sailing craft are free as often as not.
Snorkels, masks and fins are usually free, but may have a time limit
(note: bring masks from home if you can, keeping in mind that the
one-size-fits-all variety is often useless on little faces, leaving kids
to snorkel miserably with a face-full of salt water). On-property
snorkeling is free, but the most interesting underwater sights are
usually somewhere else. The latter will cost you, if not for the
snorkeling itself, then for the transportation to get there and back.
With motorized sports costs can climb upwards of $60 an hour.
Parasailing is another costly venture. Divers, too, might find an
all-inclusive cost-effective. Tanks have to be paid for separately, but
diving excursions are included in some of these resorts. If you are not
certified, most resorts offer a "resort certification" which will allow
you to go on closely supervised guided dives. A resort certification is
a great introduction to the sport. If, however, you are already a
certified diver, some resorts, such as Sandals, Beaches, and Gala
Resorts, offer one or two tank dives a day in their all-inclusive
packages.
Many all inclusive resorts offer spa treatments as part of their
packages, with the option of paying for more intensive therapies.
Do not forget to budget extra cash for some excursions that weren't
included in all inclusive package. A swim with the dolphins, for
example, runs about $100 per person -- more than small change if you're
traveling with a family of four.
Consider carefully these additional factors before purchasing an
all inclusive vacation package.
Price is often relative to quality. If it seems too good to be true, it
probably is. However, sometimes it's possible to get an amazing and
legitimate deal, as long as you're looking in the right places - Apple
Vacations, Funjet Vacations, TNT Vacations and numerous smaller
wholesalers.
Look for deals. Check websites for details. Check to see what's included
in the price, so you don't incur any additional costs that you're not
prepared to pay for.
Organize any visas and travel insurance policies well in advance. Your
tour operator and travel agent should advise you on all of these but you
should also contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are
visiting for information about visas.
It is important that you speak with your doctor about the necessary
immunizations for the areas you are traveling to. When you're traveling
in Mexico, you must take extra care when it comes to drinking water, or
fresh beverages that may have tap water added to them. Check ice also -
ask if it was made with tap water - it is unlikely that your ice will
have been made with tap water; but its worth asking in more rustic
establishments and rural areas. Salads can also be dangerous if they
have been rinsed with tap water. The rule is - if in doubt, ask first!
All main hotels and good restaurants use purified water throughout.
In order to be eligible for special honeymoon offers and discounts, it's
wise to take a copy of your marriage certificate with you as proof that
you are on honeymoon.
If you are a single parent, or if your partner will not be traveling
with you and your children for whatever reason, you must get a notarized
letter from the absent parent, giving consent for the child or children
to be traveling with one parent absent.
If you are estranged from your partner, and you are the legal guardian
of your child/children, you can take a copy of the court order (note:
original only - no copies!) with you and this will suffice to get your
child or children with you.
If you are a widow or widower, you will need to write a letter to
explain this and get it, and a copy of the death certificate, notarized
and carry both of these documents with you when you travel.
If you are under 18 and want to travel without your parents, you will
need to carry with you a notarized letter of consent signed by both
parents.
If you are a lone parent or will be traveling with your children but
without your partner, or under 18 traveling alone, get the required
paperwork together before you leave. Airlines are now refusing to board
lone parents and children and children traveling unaccompanied without
this notarized letter of consent.
Many hotels in Mexico set age restrictions during spring break.
Here's an example of many hotel Spring Break policy:
Hotel will accept individual and student group bookings.
A refundable deposit of $200 per person and credit card are required at
time of check in.
Any credit cards used must be issued in guest's name.
Guests may be required to sign an agreement/list of rules at check in.
At least one person per room must satisfy the minimum age requirement
for check in for individual student bookings.
At least one adult for every 20 students is required for student group
bookings.
If you or someone in your party is confined to a wheelchair, you'll want
to explore accessibility issues very carefully. Ask your travel agent
specific questions that may concern you.
Always have a way out. Ask about cancellation policies, and look into
travel insurance, especially if you are booking through an online
agency. Choose wisely and make sure the resort's amenities and programs
fit your lifestyle and character, and you'll have the time of your
life.
About the author:
G. Allen is webmaster for
http://www.sunvacations.org
http://www.iberostar.info
and
http://www.iberostar-board.com
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