What is an all-inclusive resort?
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN AN ALL-INCLUSIVE?
A recent survey reveals that over 52% of American travelers are interested in all-inclusive offers. Why? It’s the cruise ship on land idea that you do not have to worry about the details. Most activities, your drinks and your meals are included. The simplicity of knowing that one price may cover your airfare, entertainment, food, drinks, transfers to and from the resort and in most cases even the tipping. The promise of no additional charges at the end of your vacation is the great attraction to an all-inclusive. The package may also includes various activities planned by the staff at the resort and most non-motorized water sports. Like the cruise ship, there are additional activities at the resort or at another locations (shore excursions) that can be purchased ahead of time with your travel agent or when you are at the resort. Examples of what can be purchased are swimming with the dolphins, river rafting, horseback riding, off shore snorkel trip and many other options
IS ALL-INCLUSIVE A GOOD CHOICE FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION OR HONEYMOON?
All-inclusive, are great romantic destination. Rooms can start with a standard resort room or you can upgrade to amenities like a private swimming pool, 2-person Jacuzzi, or a private bungalow right on the beach. Many of the resorts are adult only. Which is a great option for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. These resorts, which cater to adults only, can range from a non-stop party atmosphere to a sophisticated spa retreat. Most all-inclusive resorts have a combination of the non-stop fun and provide the solitude of a spa!
All-inclusive resort are a great option for a destination wedding.
IS ALL-INCLUSIVE A GOOD CHOICE FOR A FAMILY VACATION?
All-inclusive resorts can be a great family vacation experience. The simple up-front pricing with unlimited food and activities is helpful to stay within a vacation budget. This adds to the enjoyment, knowing that all the meals and activities are included in the price. Resorts that cater to families, have supervised activities for children geared to different age groups. This allows for some quality time with your spouse while the children are busy having fun.
WHAT ARE THE DINING OPTIONS AT AN ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT?
Dining options in an all-inclusive resort can vary from one resort to another. They can have anywhere from three to more than a dozen dining option at one resort. Restaurant options include a full buffet, ethic restaurants and up-scale fine dining. Most accept casual resort wear but some have a dress code requirement. This can be a shirt and tie for the man and a dressy outfit for the lady. The reservations for the fine dining should be made as soon as you arrive. The fine dining option is a great way to celebrate your honeymoon or anniversary. It is wise for you to explore the dinning option along with the activities offered, when choosing a resort. Most restaurants are a relaxed casual atmosphere and require no reservations at all. Room service may or may not be included. Many resorts in addition to the bar service have a stocked mini-bar in the room that is included with the all-inclusive price.
WHAT IS THE EUROPEAN OPTION?
The alternative to all-inclusive is the European option. This usually includes your air, hotel and transfers with no meal or drink options. Most do include just breakfast. The best choice may be an all-inclusive. The all-inclusive option may only be a few hundred dollars more per week, per person then the European option with no meals or drinks. To included unlimited drinks (you can order nonalcoholic) and meals is why the all-inclusive offers is a great value, even if you choose to dine outside of the resort for a meal or two.
WHAT ARE CHARTERS AND WHERE DO THEY GO?
The majority of all-inclusive resorts are in the islands of the Caribbean and Mexico. They vary from a 2- star up to a 6-star resort. (6 stars being a luxury resort). The flights to get to the destinations are usually charters or you can use scheduled air on a major airline. Some of the best rates are destinations where the charters fly. The charters are flights that go on a regular schedule to the Caribbean and Mexico from major airports in the United States. That is why most packages, are 3, 4 or 7 days in duration. The charters run year around from some airports. During peak season from January to April more charter destinations and flight options are added. The packages, that a travel agent can book for you are the best way to secure your vacation at the best value. Travel Agents have considerable knowledge on the charters that service your city and which destinations they go to.
HOW DO I CHOOSE A RESORT?
By reading all the options above you have some idea of what to look for. A good resort value is one that meets the needs of what you are looking for. I would recommend two things; one is a resort that is less than 2 years old or a resort that has been completely refurbished in the last few years. This information is readily available to a travel agent. Although this rule cannot guarantee a perfect resort, it does help to decide between one or more locations. I would also look at resorts that cater to either adult only or family depending on the reason for your vacation. If you book your vacation on your own make sure your flight times work with the distance from the airport. There are two factors that can cause a delay. The first is the additional security at the airport and immigration; the second is the travel conditions and transportation on the island that you are vacationing at. The road trip can be a lovely leisurely ride and great for sight seeing, except when you are trying to catch a flight. Some of the islands are small but they can be mountainous and this is what can delay your travel time. This again is where a travel agent can be a great asset to your planning. Take a close look at the activities that are included and also the dining options when choosing a resort.