All-Inclusive Trips – Only if it’s a Money Saving Bargain

All-Inclusive Trips

Does an All-Inclusive trip sounds like a dream . . . or a nightmare?

Preface – THIS IS MY OPINION

I’ve been to several All-Inclusive hotels and I still struggle to understand their appeal.

I think an All-Inclusive trip appeals to folks who arrive in a foreign country and are unsure how to get themselves safely from the airport to the hotel.

Should Foreign Airports Terrify Us?

After you arrive at a foreign airport, you’re quizzed about the purpose of your trip by a stern customs officer. If you pass their approval, your passport is stamped and you’re pointed in the direction of baggage claim.

Next, you follow exit signs (that you don’t realize are in English) and tiptoe out of the airport doors where you desperately search through the throngs of people for a stranger holding a clipboard with your last name on it.

When you finally see your name, you rush to that person. Soon you’re whisked into a van with fifteen other strangers.

You’re finally on your way to safe place, grateful that terrifying foreign airport escape is behind you.

What Happens Next?

Once you reach your All-Inclusive hotel you heave a sigh of relief. Nothing is required of you until you’re unceremoniously dropped back off the airport at the end of your magical stay. 

At the resort, you’ll spend your hazy days basking in the sun while eating and drinking to your heart’s content.

No worries, no drama. Just pure vacay. 

What day is it? Don’t know, don’t care. (Not knowing the day is a good thing . . .) 

What country am I in? Don’t know, don’t care. (This is troubling, you should know where you are . . .)  

How much money am I spending, or not? (What’s money? Haha!)

Why I Generally Pass on the All-Inclusive

If you’re like most Americans, you get between two and four weeks of vacation a year.

It pains me how many people spend their precious vacation time at All-Inclusive resorts when the entire world is available with so many different things to see, eat and do. 

Interesting Fact:

My decision to share my travel knowledge was inspired by a visit to an All-Inclusive resort in Cancun.

After a trip to Egypt, then a trip to the Northeast and a trip to New Orleans all canceled we ended up in Cancun for ten days in October.

We had a perfectly lovely time, but I was horrified by all of the people we met who vacationed in Cancun year after year and stayed at the same All-Inclusive resort. 

I agree that staying at an All-Inclusive sounds trendy, exclusive and fun.

It’s also a huge waste of your time and precious resources. 

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

While in Cancun we met the nicest couple who told us how much they love to snorkel. While chatting, they explained that they really wanted to snorkel in the Mediterranean but had no idea how to make that happen.

So they return to Cancun or Belize year after year and snorkel in the exact same spots.

The ocean is huge, these people love to snorkel, yet they snorkel in the same place year after year?

My travel heart exploded in pain for these people.

A Life Changing Realization

As I floated around the beautiful warm blue waters in the Caribbean Sea, sipping on my virgin mango margarita, I realized a lot of people make their travel choices based on a silly fear of the unknown.

I also realized it was time to share my travel knowledge.

If I can encourage even one person (that’s you!) to get out of their comfort zone (and out of an All-Inclusive resort), then my work (and anyone being mean to me about my work) is a worthwhile cause. 

I Truly Understand the Appeal

I get why All-Inclusive is enticing. It’s a beautiful, brainless and easy way to vacation.

But the truth is, the ENTIRE time we were in Cancun mindlessly eating and drinking and floating around in the Caribbean (and I guess being judgy of the snorkelers), I very badly wanted to be in Egypt experiencing exciting adventures. 

You’re Missing Out on Authentic Experiences

If you love All-Inclusive resorts and think I sound like the crazy one, I challenge you to open up your travel horizons.

Plan a trip where you research where to stay, eat and play. You’ll soon see the huge world of opportunities you’re missing out on.

If you’ve always booked All-Inclusive you have no idea how amazing the food is in Puerto Vallarta. You’ve missed the point of Cancun if you haven’t visited the markets downtown and explored Chichen Itza.

You have no idea how much money you can save by staying at a family-run hotel, trying local cuisine and supporting local business. 

All-Inclusive Properties Want ALL of Your Money

All-Inclusive resorts make it easy for you to arrive and then remain on their property (which is exactly where they want you). If you do leave, they want you to go with their tour companies or wow you with a visit to one of their other properties.

They want you tied to their resort, subject to their food, activities and entertainment.

If you’re planning to spend any money, they want you spending it in their shops, buying from their beach vendors and getting massages from their employees.

But I Love All-Inclusive!

Hidden Fees

Pay attention to hidden fees before you book. Here’s what to watch for, as these extras can add up. 

• Is Wi-Fi extra 

• Are beach side cabanas included

• Are top-shelf liquors more expensive

• Is all the food included, or do you pay extra for specialty restaurants 

• What activities are included (activities, especially water and/or motor-based generally cost extra)

Other Considerations

• Are reservations for restaurants required

• Is there a dress code for the restaurants

• Do the restaurants cater to your specific diet restriction

• Are children allowed

• Are there childcare facilities

• Is a timeshare presentation required

Things to Bring You Might Not Think Of:

• Insulated Cup and Straw (Resort cups are typically small and icy drinks melt quickly)

• Pool floaties (if they fit in your suitcase)

• Sunscreen (hotels sell sunscreen . . . and generally charge triple)

• In sunny destinations paper books are easier to read than phone/tablet screens, unless you have a fancy Kindle.

Read Online Reviews and Note:

• Complaints about noise

• Complaints about scams

• Consistent complaints about the quality of food

• Distance from town/things to see or do

Please Leave the All-Inclusive Resort

If you must do an All-Inclusive, unless you’re staying in a dangerous area PLEASE leave the resort and explore on your own!

There’s no need to go with a resort-sponsored tour.

You can do your own research, make your own time table and explore whatever interests you.

Meet the locals, try some non-resort food and visit whatever the must-see sites are in the area.

Four Times All-Inclusive Makes Sense

• If going to an All-Inclusive is the only way to get you out of the country, do it ONCE. 

• If you’re having a really difficult life period and could use some quiet rest and relaxation time, an All-Inclusive can be healing.

• You find an All-Inclusive deal of the century that would be ridiculous to pass up.

• A Nostalgia trip 

And please, remember to wear sunscreen. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than a sunburn.

Thanks for Reading

Please feel free to share your questions or comments below. If you see any typos, let me know!

I encourage you to share my tribal knowledge with someone who loves or would love to travel.

The Art of Travel (TAOT) ~ Written by Kylie, a huge thanks to Alex for helping with photos.