All-inclusive resorts offer travelers the luxury of having multiple vacation requirements and necessities all under one roof, for one price. Such properties offer a range of amenities, from meals to spa and massage services to guided outdoor excitement, and are often located in desirable destinations. Choosing the right one requires careful research on the part of the traveler.
Decide where in the world you want to go. All-inclusive resorts are popular at beaches, in the mountains, in the countryside -- in short, pretty much all over. Have a discussion with your traveling companions about whether this should be a beach vacation; a vacation scaling mountains, driving through bucolic areas and shopping at organic farms; or a skiing vacation.
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Prioritize the services and amenities you are seeking. You should consider if it's most important that you stay in a property that serves you all three meals at a top-notch restaurant, or perhaps one that puts more emphasis on providing outdoor recreation. Some resorts are good at everything, but "all inclusive" can mean that services included are of varying quality, with different resorts putting different emphasis on certain amenities. Moreover, for some people, the inclusion -- or lack thereof -- of alcohol will play heavily in their decision.
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Consult reviews on vacation-themed websites. The Internet allows for user-generated content to be freely shared among vacationers, with warnings, tips, dos and don'ts, and general reviews and comments on resorts. You can also consult reviews from established travel publications, but these are not updated regularly as those on websites are.
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Search for deals and promotions. You never know when a resort is at lower-than-expected capacity and may be willing to offer a discount to get business. Look online for deals for resorts or simply call resorts and ask them directly if they're willing to offer any discounts.
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Call a travel agent. The web has made self-booked vacations much easier to research and reserve, but all-inclusive resorts can range significantly in quality. Before investing a significant amount of money in a long stay, it is wise to consult with a professional in the industry. Not only will you get good advice, but the agent may be able to dig up discounts of which you may otherwise be unaware.
Tips & Warnings
Read the fine print so you know ahead of time exactly what is and isn't included in your package.
Remember to budget for things like tips and other items that won't be included.
Consider buying travel insurance, especially if traveling during hurricane season.
Be sure to apply for a passport well in advance of your vacation, unless traveling to Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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