What Are All-inclusive Resorts And Are They A Good Deal?

We get a lot of questions about all-inclusive resorts so I thought I'd sit down and answer the most asked ones here for you.

Ok, let's get started...

What exactly are all-inclusive resorts and do you think they are a good deal?

Typically your all-inclusive vacation price includes your room, at least three meals a day, land and water-based activities and gratuities.

The inclusion in the total vacation cost of alcoholic beverages, tours, entertainment, excursions, or more expensive activities such as scuba diving, varies by resort - some include many of these, some don't so you'll need to ask before you book your vacation.

If your looking for a cost effective vacation, have a group or a family, all inclusive vacations are a great option for the budget conscious - you can indeed save a LOT of money.

You can check out our private membership club's upcoming discounted all-inclusive vacations here.

What is there to do at a resort?

This will depend on the type and location of the resort you choose. However all-inclusive resorts just about all have a wide range of activities to suit just about everyone.

You might like to relax on the beach or by the pool, try out scuba lessons, play a round of golf or tennis, enjoy a spa treatment or get a relaxing massage.

If there is a special request or activity that you must have on your vacation, your best option is to call or research which resorts will be able to support your needs�

Are airfares included in my all-inclusive resort vacation?

In most cases you will get a better deal with an all inclusive package that includes airfares. However it�s now easier than ever to go online on our search engine to quickly sift through the hundreds of airfare options available on the Internet to find the best flights and compare pricing.

To compare airfares from dozens of different websites, you can use this search engine.

You can also price the all-inclusive resort without the airfare component.

The air/resort price includes connecting airfare, transfers between the airport and the resort and baggage handling. In some instances - especially at the very last minute - the resort-only price may be all that is available; it pays to search early and find the best deals available.

Are passports required?

With all the new regulations, it is now a good idea to apply for a passport well before you travel. You will need proof of citizenship--most resorts now require it.

The necessity of a passport depends on your nationality and the country and resort you will be visiting.

For U.S. citizens, a government issued photo I.D or a certified copy of your birth certificate may well be sufficient for some resorts. For some country's airport customs, visas may also be required for all guests visiting the more exotic all-inclusive resorts.

Your travel agent can help you determine the documents you will need at the time of booking.

Are all-inclusive vacation a good option for families with kids?

Resort vacation packages are a perfect option and many are specifically designed for families, with kids-only facilities, professional resort coordinators, daytime activities and night time baby-sitting.

Children of all ages are welcome at most resorts. Again, you can check out our private membership club's upcoming discounted all-inclusive vacations here.

Are all-inclusive vacations suitable for singles?

All-inclusive travel is very popular option for the single traveler, and there are a number of resorts which offer programs to help singles meet other singles.

Many resorts do offer single guest rooms and most offer either a single supplement rate for double staterooms or a single share option that places you with another same sex single at the double occupancy rate.

Some all-inclusive resorts are for couples only and do not accept singles, so you will need to search on the web site to find the best available resort options to suit your needs. Travel club membership is also a great idea if you are a frequent traveler.

Are you required to pay departure taxes for all-inclusive resorts?

Vacationers are required to pay an airport departure tax when leaving most countries. Your travel agent should be able to assist you if you need to pay tax, and they should be able to tell you the amount required at the time your book your vacation.

Is tipping required at all-inclusive resort? How much do you tip?

At all-inclusive resorts, it is generally not a requirement because it is included in the overall cost of the vacation. At some resorts there is a policy in force that actually forbids tipping.

However there are situations when other associated employees who offer ancillary services to the resorts such as excursions, sports and other activities that are not included in your total package.

These services could include tour guides, baggage handlers, golfing instructions and caddies etc. For these services, it is customary to tip.

When unsure of the customs and courtesies associated with a country or location, it is best to ask your travel agent what you need to know prior to your departure.

Should you purchase travel insurance?

I highly recommend travel insurance if you are traveling or on vacation. Travel Insurance protects you against sudden illness, accidents and many unexpected situations.

Emergency situations can arise prior to or during your vacation and disrupt your travel plans, often in a BIG way. Any of these unforseen situations can cause your trip to be cut sort or even cancelled.

It is most unfortunate but most resorts, and in fact just about any planned travel including air travel, accommodation and any pre-arranged vacations, do impose penalties for cancelling.

You could lose some of the majority of all monies paid in advance if something happens and you have to cancel some or all of your vacation.

Since vacations can be a major investment for most travelers, we strongly recommend that you purchase some form of travel insurance to protect yourself from financial loss in the event of an emergency.

Your travel agent can help you find a travel insurance plan that meets your needs. Remember, preparation and planning is key to a successful vacation...

You can visit this page for more information about travel insurance.

We hope this Q&A page helps to answer your questions, and if you have questions you'd like us to answer that we haven't covered, we'd love to hear from you by using this form.

Best wishes,

P.S. Do you have a favorite story about a memorable family vacation you've taken, a great travel deal you'd like to share, or a tip that would help our readers? Please take a few moments to share it here.