Tips for Planning Your First Trip to an All-Inclusive Resort
If you’ve never booked a stay at an all-inclusive resort before, you might be a little confused about how everything works. What’s included? How do you get to the resort? What will you pay for separately?
To help your first experience with an all-inclusive resort go smoothly, here are ten planning tips everyone should follow. These will help you plan a trip that’s affordable and simple, but still wildly fun for you and your loved ones.
- Look Into Transportation Options to and From the Airport
Although you won’t need a rental car while you’re at the all-inclusive resort, you will need a method of transportation to get you to and from the resort. Fortunately, many resorts offer shuttle services free of charge, as long as you let them know you’ll be using it in advance.
However, in the rare event that your resort doesn’t offer any airport transportation services, you’ll need to book a car or bus to the resort on your own. Don’t put this off until the last minute or you might be facing higher prices and other complications.
- Understand How Your Food and Dining Plan Works
Because all-inclusive resorts usually include free food, you might assume that all meals and beverages will be covered. Still, you should check ahead of time to see if there are any exceptions to your coverage so you don’t face any expensive surprises while you’re on your vacation.
- Plan Excursions and Other Activities Now
Technically you can wait until you arrive at the resort to book that snorkeling trip or sign up for a class, but it’s smart to do your research now and potentially reserve your spot at the most popular attractions. You don’t want to miss out on any experiences simply because you didn’t think ahead.
- Don’t Pack Your Trip Schedule Too Tightly
All-inclusive resorts have an impressive number of fun activities to offer, but don’t let that consume your entire trip. Remember that staying at a tropical resort is also supposed to be relaxing. Sign up for exciting expeditions and courses, but also make time for you and your travel friends to relax and soak up some Vitamin D.
- Look Into Evening Entertainment
Most all-inclusive resorts offer a variety of nighttime activities, from live music to shows and dances. Although you don’t need to reserve your spot at these events, you may want to note when each of them is happening so that you can structure your trip around the ones you want to attend. The last thing you want is to miss your favorite show because you’re too tired after an intense day of swimming or hiking.
- Remember that “All-Inclusive” Doesn’t Include Tips
Almost everything is included in your booking price, but unfortunately, tips are not. Therefore, when you go to dinner at the resort’s restaurant or order a drink at the bar, remember to tip your server just like you would back home. These people rely on their tips, so don’t be one of those stuffy tourists who overlooks those around them.
- Still Set a Vacation Budget
Since you’re purchasing an “all-inclusive” vacation package, you might assume that there’s no need to stick to a budget. However, you can still spend way more than you mean to on your trip with additional purchases, tips, and more. Come up with the total amount you’re willing to spend on the trip and make sure you have some wiggle room.
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