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All-inclusive vacation packages are some of the most popular travel packages offered by travel agencies and resorts. Looking back at when all-inclusive travel emerged, it was in the 1950s that Club Med resorts introduced an all-inclusive offering. Over the years, different resorts have altered the model depending on the services they choose to offer -- this means that you can't simply make an assumption because each package will vary from resort to resort.
What do all-inclusive packages actually include?
Many all-inclusive vacation packages cover the same basic staples, and here are some of the fairly standard items include the following:
three meals a day
alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
transport services
sports facilities and equipment
instructors for sports like water aerobics, archery, and swimming
And some resorts even offer the following:
spa treatments
live shows
24/7 room service
laundry
airport transfers
We often get swayed by the "All Inclusive" sign on a deal thinking that this might be the best available at the quoted prices, forgetting to focus on the tiny asterisk that could literally cost us a fortune later. It is highly important to list all the things you need and don't need and then do your homework on the various packages offered in order to select the best one suited for your needs.
And what's not necessarily included?
The following are some of the things one must remember before booking an all-inclusive vacation:
No airfare - Most of the packages do not include airfare and one must be prepared to shell out for their own tickets.
Airport transfers - While some vacation resorts do offer free airport transfers for their all-inclusive packages, some -- like those in the Dominican Republic -- can charge up to $30 per transfer.
Limited alcohol - You should be aware that many of the hotels do not offer an all-you-can drink pass, and at some you might have to pay if you want an upgrade from a simple wine to a champagne-based cocktail. Premium brands of alcohol are also often an extra charge.
Sports - While most non-motorized sports facilities are included in these packages, several trademark destination-based activities like snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing and zip-lining are not included in the all-inclusive packages.
Services like babysitting, dry cleaning, tour excursions, and beauty treatments are also not included in all-inclusive vacation packages.
None of the packages include honeymoon and anniversary specials, nor are birthday parties included.
Room service - Although integral to almost all hotels, room services might not be included in your vacation package. In fact, some hotels might even charge you extra for having your meals delivered to your room.
Internet - While it is downright preposterous that one has to pay for wireless in the 21st century, unfortunately some resorts do charge you for connecting to their Wi-Fi services. Some resorts might have complimentary internet services in the lobby but be mindful of any that may surprise you at the end of yours stay with a wi-fi charge.
Hopefully this list helps you better prepare for your all-inclusive vacation!
Written by Lisa at Happy Holidays Guides.
If you found this article useful, we have also written an article about the non-tangible opportunity cost of all-inclusive travel -- what you may be missing out on in terms of vacation experience. Additionally, if you are interested in money-saving travel tips, battle-tested travel accessories, or provocative travel perspectives, simply visit our website at: http://www.happyholidaysguides.com
What do all-inclusive packages actually include?
Many all-inclusive vacation packages cover the same basic staples, and here are some of the fairly standard items include the following:
three meals a day
alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
transport services
sports facilities and equipment
instructors for sports like water aerobics, archery, and swimming
And some resorts even offer the following:
spa treatments
live shows
24/7 room service
laundry
airport transfers
We often get swayed by the "All Inclusive" sign on a deal thinking that this might be the best available at the quoted prices, forgetting to focus on the tiny asterisk that could literally cost us a fortune later. It is highly important to list all the things you need and don't need and then do your homework on the various packages offered in order to select the best one suited for your needs.
And what's not necessarily included?
The following are some of the things one must remember before booking an all-inclusive vacation:
No airfare - Most of the packages do not include airfare and one must be prepared to shell out for their own tickets.
Airport transfers - While some vacation resorts do offer free airport transfers for their all-inclusive packages, some -- like those in the Dominican Republic -- can charge up to $30 per transfer.
Limited alcohol - You should be aware that many of the hotels do not offer an all-you-can drink pass, and at some you might have to pay if you want an upgrade from a simple wine to a champagne-based cocktail. Premium brands of alcohol are also often an extra charge.
Sports - While most non-motorized sports facilities are included in these packages, several trademark destination-based activities like snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing and zip-lining are not included in the all-inclusive packages.
Services like babysitting, dry cleaning, tour excursions, and beauty treatments are also not included in all-inclusive vacation packages.
None of the packages include honeymoon and anniversary specials, nor are birthday parties included.
Room service - Although integral to almost all hotels, room services might not be included in your vacation package. In fact, some hotels might even charge you extra for having your meals delivered to your room.
Internet - While it is downright preposterous that one has to pay for wireless in the 21st century, unfortunately some resorts do charge you for connecting to their Wi-Fi services. Some resorts might have complimentary internet services in the lobby but be mindful of any that may surprise you at the end of yours stay with a wi-fi charge.
Hopefully this list helps you better prepare for your all-inclusive vacation!
Written by Lisa at Happy Holidays Guides.
If you found this article useful, we have also written an article about the non-tangible opportunity cost of all-inclusive travel -- what you may be missing out on in terms of vacation experience. Additionally, if you are interested in money-saving travel tips, battle-tested travel accessories, or provocative travel perspectives, simply visit our website at: http://www.happyholidaysguides.com
Hello, my name is Jack Sparrow. I'm a 50 year old self-employed Pirate from the Caribbean.
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