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All-inclusive resorts are meccas for tourists seeking to have it all. Sun, sea, and sand. And one payment covers everything, right? In a word, no. It is a big mistake to assume that. You could end up having a financial meltdown or, worse, having that maxed out credit card turned down. Our motto? Plan ahead.
Experienced all-inclusive resort tourists know the ropes. But many learned the hard way. Don't make the mistakes they did. Here are ten mistakes that rookies make when they go to an all-inclusive resort for the first time. It might just save you time, money, and frustration.
Packing The Wrong Clothes
This man has got it so wrong. First things first. Check out the weather at the resort and then plan accordingly. For the most part, you are looking at casual resort or beachwear, sandals and maybe some good walking shoes.
But, if the resort has a formal dining room and you fancy a bit of cuisine, as opposed to buffet bar fare, there may be a dress code. Check it out and pack with that in mind. It's not likely you will need to get super dressy, but better safe than sorry.
Paying For Amenities And Activities You Don't Want
This guy so didn't mean to do the limbo, but hey, he paid for it and he's going to get his money's worth or bust. This is boring, but you need to check out the fine print. Exactly what amenities, like restaurants or spas, and activities are included? You will never find a perfect fit, but you don't want to pay for a lot of stuff you are not interested in.
There are sometimes package levels, from basic to premium, each with different amenities and activities for each level. Decide which level suits you and go for it. Otherwise, you might put your back out doing the limbo. And don't forget travel and medical insurance, just in case.
Believing The Marketing Pictures
The beach looked all but deserted, the water azure blue. And look at the cute little beach huts. You get there and it looks as if the entire population of New York City is crammed into that space. And the hotel room that looked as big as a ballroom is, in reality, 10 feet by 12 feet.
It's important that you check out reviews of the resort online. Look at the overall picture. There will always, always be the odd bad review. And just bear in mind that the marketing pictures on the resort's web site are advertising, nothing more.
Not Knowing What Is And Isn't Included
Hey, look, you say. This resort gives everyone a butler. So, you buy the basic, cheap all-inclusive package. Guess what? When you get there, no butler is anywhere to be seen. That's reserved for the premium package holders, they say. So, day one you're disappointed.
All-inclusive means you get room and board, sometimes even beer or wine. But don't assume that you get access to all the restaurants. You may be restricted to the crowded buffet. Room service? Don't even ask. Of course, it's not included.
Not Realizing There May Be Additional Fees
Some resorts will charge you a deposit or cleaning fee if want to bring your furry friend along. Other fees? Some hotels charge extra for WiFi and alcohol. There may be a charge for some amenities or activities, particularly small group outings.
What you are aiming for is absolutely, positively no additional fees after you've paid for your package. Will you achieve it? Probably not. You also need to factor in your airfare, baggage fees, and transportation from the airport to the resort. As we keep saying: Plan ahead.
Traveling At Peak Times
Fancy a Christmas getaway in the sun away from gray skies and rain? Great. So does everybody else and his brother. Or maybe you want to spend Spring Break on a beach. Others are thinking that same thing. And in summer? Schools are out and parents are taking their kids and heading for those all-inclusive resorts.
If you hit the resort at those peak times, be prepared for crowds. You may not mind. But you might prefer to make plans to go when things are less busy. Sure, you would lose the bonus vacation days that you might get over Christmas. But your vacay just might be sweeter for being shorter.
Forgetting To Budget For Tips
Tips are almost never included in your package price. While tipping in places like Mexico and Jamaica probably won't be as costly as in the United States, waiters, maids, and other service staff will expect to be tipped. Your resort may have guidelines.
Get a good idea of what your hotel recommends before you travel. It's not likely that you will find cute little tip jars with funny messages, but the point is the same. You don't want to make them mad and run the risk of having the waiting spit in your food. Or worse.
Not Ever Leaving The Resort
What's the point of going to Mexico and not attending a carnival in a nearby village. Why go to Jamaica and not drive into town to eat at a seaside bistro? It's tempting to hunker down in your resort. After all, you've got sun, sea, beaches, food, and booze. But the resort is not the country.
The only people, other than service staff, you are likely to meet are other foreign tourists. If your resort has a concierge, ask his or her advice as to possible outings you can take on your own. Asks the concierge's advice on any safety or security concerns you might need to address. Then go out and enjoy yourself.
Booking The Wrong Kind Of Resort
This is the bit about making certain you are booking the right kind of all-inclusive resort. Do you want to take the kids or do you want adults only? Do you want special interest activities such as golf or tennis? You also need to take into account any theme it may have adopted.
Themes could be anything, from Super Hero to under the sea. Whatever the theme, make sure you like it before you go. Then decide if you want the Superman or Batman themed room. Also, be aware that in some places there may be beaches that allow nudity. Pack your binoculars.
Eating And Drinking Too Much
Hey, it's free, free, free. Well, actually it's not. You've just paid for it in advance. Your philosophy may be to get more than your money's worth. Therein lies the road to weight gain and hangovers. Pace yourself.
Believe it or not, you will be more likely to enjoy yourself than if you take to gluttony. Go easy. Enjoy. And try for moderation. Well, at least some of the time. Allow yourself a couple of days of pigging out. Just make certain to do a few extra laps in the pool the next day.