Let’s talk about All-Inclusive Resorts and the top five questions to ask when you’re looking at spending your precious vacation time at one.
So you are planning a vacation, you have decided to visit an All-Inclusive in the Caribbean or Mexico. Now what? How do you know which resorts are the best? Which resorts to avoid? What’s included, what’s extra, and so on.
Here are the most popular questions I have gotten:
#1 Are meals served buffet style or off the menu? Are there any alternative on-property restaurants and are there any additional charges?
This is a great question! Each resort is different so once you have your list narrowed down to a couple of resorts you definitely should find this out. Especially if you despise buffets or want access to all the different restaurants without additional fees. This info is usually pretty easy to find just by looking on their website but if not your travel agent can definitely find this out.
#2 What activities are included and what, if any are extra? Golf? Tennis? Water sports? Spa treatments?
Another good one. Most resorts have a large variety of activities that are included. Typically non-motorized watersports are included. But, if you want a round of golf, a scuba trip or anything but a 15 minute massage are extra. You should at least get some sort of discount because you are staying at the resort but they will not be included. Again it’s pretty simple to figure out these details.
#3 If it is a family resort, is babysitting provided? Is there an extra fee? Is there a kids club? What about teen activities?
Most family resorts have kids clubs with varying activities that are age based. So there will be plenty for your children to do with you and without you. All of the resorts do provide babysitting services in room but it’s usually not included in the price.
#4 Are cocktails, beer, bottled water and soda included? Are they local, premium or top-shelf brands? What are the bar hours?
Yes, alcohol, bottled water, coffee/tea and soda are included. Not always premium brands though. If you will only drink “top shelf” liquor then you might have to pay extra. This is definitely on a resort by resort basis, so have your travel agent find out from that specific resort.
#5 Am I expected to pay any type of gratuities?
Most resorts have an “official policy” regarding gratuities that state gratuities are not required. Having said that, most of the time I tell my clients to be prepared to allocate $5-10 per day in cash for your housekeeping staff and another $5-10 per day for the bar staff.
Not really required but that little bit of money will definitely make your trip more enjoyable.
#6 Are there a lot of weddings on property? Do they interfere with any of the public areas?
This is a really good question depending on what you are looking for in a resort. If you want quiet, peaceful and relaxing then having a bunch of wedding parties running around enjoying their nuptial weekend … maybe look at a different resort.
#7 Does the resort cater to Americans or is the clientele mostly international?
This question sometimes throws people for a loop but if you think about it, there is some logic here. Different cultures have different tastes when it comes to food, coffee, drinks, style of dress, what is acceptable and what is considered rude and/or ignorant.
Knowing the type of culture the resorts caters to is important to your enjoyment of the resort.
#8 What is there to do on a rainy day?
Yes believe it or not, it does rain sometimes in the Caribbean and Mexico. So does the staff have rainy day activities for the adults and kids? What can you do if you can’t spend the day at the beach or in the pool?
#9 What is the dress code? Will I need a coat and tie for dinner?
This is pretty easy to understand … do you like to dress up for a formal type of dinner or do you only want to pack flip-flops, t-shirts and shorts?
#10 When is the best time of the year to enjoy the resort and is there a hurricane policy?
For the most part, hurricane season is from September to the end of November. Alot of times resorts will offer their best deals during that time because they know people are less likely to travel during that time. If you want to travel during that time make sure you or your travel agent talks to the resort to find out what they do in the case of a hurricane approaching when you are set to travel.
#11 Are airport transfers included in the package rate? How far from the airport is the property?
This is important, nothing worse in my opinion then getting off a flight in a foreign country and having no idea how you are getting from the baggage claim area to your actual resort. Make sure you get this transportation setup and included with the price of your package.
#12 What is the ongoing entertainment? Is there a casino on property or near-by?
Again, what is there to do? Do they have one show each night? Is there a casino on property or nearby with free transportation?
Learn all you can before you go. Worst thing possible is to get to this resort and literally have nothing fun to do.
#13 Is there shuttle service into town or for shopping excursions?
Just like the above, if you like to shop then knowing there is a daily free shuttle to a local shopping area you can hop on and get off the property and see something local and different.
#14 Is there a doctor or nurse on the property? What is the resort procedure in the event of a medical emergency?
Hopefully you will never have to utilize these services but it is important to know what to do if an emergency occurs.
#15 Are there any special packages and sales promotions going on now that include airfare?
Why pay retail if there are better options? Your travel agent has access to lots of sales and/or promotions. Make sure you ask him or her.
That’s about it for now. Let me know if you have any questions. If not, have a good day!
