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What is an all-inclusive vacation? -

An all-inclusive vacation is a holiday that includes all the essentials in the booking price.

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What is an all-inclusive resort? -

So if you're staying at an all-inclusive resort, the vast majority of your expenses—accommodations, food and drink (including alcohol), gratuities, and perhaps some activities—are all included in the price of your stay.

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One price for everything -

This convenient one-price-for-everything approach often ends up being cheaper than a typical pay-as-you-go vacation.

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No tipping -

For the most part, gratuities are included in the price of an all-inclusive package. There's no need to keep dipping into your pocket or figuring out how much to tip and when.

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Keep the plastic in the pocket -

In fact, in theory you shouldn't have to use your credit card or part with cash at any point throughout your stay.

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All-inclusive hotspots -

All-inclusive resorts are found all over the world, in holiday destination hotspots such as the Mediterranean and the Far East.

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Tropical paradise -

Mexico and the Caribbean are also favorite all-inclusive resort locations, famed for their fabulous beaches and bright, tropical ambiance.

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Family-friendly options -

Once you've chosen your destination and before booking an all-inclusive package, check out the type of clientele the resort is geared towards. Many are family-friendly, with lots of activities, daycare facilities, entertainment, and kid-friendly pools to keep everyone occupied.

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For adults only -

Others are adults only, resorts with a grown-up, 18+ buzz that cater to couples, mature groups, and senior holidaymakers. Facilities reflect the need for peace and quiet coupled with plenty of hedonistic fun.

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What exactly is included? -

Again, before you press enter, double-check exactly what's included. Or, perhaps more pertinently, what isn't.

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Flights -

For example, are airfares included in the package? Is it a direct flight, or is there an onward connection that you'll be expected to pay for?

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Airport transfers -

Are airport transfers included? Ending up stranded in the arrivals hall is the last thing you need, especially after a long-haul flight. And you'll pay a premium to flag down a taxi. Make sure transfers are round trip as well.

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Top shelf or bottom shelf -

While all-inclusive resorts usually include alcoholic beverages, guests are often disappointed to learn that only "cheap" or "bottom shelf" liquor is included. Find out if they serve premium brand spirits.

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What's the food like? -

By reading the fine print, you should be able to determine the meal deal. Firstly, what kind of food do they serve? And will guests' dietary requirements be met?

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Check the restaurant service -

How many restaurants are available? Does the resort offer an à la carte menu? Or will you be expected to join the buffet queue?

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Three square meals? -

Do you get fed three times a day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner? A trite question, perhaps, but don't take for granted that you'll receive three square meals a day.

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Room service? -

Is room service included, and can you eat and drink what you want 24 hours a day?

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What about the minibar? -

Does your room feature a minibar? If so, is it stocked and included in the price?

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Online costs? -

Is the Wi-Fi included, both in-room and the common areas?

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Cost-effective holiday -

There's no doubt that all-inclusive resorts can be a cost-effective way to vacation. The chances of you exceeding your holiday budget or encountering a surprise major expense are pretty slim. But watch out for any hidden extras.

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Potential hidden extras -

Holidaying near a beach presents all sorts of watersport activity opportunities. Are these activities included in the package, or offered as optional extras?

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Heading for the spa? -

Indulging in a spa session may mean using the plastic. But many guests look forward to a spot of pampering during their break and regard an hour or so of well-being therapy an essential treat. If it is included then, hey, no sweat!

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Paying beyond the rate -

Physically leaving the resort takes you out of the all-inclusive zone and, unless they are included in the package, activities like jeep excursions, for example, will likely cost extra.

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Cultural costs -

Similarly, visits to local archaeological sites or other culturally significant attractions will probably incur a fee.

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Is an all-inclusive package for you? -

And therein lies a major disadvantage of staying at an all-inclusive resort. If you're looking to immerse yourself in a local culture, learn more about another country, or practice your language skills, an all-inclusive deal may not be for you.

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Not for the adventurous -

Indeed, if you're the more independent type with a spirit of adventure, an all-inclusive environment will feel routine and restrictive.

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Negative impact -

Another downside of booking a stay at an all-inclusive resort is the potentially negative impact doing so has on the local community and the environment.

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Serving the community -

Guests rarely venture outside the resort's confines, so tourist revenue rarely benefits small businesses in the surrounding community. Counter this by occasionally patronizing local restaurants and buying souvenirs in town rather than onsite. And while gratuities are generally included in the package, why not tip staff anyway for the services they are providing?

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Safe haven -

Generally speaking, an all-inclusive resort provides a safe and familiar holiday haven, especially for those with young children. Most resorts of this type are gated off from public access for security reasons.

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Check in and switch off -

Furthermore, an all-inclusive vacation is pretty much a worry-free vacation. The minute you check in, you can relax and swift off.

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Chill-out time -

Indeed, chilling out in an all-inclusive resort means you really don't have to think about anything. Forget about making meal reservations, or following a busy itinerary, because everything is taken care of for you.

Sources: (Responsible Travel) (ResearchGate) 

See also: Embarrassing things we all do on vacation

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