In theory, the all-inclusive vacation is supposed to take care of everything: accommodations, meals, drinks, activities, entertainment, and gratuities. In reality, this isn’t always the case. The label “all-inclusive” can prove a bit misleading sometimes, especially if you’re not aware of the extras, upsells and add-ons that can climb your trip cost. Avoid making that expensive mistake. Here are some of the things to ask about up front so that your vacation budget doesn’t go bust.
Airfare and airport transfers
Unless you live down the street from your destined all-inclusive resort, you’ll need to factor in the cost of getting there. While some all-inclusive vacation packages do include roundtrip airfare and roundtrip airport transportation (once in your destination)—and typically make this clear upfront—others do not. Be sure to budget for flights and ground transportation accordingly.
Food upsells
Food is always included in the all-inclusive vacation, with many resorts boasting multiple on-site restaurants and cafes from which to choose. But pay attention to your dining plan’s fine print: Premier restaurants with the best food may cost extra. Same goes for any “special event” or themed meals. Sometimes, a buffet may be included in your all-inclusive vacation cost, but anything table-service could cost extra. Bottom line: Understand your dining options so that you can budget appropriately for potential mealtime “splurges” outside the scope of your all-inclusive plan.
Premium drinks
Do you have dreams of sipping frosty, top-shelf cocktails the entire trip? Or how about expertly crafted espresso drinks each morning while at your resort? Be sure that each of those drinks won’t cost you extra. Drinks can work on the same model as food: The premium stuff may not be included in your all-inclusive rate. In some cases, only nonalcoholic drinks are included. If all-inclusive alcohol packages are a desirable part of your vacation, understand these inclusions before putting down that deposit.
On-Resort activities and entertainment
This can come as a shocker: Some activities and entertainment at the resort may not be free. Among the things that can come with an additional fee are pool and beach cabanas; spa treatments; fitness classes and golf; theater shows and performance-based meals (such as luaus); private beachfront meals; and kids camps and nanny services. Also, most beachfront resorts offer all-inclusive vacation packages that include only nonmotorized water sports. That means activities such as the use of Jet Skis and parasailing will cost extra.
Off-Resort excursions
With small exception, you will be responsible for the cost of any excursion or tour that takes you off the resort property. If there’s something in the destination that you’d like to experience that isn’t offered on resort grounds—such as a cooking class, a historical walking tour, a whitewater rafting excursion—expect to pay for it. Nevertheless, it’s worth asking at the time of booking if any optional excursions are included in the “all-inclusive” cost; you may be surprised at what’s available to book at no additional cost.
Resort Fees
All-inclusive resorts typically don’t tack on-resort fees, a nightly charge that covers services like parking, shuttles and internet access. But, once again, read the fine print. Some room- and resort-related extras that are traditionally categorized as “resort fees,” such as Wi-Fi, may not be included in your all-inclusive vacation cost.
Gratuities
Many all-inclusive properties roll staff gratuities into the base all-inclusive price and stress a no-tipping policy. Some do not. Learn about the tipping policy and expectations prior to booking. For instance, some resorts may have a “no tipping policy” but encourage tipping for airport transport, spa treatments and butler services. You don’t want to be unprepared when it comes to tipping protocol (and the corresponding faux paus) during what should be a relaxing trip.
Protecting your all-inclusive vacation investment
Most all-inclusive vacation packages don’t include travel insurance, but it’s often worth the extra cost. After all, unexpected things happen. Someone in your traveling party could get sick ahead of the trip, triggering a need to reschedule or cancel the vacation. You could injure yourself while cruising around on a WaveRunner or zip-lining through a canopy of trees while in the destination. In most cases, unless you have travel insurance, you’ll be responsible for any fees associated with these types of scenarios. It’s wise to consult your AAA travel advisor on the best policy to protect your vacation investment.