All-Inclusives – Are they worth it?

All-Inclusives – Are they worth it?

The all-inclusive resort used to be considered the “budget inn” of travel. Images of a rowdy crowd drinking in the Jacuzzi, bland food, forced group activities and limited entertainment was the norm. Today, the all-inclusive concept has expanded to unlimited activities such as golf on a championship golf course, gourmet meals, and more upscale and intimate resorts.

More and more vacationers are looking into all-inclusives and the industry is listening. The reasons for the popularity of all-inclusive resorts are time and value. Travel experts say that pre-paying for all the food and drinks ahead of time allows you to have a more enjoyable getaway because you don’t have to think about how much you are spending and you don’t have to worry about carrying your wallet around the resort. Think of it as a no-hassle, stress-free vacation.

An all-inclusive resort usually include:

·       Accommodations

·       All meals

·       Room service

·       Drinks including wine, beer and spirit

·       Daily activities

·       Entertainment

·       All tips and gratuities and more.

It’s best to choose the resort that has the activities and atmosphere that best matches your interest. Kid-friendly or romantic hideaway? Beach or snow? Whatever’s your fancy, there is one just for you.

As a mom with young children, the all-inclusive resort is perfect for me. All-inclusive family resorts have everything for everyone, young and old. Some of the most popular resorts are located in Mexico and the Caribbean. Great beaches, fun watersports and awesome age appropriate kids program. But wait. There’s more!

In addition to the “normal” inclusions, you can also expect the following at most family all-inclusives:

·       Family/connecting accommodations

·       Kids Club

·       Kids Only Dining Room

·       Teens Only Club

·       Organized games and activities

·       Family activities

·       Kid-friendly pools and waterparks

·       Themed character activities such as the gang from Sesame Street

But when I am looking to steal away with just the hubby, you bet I’m going to hit one of the upscale hideaways. The upfront sticker price may be a shock at the beginning, but when you do the math, it is all worth it. Plus, not having to think about pulling out the credit card and tipping the attendant every single time is, well, what a vacation is all about. Not a single care in the world!

Let us do that for you. Give us a call and we’ll take care of everything else. We work with the best land and tour partners in the world that offers everything from a hut in Fiji to an all-inclusive family suite in Turks and Caicos. Check out some of our partners at www.infinitycruiseplanners.com – make this YOUR land and tour page.

Are all-inclusives worth it? Yes! More than ever. 

Kimberly Carew is a professional travel advisor with Infinity Cruise Planners, a Cruise Planners – American Express Travel Company.  We are a full service travel agency.  For more information, please go to www.infinitycruiseplanners.com or call 727-517-2751.  She can also be reached at kcarew@cruiseplanners.com

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