Looking to book your next tropical getaway? Then you’re likely debating whether or not to spend the extra cash up front for an all-inclusive resort. Unless you’ve experienced both in the past, this can be a tough decision to make. Here are a few things to consider before choosing a resort.
How Much You Plan To Eat
If you like to eat, an all-inclusive resort will likely provide you with an all-you-can-eat buffet and a number of restaurants to choose from for dinner. This is the best choice for those who prefer quantity over quality. It’s not uncommon for tourists to get sick of the food they offer though, as the buffets tend to be a poor attempt at American food and will offer the same menu each day.
If you’re a foodie and prefer to munch on the local cuisine when you’re traveling, then an all-inclusive resort might not be the best for you. Especially if you plan to be away from the resort exploring most days. Of course, opting for an all-inclusive option doesn’t mean you have to eat at the resort every night. You’re free to come and go as you please.
How Much You Usually Drink
One of the biggest perks of all-inclusive resorts is the ability to drink as much booze as you want. This might be all you need to hear to make your decision, as you’ll likely end up saving money in the long run if you’re a big partier. Even just having a few drinks by the pool during the day and then some with dinner could rack up a $100 bill each day, especially if the cocktails are pricey.
If you don’t plan on partying hard or drinking much at all, you might want to skip the added cost of an all-inclusive vacation. It might not be worth it, even considering the included meals. Don’t forget though, even if you don’t drink alcohol that you will still need to pay for soda and juices if you choose an all-exclusive resort.
Your Plans To Stay At The Resort
Everyone travels differently. Some look for a resort that has everything they can possibly want in one convenient location, as they have no desire to explore the island. This is especially common in areas that are known for being dangerous or unsuitable for tourists. If this is the case for you and your travel companions, then you should definitely look into an all-inclusive resort. Aside from drinks and food, they’ll offer watersports, activities, a number of bars, clubs, and so much more.
On the other side of things, other kinds of travelers are more adventure seekers. If you will likely leave the hotel to go on tours and excursions most days, then you wouldn’t be enjoying the perks of an all-inclusive resort. Save your money for exploring and stay somewhere cheaper.
Your Budget
While an all-inclusive option might cost more up front, it can end up saving you money if you plan on staying at the resort most of your time away. The best way to decide between an all-inclusive and an all-exclusive is to do some digging into your last all-exclusive vacation. Take a look at your credit card statements and ATM withdrawals, and add up what you spent on meals, drinks, and non-motorized water sports. Was it more than $200 per person? That’s typically the difference in cost between the two options. Doing this will give you a better idea of your spending habits and can help you determine whether all-inclusive or all-exclusive is best for you.
