At first glance, you may think that most all-inclusive packages are the same. However, different resorts and travel companies have different features and benefits that they package together as an all-inclusive offering. While on the surface, they may seem quite similar, finding the all-inclusive package that is best for you may require some further investigation.
What Are the Basics of an All-Inclusive Resort?
Most vacation packages that are advertised as "all inclusive: refer to the accommodation and land arrangements. If the packages being advertised are local then they may also include the flights. In general though, for an international destination, the flights will not be included. The reason for this is that one person may be flying out of New York and another out of Seattle or Atlanta. There is a big difference in the airfares from these destinations, so it is difficult to include them in an all-inclusive package. Your land arrangements will generally include transfers from the airport to the resort upon arrival. Most times, these are group transfers and not private transfers. If you'd prefer private transfers, you will need to book this separately. In terms of the accommodation part of the package, the all-inclusive aspect usually refers to the meals included. Most all-inclusive packages will have breakfast lunch and dinner as well as a basic beverage package.
How May All-Inclusive Packages Differ?
The meals at an all-inclusive resort are usually served in a buffet style. This ensures that there is enough variety for different guests' tastes. Sometimes for the evening meals, guests can choose items from a menu if they are dining as one of the exclusive restaurants at the resort. One of the main areas in which all-inclusive packages differ is in how they structure the beverage packages. You could have beverage packages for children and people who do not drink alcohol. These would include soft drinks, fruit juices and bottled water. Hotels may then have different levels of packages which include alcoholic beverages. A standard beverage package usually includes local malts, spirits and wines. The package may include some well-known brands that are international but not premium brands. A premium beverage package usually includes the top-line brands. Priced at a much higher level, with this package you can often get to enjoy genuine French champagne and other premium spirits. Some resorts work on beads that you hand over each time you order a drink. Others simply have you sign the drinks off to your room. Another way in which the all-inclusive package may differ is in the facilities and sporting activities offered. Some resorts may have a golf course and their package includes tee-off fees and equipment rental. Most all-inclusive beach resorts will include non-motorized water sports and selected motorized sports. Activities such as scuba diving are rarely included as you need to be certified in order to dive.
What Are Some of the Top All-Inclusive Destinations?
Many Caribbean and Central American destinations offer all-inclusive packages. This is an allure that makes then really good value vacation destinations. Perhaps two of the most well-known all-inclusive destinations are Cancun and Cozumel in Mexico. These areas were developed with large glamorous resorts offering a full range of facilities and activities to visitors. Jamaica is another destination that features many great all-inclusive resorts. Other Caribbean destinations that have some top all-inclusive resorts are Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Santo Domingo and Antigua. The Gulf coastline of Central America is home to many different all-inclusive resorts.
The Benefits of an All-Inclusive Package
One of the tricky parts of planning a vacation is trying to figure out how much spending money you may need in a particular destination. If you have never been there before, you will not know the average cost of drinks, lunches, souvenirs and taxis. Because this is something that changes frequently with inflation, it is often difficult to find current information on the Internet. Booking an all-inclusive package takes the hassle of trying to figure all that out. Certainly, you will still need to have some spending money with you for souvenirs and additional excursions but the bulk of your travel arrangements will have been prepaid. Costs of drinks and additional meals can quickly add up and bite into your spending allowance. On an all-inclusive package, you can eat and drink to your heart's content and know that the spending money is simply for optional extras.
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