All-Inclusive vs Non-All-Inclusive Resorts – Are They Worth the Money?

Are you considering an all-inclusive resort for your next vacation? You might be sitting on the fence, posing, “Are they worth the money?“.

Unfortunately, the answer is more complex than yes, they are, or no, they aren’t. It depends on who you are as a traveler and what you want to get from your vacation.

All-inclusive resorts have been popular among vacationers for years. Many opt for this type of getaway to relax and have a carefree trip without whipping out their wallet at every turn. But is all-inclusive worth it? There’s more to the decision than considering whether you will save money on food and drinks.

This article will help you break down all-inclusive versus non-all-inclusive deals and help you understand what you may want to prioritize before booking your vacation.

Why do people like all-inclusive vacations?

All-inclusive packages vary drastically from resort to resort and around the world. All-inclusive packages include accommodation, food, and drinks. You can also expect complete access to the resort’s amenities and often free activities and entertainment. Of course, you need to take care of your flights.

There’s no doubt about it; having all these parts of your holiday already paid for allows for a stress-free experience. There’s no worrying about your budget; you are sorted! You can even indulge in more cocktails than expected because you already paid. Moreover, tips and gratuities are often included, so there’s no need to worry about those extras.

Naturally, the idea that you can visit a resort and eat and drink as much as you want makes you feel like you are saving money. So, often you can, but there are a few other factors to consider.

What kind of traveler are you?

Deciding on an all-inclusive package is not just about the money; it’s also worth asking yourself, what kind of traveler am I?

If you are a first-time traveler, then all-inclusive travel can be an easy and affordable travel method. There’s no need to figure everything out yourself.

For those budget-conscious travelers, an all-inclusive package can also work. There are no extra expenses, so there is no need to go over budget. However, it’s always best to do a lot of research before you go. It’s worth shopping around for the right hotel deal. While all-inclusive resorts can be excellent value for money, there are also high-end resorts that will break the bank, so be careful.

All-inclusive deals are also excellent for families, honeymooners, and those who want to relax. If you envisage sunbathing, poolside, beach trip holiday, then often these kinds of all-inclusive deals will save you money and relieve any stress.

How about non-drinkers? Often, not having to worry about the cost of alcohol can result in people choosing an all-inclusive package. But that’s not to completely deter non-drinkers from booking all-inclusive vacations. Do you enjoy other beverages beyond water? It could still be worth it. Figure out the daily cost of the trip and look around to see the average prices of drinks in the area, then you can see if it’s worth it or not. Remember always to leave some wiggle room, and we often spend more money than we budget for on vacation.

However, it’s worth pausing to consider all-inclusive travel for those who believe themselves cultural explorers. For example, if you visit the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico but are set on seeing many of the area’s incredible cultural and historical attractions, all-inclusive isn’t for you. If you envisage yourself heading to Chichén-Itzá and the Archaeological Zone of Sayil, then chances are you will not be spending a lot of time at your hotel. Instead, you will end up eating out and incurring other costs.

Tips for getting the best all-inclusive package for you?

Whether you are heading to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Greece, following these tips will allow you if your all-inclusive package is worth the money.

1.      Read the fine print

When investigating and comparing all-inclusive packages, reading the fine print is essential. What is included in your package? It will help you compare with other resorts or hotels in the area. It’s also necessary to see what needs to be included.

2.      Check the hotels policies

It’s also essential to see the policies and procedures. For example, what are the hotel restaurants’ opening hours? Will this fit with your plans and routine? All-inclusive is about maximizing your money and ensuring it’s cost-effective for you. Work out how much your vacation package costs you per day. Is that going above what you might otherwise spend on a vacation?

3.      Prioritize what’s important to you

If traveling with young children, consider whether the resort is right for them. Are there enough activities for them to enjoy? When you book an all-inclusive package, staying in and around the hotel is more cost-effective. However, if you don’t feel there are enough things to see and do close by you might lose money by looking for experiences elsewhere.

4.      Remember to consider the costs

Those objecting to all-inclusive deals often say, “But we will never spend that much?” meaning it’s not worthwhile. However, if you are looking to stay at a specific hotel and are deciding between all-inclusive and non-all-inclusive, consider that hotels often jack up the prices for non-inclusive customers. For example, you might expect a cocktail to cost $15, but it’s more like $30.

There’s no disputing the benefits of all-inclusive vacations; they create a more glamorous, stress-free environment that allows you to sit back and enjoy. In terms of costs, they can be a perfect way of saving you money, but the most critical factor to consider is “Will you make the most out of the services and facilities on offer?”. Think about the type of traveler you are, what you like to do on vacation, and most of all, do your research!