When you start factoring in the cost of travel between the airport and the hotel; all of the meals eaten out; the cost of activities; transportation to and from those; and the hours of research you put into finding fun things to do, places to eat, and the best place to stay to get the most bang for your buck – would it actually be a better idea to book an all-inclusive resort and stay at the resort, enjoying all of the free food and activities?
A night of drinks and live entertainment can cost upwards of $200 a couple, without any kind of bottle service. Dinner can run about the same. Snorkeling for a day with a guide can cost that same $200. So, it does add up. But, is all-inclusive really worth the spend?
It’s best to consider what is included in the “all-inclusive” resort. Many of the mainstream resorts include food, some drinks, and unmotorized water activities. Beaches Resort in Negril, for example, includes all food and alcoholic beverages, transportation to and from the airport (which is almost two hours away), and snorkeling with a guide). A couple of the restaurants require reservations, but you don’t have to pay for your meal.
All of the pools are free. Busy with activities, I lived on Red Stripe and meat patties during my days (the bar closest to my room had a warmer with a steady supply of meat patties) at Beaches, Negril. I went to the formal breakfast daily, with a beautiful view of the pools. I even used the concierge service a couple of times.
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The best part of the Beaches all-inclusive resort was the free water activities, both non-motorized and motorized, which isn’t always included in the pricing at resorts. I had to plan a day ahead for these activities, but, that was the most cumbersome part of the stay. I just had to figure out what I wanted to do and on what day I wanted to do it.
So, the answer is yes. Yes, it is worth it to go to an all-inclusive resort, as long as you do your homework. Know what is included ahead of time. Make some kind of plan as to what activities you want to enjoy, and do those activities as they (and the free drinks) are what make spending the extra cash worth it. Be sure your resort includes all beverages. And be sure it’s a well-known resort. Last, check for added fees, gratuities, or taxes that may be outlandish. Call and double check that the amount you are paying up front is all you have to pay. Then, sit back, relax, and enjoy your all-inclusive getaway.
Related: Mexico’s 8 Best All-Inclusive Resorts To Choose For Your Next Vacation
FAQs
So, the answer is yes. Yes, it is worth it to go to an all-inclusive resort, as long as you do your homework. Know what is included ahead of time. Make some kind of plan as to what activities you want to enjoy, and do those activities as they (and the free drinks) are what make spending the extra cash worth it.
Is it worth paying all-inclusive? ›
All-inclusive resorts can certainly be convenient and stress-free, as they often include meals, drinks, and activities all in one package. However, they can also be limiting and lack the authentic, local experiences that make travel so special.
Is it worth doing all-inclusive in Cabo? ›
The answer is: it depends on what type of vacation you want. All-inclusive deals can be excellent for people who want plenty of downtime. However, these vacations may not be the best option for those who feel a little more adventurous.
Is it better to stay at an all-inclusive resort? ›
To sum it up, all-inclusive resorts are amazing options when planning a vacation. They bundle lodging, activities, and food in one price which virtually leaves you with nothing to worry about.
Do all-inclusive resorts save you money? ›
Travelers are often surprised by how much of their vacation budget went towards tips and taxes along the way. All-inclusive resorts tend to include tips and taxes in the price you pay upfront, potentially saving you money in the long-run.
What are the disadvantages of all-inclusive hotels? ›
Con: With so many activities, you won't be able to do them all! Despite your best effort, there is no possible way you will be able to hit up every single bar, pool, activity, service, etc! There are only so many hours in a day and so many days that you are on holiday.
Is it rude not to tip at all-inclusive? ›
Since there is no requirement to tip this can be left largely up to your own discretion. You could follow the aforementioned guidelines but since there is no expectation, anything you choose to give will be viewed as an additional kindness.
Is Cabo nicer than Cancun? ›
If you want an all-inclusive vacation in a party town with sugar-sand beaches and ruins to explore, then Cancún is the way to go. Or, if you prefer a more luxurious getaway full of deep-sea fishing and fine dining, then book a ticket to Los Cabos.
Is it better to go to Cancun or Cabo? ›
You can't go wrong choosing between Cabo and Cancun for your Mexican getaway. Cabo is a better option for luxury travel and families, while Cancun beats out Cabo for nightlife and partying. However, especially if you're traveling as a family, you should research flight time and non-stop service.
How many days is enough for Cabo? ›
If you ask us how long the perfect stay in Cabo is, we'd say, “As long as possible!” But since we can't all lounge in paradise forever, we looked into the ideal vacation itinerary and found that you can actually have an amazing trip with just 4 days and 3 nights in Cabo.
While all-inclusive vacations offer many benefits, they aren't without their drawbacks. One common concern is the feeling of being confined to the resort, which can limit opportunities for exploring the local culture and attractions as it can become expensive.
Is it cheaper to book all-inclusive directly? ›
By cutting out the middleman Travel Agent and third-party sites, a resort can often offer you the best price. Some travelers have even found that they're able to negotiate a better price, receive additional perks, or even request a specific room when directly booking with the resort they've picked.
What are the disadvantages of an all-inclusive package tours? ›
Can feel like you have to stay at the hotel: Because your food is included, and activities are already paid for, you might feel like you need to stay in the hotel to make the most of what you've already paid for. It's all about getting the balance between making the most of it and exploring the local atmosphere.
Can you eat as much as you want at all-inclusive resorts? ›
Expect breakfast, lunch, dinner and anytime snacks to be included, which means you really will be able to have an all-you-can-eat type vacation. Want to enjoy both the steak and the lobster? No problem.
What costs extra at an all-inclusive resort? ›
What's typically not included? Spa treatments, off-property tours and excursions, motorized water sports and golf, private lessons, and souvenirs. And if you're booking through a resort, then airfare and transfers may not be included. However, some resorts do offer add-on packages or resort credits for extra amenities.
Is everything free in all-inclusive resorts? ›
We all know and love the phrase “Hakuna Matata.” Think of all-inclusive as worry-free vacationing. At an all-inclusive resort, you can enjoy all the essentials of a vacation without having to pay extra for it.
Is it cheaper to book all-inclusive or separately? ›
Sometimes all-inclusive packages can be a better deal than booking your reservations individually, according to Saglie. This is because travel companies are able to buy up large volumes of hotel rooms and flights at one time and sell them to customers at a discount.
Is everything free with all-inclusive? ›
Besides accommodation, you can expect food, drinks, activities, and entertainment to be included, without having to pay extra for it. A true all-inclusive vacation should never come with surprise costs and makes it possible to have a worry-free vacation, without having to run a tab.
