by Holly Johnson
Last updated: 11:00 PM ET, Thu August 31, 2017
All-inclusive resorts offer an easy way for parents to save money while enjoying a fully-provisioned, convenient trip somewhere warm. Since all-inclusive resorts include your food, lodging and entertainment for a single nightly rate, they make budgeting easy and completely surprise-free.
If your goal is saving money, you can make that happen too-provided you choose your all-inclusive resort wisely.
Here is a handful of ways you can score the benefits of going all-inclusive with kids for just a fraction of the price.
"Kids Stay Free"
Certain all-inclusive resorts, including Holiday Inn all-inclusive brands, let kids ages 12 and under stay free with paid adults. Other resort brands, like Iberostar, let kids stay free at certain properties based on the time of the year and the current promotion.
By seeking out properties that offer a "kids stay free" policy, you can usually save on your nightly rate.
Use Credit Card Rewards
A handful of all-inclusive resort brands offer co-branded credit cards and loyalty programs that let you rack up points for free all-inclusive stays. With the IHG Rewards Club Select credit card, for example, you can say for free at all-inclusive properties in Montego Bay and Cancun. With the Hyatt credit card, you can book free all-inclusive nights in Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Los Cabos, Mexico; and Rose Hall, Jamaica.
Co-branded Hilton and Wyndham Rewards credit cards also offer this option. Make sure to check with your card and program to see if any special surcharges apply when bookings rewards with kids in tow.
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Shop Around
Shopping around among all-inclusive resorts is the best way to save money and find a property you like. Make sure to compare pricing and amenities as you employ your search.
Since you'll have your kids along, you'll also want to see what kind of kid-friendly activities they have, along with whether they have a dedicated kid's club.
In terms of pricing, you'll need to consider more than the nightly rate. Depending on the all-inclusive resort, you may need to pay a surcharge for your kids depending on their ages. Where some all-inclusive resorts let kids stay free with paid adults, others charge extra for kids over 12 or a half-rate for those older than 15.
Some properties limit you to four people per room, which means you'll need two rooms if you have more than a couple kids. Make sure you compare resorts and their pricing based on your family size and children's ages before you decide.
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Watch for Deals
In addition to shopping around among all-inclusive brands and properties, you can also save by shopping for deals. Try websites like Expedia.com for "daily deals" that change frequently, or CheapCaribbean.com for all-inclusive vacation packages that may even include airfare.
ResortVacationstoGo.com is another resource you can access for the hottest deals on all-inclusive properties around the globe. Deals change all the time and you can book a package with or without airfare.
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