Is an all inclusive resort right for you?
Author: Yuri Smolyansky
Article:
All-inclusive resorts can really help vacationers get the most
out of their travel dollars. Today, over 400 hotels in the
Caribbean and Mexico are either all-inclusive resorts or offer
all inclusive packages.
Destinations such as Aruba, Cancun, St. Thomas, and Bahamas have
an infrastructure that is well suited to all-inclusive and not
all inclusive resorts because there is a wide election of
restaurants and amenities for tourism. Jamaica and the Dominican
Republic on the other hand don't have the tourism infrastructure
in place and are best suited for all inclusive vacations.
You'll want to consider carefully before choosing an all
inclusive resort. Resorts do vary -- some are designed for
couples, some for singles, some for gays and some for families.
Some cater to a younger or older crowd. There are also some that
offer clothing-optional activities. For obvious reasons, most of
those don't allow children under 18.
The resorts come in all shapes and sizes. Some include airfare
and hotel. Some include airfare, hotel, transfers, and some
meals. Others include all meals and activities, but not airfare.
Often, purchasing airfare as part of the package can be a better
deal than doing so separately, unless you are using frequent
flier miles.
Many all inclusives have, as part of their program, child-care
facilities that are often a resort-within-the-resort for
children, a "day camp" that is special and that kids look
forward to attending. And many all-inclusive resorts give
incredible price breaks to children (they don't drink liquor,
after all,) while some even have no charge for children up to 17
sharing their parents' room.
What are the advantages of all-inclusive vacation resorts?
The security of knowing that one price covers everything, with
none of those nasty surprises that can blast a hole in any
family's travel budget. All meals, entertainment, activities and
sports, as well as airfare and accommodations, are generally
included in one price. You can forget your worries about
carrying lots of extra cash for expenses, and just sit back and
enjoy your vacation.
Who should check out an all inclusive?
Travelers who are: on a tight budget, traveling with the kids,
receiving the trip as a wedding gifts or getting married on the
honeymoon.
So, is an all inclusive resort right for you?
If you are the type of traveler that enjoys sampling all of the
local fare, then spending all of your time at an all-inclusive
resort is probably not for you. If you like to go somewhere just
to relax and not worry about taking out your wallet every couple
of hours to pay for food, drinks, or activities, then there's
probably an all-inclusive resort that's just right for you.
If you like to stay up all night partying and drinking, if you
want to take advantage of all the included watersports and
activities, if you want to have food and snacks available all
day and if you don't want to have to worry about the final bill
when you check out, an all-inclusive is definitely a viable
option. Some resorts even boast 24-hour room service.
All-inclusive resorts can be costly. On the other hand, they can
also provide great value. If you are going to a destination
where the cost of meals, snacks, liquor and activities are
expensive, and your hotel or resort is high-quality with an
expensive nightly rate, an all inclusive might end up saving you
money.
If, on the other hand, you don't drink much, you enjoy lazing on
the beach and getting an early nights sleep, you are dieting and
choose simple salads for your meals, you would probably be
overspending for an all-inclusive resort. Bear in mind the
drinks are only the cheap local which are not very strong.
On the down side of all-inclusive vacations, some folks get a
bit weary of dining in the same restaurant night after night.
The resort rooms may be smaller than standard hotel rooms. Some,
not all of the all-inclusive resorts provide shows. And some of
them have different show every night.
Some resorts have kids clubs for the little ones. Kids clubs
begin at any hotel at 4 years of age. Nannies or babysitters are
extra costs not included in the all-inclusive package. Almost
all the allinclusives have activities from beach volleyball to
bingo and other games.
It's a good idea if you want a cashless vacation in a secured
environment, if you are satisfied that the dining options
offered will be suitable for your tastes, if you take advantage
of the watersports, child-care and bars.
If you are adventurous and want to spend your days exploring the
country you are visiting and your evenings trying in-town dining
options, you would be better off choosing a resort that offers
that kind of flexibility instead of an all inclusive.
What is usually included in all inclusive vacation package?
All meals and drinks, beer, wine, premium liquor and tipping,
government taxes, gratuities, entertainment, activities and
sports, as well as airfare and accommodations, are generally
included in one price.
Airfare and hotel transfers are optional when buying all
inclusive package. Tipping is not allowed. One benefit of the
all-inclusive resort is that the single up-front price covers
unlimited activities.
Phone calls and items purchased at the gift shop are included.
The more expensive all-inclusive resorts is going to have the
nice sit-down restaurants. The next step down will have all
buffet dining.
Tennis and squash courts may be free and often night-lit courts
at no charge, but bring your rackets, as you'll probably have to
pay to rent them. Most packages do not include golfing fees. In
most cases you have to rent a golf cart, but compared to the
price of play on most courses, that cost is negligible. Sailing
craft are free as often as not. Snorkels, masks and fins are
usually free, but may have a time limit (note: bring masks from
home if you can, keeping in mind that the one-size-fits-all
variety is often useless on little faces, leaving kids to
snorkel miserably with a face-full of salt water). On-property
snorkeling is free, but the most interesting underwater sights
are usually somewhere else. The latter will cost you, if not for
the snorkeling itself, then for the transportation to get there
and back. With motorized sports costs can climb upwards of $60
an hour. Parasailing is another costly venture. Divers, too,
might find an all-inclusive cost-effective. Tanks have to be
paid for separately, but diving excursions are included in some
of these resorts. If you are not certified, most resorts offer a
"resort certification" which will allow you to go on closely
supervised guided dives. A resort certification is a great
introduction to the sport. If, however, you are already a
certified diver, some resorts, such as Sandals, Beaches, and
Gala Resorts, offer one or two tank dives a day in their
all-inclusive packages.
Many all inclusive resorts offer spa treatments as part of their
packages, with the option of paying for more intensive
therapies.
Do not forget to budget extra cash for some excursions that
weren't included in all inclusive package. A swim with the
dolphins, for example, runs about $100 per person -- more than
small change if you're traveling with a family of four.
Consider carefully these additional factors before purchasing an
all inclusive vacation package.
Price is often relative to quality. If it seems too good to be
true, it probably is. However, sometimes it's possible to get an
amazing and legitimate deal, as long as you're looking in the
right places - Apple Vacations, Funjet Vacations, TNT Vacations
and numerous smaller wholesalers.
Look for deals. Check websites for details. Check to see what's
included in the price, so you don't incur any additional costs
that you're not prepared to pay for.
Organize any visas and travel insurance policies well in
advance. Your tour operator and travel agent should advise you
on all of these but you should also contact the embassy or
consulate of the country you are visiting for information about
visas.
It is important that you speak with your doctor about the
necessary immunizations for the areas you are traveling to. When
you're traveling in Mexico, you must take extra care when it
comes to drinking water, or fresh beverages that may have tap
water added to them. Check ice also - ask if it was made with
tap water - it is unlikely that your ice will have been made
with tap water; but its worth asking in more rustic
establishments and rural areas. Salads can also be dangerous if
they have been rinsed with tap water. The rule is - if in doubt,
ask first! All main hotels and good restaurants use purified
water throughout
In order to be eligible for special honeymoon offers and
discounts, it's wise to take a copy of your marriage certificate
with you as proof that you are on honeymoon.
If you are a single parent, or if your partner will not be
traveling with you and your children for whatever reason, you
must get a notarized letter from the absent parent, giving
consent for the child or children to be traveling with one
parent absent.
If you are estranged from your partner, and you are the legal
guardian of your child / children, you can take a copy of the
court order (note: original only - no copies!) with you and this
will suffice to get your child or children with you.
If you are a widow or widower, you will need to write a letter
to explain this and get it, and a copy of the death certificate,
notarized and carry both of these documents with you when you
travel.
If you are under 18 and want to travel without your parents, you
will need to carry with you a notarized letter of consent signed
by both parents.
If you are a lone parent or will be traveling with your children
but without your partner, or under 18 traveling alone, get the
required paperwork together before you leave. Airlines are now
refusing to board lone parents and children and children
traveling unaccompanied without this notarized letter of consent.
Many hotels in Mexico set age restrictions during spring break.
Here's an example of many hotel Spring Break policy: Hotel will
accept individual and student group bookings. A refundable
deposit of $200 per person and credit card are required at time
of check in. Any credit cards used must be issued in guest's
name. Guests may be required to sign an agreement/list of rules
at check in. At least one person per room must satisfy the
minimum age requirement for check in for individual student
bookings. At least one adult for every 20 students is required
for student group bookings.
If you or someone in your party is confined to a wheelchair,
you'll want to explore accessibility issues very carefully. Ask
your travel agent specific questions that may concern you.
Always have a way out. Ask about cancellation policies, and look
into travel insurance, especially if you are booking through an
online agency. Choose wisely and make sure the resort's
amenities and programs fit your lifestyle and character, and
you'll have the time of your life!
Here's some examples of deals: Apple Vacations "Sizzlin
Specials" -
http://www.applevacations.com/servlet/SiteController/specials/spe
cials1.jsp and Funjet Vacations "Hot Deals" -
http://www.funjet.com/hotdeals/ TNT Vacations "Special Deals" -
http://ww2.tntvacations.com/SpecialDeals
More detailed information about over 400 all inclusive hotels in
the Caribbean and Mexico could be found at
http://www.sunvacations.org and http://www.iberostar.info.
This all inclusive vacations directory, which consists of 36
main sections arranged alphabetically by destination for quick
and easy access, consolidates all inclusive resort information
not previously available from any other single source.
Researched and compiled by a group of travel agents with
experience in the Mexico and Caribbean resorts, the directory
offers a quick shortcut to travel-related information on the
Internet. Each listing contains resort's web address, reviews,
and pictures, slide show, virtual tour, virtual map and resort
rating. For both seasoned and inexperienced Internet
all-inclusive vacation seekers, SunVacations.org will eliminate
hours of search time. Instead of conducting key word searches,
users can simply reference destination descriptions in the
directory, and then go directly to the all inclusive resort they
want without having to sift through information that is
unrelated or unwanted.
Iberostar Hotels & Resorts is a branch of the Iberostar Group
specializing in top quality holiday hotels
Iberostar.Info is the world's most comprehensive Mexico and
Caribbean Iberostar resorts photo source on the web, containing
over 1000 images. This unique Iberostar photo collection
features 11 resorts and consolidates information not previously
available from any other single source. The same Iberostar
hotels photo collection could be also found at
http://www.sunvacations.org
About the author:
Yuri Smolyansky is a webmaster for www.sunvacations.org - The
most comprehensive all inclusive resorts directory which fetures
over 400 resorts.
Article:
All-inclusive resorts can really help vacationers get the most
out of their travel dollars. Today, over 400 hotels in the
Caribbean and Mexico are either all-inclusive resorts or offer
all inclusive packages.
Destinations such as Aruba, Cancun, St. Thomas, and Bahamas have
an infrastructure that is well suited to all-inclusive and not
all inclusive resorts because there is a wide election of
restaurants and amenities for tourism. Jamaica and the Dominican
Republic on the other hand don't have the tourism infrastructure
in place and are best suited for all inclusive vacations.
You'll want to consider carefully before choosing an all
inclusive resort. Resorts do vary -- some are designed for
couples, some for singles, some for gays and some for families.
Some cater to a younger or older crowd. There are also some that
offer clothing-optional activities. For obvious reasons, most of
those don't allow children under 18.
The resorts come in all shapes and sizes. Some include airfare
and hotel. Some include airfare, hotel, transfers, and some
meals. Others include all meals and activities, but not airfare.
Often, purchasing airfare as part of the package can be a better
deal than doing so separately, unless you are using frequent
flier miles.
Many all inclusives have, as part of their program, child-care
facilities that are often a resort-within-the-resort for
children, a "day camp" that is special and that kids look
forward to attending. And many all-inclusive resorts give
incredible price breaks to children (they don't drink liquor,
after all,) while some even have no charge for children up to 17
sharing their parents' room.
What are the advantages of all-inclusive vacation resorts?
The security of knowing that one price covers everything, with
none of those nasty surprises that can blast a hole in any
family's travel budget. All meals, entertainment, activities and
sports, as well as airfare and accommodations, are generally
included in one price. You can forget your worries about
carrying lots of extra cash for expenses, and just sit back and
enjoy your vacation.
Who should check out an all inclusive?
Travelers who are: on a tight budget, traveling with the kids,
receiving the trip as a wedding gifts or getting married on the
honeymoon.
So, is an all inclusive resort right for you?
If you are the type of traveler that enjoys sampling all of the
local fare, then spending all of your time at an all-inclusive
resort is probably not for you. If you like to go somewhere just
to relax and not worry about taking out your wallet every couple
of hours to pay for food, drinks, or activities, then there's
probably an all-inclusive resort that's just right for you.
If you like to stay up all night partying and drinking, if you
want to take advantage of all the included watersports and
activities, if you want to have food and snacks available all
day and if you don't want to have to worry about the final bill
when you check out, an all-inclusive is definitely a viable
option. Some resorts even boast 24-hour room service.
All-inclusive resorts can be costly. On the other hand, they can
also provide great value. If you are going to a destination
where the cost of meals, snacks, liquor and activities are
expensive, and your hotel or resort is high-quality with an
expensive nightly rate, an all inclusive might end up saving you
money.
If, on the other hand, you don't drink much, you enjoy lazing on
the beach and getting an early nights sleep, you are dieting and
choose simple salads for your meals, you would probably be
overspending for an all-inclusive resort. Bear in mind the
drinks are only the cheap local which are not very strong.
On the down side of all-inclusive vacations, some folks get a
bit weary of dining in the same restaurant night after night.
The resort rooms may be smaller than standard hotel rooms. Some,
not all of the all-inclusive resorts provide shows. And some of
them have different show every night.
Some resorts have kids clubs for the little ones. Kids clubs
begin at any hotel at 4 years of age. Nannies or babysitters are
extra costs not included in the all-inclusive package. Almost
all the allinclusives have activities from beach volleyball to
bingo and other games.
It's a good idea if you want a cashless vacation in a secured
environment, if you are satisfied that the dining options
offered will be suitable for your tastes, if you take advantage
of the watersports, child-care and bars.
If you are adventurous and want to spend your days exploring the
country you are visiting and your evenings trying in-town dining
options, you would be better off choosing a resort that offers
that kind of flexibility instead of an all inclusive.
What is usually included in all inclusive vacation package?
All meals and drinks, beer, wine, premium liquor and tipping,
government taxes, gratuities, entertainment, activities and
sports, as well as airfare and accommodations, are generally
included in one price.
Airfare and hotel transfers are optional when buying all
inclusive package. Tipping is not allowed. One benefit of the
all-inclusive resort is that the single up-front price covers
unlimited activities.
Phone calls and items purchased at the gift shop are included.
The more expensive all-inclusive resorts is going to have the
nice sit-down restaurants. The next step down will have all
buffet dining.
Tennis and squash courts may be free and often night-lit courts
at no charge, but bring your rackets, as you'll probably have to
pay to rent them. Most packages do not include golfing fees. In
most cases you have to rent a golf cart, but compared to the
price of play on most courses, that cost is negligible. Sailing
craft are free as often as not. Snorkels, masks and fins are
usually free, but may have a time limit (note: bring masks from
home if you can, keeping in mind that the one-size-fits-all
variety is often useless on little faces, leaving kids to
snorkel miserably with a face-full of salt water). On-property
snorkeling is free, but the most interesting underwater sights
are usually somewhere else. The latter will cost you, if not for
the snorkeling itself, then for the transportation to get there
and back. With motorized sports costs can climb upwards of $60
an hour. Parasailing is another costly venture. Divers, too,
might find an all-inclusive cost-effective. Tanks have to be
paid for separately, but diving excursions are included in some
of these resorts. If you are not certified, most resorts offer a
"resort certification" which will allow you to go on closely
supervised guided dives. A resort certification is a great
introduction to the sport. If, however, you are already a
certified diver, some resorts, such as Sandals, Beaches, and
Gala Resorts, offer one or two tank dives a day in their
all-inclusive packages.
Many all inclusive resorts offer spa treatments as part of their
packages, with the option of paying for more intensive
therapies.
Do not forget to budget extra cash for some excursions that
weren't included in all inclusive package. A swim with the
dolphins, for example, runs about $100 per person -- more than
small change if you're traveling with a family of four.
Consider carefully these additional factors before purchasing an
all inclusive vacation package.
Price is often relative to quality. If it seems too good to be
true, it probably is. However, sometimes it's possible to get an
amazing and legitimate deal, as long as you're looking in the
right places - Apple Vacations, Funjet Vacations, TNT Vacations
and numerous smaller wholesalers.
Look for deals. Check websites for details. Check to see what's
included in the price, so you don't incur any additional costs
that you're not prepared to pay for.
Organize any visas and travel insurance policies well in
advance. Your tour operator and travel agent should advise you
on all of these but you should also contact the embassy or
consulate of the country you are visiting for information about
visas.
It is important that you speak with your doctor about the
necessary immunizations for the areas you are traveling to. When
you're traveling in Mexico, you must take extra care when it
comes to drinking water, or fresh beverages that may have tap
water added to them. Check ice also - ask if it was made with
tap water - it is unlikely that your ice will have been made
with tap water; but its worth asking in more rustic
establishments and rural areas. Salads can also be dangerous if
they have been rinsed with tap water. The rule is - if in doubt,
ask first! All main hotels and good restaurants use purified
water throughout
In order to be eligible for special honeymoon offers and
discounts, it's wise to take a copy of your marriage certificate
with you as proof that you are on honeymoon.
If you are a single parent, or if your partner will not be
traveling with you and your children for whatever reason, you
must get a notarized letter from the absent parent, giving
consent for the child or children to be traveling with one
parent absent.
If you are estranged from your partner, and you are the legal
guardian of your child / children, you can take a copy of the
court order (note: original only - no copies!) with you and this
will suffice to get your child or children with you.
If you are a widow or widower, you will need to write a letter
to explain this and get it, and a copy of the death certificate,
notarized and carry both of these documents with you when you
travel.
If you are under 18 and want to travel without your parents, you
will need to carry with you a notarized letter of consent signed
by both parents.
If you are a lone parent or will be traveling with your children
but without your partner, or under 18 traveling alone, get the
required paperwork together before you leave. Airlines are now
refusing to board lone parents and children and children
traveling unaccompanied without this notarized letter of consent.
Many hotels in Mexico set age restrictions during spring break.
Here's an example of many hotel Spring Break policy: Hotel will
accept individual and student group bookings. A refundable
deposit of $200 per person and credit card are required at time
of check in. Any credit cards used must be issued in guest's
name. Guests may be required to sign an agreement/list of rules
at check in. At least one person per room must satisfy the
minimum age requirement for check in for individual student
bookings. At least one adult for every 20 students is required
for student group bookings.
If you or someone in your party is confined to a wheelchair,
you'll want to explore accessibility issues very carefully. Ask
your travel agent specific questions that may concern you.
Always have a way out. Ask about cancellation policies, and look
into travel insurance, especially if you are booking through an
online agency. Choose wisely and make sure the resort's
amenities and programs fit your lifestyle and character, and
you'll have the time of your life!
Here's some examples of deals: Apple Vacations "Sizzlin
Specials" -
http://www.applevacations.com/servlet/SiteController/specials/spe
cials1.jsp and Funjet Vacations "Hot Deals" -
http://www.funjet.com/hotdeals/ TNT Vacations "Special Deals" -
http://ww2.tntvacations.com/SpecialDeals
More detailed information about over 400 all inclusive hotels in
the Caribbean and Mexico could be found at
http://www.sunvacations.org and http://www.iberostar.info.
This all inclusive vacations directory, which consists of 36
main sections arranged alphabetically by destination for quick
and easy access, consolidates all inclusive resort information
not previously available from any other single source.
Researched and compiled by a group of travel agents with
experience in the Mexico and Caribbean resorts, the directory
offers a quick shortcut to travel-related information on the
Internet. Each listing contains resort's web address, reviews,
and pictures, slide show, virtual tour, virtual map and resort
rating. For both seasoned and inexperienced Internet
all-inclusive vacation seekers, SunVacations.org will eliminate
hours of search time. Instead of conducting key word searches,
users can simply reference destination descriptions in the
directory, and then go directly to the all inclusive resort they
want without having to sift through information that is
unrelated or unwanted.
Iberostar Hotels & Resorts is a branch of the Iberostar Group
specializing in top quality holiday hotels
Iberostar.Info is the world's most comprehensive Mexico and
Caribbean Iberostar resorts photo source on the web, containing
over 1000 images. This unique Iberostar photo collection
features 11 resorts and consolidates information not previously
available from any other single source. The same Iberostar
hotels photo collection could be also found at
http://www.sunvacations.org
About the author:
Yuri Smolyansky is a webmaster for www.sunvacations.org - The
most comprehensive all inclusive resorts directory which fetures
over 400 resorts.
posted by Twain Harte Vacation Rental Guy | 4/06/2006 06:51:00 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home