Itinerary

Location:

The more exotic, the further to reach, the more expensive the flights and travel costs.   It’s critical to consider the total cost of travel including, air, water, or ground costs it will take to reach your final destination (based on where you live).  Don’t just consider the flight time or initial travel, be aware of how far the resort is from the airport and additional transfers or transportation, and the additional time it takes to get there.  Well-travelled locations and large airports will reduce costs based on volume of flights, likewise, arriving / departing from the same airport will lower the total flight costs. Be sure to read our TRAVEL section for more content around the journey itself.  We’ve found travellers often focus on lower-priced resorts, but have not totally considered the all-in costs of getting there, and getting home (Both in money AND time)

Length of Stay:

Resorts allow guests to stay for any number of days, but provide preferred rates for “standard” vacation periods of 5-7 days, often featuring discounted resort packages (like off-season deals, local events, and property-specific bundles). Be sure to inquire about resort discounts or packages that may be available.  Staying over popular travel holidays like Christmas or Spring Break can add to increased daily weekday / weekend rates, and lower the number of days that fit your budget.  As part of the planning process - it’s important to consider the total dollar cost, and time cost, of reaching and returning from your destination, against the actual benefits of number of days at the all-inclusive resort.  It can be a trade of with resort location, and something to consider from one vacation to the next.

Resort Type:

Unlike the average hotel, all-inclusives actively seek to differentiate their property through unique themes, rooms, landscaping and amenities. Good for you!  Properties often cater to different segments along the vacation spectrum and can specialize in a particular luxury, sport, getaway, or culinary category.  This is where carefully prioritizing your needs, and balancing your budget will help you select the all-inclusive resort best suited for you.  Knowing your total budget will help you decide whether and when to choose a high-priced secluded / exotic property, or a more accessible feature-rich resort.  For example, if you are an active golfer, it might be worthwhile to choose a resort with a luxury course allowing you to play unlimited holes during your stay; or on a romantic retreat or honeymoon, an opportunity to splurge on an luxury, secluded property is well worth the price.

Itinerary:

While it is important to consider travel costs as budget, key dates, and distance, we’ve found that travelers over-focus on price.  We tend to only think of “vacation” days,  then select unfavorable times, travel options, and stress - that detract from the overall vacation experience to maximize resort time.. We know it’s hard to place a dollar value on time and stress - but after many vacations, we found it can be the biggest value-add, more than the most luxurious amenities at an all-inclusive.  It’s critical to allow yourself “attitude-adjustment” activities during, before, AND at the end of a trip.  Clean the house, do your laundry and dishes before you leave; Return on a Saturday, rather than a Sunday to prepare yourself for work, Use mileage credits or points to upgrade your travel arrangements; Order a drink or premium snack at an airport lounge, or on the plane.  Remember to plan (and pay for) sum of the vacation parts, rather than just the resort expense - and consider your whole itinerary.