Weighing Benefits and Drawbacks of All-Inclusive Resorts Before Your Next Trip

Some view the act of spending two month’s salary on a one-week vacation as a fairly controversial decision in today’s times, arguing that it’s undoubtedly outrageous to spend so much money on a fleeting experience. Others suggest this act is actually the point of living life, that we earn money to spend it, as much as we want, however we please.

Is the frugal critic or joyful spender correct, or is this simply a matter of opinion and personal preference? Deciding whether to splurge on a week-long vacation is not a moral litmus test but a matter of personal finances and happiness. Period.

For those who decide to take the plunge, an all-inclusive resort could be the best bargain, though it’s widely debated whether these excursions are truly worth the price. We’re taking a broader look at this vacation option, highlighting both the benefits and the drawbacks so you can make the best decision for your upcoming trip!

Defining All-Inclusive Vacations

All-inclusive vacation deals make it possible to have a worry-free vacation, one where travelers don’t have to worry about accommodation, food, drinks, activities, and entertainment. These agencies are responsible for handling all logistics, but not all all-inclusive resorts are the same.

Some cater to families, focusing more on kid-friendly activities, supervised clubs, and endless delicious food options that keep everyone happy. Others target adults seeking luxury, tranquility, and gourmet experiences. Out the gate, expect the level of service, quality of food, and range of activities vary dramatically depending on the all-inclusive agency you choose. It should be no surprise that the more you pay, the more they’ll offer.

Types of all-inclusive trips include:

• Family all-inclusive.
• Adult-only all-inclusive.
• Budget all-inclusive.
• Luxury all-inclusive.
• Niche all-inclusive.
• All-inclusive plus.
• Last-minute all-inclusive.

Common Questions to Ask Customer Service Before Taking the Plunge

• Does the agency book airport transfers?
• Are there any requirements to eat and drink at specific hours?
• Which restaurants are available at the resort? What type of food do they offer?
• Is the in-suite minibar included?
• Are there any additional fees or taxes to pay, or does the agency cover those as well?

Perks Of All-Inclusive Stays

The first and most significant advantage of booking an all-inclusive resort is that it reduces your chances of exceeding the pre-established vacation budget or encountering a major unexpected expense.

For the most part, your overarching fee leaves you settled, free from any worries about budget constraints over the course of your trip. You can pay a little more throughout your stay if you’d like, but it’s not a requirement. For instance, if you have booked an all-inclusive trip to Japan — widely recognized as the home of anime and manga like Pokémon — you may want to explore the streets of Tokyo, visit old temples, or discover hidden ramen shops. The all-inclusive format does not cater to those preferences, so you’ll have to pay out of pocket for certain experiences. 

With all-inclusive vacations, you can effortlessly skip the ordinary vacation stresses. While the booking process may be a process, you don’t really have to think much once it’s all finished. Once you’re packed and make it to your plane on time, all you have to do is grab a drink and enjoy (minus those small decisions, like whether you should spend the next hour at the pool or at the beach). 

Admittedly, the process of comparing expenses of an all-inclusive vacation to those you’d pay on your own is not always straightforward. In reality, the value depends on how much of the included offering you actually use. If you enjoy scouting local restaurants and excursions during your vacations, the all-inclusive price may start to feel a bit inflated, if not inhibiting, over time.

Reasons To Carve Your Own Path

Food limitations are often among the biggest complaints against all-inclusive resorts. Travelers may find that options lean too heavily on repetitive buffets, mass-prepared dishes, and so-called “international dishes” that somehow manage to taste the same regardless of the country you’re in. Not to say there aren’t exceptions, particularly at luxury resorts that take a more elevated approach with their dining options. However, many mid-range options focus on quantity over quality, with travelers quickly finding themselves longing to escape the resort gates in search of something real.

Additionally, all-inclusive resorts may not have the most variety in terms of new experiences or activities. The schedule typically revolves around predictable staples like pool lounging, beach tanning, evening concerts, and aerobic classes. Although this could be perfect for travelers who yearn to unwind and drift through the day, it might be underwhelming for those after  novelty and cultural immersion.  

In trying to make vacations stress-free, all-inclusive resorts can ironically strip away the more spontaneous joys of travel and those elements that make it truly memorable: surprise, challenge, and discovery.

All-Inclusive or Not?

Ultimately, the answer is up to you. Whether or not to choose an.all-inclusive resort depends on where you’re going, your dream itinerary, and your budget. Trust your gut, do some research, and you’ll figure out the best path!