Welcome To The Good Life
It’s easy for most travelers—especially those who are new to the all-inclusive lifestyle—to assume that what you see is what you get at a resort. However, many people miss out by not digging a little deeper or trying new things, while others may mistakenly overstep the boundaries of the travel package.
Employees at all-inclusive resorts shared the common mistakes they see guests make again and again, so bookmark this list before you book your next vacation.
Taking The Phrase “All-Inclusive” At Face Value
All-inclusive is most definitely a misnomer, as every resort, package, and guest status is different. While most are transparent about extra charges, be on top of what amenities are actually included as part of your trip. For example, if you’re specific about what you like to drink, check what brands are actually included and see whether or not there’s a “premium” upgrade.
Not Using Room Service
Room service at a regular hotel can be prohibitively expensive, but if it’s part of your all-inclusive package, it’s an absolute must—even if you did stuff yourself at dinner. If you like to have breakfast in bed or if the dinner hours at the restaurant are too late for your kids, room service can step in and fill the gap.
Check with your resort, of course, to see what the limitations are, and tip accordingly.
Not Doing The Research
As mentioned above, each resort and package is unique and your guest status may also alter what you actually get out of the experience. Knowing what the schedule is and what activities are offered will help you manage your expectations and pack appropriately. To research further, check online forums to see what former guests loved or were disappointed by to further refine your plans.
Forgetting Sunscreen
Resort staff have truly seen it all—and one thing that they see more often than they’d like to is guests who didn’t realize just how powerful the sun can be down south. All it takes is one sunburn to force you indoors for days. Bring a reliable sunscreen and don’t forget to apply waterproof or water-resistant sunscreen before underwater activities like snorkeling.
Not Checking The Daily Schedule
You can do your research ahead of time, but resorts may add things to the calendar depending on the volume of guests, so do an additional check when you arrive. If there are activities that you’re prioritizing, keeping a close watch on the schedule and the booking windows will make sure you don’t miss them, and make sure to book early. More popular options will be booked nearly immediately.
Dehydration
Most people have trouble fulfilling their hydration needs on a regular day at home—so when the sun is beating down and those sugary cocktails and salty treats begin to look oh-so-refreshing, remember to chase it with a glass of water. If you forget, you’re only punishing yourself, and not allowing yourself to get the most out of your trip.
Not Going Off Resort To Explore
Yes, for many, the whole point of paying for a resort is to have everything at your fingertips—and to not have to take out your wallet continuously. However, it can be a huge miss to not explore the surrounding area or towns and take in a local color instead of the sanitized tourist version of things.
To take the labor of planning out of the equation, get help from the resort’s concierge and see what advice they have for your excursion.
Only Packing Beach Clothes
According to staff, many people arrive at all-inclusive resorts with a barrage of swimsuits, shorts, and sandals, only to realize that wasn’t exactly the best decision. Even the hottest beach areas still get chilly at night, and no one wants to end up shivering thanks to high-grade air conditioning.
Aside from that, some restaurants at the resort may have dress codes, so do your research and pack accordingly.
Ignoring Staff
The employees at your resort can be incredibly resourceful when it comes to planning activities and excursions, and if a situation comes up where you need something, they’re your best friend. They have access to extras like passes to shows. A little nice goes a long way—and if you happen to love your trip, they just might remember you when you return.
Expecting A Babysitter
Staff at all-inclusive resorts have reported that all too often, guests expect them to entertain their children at a frequency that borders on babysitting. If you want a full-time babysitter, bring one along. There may be childcare options as well as exclusive activities for kids, but they won’t fill up the whole day. Never leave children unattended, even in kid-specific areas.
Not Switching Up Your Meal Plans
While it may be easier to wrangle your entire family into the buffet line, there will be much more impressive dishes at other restaurants on the resort, especially if there are chefs offering local cuisine. After all, if you try something new and you don’t like it, at least you weren’t shelling out for it like you would at a restaurant at home!
Not Tipping The “Right” Amount
Tipping can be so confusing. There are different standards everywhere you go, so it’s understandable to undertip or overtip at an all-inclusive. While many resorts claim tips are included, it’s best to take a hard look at your package details and determine which services are in fact included and which are not—for example, spa services and services for guides on excursions.
You can always ask the concierge what’s appropriate.
PeopleImages.com - Yuri A, Shutterstock
Overdoing It
For many, the allure of the all-inclusive lies in the constant access to food and drinks. However, if you’re not usually overindulgent at home, you might only last a day or two before your gut and your head make you regret the decision. No one wants to be stuck in the bathroom for the second half of your trip, so try a little of everything instead of a lot.
Ignoring Safety Guidelines
Many travelers see safety signs at resorts and assume that they’re for less-seasoned travelers—but that can easily turn into a dire mistake. Resorts have safety guidelines for good reason, and they’re just trying to prevent accidents. This is especially important at oceanfront resorts, where riptides can put guests and the people charged with saving them at risk.
Skipping Travelers' Insurance
Many people choose an all-inclusive resort to take the risk of planning everything yourself out of the equation. However, while it does elide some common pitfalls of traveling, that’s no reason to skip getting travelers' insurance. While the resort will have insurance of its own, you’ll need your own to cover things like inclement weather, injuries, and flight mishaps.
Choosing The First Resort You See
If you, like us, are signed up for newsletters that alert you to sales on resort packages, it can be tempting to pull the trigger on a good deal. However, is it really worth it if it’s not checking off all your boxes? If what you want isn’t included, you may end up paying extra for it, making any deal moot.
Not Using Points Or Miles
Check if your resort of choice has any affiliate deals with any credit card or rewards program that you’re a member of. It’s an easy way to get an upgrade or other fun extras like excursions or gift bags. Many of these deals will need to be activated before you arrive, so check your options.
Not Taking A Phone Break
When everything is provided for you, it’s easy to spend the hours unwinding on your phone—but as employees at resorts have testified, take a look around the pool and you’ll see far too many people with their eyes glued to their devices instead of looking at the beautiful surroundings.
Forgetting Medication Or Traveling With Medical Issues
While resorts will have a medical team, they may not have access to medications you need, or be able to help you should you need more serious care. If you are struggling with a cold or flu in the days prior to your departure, you don’t really know what it can turn into, and if things get dire, your resort may not be equipped to help you, so it’s best to use your travel insurance to explore options for canceling or postponing.
Do What You Want
You can follow all the tips in the world, but at the end of the day, it’s your vacation that you paid for. If you want to skip the activities and spend all day by the pool and eat chicken fingers at the buffet every night, we won’t judge you!
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