Who should consider an All-inclusive Resort?

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Anyone who wants a vacation to relax! Now, relax doesn't mean doing anything (although it can mean that, you will also find lots to do at all-inclusive resorts). But it means having peace of mind - they are a worry-free vacation. "Where are we gonna eat?", "Honey, I wanna go back to the hotel for a nap", "Mom and Dad, can you spend your whole vacation playing with me all day?". Sometimes, the best family vacation is when everyone does what they want and get together to tell the adventures at dinner time.

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All-inclusive resorts are great for:

 

>> FAMILIES: 

Many many options! Most resorts cater to families with children of all ages. It ranges from more basic properties to more luxury ones. Lots of activities that will make even the most crabby one happy. And some offer great kids club (that means some adult time, yay!)... this is what I call a 2-in-one vacation: family and adult time in one trip... it can't get better than this. 

 

>> COUPLES:

You can also get an adults-only experience. These resorts range from basic to upscale with incredible amenities, gourmet, and specialized food. You can also go as "relaxing" or as "partying" as you want! Maybe you are looking for some romantic time (rooms with roses and champagne, bathtub, and dinner at the beach with the sunset on the background... we can make it happen!). And of course, how not to think about an all-inclusive for the most perfect, secluded Honeymoon? That time where you can enjoy each other and start your married life with the right foot. Preferably in the sand. 

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>> SINGLES:

All-inclusive resorts are also a great option for solo travelers or single people traveling together. Many offer parties and nightclubs, if you are interested in that. But all come with a nice beach for you to spend the day under the sun. Most resorts though do charge an extra fee for single occupancy. If you are ok with that, great. If not, it can be a great opportunity to invite your best friend. Either way, it will be a fun trip!

 

What is actually included?

 

Most resorts include all meals (most offer more than one restaurant so you can eat in different places without leaving the resort), drinks (including alcoholic beverages), activities (like kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, tennis, soccer, volleyball and so on) and entertainment (this varies a lot from hotel to hotel), gratuities. What's not usually included: spa services, motorized water sports, scuba diving. So if you don't use these types of services, expect a very low check-out bill. Which helps the whole idea of "relaxing", doesn't it?

 

Are they worth it?

 

Short answer: yes! Now, not all-inclusive resorts are created equal. That's why I strongly recommend you to work with a travel agent that you trust (I'm here for you!!) because there are some properties that are not worth it at all. The pictures may look great at the website but those pictures won't tell you if the property has access to the beach (yes, that can happen), if the service is good, if the rooms are clean, if the food is tasty (and not a blend buffet where all tastes the same).

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Which resort should I choose?

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It's important to see the cost x benefit of the properties. When helping you choose the perfect resort, we take into consideration not only your budget but also what do you like to do while vacationing. What you are looking for, how important the activities are, what type of vibe you prefer, and so on. It's kind of a matchmaking process :-) and the best part: it's complimentary! This is one of the best things about working with a travel agent: it's not more expensive AND you don't have to spend tons of hours reading a million reviews and searching for a thousand photos while just praying that you like it when you get there. I don't like too many risks, I like a good and well-planned vacation!

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What are the destinations that offer all-inclusive resorts?

 

Most Caribbean islands and Mexico. Florida actually has one resort (ClubMed Sandpiper - inquire about it, its a pretty cool property!).  Happy Hour Travel works with ALL hotel brands in all destinations!

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The most budget-friendly is CANCUN and RIVIERA MAYA in Mexico. That's because we have lots of direct flights there from many airports in the US and there are hundreds of resorts in that area. More offers, better pricing. The resorts range from low price (I personally don't recommend, you can see, feel and taste the difference when it comes to all-inclusive vacations) to very luxurious 5-stars properties with upscale food and service. The beach is beautiful but sometimes it tends to have seagrass. It's not a dealbreaker for me, as I have a blast every time I go to Cancun, but I like to let my clients know. I also love the food and the Mexican hospitality, and the fact that there are many historical sites that you can visit to know the Mayan culture. Also, I have nonstop charter flights, from CLT to Cancun, from March to August, and these charter flights are much better priced than American Airlines nonstop flights (please consult other airports).

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The second better-priced destination is PUNTA CANA, in the Dominican Republic. Also many flight options and lots of resorts to choose from. The beaches are pretty (sometimes they also have a seagrass problem) but it's very convenient. The airport is not far away so you get more vacation time. I also have nonstop charter flights from Charlotte, and those are available from June to August.

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Then we move into JAMAICA. The reggae country has also lots of resort options to choose from. You can also add some pretty interesting tours outside the resort to explore the local culture and you can also find some over-the-water bungalows. They need to be booked way in advance but the fact that you don't have to fly 14 hours to get to Fiji, definitely helps.

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From there we go to BAHAMAS, ARUBA, ST. LUCIA, TURS AND CAICOS AND ST. MARTEEN. Not too many all-inclusive resorts in these islands and the fewer flight options make these islands a more expensive destination but it also gives you a more remote location. Aruba and St. Lucia are usually outside the hurricane belt so they are a bit safer to travel in the months of August, September, and October. They also have the prettiest beaches and usually (I say usually because we never know with mother nature) are not hit by the seagrass problem. They are incredible places to go on a more romantic and relaxing getaway.

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And not technically in the Caribbean but still great places to go on vacation, we have the beaches in the Pacific: COSTA RICA and LOS CABOS being very famous destinations with lots to offer to all types of travelers. 

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