Like a cruise, all-inclusive resorts are an ideal getaway for anyone looking for a relaxing vacation without worrying about too many details. Pay one price, and you generally don’t have to fork over anything extra for food, drinks or a variety of activities. You can set a budget and easily stick to it, as long as you stay on property. No wonder so many people like the concept.
I have the good fortune to visit all-inclusive hotels multiple times throughout the year. It’s part of my job as a travel writer, as I cover tourism conventions, write Mexico hotel reviews and produce countless articles filled with travel tips for a variety of media outlets.
I recently joined a press trip to the fabulous new Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos, where I covered the grand opening festivities for TravelAge West. Checking into this beautiful new beach resort, I found myself falling into my usual routine for getting settled into an all-inclusive resort. These travel tips can help you make the most of your next all-inclusive beach vacation, too.
- Ask about WiFi.
Travelers today can’t survive without WiFi, so it’s a good idea to ask about the network and password when you check in, so you don’t have to look for the information later. Also confirm whether the WiFi is free or not — if it’s not free and you’re trying to stay on budget, ask about places on property where there is free access (sometimes the lobby, business center or certain cafes or restaurants might provide complimentary access).
2. Make sure the air conditioning — and everything else — works.
If you’re staying at an all-inclusive beach resort, then most likely you’re visiting a warm climate, and it may be warmer than where you live. So you want to make sure the air conditioning works. Test it as soon as you arrive, so you can advise the reception desk if there’s any problem (the same goes for the television and other amenities).
3. Take a walk.
If this is your first time at the hotel, a stroll around the resort can give you the lay of the land. Check the resort map and then head out, so you’ll know where to go later on, for activities and meals.
4. Check the entertainment calendar.
Most all-inclusive resorts have a rather extensive entertainment calendar, with everything from live dance and musical performances to sporting activities, exercise classes, theme parties and children’s programs. You don’t want to miss the things that interest you the most, so check the schedule as soon as you arrive so you can plan your vacation time better. You can also plan extras like spa treatments and any off-property activities or tours, as well.
5. Make dinner reservations.
Gone are the days when all-inclusive dining was limited to buffets. Many beach resort hotels now have sumptuous a-la-carte restaurants, and some of them recommend or require reservations. If that’s the case where you’re vacationing, it might be a good idea to make your reservations as soon as you arrive, so you can sample all the tasty cuisine that awaits.
Whether you’re about to vacation in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama or somewhere else, beach resorts offer lots of ways to pamper and indulge. With a bit of advance planning you can enjoy your beach vacation even more.