The average all-inclusive vacation resort makes some pretty big promises.
Everything is included, to quote from one brochure: luxurious accommodations, fabulous food, drinks, world-class entertainment, exciting activities---the whole enchilada.
But "mostly inclusive" might better describe the genre.
True, in most cases, your day-to-day necessities and entertainment needs are amply met, and food is dished out till your bathroom scale screams for mercy. But it's a miscalculation to think you won't be digging into your pockets at all during your stay. Like that all-too-familiar toy disclaimer, additional parts are sold separately. And it's those very things that your kids will want most.
One Price Fits All?
All-inclusives came of age in the 1970s, when Club Med popularized the concept for singles. Couples resorts followed. Today, family all-inclusives are making their mark from St. Lucia to Turks and Caicos, and from Jamaica to the floating hotels known as cruise ships.
Many travel agents recommend them for families with many kids and fussy eaters; enormous buffets suit the "little of this, little of that" appetite (anyone who's ever tried to satisfy a picky little gourmand via pricey room service knows what I'm talking about) while teenage boys can be fed without mortgaging the house.
Land Excursions
Seasoned travelers know enough to budget extra cash for some excursions not included in the deal. Most seven-day vacations will include at least a couple off-property excursions. A swim with dolphins, for example, runs about $100 per person— more than small change if you're traveling with a family of four.
Sports
Sports is the mama of all extras. "In most places, you're going to pay extra for those kinds of things. What's included may vary significantly from property to property. Spa facility fees are mostly---but not always---complimentary, but you'll absolutely pay extra if you're planning on any treatments. Tennis and squash courts may be free, but bring your rackets, as you'll probably have to pay to rent them. Most packages do not include golfing fees.
Sailing craft are free as often as not. Snorkels, masks and fins are usually free, but may have a time limit (note: bring masks from home if you can, keeping in mind that the one-size-fits-all variety is often useless on little faces, leaving kids to snorkel miserably with a face-full of salt water). On-property snorkeling is free, but the most interesting underwater sights are usually somewhere else. The latter will cost you, if not for the snorkeling itself, then for the transportation to get there and back.
With motorized sports, think second mortgage. Your teenagers will zero in on the jet-ski ads the moment they arrive at the resort. Costs can climb to $60 an hour and up. Parasailing is another costly venture. Set up your budget and stick to your guns.
Not-So-Incidentals
Before shutting off your calculator, consider how these other "little" extras might affect your bottom line.
Shopping:
While this seems like an obvious extra for any trip, you may be caught off-guard by the big-ticket price of what should be small-ticket items. Those who linger on resort grounds will want to budget cash for those absurdly expensive trinkets you'll be wangled into buying. Twenty-five-dollar T-shirts anyone?
Beverages:
In resorts that do not include them, beverages are notoriously expensive (and we're not just talking alcohol). Even "virgin" drinks can cost more than $5, while sodas hover around $1 to $2. And it adds up, especially when balmy weather has you drinking in large quantities. Some cruise-ship passengers resort to buying their drinks at port and keeping them in an ice bucket. Another option: ask about pre-paid cards (available on some ships) to keep a lid on kids' soft-drink tabs.
Tipping:
Some all-inclusive resorts on land include tipping, but it's advisable for travelers to bring additional cash for extras. Most cruise ships (save the most exclusive) have made tipping all but obligatory (cruise staff make a good portion of their wages via tips). Between wait staff and cabin staff, a seven-night trip for a family of four could tack a couple of hundred dollars onto your final bill. Most cruises and resorts will offer tip suggestions, but remember: ultimately, the reward should reflect the quality of service.
Upscale Dining:
More and more all-inclusives are taking the boredom out of dining by building in a la cart restaurants. Not all are included in the up-front tab, but the fee may well be worth it. As one weary traveler put it, "Seven days of buffets can get tired."
Departure taxes:
Departure taxes are fees paid to an island government when you leave---approximately $10-$20 per person depending on the island. This is one expense you'll absolutely have to budget for (and cash only)---that is, assuming you're planning on leaving.
Child Care:
Most all-inclusives on land or sea include supervised kids clubs by day. But many begin charging upwards of $10 per child per hour for evenings. Make sure to put a stash aside if you plan on a romantic soiree or two.
Insurance:
Many travelers turn up their noses at insurance, even policies offered as standard add-ons to a package. Big mistake, "People tend to think of travel insurance as some giant scam," "until something happens." Policies start around $100, but it's advisable to shop around a bit. "Look very carefully at what you're buying to make sure you're completely covered.
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