30 All Inclusive Resort Tips and Mistakes To Avoid (2024)

You don’t want to miss these 30 all inclusive resort tips and tricks to ensure that you have the most amazing vacation! Justin and I have stayed at many all-inclusive resorts over the years, so we are the experts when it comes to all-inclusive resort hacks. With our helpful advice, you will get the most out of your all-inclusive holiday.

Whether you are the type of traveler who is always on the go (that’s me!) or someone who loves to relax (that’s Justin!), the biggest decision of your day at an all inclusive hotel might be whether to go to the beach or the pool. Going on vacation to an all-inclusive resort is all about enjoying luxurious surroundings, participating in resort activities, and eating and drinking as much as you’d like.

While the idea behind a beach holiday is primarily about relaxing, I’ve gathered quite a few all inclusive resort tips and tricks over the years. I’m spilling the beans! Don’t go to a resort completely unprepared, even thought it’s blissful living in the moment. Here are 30 ways to make the most of your all inclusive holiday, whether it’s your first time visiting a resort or you’re a seasoned veteran.

All Inclusive Resort Tips: Do Your Research in Advance

Before you go, definitely do your research to find the best cheap holidays online. It’s always a good idea to bundle your air, hotel, and transfers together into one package to save money. Also, it’s much easier to do it this way. The last thing you want to do when you arrive at the airport is worry about transferring to the resort, which could be a couple of hours away.

Decide Where You’d Like to Go

Do you have a specific destination in mind? Before you choose an all-inclusive resort, you should decide which country you’d like to visit. For budget-friendly destinations for Canadians, Cuba is a low-cost place to visit. Other budget-friendly destinations can include Mexico, Bahamas and the Dominican Republic.

For beautiful islands that are a little pricier, take a look at the ABC islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. These islands very rarely get hurricanes because they are located farther south. Other gorgeous tropical destinations that I love include Saint Lucia, Grenada and Dominica.

Looking for inspiration? Browse Instagram, Pinterest or other social media for an endless amount of photos. Browse this travel blog for ideas based on where we’ve been in the past. Do some Googling to find photos and articles on travel destinations worldwide.

When to Travel? Research the Weather

I also find that the best deals can be found during shoulder season or in the off season. Do your research to make sure the weather will still cooperate during these times. For instance, hurricane season in the Atlantic happens between April and November, so you’ll need to decide if you want to run the risk of traveling during this time. Decide the best time for your all inclusive stay and compare prices.

Prioritize What’s Most Important

Everyone has different needs and wants from their all-inclusive resort. One of my top all inclusive vacation tips is to prioritize a few things that are absolutely necessary (or things that are deal breakers). Different resorts appeal to different audiences.

For instance, you may want a family-friendly resort or an adults-only resort. You might be looking for a party resort or a quiet resort. It may not be immediately obvious as to which resort offers a partying atmosphere versus a peaceful atmosphere. It may be helpful to search for photos on Google or social media to do this detective work. If you see a pool packed with spring-breakers, this wouldn’t be the ideal resort for someone looking to relax by the pool with a good book.

Do you want a swim-up bar? An infinity pool? Water activities included? A vast array of restaurants? The location of the resort may matter to you as well. If you want to explore a particular city or town, it’s easier if the resort is located within that town as opposed to far away on the outskirts of town. Some resorts can be an hour or two away from the nearest city.

There may not be the perfect all-inclusive resort vacation out there that ticks all of the boxes, especially if you’re following a budget. But, you should be able to prioritize those few things that you want out of an all inclusive vacation.

Find the Best All-Inclusive Package Deals

I suggest browsing the popular booking sites online to find the best deals. Sometimes you can find great deals on the official website for the resort itself, though these often don’t come packaged with flights. Try searching these websites for all-inclusive packages and deals:

• Booking.com
• CheapOair
• Expedia
• Hotels.com (for resorts and hotels)
• Iberostar Hotels & Resorts
• Sandals Resorts
• Skyscanner (book flights and resorts separately)

Get Travel Insurance

Once you’ve booked your all-inclusive package or your flight and hotel, don’t forget about travel insurance. It’s always a good idea to have travel medical insurance and trip cancellation insurance. If you have a travel credit card, it may come with its own insurance, but make sure that you verify this ahead of time (and make sure you book your trip with that exact credit card). Feel free to take a look at my practical guide to how travel insurance works.

I highly recommend choosing SafetyWing for your travel insurance needs. SafetyWing’s travel insurance (called “Nomad Insurance”) can be purchased from anywhere in the world, even if you’re already on your vacation in another country. Their rates are extremely competitive and you can get coverage for set dates or even an ongoing amount of time. Check out SafetyWing here.

Tips for All Inclusive Resorts: Research the Resort in Advance

Take a little bit of time and do your due diligence in reading up on the resort. In many cases, you’ll be able to answer any questions that you may have and answer some questions you didn’t think about. Here are a few ways to find accurate and updated information on your hotel.

Find Out What’s Included (and What Isn’t)

Did you know that all-inclusive doesn’t always mean that everything is included? Most all-inclusive resorts include resort amenities, the beach, activities, room service, and unlimited food, drink and alcohol. However, there might be things that aren’t included. You don’t want to show up to your resort to find that it costs extra for the activity you were excited for the most.

All-inclusive resorts sometimes charge extra for certain restaurants, trips to the spa and spa treatments, certain activities or watersports, and even premium alcoholic beverages. Every resort is different. It should state pretty clearly on the resort’s official website what’s included and what isn’t included.

Furthermore, some resorts operate as hotels where you’re able to choose the all-inclusive package with meals or without. Make sure you’ve selected the all-inclusive option if you are booking an all-inclusive vacation.

Book Restaurant Reservations in Advance (if Required)

Some resorts offer specialty restaurants and dining options that require an advance reservation. You may be able to book these from home ahead of time. Most often, we’ll book them once we arrive at the resort. You might want to do this right away because the restaurants can get booked up.

Some resorts also come with their own app. Inquire to see if there is an app for your resort. You might be able to make all of your advance reservations through the resort’s special app.

Read Reviews by Travel Bloggers and Travel Writers

First, go to Google and search for “your resort name” and “reviews”. Travel bloggers like myself visit these resorts regularly and provide all-inclusive resort hacks, tips, and reviews. The review may even be from a few years ago, but some details at resorts don’t change all that much over time.

Search for the Resort on Tripadvisor

Go to Tripadvisor and read the reviews on your hotel. You might find both positive and negative experiences, but more importantly, travelers will share their favorite aspects of the property. They’ll share the hidden features and spots around the resort. You can use these all inclusive tips and tricks to your advantage to help plan your holiday.

Go to the Resort’s Official Website

Be sure to go to the webpage of the hotel itself to read up on the various activities and amenities that are offered. You’ll learn about the restaurants and a sample of the included activities that are offered. Sometimes the official websites for resorts aren’t the best and don’t offer the most information, unfortunately.

Join Facebook Groups for Your Resort

There’s a good chance that there’s an unofficial Facebook group for the resort you’re visiting. Many of these are fan-created groups operated by people who simply love the resort. They may be regular visitors. People who are looking to visit the resort will join the group, and it’s likely that they’ll stay members after their visit.

These groups can be a valuable source of up-to-date information. You can ask questions to the group and there’s a good chance that you’ll receive the help you’re seeking.

Search for Your Resort on Instagram

Search for your resort by location or by hashtag to find photos and videos from the hotel or destination. You can see which date it was posted and find recent content. You can post comments on that user’s photo if you have questions or maybe even send them a DM. It’s not guaranteed that you’ll hear back, but you might!

All Inclusive Resort Tips: Pack Appropriately

Make a packing list ahead of time and pack appropriately. You might be tempted to throw a couple of bathing suits, tank tops, and shorts into a bag, but you’ll need a few more outfits than that. Remember to pack some nicer clothing to wear in the evening, such as a sundress, collared shirt, and closed-toe shoes. Many a la carte restaurants have a dress code.

Don’t forget to bring a sweater for the evenings as it can get a little bit chilly outdoors, even in tropical climates. It’s also a good idea to bring a rain jacket or an umbrella because there’s always the chance it could rain (as much as we don’t want to think about that!).

I find that this is one of the simplest and most important all inclusive resort tips and tricks because you won’t have a ton of access to clothing at the resort, other than in the shops on the property. Here’s a really quick packing list with the essentials that you don’t want to forget:

• At least two bathing suits
• Bathing suit cover-up
• Reef-friendly sunscreen
• Daily clothing, including something dressier for dinner at night
• Flip flops or sandals, running shoes, dressier shoes for dinner at night
• Sunglasses
• Day pack or purse
• Toiletries

Bring More Sunscreen Than You Think You’ll Need

One of my favorite all inclusive tips might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to overlook. Pack sunscreen. If you run out of sunscreen on the resort, you’ll likely have to pay a premium to replace it. The resort knows that it has a captive audience and will overcharge for toiletries like sunblock. It’s best to bring more than what you think you’ll need with you. Sun Bum is one of my favorite reef-friendly brands.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to bring some bug spray, too! There might be mosquitoes on your resort, and you don’t want to run the risk of catching zika virus or another virus that mosquitoes transmit to humans.

All Inclusive Resort Tips: Pack a First Aid Kit

Even though you won’t likely be doing any risky activities on the resort, it’s always a good idea to bring a first aid kit. Pack Advil, Imodium, Pepto, and even Benedryl. You might have an allergic reaction to something in an unfamiliar environment.

The most common ailment at a resort is a gastrointestinal illness. By bringing Imodium or similar treatments for tummy troubles, you’ll feel better without ruining your tropical holiday. Bringing a small first aid kit is one of my most recommended all inclusive resort tips and tricks to save money. Yes, you’ll be able to buy these medicines at the resort, but they’ll likely be way more expensive than at home.

Pack a Few Essentials in Your Carry-On Bag

Make sure that you pack a few essentials in your carry-on bag, like a bathing suit, a cover-up, one change of clothing, and your sandals. If the airline loses or delays your luggage from arriving, you don’t want to start your trip without these important resort essentials.

Also, you might arrive at the resort before it’s time to check into your room. You won’t need to find your bathing suit or flipflops in your larger suitcase if they’re already on hand. Just take your smaller carry-on bag into the restroom and change. Enjoy the property, beach and swimming pool before your room is ready.

All Inclusive Hacks: Ask for an Upgrade

When you arrive at the resort and you’re checking in, it’s always worth asking for an upgrade. The front desk staff will be able to see if there are any upgrades available. There may be a nicer room available with a better view or more amenities.

The staff may be able to offer you a complimentary upgrade or even provide an upgrade for a nominal fee. They could also say no. But, you know, it doesn’t hurt to ask!

All Inclusive Resort Tips: Make a Plan of Action

When you arrive at the resort, you will be able to see the daily activities taking place at the all-inclusive hotel throughout the week. Make a small plan of action. Some activities and events only take place on certain days of the week.

Do you want to take a yoga class, a cooking class, or a language class? How about beach volleyball, pool games, snorkeling or scuba diving? Decide which resort activities you’d like to do and make sure that you leave some time open for them.

Of course, it’s no problem if you decide to spend your week in paradise relaxing by the pool or swimming in the ocean. If there are any classes or things you’d like to do at the resort, make your plan ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

All Inclusive Resort Tips: Bring Cash for Tips

Unlike on cruise ships where gratuities are automatically added to your bill, tips are at your own discretion at the resort. Plan ahead by bringing small bills to tip everyone who helps you, whether it’s at the bar, at restaurants, or for the housekeeping staff. Find out which currency is accepted at the resort (it isn’t always US dollars).

Plan ahead by bringing the local currency, whether it’s for tips or excursions outside of the resort. It’s always a good idea to tip everyone who helps you. The staff at resorts don’t make a lot of money, and a tip can make a world of difference to their livelihoods. Please note that there are some resorts, like Sandals Resorts, where gratuities are included.

Be Kind to the Resort Staff

This probably goes without saying. Be kind to the resort staff. Resort staff are hardworking locals who will help make your trip extra special. Have a friendly conversation with your concierge, bartender or server. They might even give you some special insider’s tips to the destination that you’re visiting, like the best places to visit or local restaurants to check out beyond the walls of the resort.

All Inclusive Hacks: Bring Your Own Cup

One of my biggest all inclusive resort tips and tricks that frequent travelers suggest is bringing your own cup. Typically, the drinks at resorts come in small cups. By bringing your own cup, you’ll reduce your amount of trips to the bar, whether it’s for an alcoholic beverage or ice water.

Purchase an insulated cup, such as a Bubba cup, ahead of time. Your drinks will stay colder at the beach for longer, and you won’t waste your time by making several trips to the bar.

Many resorts have always done away with straws or use paper straws now. While I love that they are caring about the environment, paper straws get really soggy, really fast. And it’s hard to drink a slushy beverage without a straw. Get a Bubba cup and bring it along to every resort vacation.

All Inclusive Resort Tips and Tricks: Don’t Indulge Too Much

It might be tempting to eat and drink everything in sight. However, you’re only going to end up with a stomach ache or getting sick, and neither of those are great options while you’re on vacation. Let me be the voice of reason: don’t eat too much.

Don’t drink too much. Indulge a little bit, but in moderation. You don’t want to pile too much food on your plate and waste half of it. You also don’t want to spend half of your vacation passed out from too much sun and too much alcohol. Enjoy everything because you’re on vacation. But, don’t overdo it!

Inform the Staff of Any Dietary Restrictions or Allergies

While it might be helpful to inform the resort of any dietary restrictions or allergies before you arrive, I have found it useful to at least make them aware of this when you check in. As someone who follows a vegan diet, I have plenty of experience with this.

At smaller resorts, the staff members and servers will remember your special dietary needs. It’s easy to ask questions and the chef will often prepare something special for you if there isn’t anything appropriate on the menu.

At larger resorts, I’ve been given a special card that states the food products that I don’t eat. I’ve been given cards to show that I don’t eat meat, fish, eggs or dairy products. This works quite well, especially in countries where there might be a language barrier.

Ask About the Drinking Water

To avoid getting sick, ask the resort staff about the drinking water. It’s important to know if it’s safe to drink the water from the tap. Ask if you can brush your teeth using the water at the resort. In many cases, the resort filters the water for its guests. However, there are times where you should only drink bottled water.

You should also ask about the ice cubes. If the drinking water is unsafe, chances are that the ice cubes are also unsafe. Many resorts will make ice cubes using filtered water. It’s a good idea to check before consuming any drinks with ice in them.

I travel with a GRAYL water bottle that has a built-in water filter. You can drink the water from any tap, or even a lake or river. This product provides safe drinking water no matter where you go.

Tips for All-Inclusive Resorts: Leave the Resort

While you’re there to have a relaxing vacation on the beach, it’s always a good idea to see more of the place you’re visiting. Leave the resort. See the natural surroundings or nearby cities of the destination.

All inclusive resorts are gigantic, man made structures, and generally don’t represent the country you’re visiting at all. By leaving the resort, you’ll get to learn something new, interact more with the people living there, and support the local economy.

For example, when I visited Jamaica, I took some memorable day trips outside of the resort. I visited beautiful waterfalls, experienced a rare bioluminescent lagoon, and ate at a spectacular roadside vegan hut. Here are more ideas for places to visit in Jamaica.

If you book your tour at the resort itself, you may end up paying a premium price. I suggest booking your day trips and tours in advance. You can often arrange for pickup from your resort and the trips include transportation. I usually always book my tours through Viator or Get Your Guide.

All-Inclusive Hacks: Ask About the Hospitality Suite

On your departure day, you might be fortunate enough to have snagged a later flight. While you’ll need to check out of your room at the regular checkout time (usually around 11am or 12pm), you can store your luggage at the front desk. Continue to use the hotel’s amenities and enjoy the property until you need to leave for the airport.

Did you know that many resorts have a private hospitality suite so you can freshen up before you depart? These rooms come with a bathroom and shower, so you can change out of your bathing suit and into your airport clothing before you leave.

Ask the hotel staff if you can book the hospitality suite on your departure day. You may need to choose a time slot in advance. Make sure that you inquire about this in advance as hospitality suites can become fully booked.

My Final All-Inclusive Resort Tip…Relax!

Out of my entire list of all inclusive resort tips and tricks, this one is probably the most obvious. I’m the kind of person who rarely relaxes. I’ve always got something on the go. An all inclusive resort is one of the best opportunities to rest and relax.

Curl up with a good book on a lounger by the pool. Soak up the sunshine on the beach. Float around in the water without a care in the world. After all, it’s a vacation and the purpose is to relax in a beautiful place. Enjoy every moment.

Our Personal Recommendations for All-Inclusive Vacations

I hope you’ve found these all inclusive resort tips and tricks useful and informative. Here are our personal recommendations for all-inclusive resort vacations. We’ve visited and experienced these properties first hand and highly recommend them.

Marival Armony (Punta de Mita, Mexico)

Marival Armony Luxury Resort & Suites in Punta de Mita is one of the best all-inclusive resorts we’ve ever experienced. This adults-only luxury resort is the ideal vacation for couples, groups of friends, and multi-generational trips. From the resort amenities and atmosphere to the spa and restaurants, Justin and I thoroughly adored our magical getaway to Marival Armony. Book your stay here.

Dreams Vallarta Bay / Secrets Vallarta Bay (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)

Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa is a luxurious five star property by AMR Collection, nestled on the edge of a golden sand beach in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. There are two resorts at this location. Dreams Vallarta Bay is a family-friendly resort, while Secrets Vallarta Bay is an adults-only resort.

Justin and I stayed for one week at the Dreams Vallarta Bay resort, although we had day passes to the Secrets Vallarta Bay resort and divided our time between both properties. If you’re travelling as a couple like we do, you can stay at either the Dreams or the Secrets. If you have children, stay at the Dreams Vallarta Bay.

Grand Palladium White Sands / TRS Yucatan (Riviera Maya, Mexico)

On a resort trip to the Mayan Riviera, Justin and I split our time between two resorts at this massive property, the Grand Palladium White Sand Resort & Spa and the TRS Yucatan. This property is home to several resorts and you can travel between all of them, experiencing several pools and dozens of activities.

There are restaurants, swimming pools, and common areas at each resort, but these spaces are available for guests staying at any of the resorts. You can move freely between each resort. However, there are a few spots designed for guests of the TRS Yucatan or those with VIP bracelets (the spa, the TRS Yucatan restaurants, and the VIP beach area). Book your stay here.

Las Alamandas Boutique Resort (Mexico)

Las Alamandas is a boutique resort, about two hours south of Puerto Vallarta. You might not have heard of the Costalegre Coast before. That’s because the area is not built up with monstrous resorts or towering condos.

It’s left mostly wild and free, with the exception of a few smaller villas and mansions. This resort is surrounded by 1,500 acres of untouched nature, including a lagoon, tropical gardens, and private stretches of coastline with several scenic panoramas. Book your stay here.

Sandals Grande St Lucian (Saint Lucia)

Like all Sandals resorts, it’s an all-inclusive, adults-only, couples resort. Sandals knows romance and they’re the most idealistic properties to visit with your other half. The Sandals Grande St Lucian is situated on its very own peninsula, with the calm waters of Rodney Bay (the Caribbean Sea) on one side, and the magnificent Atlantic Ocean on the opposite side.

There are panoramic views of the lush green hills of Pigeon Island, as well as imposing mountains beyond the twinkling turquoise waters. The waters of the beach are some of the calmest in St Lucia, and its the postcard perfect destination for a memorable, romantic vacation. Book your stay here.

Riu Palace Tropical Bay (Negril, Jamaica)

The Riu Palace Tropical Bay in Negril, Jamaica is another all-inclusive resort that I loved. In fact, this was the first all inclusive vacation I ever experienced. At the Riu Palace Negril, the phrase “all-inclusive” here really did mean all-inclusive. All meals, drinks, entertainment, WiFi, sports, and on-site activities were included in the stay. 

Riu Palace Tropical Bay Negril included one main building with the lobby and some restaurants, two buffets that alternated meal service times, a stage, two swimming pools (one with a swim-up bar), and several buildings filled with guest rooms. Bloody Bay Beach (one of the prettiest beaches ever, despite the grim-sounding name!) was merely steps from the swimming pools. Book your stay here.

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