Advice from an All-Inclusive Resort Expert

Keywords: all-inclusive, planning ahead

Meryl D. Pearlstein

Thinking about vacationing at an all-inclusive resort? We surveyed one of our favorite experts in the category, Adrian Whitehead, Hotel Manager of Beaches Turks and Caicos Resorts and Spa, for his tips to a perfect holiday:

1. An all-inclusive vacation can be the most memorable vacation you’ll ever have. Activities vary from day to day and there’s pretty much something for everyone in every age group to choose from, or you can choose to do nothing at all. With so many choices and a staff adept at catering to all manner of needs, you can usually have it “your way” if you plan ahead.

2. Do plan ahead, but just a little. Since the beauty of an all-inclusive is the idea of having everything pre-packaged for you at no extra charge, you’ll have more than enough options to select from. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t ask for what you want. If you absolutely hate peanut butter or are allergic to even the thought of a peanut, make that very clear either before you arrive or once at the resort. If you would like to have group dining every night, that’s completely possible. And if your group is quite large, it’s actually very important to arrange that as soon as you can so you’ll have the dining facility or variety of dining facilities that you want for your entire group throughout your stay. Similarly, having some private time for the two of you, while you leave your kiddies in the care of a babysitter or a group program, is important, too. So be sure to schedule that as well to give yourself some “away time” from your group or your family.

3. If your group has diverse interests, enlist the assistance of the resort activities planner or concierge to pull together a program for everyone. You may have a split group one day: one group goes off snorkeling and for those who prefer land-based activities, the others go on a biking tour or shopping. If cost is a consideration, don’t even bother with extra excursions that might be available. There will be more than enough things for you to do at the resort that don’t add a surcharge to your trip.

4. All-inclusives are not just for large groups or families with babies. They’re perfect for everyone. Families gathering for reunions love them because of the programs tailored for all ages. Couples love them because there are plenty of romantic corners and places to do absolutely nothing at all. The larger the group, the more advisable it is to call ahead to secure housing in adjacent areas. The same is suggested for nightly dining, if everyone is looking forward to spending time together at dinner, given the likelihood of differing activities during the day. And, if there are special dietary needs to be addressed, it is especially important to let the resort know so they can prepare appropriate meals throughout your stay.

5. Increasingly critical today with airline cutbacks is travel insurance. If your plans change, perhaps not due to any fault of your own, it’s nice to know that you can recoup most of your investment. The cost is a small percentage of the total price of your trip, and it’s definitely worth the peace of mind and financial security blanket.

6. While there is a boutique at the resort for most of your needs, pack extras of your kids’ favorite pacifiers, stuffed animals, and other irreplaceable items that might get lost over the course of a week or might not arrive if your luggage is lost or delayed. Be sure to pack favorites in your carry-on.

7. Most importantly, have a wonderful vacation! Leave your work worries behind, enjoy the fabulous experience that awaits, and let the resort staff take care of you. That’s what we’re here for! Happy travels and cheers!

Traveling with her two sons and husband has given Meryl Pearlstein a chance to “live” all over the world, something she’s always longed to do. Meryl has been a writer from her earliest days on her junior high school newspaper,then working in marketing and advertising, and later as a travel publicist and travel writer. Meryl also drags her clan to restaurants throughout Manhattan where she critiques the ever-changing NYC food scene for Gayot.com. A Bostonian who remains true to the Red Sox despite her NYC residence, Meryl also writes for Fodor’s Guide to New York, and has written for www.ClubMom.com, the Boston Herald, Global Traveler, Fortune Small Business online, GQ, and New York Magazine.