The Benefits of All Inclusive

Keywords: all-inclusive, family, vacation, Where to Stay

By Jeanne Muchnick

Trying to figure out your vacation plans? Consider an all-inclusive resort where the pros outweigh the cons. Think about it: with a per-person set fee, you can often cut your daily vacation costs by as much as 25 percent, while enjoying a host of complimentary amenities. Here, some benefits to paying before you go, collected from Peter Nicas, CEO and Editor-in-Chief at ProfessionalTravelGuide.com, as well as those who’ve “been there/done that:” other parents like you.

Pros

• One of the biggest draws for all-inclusive vacations is the numerous recreation options included in the cost. At resorts, those can include snorkeling, beach activities and some excursion. And you don’t have to worry about tipping or hitting the beach and wondering where to stash your cash.

• Another big all-inclusive hit is the all-you-can-eat-and-drink feature. While drinks sometimes come with a surcharge, you can check whether your cruise ship or vacation resort offers unlimited soft drink package. It’s cheaper than paying per-drink and you’ll be glad you paid that up-front cost instead of seeing the bill at the end of your trip.

• All-inclusive resorts are laid out in a family-friendly way with enclosures for each activity. The activities are usually clearly marked as to the age of their target audience and manned by resort personnel. This provides a safe environment for the entire family and removes some of the anxiety parents sometimes feel about traveling with their kids. Plus, with the array of activities offered, it’s also a fun way to try new things.

• If you’re traveling with small children, all-inclusive resorts typically offer cribs, high chairs, etc. Even better: they often offer all beach equipment, from sand pails to volleyballs and kayaks.

• Time for YOU. NO need to pay a babysitter for an evening of fun and “alone-time.” Your resort’s cabaret show and romantic dinner is just steps away from your room (and the kid’s club where your children can happily play).

Cons

• While many resorts that bill themselves as “all-inclusive” are just that, surcharges exist throughout the industry - especially dining. For example, while most meals and drinks are included in the up-front cost of all-inclusive vacations, some surcharges can apply at upscale restaurants at resorts or on cruise ships. It’s also a great idea to check out the menu for any restaurants to make sure there is a good selection of meals for your child. Chicken fingers and fries are great, but does your child want it five days straight?

• Some activities can cost you - a lot. Does dad like to golf or does mom want to get away to the spa while the kids are at the pool? Some resorts charge extra for these special treats. And while it may be fun to rent jet-skis for a family day on the ocean, “motorized sports” at certain resorts can come with a high incremental price tag. Do yourself a favor and check the prices before you make major promises to your family.

• Speaking of surcharges, watch out for the cost of those drinks on cruise ships, even soft drinks for the kids. Ships usually charge per-drink (even for Coke).

• Before you book your trip, make sure that the activities at resorts or on cruise ships are age-appropriate for your children. While many providers advertise activities for a wide range of ages, it’s best to double check to ensure that your child will have as much fun as you.

Box: Especially at Beaches

With multigenerational travel on the rise and quickly becoming one of the most popular travel trends, all-inclusive resorts, such as Beaches Resorts, offer families activities and amenities for all groups. With four Luxury Included® locations in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos, Beaches Resorts has made an effort to cater to family members of all ages through carefully-tailored programs such as Sesame Street-themed activities for tots; pirate- and mermaid-themed entertainment for kids; Xbox® Game Garage and 21 and under dance club for teens; as well as private-dining options, nanny services and Red Lane® spa treatments for adults. Plus, with their exclusive Ultra Nanny service, and amenities of a Luxury Included® vacation (luxurious accommodations with the option of butler service, gourmet dining with up to eleven specialty restaurants, unlimited premium brand wine and spirits including four house varietals from Beringer Vineyards, all land and water sports including snorkeling and scuba diving, daily and nightly entertainment and more), you won’t have to worry about a thing As an added bonus, this September and October, Beaches Resorts is proud to introduce WonderFALL, an annual season of events and activities designed exclusively for families with preschoolers. Highlights of WonderFALL include: parenting seminars hosted by Sesame Workshop, brand new Sesame Street stage shows, Crayola crafts, a special two month-long celebration of grandparents in honor of Grandparent’s Day in September and savings of up to 45 percent off and two free nights. For more information: go to www.beaches.com.

Jeanne Muchnick is a multi-tasking mama who’s been writing about her two girls ever since they were born. She’s the former Editor of Baby Magazine turned InTown Senior Editor whose parenting stories have also appeared in a variety of national consumer magazines including Woman’s Day, Healthy Kids, Parents, Parenting, Pregnancy, FamilyFun and more. She lives in Larchmont, NY with her two girls: Corey, 14 and Sydney, 11, her husband, Mark and her flat coated retriever, Chip.