It’s easy to find the appeal in all-inclusive resorts: unlimited food and beverages, activities you don’t have to pay extra for, and settings in idyllic locations around the world, from sandy Caribbean islands to ski resorts in the Alps. They offer a myriad of services and perks that regular hotels don’t, including activities, excursions, and free room service. But if you’ve never been to an all-inclusive resort, you may have questions about how exactly they work. Here’s how to take advantage of these benefits and make the most out of your first all-inclusive resort stay.
Read the Fine Print
All-inclusives aren’t always all-inclusive. These resorts often have specific activities and services that cost extra, which may catch first-timers off guard. If your heart is set on a rousing golf game or a relaxing day at the spa, see if it’s included in your package. If not, you can purchase these activities separately, either online or in person through the concierge. Extra fees might also pop up at restaurants. Particular food and beverage items, such as caviar or a bottle of Champagne, are often not included in all-inclusive plans, but this will likely be noted on the menu.
Book Activities Before You Go
Many travelers love all-inclusive resorts because of the sheer amount of activity options available. But sunrise yoga, waterfall hikes, cooking classes, tennis lessons, and other popular resort-sponsored activities fill up quickly, so book them before you go. This applies to free and paid activities. Many all-inclusive resorts have convenient online portals where guests can book all their activities for their upcoming stay. You can always change your itinerary with the help of hotel staff upon arrival, but it is better to have your must-do activities reserved ahead of time.
Make Dinner Reservations
In addition to booking your activities and excursions ahead of your trip, consider booking dinner reservations, too. This is especially important if you’d like to try particular restaurants at the resort, or if you’re celebrating a special occasion. “Some resorts do require reservations ahead of time,” explains Brittany Waller, a travel adviser who specializes in all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico. Take some time to review the available dining options ahead of your trip. Some resorts don’t allow you to make reservations until you arrive, so consider booking all of them with the concierge at check-in. If you can’t get reservations for one evening, there is usually a buffet to fall back on.
Don’t Forget To Tip
Tipping can be a controversial topic at all-inclusive resorts. Unless tipping is explicitly prohibited — as is the case at Sandals and Beaches resorts, for example — bringing some extra cash is a good idea. However, this doesn’t mean tipping 20% everywhere as you would in the United States. Instead, leaving a few dollars at the bar or for room service goes a long way.
“Tipping is very subjective. It is totally up to you,” says Jennifer Byrne, travel agent and owner of The Tropical Travelers. She suggests tipping if someone handles your luggage or drives you somewhere. She personally also gives the pool staff $20 per day when she arrives if she plans on ordering food and beverages, and she tips a few dollars at breakfast and lunch restaurants and around $10 at dinner. “Do you have to? No. Will you get better service? Maybe. Depends on the staff, depends on the hotel,” she says.
Follow Dress Codes
Many eateries at all-inclusive resorts boast scenic views, live entertainment, and delicious local cuisine. However, be sure you’re dressed appropriately for the occasion, because some restaurants also have dress codes, especially during dinner. Waller stresses the importance of this, explaining that many all-inclusive resort restaurants (typically ones that aren’t a buffet) require men to wear long pants. “This can really trip people up if they don’t know about it ahead of time.” Examples of other dress code policies include requiring close-toed shoes and dress jackets, and/or prohibiting baseball caps, sportswear, sleeveless tops, and gym shoes.
Be Aware of Cancellation Policies
Typically, all-inclusives have generous cancellation policies, but be aware of your deadlines. Often, there is a certain minimum number of days before a trip for the free cancellation window. For example, Sandals Resorts offers free cancellation up to 45 days before your trip. After this, you will likely lose your deposit or be charged 50% or 100% of your trip cost, depending on how close to your travel date you canceled. Smaller and non-chain all-inclusives often have stricter cancellation policies, so it might be worth it to purchase travel insurance if your policy isn’t flexible.
Bring a Reusable Cup
No one likes drinking a lukewarm piña colada, but there’s an easy solution. One recommendation that has gone viral on TikTok among seasoned all-inclusive travelers is to pack an insulated tumbler. It can keep beverages cool all day, and it’s especially useful if you purchased the unlimited drinks package. Even better, a tumbler can hold two to three times more liquid than the typical plastic cups given out at resort bars. This hack can be used for smoothies, juice, water, cocktails, and other beverages. You won’t have to head to the bar or drink counter as frequently, but consider tipping your bartender a few dollars to accommodate your request.
Utilize Your Safe
At all-inclusives, there’s usually no need to carry a purse or wallet around with you because everything is already paid for. However, be sure to keep your wallet, credit cards, and cash in the in-room safe. You can even try leaving your phone in your safe for a few hours for a break from technology. This freedom allows you to fully relax while at the pool, gym, ocean, or spa.
Don’t Forget Transportation
Many all-inclusives include transportation between the airport and the resort. To ensure things go smoothly, know exactly when to meet your shuttle for your transfers. If anything changes with your flight times, contact the resort right away so they can make the necessary changes to ensure you receive your transfer. If not, you’ll pay extra for your own taxi to the airport. Some resorts offer free shuttle services to nearby towns and attractions, but you might need to request it beforehand —just ask the concierge when you arrive.
Stay Connected
Thanks to technology, all-inclusive resorts are more customizable than ever before. Some brands, such as Sandals and Beaches Resorts, have free apps for travelers to customize every aspect of their trip. Travelers can view pre-arrival essentials — such as weather, transportation details, and their itinerary — and also book on-resort dining reservations, activities, tours, and services, along with room extras such as additional towels or bottled water. This is also where the free resort activities calendar will be listed, including cultural events, workout sessions, food and beverage tastings, children’s events (if applicable), and more, so it’s always a good idea to download the resort’s app if one is available.
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