9 Surprising Costs of ‘All-Inclusive’ Vacations

All-inclusive vacations are often touted as hassle-free and cost-effective. From the price of lodging to meals, drinks, on-site activities, and entertainment, everything is seemingly taken care of. But for all the benefits, there are a few pitfalls to all-inclusive packages — namely, the hidden costs that many travelers are unaware of. Here are nine common expenses that aren’t included when staying at an all-inclusive resort.

Certain Food and Alcohol 

Dining can be a highlight at all-inclusives, but not all restaurants, menus, or specialty dishes are included in all packages, so it’s important to read the fine print. Some resorts have tiered dining access. For example, Sandals guests with a “Club Sandals” package may order from a select menu at restaurants throughout the resort, while “Butler Elite” guests enjoy unrestricted dining at all venues. Other resort brands might charge a per-person reservation fee for certain restaurants, such as steakhouses, sushi bars, and fine-dining options.

Alcohol follows a similar structure. Champagne, top-shelf liquor, and other premium beverages may cost extra. At Sandals, only “Butler”-level guest packages include premium brand liquors; all other guests are charged accordingly per drink. At Club Med resorts, Champagne and certain premium liquors are always an add-on. These costs can quickly exceed expectations — and budgets.

Excursions

Off-site excursions — like catamaran cruises, horseback riding, guided tours, and sunset sailing — are among the biggest potential hidden costs of all-inclusive vacations. Even activities listed on the website or marketed at the resort can come with added fees. For this reason, some travelers look for excursions from third-party tour operators, which may offer lower prices. Other savvy travelers might find all-inclusive packages that include an excursion or two, often as part of a special offer. One resort brand that stands out is Sandals, which offers guests one complimentary snorkeling trip per visit.

Spa Treatments

Resort spas are often marketed as a highlight of the resort experience, but treatments are rarely included in your base cost. While some facilities allow complimentary access to certain spa areas, such as saunas, pools, or relaxation lounges, services almost always cost extra. Massages, facials, body scrubs, hairstyling, and nail treatments are some of the most common offerings, and prices can be significantly higher than at home because you’re paying a premium for location. Guests who like to indulge in extra pampering should be sure to budget for these services.

Fitness Classes

All-inclusive resorts are known for their array of on-site fitness activities and classes, but check to see if they are included in your package. At Sandals Resorts, for example, guests can use the fitness center and join complimentary group classes like cardio, water aerobics, and yoga. Private training sessions and lessons, however, usually cost extra. At Sandals Barbados, for example, a couples yoga session runs about $70. For some guests, the individual instruction is worth it, while others may prefer the social aspect of the free group classes.

Sports Equipment

Many travelers love all-inclusive resorts for the variety of sports they offer, but be aware that any sports that require equipment or space rental — such as tennis, pickleball, and golf — can come with additional fees. If your resort is on the water, chances are that basic activities like paddleboarding and kayaking are free, but motorized equipment such as jet skis, as well as specialty experiences like parasailing, snorkeling, or scuba diving, typically cost extra.

Airport Transfers

While most all-inclusive resorts offer airport transportation, it usually costs extra unless guests meet specific conditions. At Club Med, for example, visitors will have to pay an additional fee for their airport transfer unless they book their airfare through Club Med. In this case, the transfer fee is waived. Other resorts might include transfers if guests book a premium room or suite package. The cost difference between shared transfers, private transportation, and taxis can also be significant, which is why travelers should always check these details before booking to avoid last-minute surprises.

Laundry Service

Packing light can be tricky for vacations filled with beach days, pool time, sports, and spa activities. Utilizing resort laundry services may help you avoid overpacking, allowing you to stay fresh and clean with a minimal packing list. However, most all-inclusive resorts charge per item for laundry and dry cleaning. At Sandals Resorts, for instance, both 24-hour laundry and 72-hour dry cleaning are available, but each piece of clothing has its own price point. These charges add up quickly, especially for longer stays. Some travelers find it worth the cost for convenience, while others prefer to pack more clothing to avoid these fees.

Staff Tips

It’s important to read the fine print when it comes to gratuities at all-inclusive resorts. Some have strict no-tipping policies because tips are included in the overall price, while others leave gratuities entirely up to guests. Sandals is one brand that has a no-tipping policy: Servers, bartenders, concierges, housekeepers, and the entertainment team are not allowed to accept gratuities. The only exceptions are butlers (for “Butler Elite” guests) and massage therapists. Other resorts may encourage tipping for certain services, such as shuttle drivers or private dining experiences. When in doubt, you can always ask about the tipping policy at check-in.

On-Site Photography

To help guests capture wonderful vacation memories, many all-inclusive resorts employ professional photographers, who might snap photos of you posing on the beach at sunset or enjoying a romantic candlelight dinner. While these images may be better quality than a phone selfie, they usually aren’t included in your package. Travelers can often purchase physical copies at the resort gift shop or buy digital copies online, but the package prices can be surprisingly high. Because of this, allotting some photo money in your travel budget is a good idea if you want professional-grade images to commemorate your getaway.