How to Book All-Inclusive Resorts On the Cheap

It’s difficult not to love an all-inclusive resort with entertainment. Located all over the Caribbean, they are ripe for the picking and perfect for just about any budget, any time. For those who have not traveled to an all-inclusive in the past, there is much to learn about this type of vacation. For those who have done it in the past, chances are good that you have already learned these valuable lessons. For example, not every amazing resort with entertainment are the same. Sure, they offer the same things, but they are very different. Additionally, the location you choose to visit often means more than anything else when it comes to booking an all-inclusive vacation. Finally, you have to understand what it means.

All-inclusive means exactly what it says. Everything is included in your stay. This means your food, adult beverages, regular beverages, room, taxes, gratuities, activities in the resort and non-motorized water sports are all included in the price of your vacation. It’s a nice way to travel because you need not break out your wallet every time you want to make a purchase, and there are no surprises at the end of your trip. Furthermore, it’s the perfect location to try many of the different cocktails and foods you’ve always wanted to try since you didn’t have to pay for something you end up thinking tastes horrible. It’s a winning situation for all involved.

Even though all-inclusive resorts are amazing in that aspect, however, they can be quite expensive since you are paying for so much at once. Some people feel that their dreams of staying at one of these resorts will never come true because of the price, but it seems that that’s just not the truth. We have a few helpful tips that will help you choose the perfect all-inclusive for you and your family on a budget.

Go where the price is right

If you’re looking to book a destination that’s cheaper by nature, you’re going to want to choose a resort in Mexico, the Dominican Republic or Jamaica. There are so many US originating flights to these countries that it is not difficult to find a cheap flight and great hotel rates here. Other islands, such as Turks and Caicos and Nevis, though, are more difficult to get to, they have fewer flights and they are far more expensive by nature. If you don’t care where you go in the Caribbean, choose a cheaper island.

Book early

The earlier that you book an all-inclusive vacation, the better. These resorts and the flights that take you there are typically less expensive the further in advance that you book. Keep an eye on the destination you want to visit and get ready to book when you see a huge sale. It happens very frequently, so you’ll end up saving tremendously on several resorts. For example, you might end up with a free night if you book four and stay a fifth waiting on a deal. You might also get to get your kids in free of charge, and you might even get sweet upgrades for booking in advance. It all depends on what the location has to offer, but most people vouch for this method of booking since it usually does mean that there are some good deals to be had.

Plan your travel time accordingly

If you choose to head to the Caribbean for an all-inclusive getaway on Spring Break, expect to pay a fortune. If you choose to go in the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, however, you’re going to get quite a discount. By all accounts, these resorts tend to be less expensive in the timeframe when kids are in school since fewer people are traveling. But that doesn’t always mean you’ll get a deal. Do your research and check on the prices at specific locations a few different weeks to be sure you’re getting the best deals.

Choose the Right Level

Here is another thing to consider; the less your resort offers, the cheaper it will be. A resort that offers top-shelf liquor, for example, is more expensive than one that only serves well brands and the cheap stuff. Those that offer buffets as well as themed restaurants throughout the day are typically more expensive. Those that offer just one or two buffets during the day and that it’s, those will be a lot less expensive. You should keep in mind what you want and how you want to get it, too, since this is going to make or break your vacation. Would a shorter stay at a higher-end resort that’s more expensive work better for you than a longer stay at a cheap resort? Ask yourself these questions.

Another consideration in this category is childcare. Many resorts offer childcare so that you have time to relax as an adult, but it’s not always what it seems. For example, one resort might have just a few kids in front of a television while a bored staffer keeps an eye on them. Higher-end resorts might teach your kids to kayak or do something really cool like that; something that they will remember, enjoy and really love about being in the day camp for kids on vacation.

Consider a package deal

It’s not always more cost-effective to do so, but you should check for package deals. Many resorts in the Caribbean offer these, and they’re less expensive. What you get here is your resort stay and your airfare all included in one, and it might be a better option for you. But, it might not; it all depends on what you want. Check the flights you’d prefer and then compare them to the flights offered in the package to see if the price is more affordable, and then consider what’s more important to you. For my husband and I, we often find that package flights are not our preference and will happily pay more for our flights to get to leave at convenient times rather than very early in the morning or very late at night.

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