It doesn’t matter whether you are traveling to the Caribbean for a solo relaxing vacation, a trip with friends, a romantic getaway, or a family vacation; you want to choose the Caribbean all-inclusive resort that is the perfect fit. What is that perfect fit? It is a resort that seems as if it was built with you in mind. Now here comes the important part: how to find it; what factors should you consider?
Travel Package: When you book a stay at a Caribbean all-inclusive resort, your entire stay is booked in the form of a travel package. In most cases, airfare is optional. The rest of the inclusions will vary from resort to resort. At the very least, you want a resort that includes your room or suite, food, drinks, snacks, and some forms of onsite entertainment. If you up the ante and look at a super-inclusive resort, qualifying airport transfers, more onsite entertainment, and all tips should be included as well.
Onsite Eateries: Truly all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean should give you multiple places to eat right onsite. The good news is that these multiple eateries make it easier to not only please you, but others in your traveling party. At the very least, you should find an upscale restaurant that likely has a dress code, a casual restaurant, and a bar. Most resorts will give you a sample menu or highlight a few of the meals served at each establishment.
Water-Based Activities: Most resorts will give you included access to their swimming pools or hot tubs, but you want to focus on beach activities. If you opt for a beachfront Caribbean all-inclusive resort, you should gain access to a handful of beach activities. Just a few of your options may include snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, waterskiing, and kayaking. If these are water based activities that you enjoy, the perfect resort is one that lists these as inclusions, meaning you don’t pay extra for the activity or any rental gear needed.
Land-Based Activities: Even beachfront all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean should have a handful of land-based activities for you to choose from. Coming standard at most resorts you will find a fitness center, game or activity room, spa, and tennis courts. Some Caribbean all-inclusive resorts are home to golf courses and rock climbing walls. To choose the resort that is the perfect fit for you, look for land-based activities you enjoy.
Services Available: In terms of services available to guests, you will find a lot offered at all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. However, most services are not listed as inclusions, meaning you pay need to pay extra. The good news is that these fees are very affordable. If planning a family vacation, look for a resort with onsite childcare. If looking to plan a romantic vacation, opt for a resort with room service. If you are trying to pack lightly to avoid costly baggage fees, opt for a resort with an onsite laundry room or laundry service.
Pictures: Pictures play an important role in choosing the Caribbean all-inclusive resort of your dreams. After all, they do say that a picture speaks a thousands words. A good resort will have their website jam-packed full of pictures. You should be able to see what each level room and suite looks like, you should get a sample of the view from certain rooms, you should get a picture of the pool area, some restaurant pictures, some beach pictures and more. When examining pictures of all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, you want to gauge the environment. If on a romantic getaway, does the resort decor or view look romantic? If on a family vacation, does the resort decor or view look fun?
Cost: Finally, it is important to consider cost. After all, a Caribbean all-inclusive resort is only the perfect fit for your trip if you can afford it. The good news is that, despite what you may have heard in the past, all-inclusive vacations are actually very affordable. In fact, many tourists end up saving money with these travel packages because they preplan and prepay for a good percentage of the trip up front. If vacationing on a budget, choose your perfect resorts first and then price compare to see which one will provide you with the best deal. Also, be sure to checkout any pages on resort websites named “Deals” or “Special Offers.”