New to traveling to all-inclusive resorts or maybe it has been awhile since you’ve been to one? These days choosing the right resort can be overwhelming - there’s literally thousands of different options to dig through. Here’s my five suggestions on how not to choose an all-inclusive resort for your next vacation. Don’t make one of these rookie mistakes!

What is an all-inclusive resort? The basic definition is a resort that includes accommodations, meals, drinks and activities/entertainment in one prepaid price. Most all-inclusive resorts are beachfront and can be found in Mexico and all over the Caribbean. There’s adults only resorts, family friendly resorts, resorts that handle special diets better than others, resorts that are low-key and quiet, resorts that are known for their “party” vibe, luxury resorts with butlers, resorts with golf included, resorts with fine dining included, resorts with tours and excursions included… you get the idea - there’s so many different kinds that there’s a right resort for every one. Don’t make the mistake of choosing one based only on the following:

1. By price only - There's hundreds of different all-inclusive resorts throughout the Caribbean and Mexico, and they can vary greatly. They are not all of the same quality so if you pick the cheapest, you probably won't have the best experience. While I understand that we all have vacation budgets, it is also wise to be realistic and not choose one based on cost alone. You won't get a luxury experience if you pick the cheapest available... the “cheap” all-inclusive resorts usually have worn-rooms, bad food, watered down drinks (and not brand names), and restrictions on how many meals you can have at their “better” restaurants (I don’t work with/recommend these types of resorts - in fact, i steer clear of them!)

2. Relying only on online reviews - There’s no way to know what the the reviewer expected or has experienced before. There’s also a lot of “fake” reviews or reviews based on false statements. While I do consult online reviews, I take them with a grain (or two!) of salt. Instead, I typically rely on my own experiences with staying at or touring the different resorts. I also have a great network of colleagues and those “in the know” for places I haven’t been to personally - and I can trust their opinions as they have similar standards as I do.

3. Book cheapest room category - The lead-in prices are the bait to get you to book but they won't have the best location, view or room size. Do you really want a small room with a view of the parking lot when on vacation? (I don't!) I hear a lot that "I won't be in the room much" but perhaps if you had a swim-out room, or a view of the ocean, you'd want to spend more time there! And truthfully, you’ll be spending at least a third of your time in your room - sleeping, showering, and getting ready for your day/evening activities - plus there’s always room service! And don't assume that you can just upgrade for cheap once you get to the resort - if you want a certain room type, it is wise to book that in advance to avoid disappointment (and extra stress!) of trying to arrange it once you get to where you are going. The nicest rooms also tend to sell out the fastest...

4. Don't listen to your friends! - OK so that sounds a little mean, but oftentimes it can be true! Sure, they may have some good suggestions but it also best to look for what fits your needs as they may be vastly different then what your friend wanted. I ask a lot of questions before I even start suggesting resorts as I want to make sure the resort you choose fits everything you are looking for - once I give you some ideas, then ask your friends if they’ve been to any of them to get their feedback versus asking them for suggestions first!

5. DIY-ing it - Sure, it is "easy" to click a few buttons on a website and voila! your vacation is booked. But you are doing yourself a disservice by doing this! The computer can't pick up on your personality or needs like a real human can. That's why there are professional vacation planners - we get to know what you really want, need and deserve and will help you plan the perfect vacation. We are also here when there's pesky airline schedule changes, or questions about entry requirements and more. We are here to help you - we want to create a long-lasting relationship versus just trying to earn a quick buck (at least, that's how I view things!)

Ready to plan your next vacation? Email me today to get started.