All-inclusive resorts are most commonly found in the United States, Mexico and Caribbean.
All-inclusive vacations have become especially popular in recent years as a low airfares have encouraged a growing number of U.S. parents to take their children on vacations with them. All-inclusive vacation resorts, which are concentrated in the United States, Caribbean and Mexico, offer activities for children, as well as food and lodging costs.
Think First
Think about the time of year for your vacation. Most people will go during the summer, and that's fine. But be warned that the last half of August and first half of September is usually prime hurricane season. Have an exit strategy. Know when you can back out of your reservation without losing all or some of your deposit.
Online Deals
Look for deals online, especially on travel search engines like Expedia, Orbitz or TripAdvisor. Pay attention to reviews from previous customers, which can usually be found on these websites. You can often get a better price from companies that operate more than one resort if you're willing to be flexible about the resort where you take your vacation. You can also often get a better price by making reservations several months in advance -- or often, several minutes, if the resort isn't doing a lot of business.
Location, Location
Think about details like how you'll get to the resort, if you're flying or taking some other form of transportation. Do they have an airport shuttle? Also, make sure your interests aren't going to conflict with the focus of the resort. A non-golfer, for example, probably would rather skip the vacation than spend a week at an all-inclusive resort that focuses on golf.
Hidden Details
Be sure you know what you're getting. Does the resort offer all meals or just dinner? Are there surcharges for more than one child? Are tips covered? Read the fine print with any all-inclusive deal you choose.
Confirm Details
Confirm directly with the resort that your child or children are eligible for all activities. Some resorts will offer age-specific activities. You should also confirm your reservations at least one month before leaving.
Meal Time
Most resorts allow a limited number of a la carte dinners, with the amount depending on the length of your stay. Make reservations as soon as you arrive, since the seating is generally limited -- unless you really like the buffet.
Your Time
Unless you're genuinely interested, avoid sales meetings. You may be invited to a breakfast and asked to take a quick tour of the property. Ask if it's a sales presentation. You can certainly decline. It's your time to relax, not be pressured to buy something you might not need.
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