Planning a vacation is stressful. Trying to coordinate flights, hotel accommodations, meals and sightseeing adventures is a time-consuming activity. The travel industry offers all-inclusive vacation packages to help alleviate this stress. To book one of these packages, you choose your destination, travel dates and desired services. Your travel agent finds a package that meets your needs; you read over the information, pay for the package, sign the contract and enjoy your vacation.
Benefits
These vacation packages are ideal for people who want to enjoy a trip without worrying about finances. Because the cost of the package is paid up front, there is no worry that money for necessities will run out before the end of the trip. The only budgeting necessary is for souvenirs and extras.
Types
There are four distinct types of all-inclusive vacation packages: cruises, tours, resort packages and demographic-specific packages. Each of these types of package has different inclusions and omissions. Cruise packages usually include the cruise fee, an entertainment allotment and transportation to and from the port of origin, but often exclude port-of-call transportation and entry fees for attractions. Touring packages usually include lodging, admission fees to attractions, a meal allotment and travel expenses. Resort packages include transportation, lodging, selected spa services or other services and meals. Demographic-specific packages are targeted to specific people, such as couples, families or singles. These packages usually include all standard expenses.
Considerations
There are numerous items that aren't included in the price you pay. All-inclusive vacation packages usually don't include tips and gratuities. You must bring cash or another form of payment to tip waiters, concierges, bellhops and tour guides. Alcohol is another additional expense. You should also check the meal plan included in the package: Some packages include only two meals per day, and others include "discounted" meals, which are usually served cafeteria-style. If you want to have anything special cooked, you may be required to pay for the meal.
Misconceptions
When you are first investigating these vacation packages, they may seem very pricey. But they aren't expensive when you sit down and calculate the cost of paying for the entire vacation on an item-by-item basis. Travel agents should be able to provide you with a comparison list of prices. Because you are paying in advance for everything--usually well in advance of your travel date--discounts usually apply to almost every item on the list.
Prevention/Solution
All-inclusive vacation packages are sometimes associated with less-than-desirable accommodations. It is very important to read the entire package contract to ensure that every aspect of the trip is up to your standards. Before you hand over any money, get the agency to answer any questions you may have. If there are any points you feel aren't sufficiently addressed in the contract--even something as simple as getting a first-floor room or having orange juice waiting in your room--ask the agency to write a new contract or add an addendum to the current contract.
Tags: packages usually, packages usually include, usually include, vacation packages, All-inclusive vacation