Pork Belly and I prefer go-it-alone holidays. We head off, stay local, and take each day as it comes.
But once in a while we’ve succumbed to the ease of an all inclusive holiday, with or without a tour guide thrown in.
A beach hot-spot isn’t likely to grab our attention for long but a short, sunny break is not to be sneezed at – at least not with COVID around!
The all inclusive package is a great deal – you know pretty much what your holiday’s going to cost and you can budget for a good time.
What does an all inclusive holiday usually involve?
It will vary depending on the company but usually you can expect:
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Snacks through the day (e.g. chips, ice-cream and nibbles)
• Locally produced wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
• Some activities like yoga and beach volleyball
• Gym and swimming pools
• Children’s club (if it is advertised as a family-friendly hotel)
• Entertainment (e.g. live music, nightclub)
But there are limitations to the all-in holiday deal.
6 top tips for avoiding the pitfalls of an all inclusive holiday deal
1. Do your research
This is true of all holidays, but never more so than when you’re going all inclusive.
You’ll be pretty much staying in and around your resort or hotel so you must ask yourself some importanrt questions. Will there be enough to do’? How much swimming, sunbathing and lounging can I manage in a day?
Keen swimmers may find the fun-sized pools at resorts a little restrictive but there’s no guarantee the local beach is safe. Make sure you check not just your choice of hotel but the surrounding area so you know what to expect.
If you like water sports, is there enough access to surfboards, pedalos and dinghies? Is it booking only or first-come first-served? And are there extra charges?
Tennis lessons with a pro sound like a great idea but check the weather – can you serve and volley in 30+ degrees?
Most importantly, is the room nice enough to spend time in on hot afternoons or when that sudden rainstorm sweeps everyone from the bay? Might be worth paying a little extra for a room with a view and a private balcony.
2. Miss the mealtime rush
You need to be sure what system the resort operates when you’re all inclusive.
Can you eat at any restaurant on site? How and when do you book? What happens if you’re late – will you miss your slot?
There are benefits to being an early riser as the best breakfasts are served fresh.
Dining early is great for families with young children but later means you won’t feel so rushed as there’s no sense of a ‘second sitting’ waiting in the wings!
Many resorts ask you to book meals on a daily basis so you have to be prepared to decide early in the day what and when you want to eat, which can be limiting. Anyone with special dietary requirements may find they have to give even more notice, which is mildly irritating if you’re having to spend time at the concierge’s desk while everyone else is splashing about in the pool.
What drinks are in? What are out? Don’t run up an unexpected bill on champagne and nightcaps if they’re not part of the deal.
And of course you don’t have to eat there, just because it’s included in the price.
Check out the local foodie scene, ask the staff where they would eat on a night out. We were lucky at Blue Waters in Antigua – it was where many locals came for special celebrations so we knew it was going to be good!
If you’re paying upfront it usually means your money isn’t circulating in the local economy, so getting out once in a while gives you a feel for the local culture and a chance to spread some of your hard earned holiday money a little further afield.
3. Plan for more than just lazing on the beach
Yoga at dawn? Yes please.
Aquarobics in the pool? Why not?
Perhaps a sunset bird-watching ramble?
Or take a tour of the nearby sights, with packed lunch included.
See what activities are on offer every day of your stay.
Non-motorised water sports, like snorkelling and paddleboarding may be part of the package. Anything with an engine or requiring tuition will probably cost extra.
Watch out for on-site costs for things like billard tables or the sauna.
Golf, bike hire and horse riding may be part of the deal but are usually extra. Tennis – unless you want coaching – is often free.
Or – dare we say it? Escape the resort and hire a car for a little road trip.
4. Don’t hog the sunloungers
You see these folk all the time.
They rush out before breakfast to claim the best spots, laying towels, hats and suntan cream bottles on every available surface. Then they dive into the restaurant for breakfast and rush back out to sit in ‘their’ spot.
All day.
Every day.
Worse still they lay claim to eight beds for their group and only three people turn up, the rest being comatose in their rooms after one too many Planters Punches the night before.
Don’t be like that. Be generous. Take your time and take your turn.
Favourite spot gone?
Never mind, look around and you may discover another favourite nook just around the curve of the bay.
5. Be friendly
Once you’ve arrived talk to all the staff, not just the reception team and tour guides. They often have the best tips, and will help you find out things you’re interested in, not just the usual sunset-and-cocktails cruise or beach BBQ parties.
Chat to fellow guests too.
You may not act on their advice but it’s always good to know what others find out about the resort, especially if they’ve been there before.
6. To tip or not to tip
Oh the embarrassment for Brits – we just can’t seem to get it right.
Do we, or don’t we?
If we do how much? 10%, 15%, 20% – or some random amount plucked out of the air?
All inclusive hotels usually have a ‘gratuities included’ clause and don’t expect you to tip. If they pay their staff a decent living wage this is fine.
But if you get exceptional service, extra friendly help or a consistent cleaner who leaves your room spotless and well-stocked every single day, a little financial ‘thank you’ won’t go amiss.
What are your ideas for getting the best out of an all inclusive holiday deal?
Where to next?
• Antigua Road Trip
• Five reasons why we love Anjou
• Island Life – Malta