Moon Palace Resort - Cancun
All-inclusive vacation packages offer convenient options for planning a trip, so you don't have to nervously count pennies throughout your entire stay. Unfortunately, not every resort offers the bargain it advertises. While many packages include the room, food, drinks and activities, the quality of these amenities may not be worth the sizeable budget you're investing in your trip. Take time to perform careful research before you book to find resort packages that offer the best value and live up to your expectations.
1. Read the Terms and Conditions
Imagine you booked an all-inclusive vacation in Mexico, and every night you invite your friends to freely enjoy the alcoholic beverages stocked in your room. When you check out, you receive a hefty bill because your package excluded top-shelf liquors or only included free beverages from the restaurant bar. Whether or not you can cover the bill, your trip is ruined by the unexpected setback. If you want to avoid this scenario, thoroughly read any booking details, and keep track of service limitations, such as phone calls, and Internet access. Speak to a booking agent when you have questions about the terms, and make sure anything the agent promises is clearly stated in the contract.
2. Identify Your Must-Have Features
A legitimate vacation package may still be wrong for your needs, so pay attention to the flexibility of services. Some resorts allow vacationers to visit several onsite restaurants, while others only provide one buffet option. Others offer flexibility, but provide low-quality meals that drive you to spend extra cash at offsite restaurants. The same holds true for activities. Request a list of activities included with your package and the cost options for enjoying additional recreation. For example, the Palace Resorts of the Sierra Maya grant resort points for booking, so customers are able to choose free activities.
3. Find Detailed Customer Reviews
A common tactic of disreputable companies is to lure in vacationers with photos of luxurious suites while providing low-end lodgings upon arrival. Whenever possible, ask for photos of the exact type of room you're reserving. Look for reviews of all-inclusive packages on websites that aren't affiliated with the resort or booking agency. Focus on reviews from customers who paid a similar price point and traveled in the same season as you, as these factors may also affect your lodgings. You should also pay attention to comments about customer service to avoid resorts that aren't accommodating.
4. Research Child Care Standards
If you're looking for a resort that offers child care, don't hesitate to ask what it entails. You don't want the kids to be stuck watching TV or doing one activity for the entire trip while you're having the time of your life. Choose vacation packages that offer enriching recreation for children, such as aquatic exploration one day and sandcastle contests the next.
An all-inclusive vacation can relieve you of many travel burdens, but you have a better chance of appreciating the experience if you do detective work ahead of time. Only commit to a package that feels right for your vacation style and your budget.