All-Inclusive Resorts An Affordable Vacation Option?

Answer 1

When difficult economic times hit, one of the first luxuries that is taken out of the budget is often travel. Over the past two years, the frequency with which Americans travel has declined, and vacations have been replaced by staycations. Airlines are charging additional fees for nearly everything, including carry-on luggage and checked bags. Gas prices are unsteady, often rising during peak travel times. Revenue for the hospitality industry is down, as people are eating more meals at home and even business travelers are becoming accustomed to budget hotels.

However, with a little travel know-how, it’s easy to stay within your budget and still have a memorable vacation. One of the best ways to do this is through booking a week at an all-inclusive resort. All-inclusive resorts are generally found in vacation hotspots such as Mexico and the Caribbean, and frequently offer huge deals on their packages through discount travel websites, hoping to fill any excess rooms.

The benefit of the all-inclusive resort vacation is that you don’t need to worry about outrageous travel expenses once you arrive. The cost of your hotel, entertainment, food, and even Alcoholic Beverages are included in the package price. There are upgrades available; for instance, if you wish to leave the resort to go on a guided tour of the city, you’ll pay extra, but the resort will often negotiate a better price for you than you’d find on your own. In addition, transportation from the resort to the city will often be provided by complimentary shuttle, saving you the cost of renting a car.

Many all-inclusive resorts also include airfare, but make sure you read the fine print before purchasing an all-inclusive resort package. Most travel packages of this type offer airfare on a discount airline, which may not leave from your particular city. More than one traveler has found himself needing to take a bus to a neighboring city, simply because the resort’s airline partner only departs from select locations.

However, if you read the fine print and book your vacation well in advance, an all-inclusive resort can be a fun, economically-friendly way to travel. Even in times of economic crisis, everyone deserves a little vacation time, umbrella drink in hand.