"EAT, DRINK, and be merry." If this sounds like your kind of vacation motto, consider staying at an all-inclusive resort. All-inclusive resorts let you plant yourself in the sun and leave the day to day worries to the experts.
What does "all-inclusive" actually mean? There is no industry standard and it varies from resort to resort, but many refer to it as a land-based cruising. Like most cruises, you don’t spend the week hauling out your wallet for: meals, snacks, drinks, (in some places, tipping), entertainment, land and water sports, room charges, and airport transfers. Typically, all of these are included in the overall price. And, like cruising, you can do as little or as much as you want.
Perhaps you fancy an afternoon of waterskiing off the beaches of Bora Bora? Or maybe some snorkeling in the warm Pacific off Mexico? All-inclusive resorts offer lots of different water-based activities, and in some cases, free instruction as well. Some ways to while away your time on the water include: waterskiing, windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming and, if the all-inclusive buffet has proven too tempting, water exercises.
For a break from the sea (or if you prefer to stay closer to the buffet), all resorts have a variety of land-based sports activities to choose from. There might be ping pong, volleyball, tennis, aerobics, jogging, cycling, horseback riding, and squash. If pure leisure and laziness beckon, check whether there are complimentary spa services such as mineral pools, massage, manicure, pedicure, and facial (some resorts charge extra for these).
Depending on the resort, there are usually other types of daily and nightly entertainment as well, from mini-casinos, music, discos, parties, dancing and picnics, to arts and crafts instruction, libraries and game rooms. If you're itching to see the landscape or seascape, many resorts offer excursions for an additional charge, usually a quite a good deal. These range from sunset cruises with wine and hors d'oeuvres to sightseeing by plane, parasailing, deep-sea fishing, and picnic day cruises.
If all-inclusive makes you think only of young singles playing volleyball in bathing suits, think again. These days, all-inclusive cater to all age groups and budgets. There are resorts for couples, singles and families. Accommodations range from the affordably comfortable to the downright decadent. For example, you could snap up a 6-night all-inclusive Cancun stay for as little as $650 US per person (double occupancy, airfare additional). On the other hand, you could also pamper yourself and spend $2800 for an all-inclusive week in a luxury ocean-view penthouse in peak season (still a good deal).
You'd love to take a romantic beach vacation but what about the kids? Bring them along! There are many all-inclusive resorts that cater to families. At some, kids under 12 stay for free. Children's prices are generally half to a third for that of adults. There are clubs and fully supervised activity programs for the kids so you can sneak off for romantic moments, as well as try out new activities with the whole family. Activities are already planned and provided — you just have to choose.
If you're a single partier, or even a nudist, there are resorts designed for you, too. There are also resorts that cater to couples, honeymooners, and even couples who want to get married — some resorts include complimentary wedding ceremonies in case you want to cover the wedding and honeymoon in one fell swoop.
Many resorts offer discounts to travelers for booking early, or for booking an additional week, as well as seniors discounts, spur of the moment specials and wedding/honeymoon packages.
We at UNIGLOBE Ulti-Max Travel can help you design an all-inclusive vacation that suits your vacation budget and needs. Please contact us at 703-707-0200 for your Leisure travel needs
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