Top 10 Reasons for an All Inclusive Vacation Package

1 – Food

So much food!  Let me tell you one thing that won’t happen, you won’t go hungry!  The buffets are beyond impressive. There are so many options from foods you are familiar with to foods from all over the world.  It’s the perfect time to branch out and try something new and well if you don’t like it, no problem, just go back to the buffett and try something else.  In addition to main buffets that serve breakfast, lunch and dinner you can usually find a coffee shop, ice cream, snack bars and our favorite the Ala Carte Restaurants.  Ala Carte Restaurants are open for dinner and you need reservations. These restaurants can offer you a quieter date night type feel or if you’re lucky enough to stay somewhere that offers a Japanese Hibachi style dinner you will enjoy not just a delicious meal, but a show where the chef cooks the food on a huge griddle right in front of you.

Tip: Make dinner reservations right away when you check-in as space can be limited.

2 – Drink

Like food, you won’t be disappointed with the selection of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.  Pina colada, margarita, smoothie, coffee and so much more! Want to enjoy a mimosa at breakfast, go for it, you’re on vacation after all!  We highly recommend a chocolate martini after dinner enjoyed while watching a show. There are usually many bars on site from a lobby bar, theatre bar, swim-up, pool side, and beach, you usually don’t have to go far for a drink!

Tip: Order a water with every alcoholic beverage since alcohol and heat can quickly lead to dehydration. 

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3 – Entertainment

Each resort can be different as to what types of entertainment they offer.  We have enjoyed the entertainment teams and shows from two resort chains: Riu and Iberostar.  We have been hooked on Iberostar since our first trip to the Iberostar Quetzal in Playa del Carmen in 2014.  We have enjoyed the entertainment team known as the Star Friends at each of the Iberostars we have been to. Their energy is contagious!  During the day you’ll find them out and about leading activities or talking to guests and just having fun! At night they help put on nightly shows in the theater.  For some of the theater shows there are professional singers and dancers that will dazzle you with their talent.

Tip: If your resort has a theater make sure to hit up a few shows at night.

4 – Activities

Each of the resorts we have had the pleasure of staying at have always had many activities.  Honestly there is something for everyone and the best part you can choose to not do anything, it’s your vacation after all!  If you have kids there are plenty of options for them too. If you enjoy fitness there’s usually a gym on site which sometimes offers classes like zumba or even yoga on the beach.  On our recent trip to the Iberostar Paraiso Lindo we tried aqua aerobics and it was a blast! There are usually pool games that happen throughout the day such as basketball where guests can compete for prizes and even if you don’t play it’s always fun to watch!  Head to the beach to find other activities like beach volleyball, kayaking, or snorkeling. You’ll find a golf course on some resorts, but keep in mind there is an extra cost for this type of activity.

Tip: Take time to be active everyday, even if it’s just walking around the resort.

5 – Package

I have gone on and planned trips were you have to book everything separately: hotel, transportation like renting a car and/or booking airfare, researching nearby restaurants and finding things to do.  Don’t get me wrong, trips like that can be a lot of fun, but for us an all inclusive vacation package comes with less stress and less planning. I am the one who typically finds the place to go and then Travis looks at it and we go from there.  It can take awhile to find just the right deal, but it’s something I enjoy doing and if I’ve got a few minutes I’ll just hop on Expedia and see what’s out there. Once a place is picked then it’s really easy to book the whole package… resort, flight, insurance, and transportation.  For those of you that want more adventure there are even excursion options available to book right away too!

Tip: Travel sites like Expedia often offer major discounts when you book a package rather than individual hotel and flight options. 

6 – Convenience

It doesn’t get more convenient than an all inclusive vacation package.  While on the resort you can enjoy food, drinks, activities, entertainment and even a little shopping.  If you end up forgetting something or run out of something the resort will have a store with the essentials, but you will pay more than you did back home.  There’s also usually a place to buy souvenirs and at the resorts we have stayed there are vendors that come multiple times a week to sell all kinds of things like artwork and jewelry.  I love having so many options right where I’m at.

Tip: Looking for a gift, check out the vendors that come into the resort.

7 – Price

For most of us price is important and we want to get the biggest bang for our buck.  As you do research you’ll see there is usually a wide range of options to fit just about anyone’s budget.  We have found that we get the biggest bang for our buck booking all inclusive vacation packages in places like Mexico and the Dominican Republic versus staying stateside.  I have checked prices to different places in the United States and once you consider airfare, hotel, car rental, food and activities you can end up spending way more than if you left the country and did an all inclusive package.  These types of vacations are not just for the rich and famous.

Tip: We have found our best deals usually happen after Thanksgiving and before Christmas.

8 – Relaxation

This is the number one reason we love our all inclusive vacation packages. We get to spend a lot of time relaxing.  Our last few trips have all been 9 days and 8 nights which for us has been the perfect amount of time. It’s the perfect break from reality and responsibilities at home.  No cooking, dishes, laundry, or work! You get a chance to just focus on relaxing, having fun and enjoying the person or people you are on vacation with. One of the most relaxing activities for me is just reading, because it’s something I don’t do much at home.

Tip: Delete your work email account from your device so you’re not tempted to check it while on vacation. A quick check in can seriously disrupt your relaxed state of mind.

9 – Safety

The gated community of the all inclusive resort offers a lot of safety and security vs traveling around a city where your hotel and restaurants are in different locations. We have always felt very safe on all the resorts we have stayed at.  I know this can be an important consideration and we have all heard the horror stories, but your safety is very important to these resorts as bad publicity is not good for business. The last place we stayed at the Iberostar Paraiso Lindo we noticed security guards walking around and cameras, which made me feel good.

Tip: Use the buddy system whenever possible, don’t leave drinks unattended, and don’t over consume alcohol because safety is your responsibility!

10 – You Deserve It

Lastly, I ask you why not?  Everyone deserves a break from time to time and I’ve never had a vacation that recharges me quite like an all inclusive vacation. It’s ok to be selfish sometimes and take a break from the hustle and bustle of real life and escape to some place beautiful to recharge. If you have read through these reasons and can’t think of any reason why you shouldn’t go then it’s time to start looking at all inclusive vacation packages. You deserve it!

Tip: Take the first step today, head over to Expedia and start comparing prices. You’ll be surprised what you find.