All-inclusive resort vacations
Sources checked . Final review by Sean Williams pending.
An all-inclusive resort bundles your room, meals, most drinks and many activities into one prepaid price. Egretline connects you with an advisor who helps you compare what each resort actually includes, match the resort's style to your group, and check the passport, timing and transfer details before you book.
| Usually included | Room, meals, most drinks, many activities (varies by brand) |
|---|---|
| Often extra | Specialty dining at some resorts, premium drinks, spa, off-site tours, airport transfers |
| Documents | U.S. passport book for international flights; a passport card is not valid for international air travel |
| Hurricane season (Caribbean, Gulf, Atlantic) | June 1 to November 30 (NOAA) |
| Safety information | State Department travel advisory for each country |
Who is an all-inclusive resort right for?
All-inclusives suit travelers who want to unpack once, eat and drink without checking prices, and keep the budget predictable. They suit honeymooners, families with young children and groups celebrating together.
Choose an all-inclusive if you want rest and a fixed price. Choose a cruise if you would rather see several places on one trip.
What does "all-inclusive" really include?
It includes your room, meals and most drinks, but the details vary by resort brand. Check whether specialty restaurants need reservations or cost extra, which drinks are premium, whether gratuities are included, and whether airport transfers are part of the price.
How does an advisor choose the right resort?
Your advisor starts with who is going and what a good day looks like for you: quiet beach, pools and kids' clubs, nightlife, or golf and spa. The advisor then compares a short list of resorts on what is included, room types, the beach and the travel time from the airport.
What documents do I need?
To fly to Mexico or the Caribbean you need a U.S. passport book. The State Department says the passport card is not valid for international air travel. Our passport guide covers fees and processing times.
Is it safe to travel in hurricane season?
Many people travel between June and November, but you should plan for the risk. Read our hurricane season travel guide and consider travel insurance bought early.
Frequently asked questions
- Are tips included at all-inclusive resorts?
- It depends on the resort. Some include gratuities in the price and some leave tipping to guests. Your advisor can tell you the policy for the resort you are considering.
- Can I use a passport card to fly to Mexico or the Caribbean?
- No. The State Department says passport cards are not valid for international air travel. You need a passport book to fly.
- Is an all-inclusive worth it?
- It usually suits travelers who plan to eat and drink mostly at the resort and want a fixed budget. If you plan to eat out in town every day, paying for meals separately may make more sense.
- Do all-inclusive resorts include airport transfers?
- Some do and many do not. Ask before you book, and confirm the transfer in writing so someone is waiting when you land.
- What is the difference between adults-only and family all-inclusives?
- Adults-only resorts do not admit children, so they tend to be quieter. Family resorts add kids' clubs, family rooms and pools designed for children.
Sources
Founder, Egretline Travel ยท Tampa, Florida
Talk to an Egretline advisor about an all-inclusive resort
A real person can check these details against your dates, your budget and the people you travel with.