All-Inclusive is Not for All Travelers

Located throughout the Caribbean, all-inclusive resorts lure
visitors with affordable vacation packages. Encompassing
airfare, lodging and onsite activities, these Caribbean beach
resorts are enjoyed by families and couples hoping to relax in
the sunshine. Yet, many visitors have left such all-inclusive
resorts with a bitter taste in their mouths. If you - like many
of the travelers disappointed by the inflexibility of
all-inclusive resorts - want to establish your own itinerary,
sample traditional Caribbean dining options and explore many
different activities, these Caribbean beach resorts are simply
not for you. Here's why.

First, plenty of travelers have realized that many all-inclusive
vacations come with certain strings attached. When examining
all-inclusive packages on the internet, the fine print may
reveal a startling number of contracts and other binding
difficulties. Some all-inclusive resorts entice travelers with
low-priced vacation packages, only to bombard their customers
with sales pitches for timeshares.

It is often difficult to determine where an all-inclusive resort
is located if you are unfamiliar with the area. While it may
suit your fancy to spend your vacation outside of the Caribbean
hotel zones, many travelers have been disappointed by the lack
of activities available at many all-inclusive resorts. If you
choose to leave your all-inclusive resort, you will have to pay
for additional activities. When staying at smaller all-inclusive
resorts with limited access to other tourist opportunities, your
additional costs could very quickly surpass the money you saved
upfront.

Many travelers have also complained
about the lack of payment flexibility that comes with a stay at
an all-inclusive resort. In addition to requiring large upfront
payments, many all-inclusive resorts have tricky refund
policies, making it difficult to change plans when necessary.
This difficulty also applies to the charter flights that often
accompany all-inclusive packages. For many, these troubles are
compounded by the fact that travel days may be limited, forcing
you to alter your desired timeframe for your Caribbean
vacation.

Once you arrive at your Caribbean location, you might also be
responsible for your own luggage and transportation to the
resort. For the resorts that do offer shuttle service, the
included transportation will most likely be limited to airport
pickup and drop-off. For instance, if the resort is located in a
secluded area, transportation to other locations will not be
included in your package. Furthermore, consider the fact that
many all-inclusive resorts are located much farther away from
popular sites than average hotels and resorts. So, unless you
care to spend your entire Caribbean vacation basking beside the
same swimming pool, a nightly rental resort will put you much
closer to the action.

While many criticize
all-inclusive resorts for not contributing to local Caribbean
economies - due in part to their distance from major cities and
tourist areas - it can also be said that such packages prevent
you from experiencing the unique culture of your destination.
Since you decided to take a Caribbean vacation, you probably
want to get out of the hotel and see what the Caribbean has to
offer. Yet, all-inclusive resorts anticipate their guests
spending most of their time at the resorts, locations that are
often devoid of any local cuisine or custom.

Another important thing to consider regarding all-inclusive
resorts is that tipping is usually expected, even at some
resorts that advertise tipping as unnecessary. Many travelers
have found themselves in uncomfortable positions, receiving
sub-par service at all-inclusive resorts as a result of such
misunderstandings.

When planning your Caribbean vacation, think about what kind of
traveler you are and what you want to accomplish. Do you want to
set your own agenda, enjoy diverse Caribbean dining options and
engage in truly unique activities? Or would you rather relax at
a resort, forget your troubles and soak up the sun? While
families and couples on strict budgets might enjoy all-inclusive
resorts, any adventurous traveler will relish the freedom of
planning their own Caribbean vacation.

About the author:
This article was written by Justin Burch. Justin writes select
pieces about travel in the Caribbean and Mexico for the href="http://www.paradisebymarriott.com"
target="_blank">Paradise by Marriott