1. Decide on a destination<\/strong><\/p>\n Having an idea in mind of where you\u2019d like to go narrows down your resort options a lot. With large differences between Cuba<\/a> and the Dominican Republic<\/a>, and Jamaica<\/a> and Mexico<\/a>, having an idea of where you\u2019d like to visit will make it easier to make sure you choose the right resort. If you\u2019re not picky on where you\u2019d like to spend your vacation in the sun, you might at least have an idea of where you don\u2019t want to go: maybe you\u2019ve visited Cuba before and don\u2019t want to go back, or you know that the high popularity of Cancun doesn\u2019t interest you. Knowing a vacation idea can help your travel agent suggest options that might fit your travel preferences, but will also help if you\u2019re planning on booking online with trip matchmaker<\/a>, where you can select or de-select destinations you\u2019re interested in to narrow down results to get the best vacation ideas for you.<\/p>\n 2. Decide whether you\u2019ll spend more time at the beach or pool<\/strong><\/p>\n Are you a beach bum, or would you rather laze by the pool? Knowing where you\u2019ll spend more time is an important step in making sure you choose the right resort. If you\u2019re a beach bum, you\u2019re likely going to want to visit a resort \u2013 and a destination \u2013 known for its sandy beaches, where you can spend your mornings walking the shoreline, like the Grand Palladium Punta Cana<\/a> and neighbouring resorts along Punta Cana\u2019s famous Bavaro Beach. Pool lovers will be more comfortable at a resort with several pool options, and might be okay visiting a resort that has a smaller beach, where those romantic walks on the beach aren\u2019t quite so luxurious. Some resorts aren\u2019t beachfront, but rather a short walk or shuttle ride from the beach, while some destinations feature adults-only pools and family-friendly pools, giving you more options for what you prefer.<\/p>\n 3. Are you really hoping to scuba dive, or learn about history?<\/strong><\/p>\n Knowing what you\u2019re hoping to do will help you choose the best resort for your vacation: if scuba diving or snorkeling with the fish is at the top of your list, you\u2019re more likely to want to consider all-inclusive vacations in Cozumel<\/a>, Grand Cayman, Honduras, or other destinations known for their diving. While popular destinations like Punta Cana do offer some scuba diving excursions, the quality of the diving won\u2019t be anywhere near that in a destination known for its underwater life. Decide what activities you\u2019re hoping to do beyond relaxing beach time to help narrow down destinations and to find the perfect all-inclusive vacation: if you\u2019re hoping to learn about the culture and history of a destination, you might want to opt for a vacation closer to a city centre like Havana<\/a> or Montego Bay, rather than an isolated beach town. Even within a destination, research the activities, excursions, and other options available to narrow down a resort or which end of the beach strip you should settle for, if these types of activities are important to you.<\/p>\n 4. Know what kind of traveller you are<\/strong><\/p>\n Resorts range from adults-only<\/a> to family-focused, to the average resort offering kids programs, but also adults-focused activities, bars, and nightclubs. Decide what type of traveller you are<\/a> before booking: if you\u2019re not interested in waiting for families taking part in the on-site watersports, or don\u2019t want to hear an overtired child at dinner, you might want to opt for an adults-only resort. Each resort has different amenities and programs, and it\u2019s important these fit your lifestyle: you might not want to go to an ultra-romantic couples-only resort if you\u2019ve just started dating, or with the girls. If you\u2019re adventurous and want to get the adrenaline pumping, you\u2019ll want your travel agent to research whether your preferred resort is host to an array of excursions and extra activities. Knowing what type of traveller you are will not only help find the resort perfect for you, but will help you better enjoy your vacation, if you know what type of lifestyle to expect, and what type of lifestyle you enjoy. For the best family getaway, look for resorts that offer incentives for children like eating and staying free, as well.<\/p>\n 5. Consider the size of the resort<\/strong><\/p>\n Hard Rock Punta Cana resort<\/p><\/div>\n This is an important question when juggling your vacation ideas, not only when determining what you can handle physically, but also what you\u2019re comfortable with. If you\u2019re looking for a quieter, more intimate vacation with your partner, or with friends, a resort like the Hard Rock Punta Cana<\/a> isn\u2019t the best pick. Choose a resort with fewer guest rooms (the Hard Rock has 1,800+), and you\u2019ll be happier with your choice. Resort size and location also affects how you want to spend your time: if you\u2019re not up for walking more than a few minutes to breakfast, the beach, or anywhere in between, a larger resort might not be the best option for you. Considering the size of the resort you\u2019re looking to visit is also an important option for family vacations, especially with young children, who might be tired out by walking, or for parents that want to keep a closer rein on their kids. (Don’t forget that you can select a small resort as a preference in trip matchmaker!)<\/p>\n 6. Loosen the reins on the food options<\/strong><\/p>\n Unless you\u2019re a real foodie, you\u2019re going to need to lower your expectations on food when visiting an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean. Though some resorts focus on gourmet food, like Karisma<\/a>, Palace Resorts, and Sandals, other resorts might not have dishes up to par. Destinations like Cuba are known for average food, but keep in mind that all-inclusive resorts are often overflowing with fresh, tropical fruit like coconut, pineapple, mango, and more! Most travellers won\u2019t have any problems with food at 4.5- and 5-star resorts, where buffets change daily and a la carte meals offer delicious options. Those with particular needs, allergies, or picky eaters, might want to pick a higher-end hotel in a higher-end destination to ensure food quality and options.<\/p>\n 7. What did you like about your last vacation?<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the best ways to decide what you love in a vacation and what will make the right resort for your vacation is to think back to your last trip: what did you love? What didn\u2019t you like? Knowing what you enjoyed about your last vacation, whether it was all-inclusive or not, will help determine what you might be looking for for that upcoming trip. Think back to the food you enjoyed, the importance of location, and the feel of your vacation to help assist your travel agent in suggesting a resort lifestyle and destination that might work for you.<\/p>\n 8. Know if you might be back<\/strong><\/p>\n Are you the type of person that finds something they like and sticks with it, or are you always wanting to try something new? If you think you might settle on a resort you love and visit year in and year out, consider looking at resorts with rewards when considering your vacation ideas. Some resorts, like Couples Resorts<\/a>, have rewards systems and the more visits you make, the more add-on perks you receive. Who can go wrong when a welcome bottle of wine in your room is on the line?<\/p>\n![\"Decide](\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/TripSense-VacationIdeas-beach.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Decide](\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/TripSense-VacationIdeas-scuba.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Decide](\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/TripSense-VacationIdeas-Couple.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Consider](\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/TripSense-VacationIdeas-HardRockPUJ.jpg\")
<\/a>![\"The](\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/tripcentral_TripSense_Karismahotels_GourmetInclusive.jpg\")
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