{"id":19719,"date":"2017-05-08T10:50:11","date_gmt":"2017-05-08T14:50:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/?p=19719"},"modified":"2020-06-22T16:20:28","modified_gmt":"2020-06-22T20:20:28","slug":"all-inclusive-resort-things-to-consider","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/all-inclusive-resort-things-to-consider\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to consider when choosing an all-inclusive resort"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Things to consider when choosing an all-inclusive resort<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The hardest part about booking your <a href=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/all-inclusive-vacations\/\">all-inclusive vacation<\/a> is deciding which resort to choose. It\u2019s all sunshine and beaches from there. With the help of an expert, you can rest assured that someone has taken the time to do the research for you. Here are some things to think about before taking the plunge with your credit card:<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-17053 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/TripSense-food.jpg\" alt=\"Food\" width=\"1000\" height=\"687\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/TripSense-food.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/TripSense-food-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/TripSense-food-768x528.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Food <\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/10-countries-visit-foodies\/\">Food<\/a> sometimes gets a bad rep at resorts &#8211; but that shouldn\u2019t be the case. There&#8217;s nothing worse than unsanitary kitchens, lack-luster menus, a small selection of fresh foods, and watery drinks when everything else is paradise. For those concerned with food quality and selection, some chains like <a href=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/hotels-resorts_iberostar.html\">Iberostar Hotels and Resorts<\/a> and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/karisma.html\">Karisma Hotels and Resorts<\/a> pride themselves on offering outstanding food.<\/p>\n<p>Some things you may want to ask yourself is:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Do I need to make reservations at the a la carte restaurants? Some hotels and restaurants require them and some don&#8217;t.<\/li>\n<li>Is there a limit to the number of a la carte restaurants I can visit in a week? Is there a specific time (or a best time) to reserve an a la carte restaurant because of limited space (for example, each\u00a0morning or upon arrival for the entire week)?<\/li>\n<li>Is there a dress code? Men may need to bring long pants, a collared shirt, and closed-toe shoes for elegant dining.<\/li>\n<li>Any there any extra fees at the a la carte restaurants? Sometimes there will be a gourmet restaurant at an extra charge, or premium menu items such as lobster or steak that cost extra.<\/li>\n<li>Are there premium liquors and wines available for purchase?<\/li>\n<li>Are the mini bar items free?<\/li>\n<li>Is room service free?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Depending on your preferences, this can help you budget for extra spending money on the resort.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-19721 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Service.jpg\" alt=\"service\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Service.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Service-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Service-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Service-140x94.jpg 140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Service<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>The level of service at a resort can make or break its reputation. The difference between a 3-star resort and 5-star resort is in large part, the difference between attentive, welcoming staff and disassociated staff. A service-oriented resort can compensate for other sub-par aspects of the property, whereas a resort with inferior service and cause a 5-star resort ground-wise to lose points.<\/p>\n<p>Good service is prompt, attentive, efficient, and kind. Employees know guests by name, know their drink orders, accommodate special requests, and offer services like concierge and pool and beach butler service. It\u2019s important to have a sufficient staff-to-guest ratio to ensure exceptional service. Bad service occurs when there are long line ups, negative attitudes, unaccommodating staff, overbooking rooms, slow service for drinks, and other wait times.<\/p>\n<p>Some resorts go above and beyond to ensure your stay is 5-star: they offer a welcome drink upon arrival, cold towel, cucumbers for your eyes, complimentary magazines and sunscreen, a butler to prepare your bath, etc. Of course, the level of service is usually related to the price: you get what you pay for. Reading reviews is often a good way to get a feel for the service.<\/p>\n<p>Remember that <a href=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/travel-tipping-guide\/\">tipping<\/a> is appreciated for services, though it shouldn\u2019t be required for good service. Exchange currency at home, at the airport, or at the hotel into small bills for tipping bartenders, servers, housekeepers, etc. Know the culture or the resort&#8217;s tipping policy; be discreet. Many people in the industry depend on these tips for their income.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-19722\" src=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Atmosphere.jpg\" alt=\"atmosphere\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Atmosphere.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Atmosphere-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Atmosphere-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Atmosphere-140x94.jpg 140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Atmosphere<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>There&#8217;s nothing like wanting a relaxing holiday away from your kids and ending up surrounded by screaming kids at the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/best-waterpark-resorts\/\">waterpark<\/a> or wanting to enjoy loads of activities and socializing only to find you booked an intimate, quiet property. Choosing the right atmosphere for you, whether that is adults only, family friendly, romantic, quiet, or lively, means doing a little bit of research.<\/p>\n<p>At some popular, larger resorts, high season might mean having to snag a chair at the beach. Some resorts force you to listen to loud music all day long by the pool while others have separate areas to accommodate how you&#8217;re feeling so you can choose to lounge by the activities pool or by the quiet pool. Chatting with someone who\u2019s been there, reading reviews, or skimming the resort website should give you an idea of the atmosphere.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-19723\" src=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Activities.jpg\" alt=\"activities\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Activities.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Activities-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Activities-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Activities-140x94.jpg 140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Activities<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>The range of activities are related to the atmosphere. At a resort catered to families, you may find a waterpark, mini golf, playground, and games room. At a resort focused on romance, you may find activities like wine tasting, couple\u2019s massages, and dance lessons.<\/p>\n<p>Find out which watersports are included. Usually non-motorized water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding are available free of charge for an hour per day. Scuba diving is typically extra and requires training in the pool.<\/p>\n<p>When you arrive, find out what the entertainment schedule is like in case there are multiple events a night and you want to choose your favourite.<\/p>\n<p>Be specific if you want a resort with great golf, scuba, spas, fitness centers, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/spirited-socialite\/\">nightlife<\/a>, sightseeing, etc. If all you want to do is lay on the beach &#8211; or walk along it &#8211; you\u2019ll want to make sure the beach is up to par &#8211; whether it be long, wide, clean, seaweed-free, no rocks, etc. This is where our <a href=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/matchmaker\/index.html\">trip matchmaker<\/a> tool comes in &#8211; you can rank your preferences in order of importance.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-19724\" src=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Locale.jpg\" alt=\"locale\" width=\"1000\" height=\"564\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Locale.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Locale-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Locale-768x433.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Locale-970x546.jpg 970w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Locale-640x360.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Locale-136x77.jpg 136w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Locale<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Whether you\u2019re still deciding on a country, city, or down to the resort level, thinking about where you\u2019ll spend your luxurious week away is part of the fun. Your destination will affect things like the price point, travel distance, health concerns (like Zika), and weather (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/hurricane-season\/\">hurricane season<\/a> is more prevalent is some islands than others).<\/p>\n<p>Certain activities are more celebrated in certain places, for example, if you\u2019re searching for superb golf or scuba. Or, you may want to book your trip around a local festival or concert.<\/p>\n<p>Keep in mind that star ratings differ between destinations too. Since they are subjective and there is no central rating system, a 5 star in one destination may not be up to par in another. A 5-star in <a href=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/vacations-packages_cuba.html\">Cuba<\/a> is not the same quality as a 5-star in <a href=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/vacations-packages_jamaica.html\">Jamaica<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>When choosing a resort, you may also want to think about how far it is from the airport. Do you dread 2 hour transfers with the kids after a long flight? Do you prefer to be close to a city center for excursions and cultural visits?<\/p>\n<p>Remember, if you\u2019re more flexible with your destination, you\u2019re more likely to find a better deal.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-19725\" src=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Extra-Costs.jpg\" alt=\"extra-costs\" width=\"1000\" height=\"662\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Extra-Costs.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Extra-Costs-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Extra-Costs-768x508.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Extra-Costs-207x136.jpg 207w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Extra-Costs-140x94.jpg 140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Extra costs<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Most services at a resort are included in your vacation package, but there may be some you\u2019ll want some extra cash for &#8211; or at least know the price before you go.<\/p>\n<p>For an enhanced experience, \u201cclub\u201d rooms are often available and grant access to exclusive areas and special perks like premium rooms, exclusive pools and restaurants, etc.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/best-spa-vacations\/\">Spa<\/a> treatments are usually extra, but can you use the facilities like hydrotherapy pools and sauna for free?<\/p>\n<p>Non-motorized sports are usually free, but are there limits in the fine print (i.e. an hour each day?)<\/p>\n<p>Is wi-fi free? Is it only available in the lobby? Is it a destination with a secure connection?<\/p>\n<p>Do you have to pay for a hotel safe, premium beverages, upscale menu items like lobster and steak, room service, etc.?<\/p>\n<p>While all of these aspects of choosing a resort can seem daunting, luckily, tripcentral.ca has travel agents who have actually been to hundreds of resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your budget and preferences &#8211; all you have to do is start daydreaming.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Things to consider when choosing an all-inclusive resort The hardest part about booking your all-inclusive vacation is deciding which resort to choose. It\u2019s all sunshine and beaches from there. With the help of an expert, you can rest assured that someone has taken the time to do the research for you. Here are some things [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":37,"featured_media":18498,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":""},"categories":[3551,3553],"tags":[],"modified_by":"Amanda Stancati","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19719"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/37"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19719"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19719\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19994,"href":"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19719\/revisions\/19994"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18498"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19719"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19719"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19719"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}