- Climate and beach - of course!
- Extravagant pools: waterslides, waterfalls, even private waterparks
- Watersports: typically resorts include non-motorized watersports such as kayaks, windsurfing, sunfish sailing. Some places also include snorkeling boat trips, and a few include scuba too; others charge extra for such "motorized" outings.
- Kids programs: many all inclusive resorts, especially in Mexico, have a basic kids' club for ages four to 12. Other places go all out, with separate programs for 4 or 5 different age sets. Find out more about kids clubs: Club Med, for example, has outstanding kids programs (and has two huge properties in Mexico and one in the DR.)
Teens are a difficult age to please, but some places try hard, with teen activities and coordinators. Meanwhile more and more all inclusive resorts offer infant care.
- Activities: scavenger hunts, pool games, beach parties... Most places offer nightly entertainment too, ranging from cute-but-amateurish to professional caliber. Club Med entertainment includes a weekly kids' club show staged in a real theater.
- Meal-time convenience: multiple restaurants, including a la carte fine dining, and casual snacks. Buffets feed kids with no waiting; many have a kids' section.
- Drinks on tap: - kids need plenty of cool drinks in a hot country. Swim-up bars are fun.
- Grown-up pampering: a fitness center, spa, and at least one fine-dining restaurant are de rigeur. And it goes without saying that golf is available. Spa always costs extra, as does golf in most cases.
All needs are provided for, fun is abundant, parents can enjoy a beautiful setting and relaaaaax. And with all inclusive pricing, parents never need wonder "How much will this cost?" when kids want more drinks or activities.
Price
Definitely, many properties cost hundreds of dollars per adult per night. At least these rates include everything: taxes, gratuities, transfers from the airport, kids' programs, watersports and perhaps even scuba.
Fortunately, there are less expensive options: see ideas for value-priced all inclusive vacations. Remember, too, that all resorts discount heavily in "summer", May through late December.
Points to Watch Out For, About All inclusive Vacations:
- Often, pools aren't heated except by the sun; if the weather is bad, the pool may be chilly. Newer and more upscale properties may have heated pools.
- At many resorts, lounge chairs are at a premium and guests have to claim them early in the morning.
- A la carte dining: another common complaint is that making reservations for the a la carte restaurants is difficult.
- Pool towels: many resorts have some kind of system that limits the handing-out of pool towels. Some places are more relaxed than others- some are over-zealous.
- Tipping:
- all inclusives typically have a "no tipping" policy. Nonetheless, at some properties -- in Mexico, for instance -- tipping is common, so you may want to bring a wad of dollar bills. (Read more Tips and Cautions for Mexico Resorts.)
For these and other possible inconveniences, always check recent visitors' comments for particular resorts. Two good sites:
