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All Inclusive Resorts: Overview

By , About.com Guide

Parents love the convenience of one known-in-advance price at all inclusive resorts. Kids can sample activities (or not), help themselves to drinks when they please, have fun at the kids clubs. Most families head to all inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean, but there are choices within the US as well.

Caribbean All Inclusive Resorts

All inclusive resorts in the Caribbean are extremely popular with families, who love their beautiful beaches, fun watersports, amazing pool complexes, and kids programs which sometimes offer creative activities for different age groups plus infant care and teen activities. Check out Ten Top Caribbean Resorts for Families, resorts on different islands, information about hurricane season, and more.

Mexico

Mexico all inclusive resorts - Cancun pool by beach - photo ©  Teresa PlowrightPhoto © Teresa Plowright.

All inclusives have been built at a fast pace in a number of popular areas, from well-developed areas such as Cancun and the Mayan Riviera, to newer destinations as the Riviera Nayarit.

Eight Value-Priced All Inclusive Resorts

Coconut Bay Resort, St. Lucia. Photo ©  Teresa Plowright.Coconut Bay Resort, St. Lucia. Photo © Teresa Plowright.
Have a look at eight suggestions in the Caribbean and Mexico that won't blow the budget.

All Inclusive Resorts in the US

Photo courtesy of Vista Verde Ranch.Photo courtesy of Vista Verde Ranch.
Families can find many opportunities in the U.S. for getaways that include accommodation, meals and activities in the nightly rate. There's even a Caribbean-style resort with all the expected amenities and terrific kids programs, located right in Florida.

Hawaii - All Inclusive Resorts?

photo courtesy of Kaanapali Beach Hotel.Photo courtesy of Kaanapali Beach Hotel.
Unfortunately: not. Families used to the all inclusives of the Caribbean and Mexico need to adjust their thinking, in the Aloha state. But we do have a few suggestions for those seeking inclusive-type pricing.

What to Expect, And What to Watch Out For

Jamaica all inclusive resort - photo ©  Teresa PlowrightPhoto © Teresa Plowright.

Read about the best features and amenities at all inclusives in the Caribbean and Mexico: what's included in the price, what you'll pay extra for, what's the price range, and more.

Baby Care, Toddler Programs

All inclusive resort with baby care: Club Med Ixtapa Pacific. Photo ©  Teresa Plowright.Club Med Ixtapa Pacific. Photo © Teresa Plowright.
More and more resorts are offering programs that will care for their youngest visitors. (Sometimes an additional charge is required for infant care.)

All Inclusive Vacations in Europe

Kids Club at Club Med Opio, in the south of France. Photo courtesy of Club Med resorts.Kids Club at Club Med Opio, in the south of France. Photo courtesy of Club Med resorts.
Combine a family trip to Europe with the conveniences of all-inclusive pricing. Have a look at several ideas: beach resorts on the Mediterranean; Club Med resorts with kids' programs; Club Med winter getaways in the Alps with ski and snowboarding classes; and nearly-all-inclusive cruises and "family adventure" tours.

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