All-Inclusive Resort: Pick the Right One and Pack Smart
Save hundreds by choosing the right all-inclusive resort and knowing what to bring. Covers rating systems, hidden fees, tipping customs, included amenities, and excursion planning.
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Choosing the Right Resort
Compare resort rating systems across booking platforms
A 4-star rating on one platform can equal 3 stars on another. Cross-reference ratings on at least 3 booking sites and read the most recent 50 reviews to get an accurate picture of current conditions.
Check whether the resort is adults-only or family-friendly
Verify which restaurants and bars are included in the rate
Many resorts advertise 8-10 restaurants but only include 3-4 in the base package. Premium or a la carte restaurants often carry a $30-75 per person surcharge that adds up quickly over a week.
Read reviews from the past 3 months specifically
Resorts change management, renovate, or decline over time. Reviews older than 6 months may describe a completely different experience from what you will encounter.
Check the resort location relative to the airport
Transfer times from the airport range from 20 minutes to 3 hours depending on the resort. Resorts more than 90 minutes from the airport often charge $80-150 per person for private transfers.
Understanding Hidden Fees
Ask about resort fees not included in the advertised rate
Some resorts charge a daily resort fee of $25-50 on top of the all-inclusive rate for things like pool towels, gym access, or Wi-Fi. Request a full breakdown of all mandatory charges before booking.
Confirm whether airport transfers are included
Check costs for premium activities like scuba or spa
Spa treatments at all-inclusive resorts typically cost $80-200 per session and are almost never included in the base rate. Motorized water sports like jet skiing average $60-90 per 30-minute session.
Verify whether room upgrades are available at check-in
Arriving during off-peak hours (Tuesday-Thursday) increases your chances of a complimentary upgrade by 30-40%. Politely asking at check-in costs nothing and works roughly 1 in 5 times at resorts with low occupancy.
Ask about charges for in-room minibar restocking
Tipping and Gratuity Customs
Research the tipping culture of the destination country
In Mexico and the Dominican Republic, tipping $1-2 per drink and $2-5 per meal is customary even at all-inclusive resorts. In some Asian destinations, tipping can be considered rude.
Bring small bills in US dollars for gratuities
Pack 40-60 one-dollar bills and 10-15 five-dollar bills. US dollars are widely accepted for tips at Caribbean and Latin American resorts, even when the local currency differs.
Tip housekeeping daily rather than at the end of your stay
Leaving $2-5 daily with a thank-you note on the pillow yields better service than a lump sum at checkout. Different housekeepers may rotate through your room during your stay.
Check whether gratuities are already included in your package
Packing for an All-Inclusive Stay
Pack reef-safe sunscreen if visiting tropical destinations
Many Caribbean and Pacific Island nations have banned sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. Fines range from $50-500, and resorts near marine reserves actively enforce these rules.
Bring a reusable water bottle for excursion days
Pack at least two swimsuits for quick rotation
Tropical humidity means swimsuits take 8-12 hours to fully dry. Having a second suit ready means you are never stuck waiting for wet fabric to dry before heading to the pool.
Include a lightweight cover-up for restaurant dress codes
Most resort restaurants require cover-ups over swimwear, and some dinner venues enforce smart-casual dress codes. A linen shirt or sarong weighs almost nothing and avoids being turned away at the door.
Bring basic medications and first-aid supplies
Resort gift shops charge 3-5x retail prices for items like ibuprofen, antacids, and bandages. A small first-aid kit with stomach remedies, pain relievers, and anti-itch cream covers the most common vacation ailments.
Excursions and Off-Resort Activities
Compare resort-booked excursions with local operators
Local tour operators charge 20-40% less for the same tours offered through the resort concierge. However, resort-booked excursions typically include transportation and guaranteed return timing.
Book popular excursions at least 1 week in advance
Ask the concierge about free or included activities first
Many resorts include kayaking, snorkeling gear, yoga classes, and cultural shows at no extra charge. These activities are often underadvertised and go underused because guests assume everything costs extra.
Carry a photocopy of your passport when leaving the resort
Leave your actual passport in the room safe and carry a color photocopy plus a photo on your phone. This satisfies ID requirements at most checkpoints while protecting your original document from loss or theft.
Negotiate taxi fares before getting in the vehicle
Taxis near resort areas often lack meters and charge tourists 2-3x the local rate. Agree on a fixed price before entering, or ask the concierge for the standard fare to your destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I avoid overpacking?
Lay out everything you think you need, then remove 30% of it. Pack items that mix and match into multiple outfits using neutral colors that work with everything. Laundry services exist almost everywhere; plan to wash clothes every 4-5 days rather than packing a fresh outfit for each day.
Should I use packing cubes?
Packing cubes compress clothing by 20-30% and keep your bag organized throughout the trip. Color-coding cubes by clothing type (tops, bottoms, underwear) eliminates rummaging through the entire bag for one item. Compression cubes with dual zippers squeeze the most air out and are worth the $5-10 premium over standard cubes.
What size luggage should I bring?
A carry-on bag (22x14x9 inches) handles trips up to 10 days if you pack strategically and plan to do laundry. Checking a bag adds 30-45 minutes per flight in wait time and carries a 1-3% chance of loss or delay. For trips under a week, a 40-liter backpack offers more mobility than a rolling suitcase on cobblestones, stairs, and public transit.
What items do travelers forget most often?
Phone chargers, adapters, prescription medications, and sunscreen are the top four forgotten items. Create a packing checklist on your phone and check items off as they go into the bag, not before. Pack a universal power adapter if traveling internationally; outlet shapes differ across regions and buying one at the airport costs 3-4x the online price.
How do I pack toiletries efficiently?
Transfer products into reusable silicone travel bottles (GoToob, 3 oz size) rather than packing full-size containers. Solid alternatives like shampoo bars and toothpaste tablets eliminate liquid restrictions entirely for carry-on travel. Hotels provide shampoo, conditioner, and soap; skip packing these unless you have specific brand requirements.