All Inclusive Travel Plans

Located throughout the Caribbean, all-inclusive resorts lure
visitors with affordable vacation packages. Encompassing
airfare, lodging and onsite activities, these Caribbean beach
resorts are enjoyed by families and couples hoping to relax in
the sunshine. Yet, many visitors have left such all-inclusive
resorts with a bitter taste in their mouths. If you - like many
of the travelers disappointed by the inflexibility of
all-inclusive resorts - want to establish your own itinerary,
sample traditional Caribbean dining options and explore many
different activities, these Caribbean beach resorts are simply
not for you. Here's why.
 
First, plenty of travelers have realized that many
all-inclusive vacations come with certain strings attached.
When examining all-inclusive packages on the internet, the fine
print may reveal a startling number of contracts and other
binding difficulties. Some all-inclusive resorts entice
travelers with low-priced vacation packages, only to bombard
their customers with sales pitches for timeshares.
 
It is often difficult to determine where an all-inclusive
resort is located if you are unfamiliar with the area. While it
may suit your fancy to spend your vacation outside of the
Caribbean hotel zones, many travelers have been disappointed by
the lack of activities available at many all-inclusive resorts.
If you choose to leave your all-inclusive resort, you will have
to pay for additional activities. When staying at smaller
all-inclusive resorts with limited access to other tourist
opportunities, your additional costs could very quickly surpass
the money you saved upfront. 
 
Many travelers have also complained about the lack of payment
flexibility that comes with a stay at an all-inclusive resort.
In addition to requiring large upfront payments, many
all-inclusive resorts have tricky refund policies, making it
difficult to change plans when necessary. This difficulty also
applies to the charter flights that often accompany
all-inclusive packages. For many, these troubles are compounded
by the fact that travel days may be limited, forcing you to
alter your desired timeframe for your Caribbean vacation. 
 
Once you arrive at your Caribbean location, you might also be
responsible for your own luggage and transportation to the
resort. For the resorts that do offer shuttle service, the
included transportation will most likely be limited to airport
pickup and drop-off. For instance, if the resort is located in
a secluded area, transportation to other locations will not be
included in your package. Furthermore, consider the fact that
many all-inclusive resorts are located much farther away from
popular sites than average hotels and resorts. So, unless you
care to spend your entire Caribbean vacation basking beside the
same swimming pool, a nightly rental resort will put you much
closer to the action. 
 
While many criticize all-inclusive resorts for not contributing
to local Caribbean economies - due in part to their distance
from major cities and tourist areas - it can also be said that
such packages prevent you from experiencing the unique culture
of your destination. Since you decided to take a Caribbean
vacation, you probably want to get out of the hotel and see
what the Caribbean has to offer. Yet, all-inclusive resorts
anticipate their guests spending most of their time at the
resorts, locations that are often devoid of any local cuisine
or custom. 
 
Another important thing to consider regarding all-inclusive
resorts is that tipping is usually expected, even at some
resorts that advertise tipping as unnecessary. Many travelers
have found themselves in uncomfortable positions, receiving
sub-par service at all-inclusive resorts as a result of such
misunderstandings.
 
When planning your Caribbean vacation, think about what kind of
traveler you are and what you want to accomplish. Do you want to
set your own agenda, enjoy diverse Caribbean dining options and
engage in truly unique activities? Or would you rather relax at
a resort, forget your troubles and soak up the sun? While
families and couples on strict budgets might enjoy
all-inclusive resorts, any adventurous traveler will relish the
freedom of planning their own Caribbean vacation.

About The Author: This article was written by Justin Burch.
Justin writes select pieces about travel in the Caribbean and
Mexico for the http://www.paradisebymarriott.com