  
It is important to
ask the right questions or to do the proper research prior to booking a
vacation package labeled "All Inclusive". As the words imply you
assume that everything is included however this is not necessarily true.
In actuality what is "included" with your package will vary from resort
to resort. Listed below is a checklist of items that you should
consider when booking a "All Inclusive" vacation.
- Are all meals included
with the package or is it just breakfast and dinner?
- Does the resort provide
room service? Is there a cost involved?
- Are
there any dinners that you need to pay for or are all restaurants
part of the package? Many times there will be
a high end restaurant that you
will have to pay for yourself if you decide to go there.
- Does the meal plan include
snacks. If you are traveling with children this is very
important since a teenager is always hungry.
- Are all beverages included
with the package? Some resorts may include non-alcoholic as
well as alcoholic beverages all day. Some options do not include
alcohol at all and you have to pay for your drinks. Still
others may have limited alcohol either beer and wine only or alcohol
at dinner only.
- Are all airport transfers
included with the package? Most times you will need a shuttle
to get to the hotel and they are not owned by the hotel so there
will be a fee involved.
- Are all departure taxes
included in the price?
- Is there a membership fee
involved with the organization? For instance, Club Med
requires an annual membership fee.
- Are all on-site activities
included in the package or is there an additional fee? Many
beach resorts will charge extra for any type of motorized water
activities. Some resorts will charge a fee for the rental of
equipment such as tennis rackets.
- Are lift tickets included
with ski packages? How about ski rentals? Ski resorts
may or may not include tubing or ice skating as part of the price.
- Are advertised off-site
activities an additional fee or included in the price?
- Is a car included with the
package or is car rental extra?
- Are there any excursions
outside of the resort included in the price?
- Is tipping extra or
included?
- Are children's programs
included? What is the cost for babysitting or nanny service?
Are the programs age appropriate for your child?
- Are cribs and/or cots
available? Do you have to pay an extra charge for one?
- Most times spa services
are advertised but are an extra charge.
- Is there evening
entertainment? Is it free or do you have to pay an additional
fee?
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