7 of the best all-inclusive experiences to book this year, from a travel planner (2024)

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Kari Becker

2024-04-19T14:14:02Z

7 of the best all-inclusive experiences to book this year, from a travel planner (1)

  • As a travel planner, my clients seem to be increasingly interested in all-inclusive trips.
  • Some of my favorite luxury resorts are in Costa Rica, the Maldives, andIsla Mujeres.
  • Cruises, group tours, and adults-only lodgings can also come with all-inclusive options.

7 of the best all-inclusive experiences to book this year, from a travel planner (2)

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7 of the best all-inclusive experiences to book this year, from a travel planner (4)

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As a travel planner at Marvelous Mouse Travels, I know vacations are expensive — especially if you're looking to go somewhere this summer. But all-inclusive travel is often a great way to get the most value out of a luxury experience.

I've been on several all-inclusive vacations with my family, friends, and work, and I've helped other people book them in destinations around the world.

Here are some of the best all-inclusive experiences I'm recommending to my clients this year.

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Try a split-stay vacation to see the best of Costa Rica.

7 of the best all-inclusive experiences to book this year, from a travel planner (5)

Costa Rica is one of the most sought-after vacations, and for good reason. It's great for both relaxation and adventure.

I recommend booking a split stay, starting at an all-inclusive resort in Guanacaste near the beach for some fun in the sun and moving to a resort near the famous Arenal Volcano for a jungle adventure.

Some of my favorite resorts in Costa Rica are the Westin Reserva Conchal and the Dreams Las Mareas. And if you're looking for an even more unique experience, check out the glorious swim-out suites with private pools at Dreams.

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Baglioni Maldives is one of my favorite all-inclusive resorts.

7 of the best all-inclusive experiences to book this year, from a travel planner (6)

The Maldives, a remote set of islands in the Indian Ocean, offers a plethora of resort options for couples and families, but Baglioni Maldives is my favorite.

For many in the US, getting to the islands can be daunting — there are very few direct commercial flights, and it can take almost an entire day. But it's hard to beat the country's luxury accommodations and gorgeous landscape.

The Maldives also has some of the most beautiful marine life and coveted spots for snorkeling and scuba diving.

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No matter where you go, overwater bungalows are the ultimate all-inclusive splurge.

7 of the best all-inclusive experiences to book this year, from a travel planner (7)

Overwater bungalows — villas standing on poles over open ocean water — are prevalent at all-inclusive resorts in destinations like the Maldives, Fiji, and Bali.

But I've also come across the luxurious accommodations at select adults-only Sandals Resorts throughout the Caribbean.

I think having a private villa on the water is the perfect way to unwind and relax.

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Adults-only vacations are on the rise.

7 of the best all-inclusive experiences to book this year, from a travel planner (8)

Traveling with kids can be a blast, but I also think it's important for adults to take a much-needed break on their own.

Adults-only resorts have been a total respite for me and my husband after hectic months of juggling work with our kids' school and sports schedules.

If you're looking to unwind with a partner, relax on a girls' trip, or even connect with your adult children, there are countless adults-only, all-inclusive resorts to choose from, depending on where you're looking to visit.

Some properties, including Sandals and Beaches Resorts, also offer butler service. Designated staff members can help with anything from room requests and dining reservations to cabana rentals and transportation coordination.

I upgraded to the service at my favorite adults-only spot, Le Blanc Los Cabos, and I felt totally pampered.

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Isla Mujeres is pure luxury.

7 of the best all-inclusive experiences to book this year, from a travel planner (9)

Isla Mujeres, a small island off the coast of Cancún, is known for its crystal-clear, turquoise water and peaceful vibe. It's also home to Playa Norte, one of the best beaches in Mexico.

Impressions Isla Mujeres by Secrets is a gorgeous all-inclusive resort on the island. It offers luxury at its finest, but with only 125 rooms, it has a boutique feel.

One of my favorite features of the resort is the waterslide that leads right into the beautiful ocean.

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There are plenty of all-inclusive packages at sea.

7 of the best all-inclusive experiences to book this year, from a travel planner (10)

Cruising is one of the most popular vacations, whether it's an epic adventure on a Royal Caribbean Cruise, a couples-only journey on Virgin Voyages, or a regal tour of Europe on Viking River Cruises.

Although cruises aren't traditionally considered all-inclusive, with the right booking, they can have the same feel as a luxury resort.

Most cruise bookings include food, nonalcoholic drinks, and live entertainment. If you add beverage packages and excursions in advance, your trip should be fully paid for before you depart.

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Book a small-group or private tour if you're looking for adventure.

7 of the best all-inclusive experiences to book this year, from a travel planner (11)

Group travel is a great way to explore new places while soaking up culture and history.

Popular destinations include Italy, Japan, Costa Rica, and Alaska, and many travel companies take care of everything for you, essentially making it all-inclusive.

I like Adventures by Disney, which offers small-group travel all over the world facilitated by seasoned guides. All the trip details are taken care of, including experiences, food, lodging, and transportation.

Additionally, Kensington Tours offers luxury private travel where every facet of the trip is meticulously planned for you.

Read next

Travel Aspirational Luxury Vacation

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7 of the best all-inclusive experiences to book this year, from a travel planner (2024)

FAQs

How do I choose the best all-inclusive? ›

Here are some essential tips to help you make the right decision:
  1. Research Resort Specializations. ...
  2. Identify Your Budget and Length of Stay. ...
  3. Evaluate Inclusions and Exclusions. ...
  4. Find out if the resort is a 4 or 5-star property. ...
  5. Check for Renovations. ...
  6. Research the Beaches. ...
  7. Quality of Accommodations.
Oct 26, 2023

When planning a trip What does all-inclusive mean? ›

An all-inclusive vacation is a vacation that includes all the essentials in the booking price. Besides accommodation, you can expect food, drinks, activities, and entertainment to be included, without having to pay extra for it.

How far out to book an all-inclusive? ›

Generally, booking 6 to 9 months in advance provides a good balance between securing availability and accessing early-bird deals. For peak travel seasons or popular resorts, consider booking even earlier to secure your desired room type and dates. 2. How do you get the best deal on an all-inclusive resort?

What are all-inclusive trips? ›

If you go on an all-inclusive vacation, it means your stay, unlimited food, drinks, activities and entertainment are included in the booking price of the resort – without any surprise costs. Depending on the location you choose, you can basically leave your wallet at home. Everything has been paid for in advance.

Is it cheaper to book all-inclusive directly? ›

By cutting out the middleman Travel Agent and third-party sites, a resort can often offer you the best price. Some travelers have even found that they're able to negotiate a better price, receive additional perks, or even request a specific room when directly booking with the resort they've picked.

Is it worth paying all-inclusive? ›

Cost Savings: At first glance, all-inclusive holidays may seem pricier than their a la carte counterparts. However, when you factor in the cost of meals, drinks, and activities that are already included, it often turns out to be more economical. Plus, it helps you avoid any unexpected expenses during your vacation.

Does all-inclusive mean no tipping? ›

Tipping butlers, tour guides, and massage therapists is optional at an all-inclusive resort like Beaches Resorts, where tipping and gratuities are included in the cost of your vacation package and not required for most staff.

Do you tip at all-inclusive resorts? ›

Do I Need to Tip at an All-Inclusive Resort? While tipping is a discretionary and optional gesture, at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and others, it is certainly encouraged.

Is it better to stay at an all-inclusive resort? ›

To sum it up, all-inclusive resorts are amazing options when planning a vacation. They bundle lodging, activities, and food in one price which virtually leaves you with nothing to worry about.

What month is the cheapest for all-inclusive vacations? ›

To snag a deal, look at booking an all-inclusive during an off period, like mid-October through mid-December. Hurricane season wraps up in the middle of October when the dry season begins, so the weather should still allow for endless beach days with fewer crowds.

What time of year is cheapest to go to an all-inclusive? ›

Book In November And October As It's Much Cheaper

And while traveling at Christmas can really rack up the crowds and the costs, the months just before it can result in some good deals. Booking an all-inclusive resort during November and October is much cheaper because this is the "off-season."

What is the cheapest time of the year to go to an all-inclusive resort? ›

Fall is the best season for an all-inclusive vacation, when rooms are often significantly cheaper. Off-site activities, usually limited to a certain number of people, also tend to fill up fast during the high seasons. Seasonal price drops on airfare – on both domestic and international airfares – start in August.

How far in advance should I book an all-inclusive vacation? ›

Early or late: Either book very early (nine months or more in advance, especially if you want to stay during peak seasons like Christmas and New Year's) or take a chance on last-minute deals.

Are Sandals resorts all-inclusive? ›

Sandals has the best vacation packages for couples looking for amazing all-inclusive experiences.

Do all-inclusive resorts include massages? ›

All-inclusive rates typically cover food, drinks, and activities, but rarely do they include daily spa treatments. But this secluded St.

What is one big difference between all-inclusive and ultra all-inclusive? ›

An ultra all-inclusive is an all-inclusive resort that offers even more amenities, unique experiences, and special benefits than a standard all inclusive package. These extras can include premiums like unlimited food and top-shelf drinks, exclusive island excursions, and spa treatments.

What is the difference between all-inclusive and all-inclusive premium? ›

Premium or club-level benefits vary widely from property to property within the all-inclusive space, but they typically include perks such as dedicated concierge services, separate pool or beach areas, special access to dining venues or access to a dedicated club lounge that offers complimentary food and drinks.

How to pick an all-inclusive resort on Reddit? ›

  1. Be CLEAR on what it is you're looking for when you're searching. ...
  2. Trip Advisor will be a good place to start your search, but because they are owned by a third party, take any reviews with a grain of salt. ...
  3. Be aware that some resorts will offer a base fee, but then try and upcharge for the smallest things.
Sep 25, 2023

What is the trend in all-inclusive hotels? ›

Increasingly more all-inclusive resorts are promoting a different type of all-inclusive. That includes getting guests outside the resort area, and offering boutique stays where guest counts are capped to a few dozen. That's a sharp contrast from the hundreds of hotel rooms at traditional all-inclusives.

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