All-inclusive resorts are designed to take the hard work out of vacation planning by providing everything you need in one package deal.  Included in the one-time flat rate is your room, food, daily activities, and many extra perks.   All -inclusive resorts originated in Jamaica but they have also become popular in Puerto Rico and many other locations throughout the Caribbean.

What many people don’t realize is that booking a stay at an all-inclusive resort can be a great money-saving tool as well.  Though it may appear to be expensive upfront, the combination of all that you get for this fee adds up to big savings.

Sleep in Style

Typically, when you encounter an all-inclusive resort, you are looking at a property with high star ratings.  This means your room will feature top quality linens, toiletries, and amenities; the property is quite large and well-kept; and the staff is friendly and willing to go above and beyond to ensure that you remain happy.  Finding a hotel that features all of this, but without the extras that come with an all-inclusive package can often cost the same, if not more.

Eat Well

Having to eat out for three meals a day for the duration of your vacation can add take up a large portion of your vacation budget.  With an all-inclusive resort this cost is included in the over-all price, making it one less expense you have to plan for. Not only are all of your meals, snacks, and beverages included in the cost your stay, but this food is very commonly high quality fare.  Gourmet quality food is the standard at these resorts, and with typically two or more restaurants on property, you won’t have to worry about becoming tired of eating the same thing every day.  Just the fact that all of your meals are already taken care of (including gratuities) means you’ll be saving money, but when you add the quality of each on-site restaurant, you will quickly see the saving piling up.

Stay and Play

Water sports, area tours, musical performances, and spa treatments are all popular vacation activities, and all cost quite a bit of money – unless you stay at all all-inclusive resort where all of these things are included.  Although each resort offers different daily activities and night time entertainment, it is pretty common to see the above mentioned activities included as a part of your deal (note: spa treatments are often an extra expense.  Always check with your resort to determine exactly what is included in your package).   Some of the more family-oriented all inclusive resorts even offer daily children’s programs where your young ones can interact with friends their own age while the adults partake in the less kid-friendly activities.

Kids Stay Free

In order to entice the adults to come stay with them, many all-inclusive resorts offer deals where one child per adult stays for free.  This includes the cost of room, food, and daily activities.  Even when kids stay free deals are not available, reduced rates for children are the norm, and may include an extra perk like tickets to spend a day at a nearby waterpark or a similar family-oriented outing.

When you’re looking for the biggest bang for your buck, you’ll find it by booking a stay at an all-inclusive resort.  True, the upfront price tag can be daunting, if you take the time to compare each and every expense, more often than not, you’ll come out ahead.  Great service, a fabulous room, all of your meals, and loads to keep you entertained all for one unmoving fee?  It doesn’t get much more budget-friendly than that.