TravelTST’s Experts

Here’s what you should know before deciding about your next vacation.

All inclusive vacations have a secret advantage. No one likes to be nickel and dimed. We all pretty much agree that having to pay for every little thing… having to dip into your wallet over and over and over, can ruin a vacation. It’s just common sense.

Scientists have proven this by doing brain scans (fMRI) of people spending money, over and over for things. Your brains’ pain centers get activated each and every time you have to hand over money!

This can add up and really put a damper on your enjoyment of your vacation package. Having to pay for things one at a time, makes you think about it – every time – and the experience eventually feels like you are spending way more “than you should”. Enter guilt, even anger and resentment. Not exactly the feelings you want to experience on your vacation tour and holiday!

Related research has shown that people rate their satisfaction for packages with large numbers of “standard features” higher than trips where you pay for each add-on resort rental and tip. When options are included in the price, people enjoy them more than if they had to pay extra for them. Research has further shown that if you’ve pre-paid, then it feels free. People are more relaxed and enjoy their holiday or honeymoon more.

This is the hidden value of an all inclusive vacation. Chances are much higher that you will enjoy yourself more! All-inclusive resorts, tours and vacations include much of what you need to enjoy yourself on a getaway.

All inclusive beach resort vacations can be very economical. They are useful for people with limits on their spending. You know exactly how much you’re spending. When you book an all-inclusive trip, nearly everything is paid for in advance so there is little nickel and diming once you’re there. It’s far more likely that you don’t end up going on holiday and coming home to an outrageous credit card bill for extras.

There are so many choices available that it can be a lot of fun choosing your travel destination! There are wonderful holiday all inclusive beach resorts at Montego Bay, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Cancun, Puerto Plata, St. Lucia, and many more.

Another source of stress you can avoid is tipping. Some all inclusive vacations let you pre-pay for all costs, including tips, in advance.

Every deal is different, so ask your travel expert what is included and what is not included. Few places are truly, completely “all inclusive” and many resorts charge for extras, from spa treatments, sports (golf) and babysitting, to the bar. Sometimes when a hotel or resort advertises “tips included,” travellers find that tips are still expected from servers. Ask!

One budgeting strategy is to calculate how much you’re likely to spend per-item, per-day. Will you really want to drink 10 Bahama Mamas, or Paralyzers a day? And if your preference is premium alcohol you will want to check availability before signing up for a week of free drinks.

All inclusive travel is especially fun for first-time travellers because of their security and predictability.