All-inclusive resorts sound like the ultimate vacation: You can relax while someone brings you a fruity, paper umbrella-festooned drink by the pool without having to whip out your credit card 17 times each day.
But just like everything else in life, there are hidden fees and costs associated with all-inclusive resorts and vacation packages that you might not realize until you’re being nickel-and-dimed on the resort’s beach. Here are some of the most common hidden resort fees on an all-inclusive vacation you should be prepared for.
Tips and Gratuities
Some all-inclusive resorts roll gratuities for certain employees into the nightly cost or resort fees (more on those later), but even so, there are almost always times when you’re expected to tip. That often includes tipping drivers and other transportation connected with the resort, spa workers, butler services, and anytime anyone gives you service above and beyond what is expected. Make sure to bring plenty of small bills so you don’t have to use the ATM.
‘Premium’ Alcohol
Yes, all-inclusive generally means alcohol is included, but not all alcohol. In fact, you might find out the list of included brands and drinks is pretty short, so if that’s important to you, make sure you find out what alcohol is on and off the list. If you’re not too picky or don’t drink much (or at all), then it probably won’t be a problem.
Airport Transfers
A lot of travelers assume that transportation to and from the airport is included in the cost of a vacation, but that’s not always the case. Some resorts do include it, but you always need to check because it may only be for certain room types or booking classes, or it may be for all guests. No matter what, just be prepared ahead of time so you’re not stuck paying a high price for a last-minute car service.
Fine Dining
Resorts love to tout all the different restaurants on the property, but while they may be part of the resort, they may not be part of your all-inclusive package. Usually there’s a buffet, a main dining room, and a poolside bar and grill that are included. Beyond that, it’s a crapshoot whether the steakhouse, swanky sushi lounge, or fancy coffee stand are included. That goes for room service, too, which generally comes with a service fee even if you’re not technically paying for the food.
On-Resort Special Activities
There are plenty of enticing activities promoted on an all-inclusive’s website. Usually, some things are included, like the use of a kayak or snorkel gear on the resort’s own beach. But if you wanted to go out on a catamaran, or have a guide take you to the best snorkeling spots, that’ll probably cost extra. Things like spa treatments, cooking classes, yoga classes, and private dinners will not be included, so read the fine print.
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Excursions
If an activity is off the resort, you can always assume it’s not included. Ziplining, sightseeing tours, museums — they’re all going to cost you for things like transportation, a guide, and any activity that has a price. So if you’re the kind of person that wants to get out and explore the sights off-resort, plan ahead for those extra costs.
Resort Fees
Not every all-inclusive resort charges a resort fee, but some do. The daily, usually mandatory charge is for “extras” that don’t sound like extras, like wi-fi, beach towels, or use of the gym (that you may or may not be using). They’re often not advertised upfront when you’re booking a vacation, so they can be especially frustrating since there’s usually no way to opt out of them. Find out before you book whether there’s a resort fee and how much it is and factor that into the overall price when you’re deciding on which resort to book.
Currency Exchange and ATM Fees
Your all-inclusive resort is probably outside the U.S., and they will undoubtedly have a currency exchange and ATM available. But they know you’re a captive audience and probably don’t want to go off-resort just to get some more cash, so the exchange rates are usually terrible and the ATM fees are astronomical. To avoid them, use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees and get cash from an ATM off resort — preferably one affiliated with your bank.
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