What is included in “All Inclusive”

Just what exactly is included on an all inclusive vacation?  What do people mean when they say “All Inclusive”?

Generally speaking, an all inclusive vacation is one where all food and drink and usually non motorized watersports are included at the resort.

There are variations, of course.  For instance there are a couple of resorts that choose to have some “optional” restaurants at the resort where people in a certain room category can dine with no additional charge, but guests in other room categories must pay a surcharge.  The guests in the other room categories do have other options, but for these optional restaurants there is a charge.  This is not typical at most all inclusive resorts, though.

Another variation is the variety of non motorized watersports.    Most resorts have complimentary boogie boards and snorkel equipment.  Many will also have Hobie Cats, which I love.  You’ll find paddle boats sometimes too.  Some resorts have a water trampoline suspended just off their beach.  They are surprisingly tricky to jump on (especially after a couple of drinks).

At some resorts, there are some motorized watersports included but this is not usually what you’ll find. Things like parasailing and jetskis are typically available at an extra cost.

Beverages, both alcoholic and non alcoholic, are typically included.  Your particular brand of beer may not be available, your particular brand if liquor might not be served either.  If the availability of your brand is paramount to your enjoyment of your vacation, have us check to see if it will be available.

Room service is another variation.  Many deluxe resorts offer a great 24 room service menu.  Others have a more limited menu only available within certain hours.  Still others offer no room service at all.  Another situation you’ll find at a few resorts is one room service menu offered in lower room categories and an enhanced menu in the more deluxe room categories.

The term all inclusive does NOT refer to air being included in the package.  All inclusive does not refer to the transfers to and from the airport in the destination.  All inclusive does not refer to baggage fees being included.  Your vacation may very well include those things, but that isn’t what “all inclusive” means.  Simply put, all inclusive typically refers to a resort where accommodations, meals, drinks and at least some non motorized watersports are included.

What about you?  Has there been a time you’ve been surprised, either pleasantly or not pleasantly, about what was included in your all inclusive vacation?