These common mistakes are easy to avoid if you come prepared.

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Olivia Young

Vacations are meant to improve your life, not add stress and hassle. Going the all-inclusive route can be the perfect solution to ensure a smooth trip, but only if you do it right. If you’ve never done the planning yourself, you may have a lot of questions about the process, and there are many misconceptions. For instance, all-inclusive resorts don’t usually include the cost of your flights to the destination in the price, but they may include transfer from the airport.

Some of the most common vacation booking mistakes are easy to avoid if you do your research, so take it from us — these are the things you should never do when planning an all-inclusive vacation.

1. Underestimating Pay-As-You-Go Prices

Even when you know it’s all-inclusive, that doesn’t mean the price won’t give you sticker shock. You might think that you’re not going to eat or drink enough to get your money’s worth, but bear in mind that you don’t yet know what the pay-as-you-go price is. Often at resorts, food is much more expensive than you would think. For example, an appetizer you’d expect to be $10 might cost $25 at an all-inclusive resort, and drinks that are typically $15 might start at $30. Consequently, because of the usually inflated prices at all-inclusive resorts, it can be easier than you think to make the all-inclusive price worthwhile.

2. Overdoing It

You may feel pressured to eat and drink more than you normally would because it’s included. However, there’s no rule that says you have to try every item on the menu. Understanding the desire to get your money’s worth is reasonable, but if it comes at the cost of consuming to the point of discomfort or illness, it’s simply not worth it. Each individual knows their own limits regarding consumption. If there’s room for dessert, go for it; if not, you can always come back for it another time.

3. Not Checking the Vibe

Each resort has its unique personality and attracts a particular kind of guest. Some signals are easy to spot. Sleeker and more sophisticated resorts might be designated as adults-only, while others may cater to families, featuring numerous waterslides and daycare programs. If you want to gauge the vibe of a resort and know what the crowd will be like, take a look at the amenities and scheduled events. Judging by the music playlist alone, it’s relatively straightforward to differentiate between a resort attracting more seasoned travelers and one appealing to younger guests.

4. Assuming Everything Is Included

Many travelers assume that when booking an all-inclusive, everything related to their trip is included, from airfare and land transfers to tips, gratuity, activities, and amenities. However, all-inclusive rates can vary widely in what they cover; yours might include accommodations and food only, or it might include alcoholic drinks but no tips, which are typically expected. Flights from your home airport to your destination are generally not included, but in some cases, a remote and luxurious resort might have its own planes for guests to arrive in style. Therefore, don’t assume that once you’ve planned and paid for your all-inclusive trip, you can close your wallet. There may be additional aspects of your trip that you still need to organize and purchase.

5. Ignoring the Fine Print

Whatever you do, don’t overlook the fine print when arranging an all-inclusive vacation. Read it word for word, and then read it again. You might be surprised to find that the all-inclusive package doesn’t encompass taxes or gratuities, which can amount to significant costs. Conversely, you may discover that airport transfers are included, contrary to your assumption that you had to book your own transportation. Ultimately, it’s essential for you to be conscious of what you’re agreeing to, what you’re paying for, and what your rate doesn’t cover. You’ll also want to investigate the refund or cancellation policies in case your trip is interrupted or postponed.

6. Blowing Your Budget

Establishing a budget is crucial in safeguarding your finances and ensuring you stay within your means. It can be easy to convince yourself that a costly package is worth the indulgence. If you’re uneasy about paying a certain price or have to dip into savings (or worse, incur debt) to make the trip happen, don’t do it, as this could lead to disappointment throughout your vacation. Every flaw and imperfection of the trip will foster bitterness and resentment over the funds you spent unnecessarily. Moreover, while it might be tempting to splurge on amenities not included in the rate, especially since you’ve paid a set price up front, be cautious, as those extras can accumulate quickly and lead to a hefty bill at the end of your stay.

7. Staying on the Property the Whole Time

Perhaps the biggest downside of an all-inclusive vacation is that it can be limiting, often encouraging travelers to stay within the confines of what is included. This can mean never leaving the property, avoiding local restaurants with authentic cuisine, or not spending money on local excursions and activities. Therefore, it can lead to a bland, one-dimensional experience which may negatively impact the destination. While it may be tempting to refrain from spending money outside of what you’ve already paid for at the resort, neglecting to budget and plan for food, activities, and experiences beyond the all-inclusive package can result in a trip that lacks fulfillment, enrichment, or excitement.

8. Paying for Amenities You Won’t Use

Your resort may offer different all-inclusive packages with various amenities, but it’s unwise to pay for features you won’t utilize. For instance, if you’re going on vacation and don’t drink alcohol or are adhering to a diet of fish and salads, a deluxe package with nightly steak and wine pairings would be completely unnecessary. Additionally, you may be financing spa services when you’d rather spend your time at the beach. In that case, consider a lower-tier package, or opt to pursue the traditional à la carte vacation route.

9. Neglecting to Take Full Advantage of What’s Included

This may be obvious, but you’re paying a higher price for an all-inclusive vacation for a reason: there’s a plethora of offerings included. Educate yourself on exactly what the resort covers in the rate and strategize to fully take advantage of it (consider: poolside piña colada deliveries, sailing lessons, snorkel gear, private island cabanas, and even spa access). Living luxuriously is even more rejuvenating when you can embrace all your desires without incurring any extra costs.

10. Eating Only Familiar Foods

The allure of an all-inclusive vacation is the freedom to eat and drink as you please, whenever you wish. Don’t miss the chance to explore unfamiliar dishes — after all, it’s part of the package! All-inclusives typically have buffets or restaurants featuring a diverse array of food, all at no additional cost to you. Instead of sticking to your usual favorites, venture beyond your comfort zone and try something new. If you end up not enjoying it, there’s no loss; you can always choose something else.