Looking for the best stress-free vacation of your life? Consider a stay at an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica BUT avoid the common mistakes people make at an all-inclusive—especially first time travelers. Have the best vacation ever as you learn what to do and what NOT to do with these all-inclusive tips and the best travel hacks.
When you plan a vacation to an all-inclusive resort, chances are good that you are spending a lot of money, investing a lot of energy in research, and building the anticipation for a dream vacation. These all-inclusive tips will help you have the time of your life AND get the most out of your travel investment.
25 Common Mistakes People Make at an All-Inclusive Resort
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Chris and I recently planned an international trip to the Caribbean, splitting our time between two all-inclusive resorts: Secrets Wild Orchid in Montego Bay (a Hyatt property) and Royalton Negril Resort in Negril, Jamaica (part of the Marriott Autograph Collection). Our stays were amazing!
Check dates for the Royalton Resort in Negril, Jamaica
Check dates for Secrets Wild Orchid in Montego Bay, Jamaica
Discover the common mistakes people make at an all-inclusive to be fully prepared to enjoy YOUR stay.
1. Assume That EVERYTHING Is Included
You may think that the title “all-inclusive resort” suggests that the resort includes everything. The specifics may vary from one resort to another and may be influenced by your membership status as well as with the package you booked.
Common upcharges at an all-inclusive resort MAY include:
- Transfers to and from the resort
- Spa treatments
- Excursions
- Premium alcohol
- WiFi
- Jet ski rentals and water sports equipment
- Extras from the resort gift shop
- Resort fees
Best travel hacks instead: Be sure to read the fine print. Learn about the package you select before you arrive. If you are not sure whether or not something is included, ask the staff.
2. Not Doing Your Research
Whether you are planning a solo trip, a family Spring Break week, or a romantic couples getaway, you may miss out on some amazing adventures by simply NOT doing your research.
Pinterest is an awesome resource for sharing information as well as for discovering new ideas of where Chris and I might travel. This is one of our smart travel hacks. Reading posts from travelers who have been to the destination you are hoping to visit or even sparking your ideas of where to travel, is essential in planning the perfect trip.
Chris and I planned an off-season trip to Malta simply from a Pinterest pin I saw.
Best travel hacks instead: Check the resort website, search other people’s experiences, check TripAdvisor, read forums, and talk to the concierge upon arrival.
You’ll find travel tips and tricks, ideas on how we plan our family travel adventures, ideas for “All POINTS TRAVEL”, travel gadgets and gear, travel resources and inspiration, and excursion ideas.
- Just Wander More
- Viator (link to snorkeling in Moorea on a catamaran named Taboo that we loved)
- GuideAlong (awesome audio tour guides for your road trips formerly called GyPSy Guide)
- TripAdvisor
- MSN Articles
- Booking.com
3. Overtipping or Undertipping
Would you agree that tipping etiquette can often be confusing or unclear no matter where you travel? The rules are often different when staying at all-inclusive resorts.
Do you tip at all-inclusive resorts?
One of the benefits of an all-inclusive resort is that gratuities are usually included in the package. Guests are not expected to tip for regular services such as housekeeping or dining wait staff; HOWEVER, you may still choose to tip for exceptional service or for special requests.
This may include service that goes above and beyond, butler service, requests to book excursions, or spa treatments. This is especially true if any of these services are in addition to what is included.
Since the pandemic, the tipping culture seems to have changed at many resorts. Even though tips for normal services aren’t required, in some countries and some resorts they are now expected.
Best travel hacks instead: Become familiar with specific details of your package to discover what services are included under the all-inclusive tips. Be sure to bring $100 to $200 in small bills for tipping. In poorer countries, many of the resort staff depend on these tips to make a living wage. You may not be required to tip them, but it is often the kind thing to do.
4. Overindulging in Food and Drinks
Just because the ice cream bar is all-you-can-eat, does it really mean you should overindulge? One of the mistakes people make at an all-inclusive is feeling as though they have to get their money’s worth of food, snacks, and drinks. This may bring about unfortunate results of being sick or feeling sluggish and causing you to miss out on the fun moments of your vacation.
Best travel hacks instead: A helpful travel tip is to be moderate in your indulgences. You want to enjoy your whole stay.
5. Eating Only at the Buffet
There is a common misconception that the buffet is your only option for your breakfast, lunch or dinner. Of the two all-inclusive resorts that Chris and I visited, both had a variety of restaurants onsite as well as room service. If your resort allows you to make reservations, make them as quickly as possible once you arrive.
Best travel hacks instead: You may not be completely familiar with the resort on your first day, so visit the buffet and then scout out the additional options that are available to you. Chris and I took advantage of the pool side BBQ and lunch service in the adults only section of our all-inclusive, we ordered lunch through our butler delivered to us poolside, and we discovered which restaurants were open for breakfast besides the buffet.
6. Not Realizing You Have Booked a Stay at a Nudist Beach in Jamaica!
Discovering that you have booked a stay at a nudist beach in Jamaica (or anywhere in the world) may come as a surprise if you don’t do your research. For Chris and I, we opted for the adults only all-inclusive stay at the Royalton Negril; there is also an option to stay in the Grand Lido section of the property. Grand Lido is adults only, mandatory au naturale by the pool, and all inclusive; if you haven’t done your research you may be surprised.
Best travel hacks instead: The benefit of the Royalton Negril is that it has a variety of options throughout the property. DO YOUR RESEARCH!!!
7. Not Going on Excursions and Trying New Things
While you have the option to enjoy the luxury of staying in bed all day, or relaxing in a cabana by the pool, the benefit of an all-inclusive resort is that you have options. Pick a few days to relax and unwind, but then choose to parasail or take a boat tour to snorkel, explore caves and visit Rick’s Cafe in Jamaica.
Many resorts are in areas where you can explore nature, get out of your comfort zone, visit famous attractions and enjoy excursions
Best travel hacks instead: This is the perfect opportunity to go beyond your comfort zone and try something new. Parasailing or paragliding anyone? Learn to snorkel, try a local delicacy, brave the crowds or even cliff dive at Rick’s Cafe! Your kids might just say, “Mom and Dad are living their best life!”
8. Not Connecting with the Staff
On our first visit to Royalton Negril in Jamaica, Chris and I watched as the staff warmly greeted guests who had been visiting the resort for many years. After a day or so, the staff became familiar with our drink choices and anticipated our requests.
Creating this connection and showing kindness ensures that your stay is amazing—one where you may say, “I want to come back!”
Best travel hacks instead: Acknowledge the staff with a smile or greeting. Getting to know the staff is one of the reasons that many people return to a resort again and again. This is one of the all-inclusive tips that I recommend you focus on. Create the connections with the bartender, the event staff, the fitness guys, and your butler. It can make all the difference.
9. Not Using the Butler Service if it is Included
Butler service is often a luxury at a resort and is included with certain package levels. You may feel as though you are a bother asking for extra services, but if the butler service is included in your stay, enjoy it.
The butler service was provided for some guests at the Secrets Wild Orchid Resort. We noticed that the butlers saved prime cabanas and loungers for their guests along with a cooler filled with drinks. Without the butler service, Chris and I found the number of available loungers with umbrellas were limited as many were already reserved.
Best travel hacks instead: Chris and I enjoyed our butlers at Royalton and asked for specific drinks and water bottles to be stocked daily in our room fridge. They made dinner reservations for us each day, made sure we had the pool towels we needed, arranged for luggage pick up on our last day, and requested a golf cart on the night it was pouring rain to take us to our dinner reservation. Be kind to them and they will go above and beyond to help you.
10. Not Disconnecting From Your Electronics
This is often one of the mistakes people make at an all-inclusive resort or any type of resort: you don’t disconnect from work, social media, or electronics. Embrace the time you have to spend with your special someone (or kids if you happen to be at a family resort).
Best travel hacks instead: Be present in the moment! Use your phone to take a few pictures or videos but otherwise try to unplug from your everyday life. (Internet service may be unreliable at some international resorts, so it might just limit your phone use naturally.)
11. Not Getting Travel Insurance
Not all vacations go as smoothly as you might hope. You may encounter weather-related disasters, medical emergencies, accidents, flight cancellations, lost luggage and other mishaps…all things not included in the resort’s insurance coverage.
Best travel hacks instead: Plan for the unexpected and invest in some peace of mind with travel insurance. Be sure to have adequate coverage and keep information about your policy easily accessible. Read through the policy carefully so that you know what is and what isn’t covered.
Many credit cards offer travel insurance as an extra perk when you use your card to pay for the trip. Also check your personal medical insurance to know what is covered. DO YOUR RESEARCH!
12. Not Meeting New People
On our recent trip to Jamaica, Chris and I enjoyed meeting so many new couples. Some of the couples were returning guests and planned their visit specifically at this time to meet up with friends they had made in previous years.
Best travel hacks instead: Reach out and get to know the people around you. You will quickly get the sense of who wants to engage or who prefers a casual greeting and wishes to focus more on their partner.
13. Not Packing the Right Clothing
If you have ever been on a cruise, it is pretty common to have formal nights where you are encouraged to bring fancier clothing. This is one area where Chris and I did not do our research and found we made one of the common mistakes people make at an all-inclusive: we did not plan specifically to dress up for dinner.
Some of the restaurants have a dress code of “casual elegance” or “casual”. This means no sleeveless shirts for men, no swim wear or cover ups, and something more than beach flip flops.
There is always a balance between packing too much and not packing enough clothing. If you’re headed to a tropical location, for example, you will definitely want to bring the appropriate beach and swimwear. Consider your footwear if you plan to go on any excursions
Best travel hacks instead: Do some research and plan a few nicer outfits for dinner. Don’t forget swimsuits, beach cover ups and flip flops for your days lounging at the beach.
14. Ignoring Safety Precautions and Warnings
If you are traveling to Jamaica (or any other country under a travel warning), plan your travel with safety as priority number one. Royalton Negril made note of all guests leaving the resort and had you check back in when you returned.
Follow signs and safety precautions for swimming as well.
Best travel hacks instead: Be cautious and mindful. If you are staying at a resort, don’t go off property at night. Use common sense. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it!
15. Not Drinking Enough Water
Along with not drinking enough water you’ll also want to make sure you CAN drink the tap water. Find out!
Best travel hacks instead: Bring a reusable insulated water bottle. If you plan to drink sugary drinks or alcohol during your all-inclusive stay, be sure to alternate your drinks with water to avoid dehydration. If you are in the sun all day, drink plenty of water.
16. Not Checking the Daily Events Schedule
You have the opportunity to choose how active you want to be at an all-inclusive. There are a variety of themed events, trivia games, and evening entertainment options to choose.
Best travel hacks instead: Check the schedule that is posted at the resort, sign up for daily emails or texts if that is possible, or read the printed daily itinerary delivered to your room.
17. Not Using Your Reward Points or Miles
You miss out on valuable points and perks when you don’t sign up for hotel rewards programs or frequent flyer programs. Consider Hilton, Hyatt, or Marriott for your stays and United for your flights.
Best travel hacks instead: If you aren’t a frequent traveler, consider a travel-related credit card that will begin to accrue points with your purchases that you can then use for booking flights and accommodations.
We have had a great experience with the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card.
18. Forgetting to Bring & Apply Sunscreen
Nothing can ruin a vacation faster than a sunburn. Bring ample sunscreen and use it. You can purchase sunscreen and after-sun gel at the resort gift shop. I left our after-sun gel at home. A new bottle from the gift shop was more than double the price I paid at home.
Best travel hacks instead: Use a packing list to make sure you bring all of the sunscreen and toiletries you need. You may need to check your bag.
19. Forgetting to Bring Bug Spray
I always seem to be a magnet for bug bites anywhere I travel. My husband rarely gets bitten.
Best travel hacks instead: If you are like me, be sure to bring a bottle of bug spray.
20. Losing Your Wristband
When you check in to many all-inclusive resorts, you will be given a wristband that indicates which section of the resort you are in, shows the level of service in your resort package, and serves as your room key.
Best travel hacks instead: Don’t lose the wrist band. Royalton Negril charges $150 to replace your band.
21. Not Trying Room Service
Room service is in included at most all-inclusive resorts.
Best travel hacks instead: If you are not an early riser or have midnight cravings, try ordering room service.
22. Traveling in the Wrong Season
What fun is a stay at a resort if you are traveling during the rainy season and can’t enjoy the beach? Be sure to check for major holidays and celebrations too—some services may shut down.
Best travel hacks instead: Research the local and national holidays of your chosen destination. When Chris and I visited Florence, Italy on a holiday, we found the city transportation service limited and packed with people wanting to enjoy the day. You can also easily search the weather of your chosen destination to determine the best time to visit.
23. Not Understanding Resort Protocol
You would think that visiting an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica would take most of the work out of your day-to-day vacation planning, but do yourself a favor and find out the daily resort protocol. Do you need to book your activities? Do you need to make dinner reservations? If you have a butler, what services do they provide? Can you make any of your reservations in advance or do you have to sign up daily? Is there a dress code for dining?
Best travel hacks instead: One of the things that Chris and I like to do upon arriving at a resort destination is to explore. We take note of the fitness center hours, pool hours, and plan our morning and evening meal times.
24. Falling for a Sales Pitch
On of the biggest mistakes people make at an all-inclusive resort is falling for a sales pitch and having to sit through a two-hour presentation with staff members whose job is to sell timeshares. You may also be approached to buy excursions, spa services and upgraded experiences.
Best travel hacks instead: Be aware that staff members chatting you up after you check-in or while you’re lounging by the pool may be trying to sell you something. A polite “no thanks” will suffice.
25. Not Exercising
I realize that this tip is not for everyone. In fact, some people go on vacation to forget about daily exercise. If this is you, awesome. Enjoy your vacation and get back to exercise when you return home.
Best travel hacks instead: This is definitely not on some people’s radar when they vacation, let alone when they visit an all-inclusive resort. Chris and I know that when we visit an all-inclusive (or go on a cruise), that our schedules will be much more relaxed. We always find time to exercise to be able to enjoy relaxing all day long and probably eating more than we are used to.
Check the fitness center for hours and classes offered or plan to get in a little exercise with a fun activity such as snorkeling where you may not realize you are actually working out!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all-inclusives worth it?
Yes. Especially if you want to relax and enjoy the peace of mind of not worrying about your expenses and the budget. Additional benefits include a simplified planning process and clarity on your total vacation costs.
Do you tip at all-inclusive resorts?
Typically, gratuities are included at all-inclusive resorts. You may wish to tip for service that goes above and beyond.
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Don’t Make These Common Mistakes at an All-Inclusive Resort
Vacations are intended to reduce stress and be relaxing. Choosing an all-inclusive can be the perfect solution!
Be sure to ask questions: Do I need to make dinner reservations in advance? Are kids club activities offered? Are there adult only sections to the resort? What is the tipping culture?
Knowledge is power and knowing the common mistakes people can make at an all-inclusive resort will help you to have a fantastic vacation—whether you are going to a nudist beach in Jamaica or a family resort! You’ll want to be sure to pack more than one swimsuit too. Check my Free Beach Packing List for all of your packing needs.
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I loved this post. I had visited an all-inclusive resort in the Maldives a year back, and I so wished I had known some of these tips earlier, especially about not eating only at the buffet.
I have never stayed at an all inclusive but I have certainly thought about it. This is great information for when I do…hopefully soon.
These are great tips! I’ve only stayed at one all inclusive, and we made quite a few assumptions at the time, which led to a not so great experience.
Great tips! All inclusive resorts can be great vacation options, but there are definitely some things you still need to think about to have a great stay. Thanks for sharing!
Love this! I have def made some of these mistakes!
These are great tips! I’ve only done all inclusive travel twice, but as my husband and I have gotten into points and miles more, we’re planning more all inclusive trips! This is really helpful to hear and tons to consider when thinking about the right resort too!
It has been awhile since our last visit to an all inclusive resort. We used to visit when the kids were small and wanted a larger resort with lots of food and entertainment options. We sure did get surprises thinking everything was included. And we all ate and drank too much!
You really do need to read what is ‘included’ in your stay so there are no surprises. I’ve only stayed in one ‘all inclusive resort’ in Cancun and I loved it.
Great points. I remember forgetting to bring sunscreen once and a small bottle cost US$40 at the resort. I have never made that mistake again!
Nice, comprehensive post. I also appreciated the humor aspects here. It’s indeed a good to do your research properly ;D
I lol’d at #6 … that is a very specific mistake !
This is perfect! I’m new to the all inclusive game so this was helpful to understand what I’m getting into! I have my next all inclusive planned for Mexico I’ll have to make sure to implement some of these tips! Thank you!
I had to chuckle at not overeating! Boy, do I need that reminder!!!
This list was very helpful. The final one was my favourite. Exercising must be so important given that all the food and drink is free. Very easy to over eat and pile and the pounds!
I can totally relate to this list 🙂 Especially when it comes to purchasing local tours and overeating at the buffeet restaurants
These are all such great tips for how to make the most of all inclusive !! Great list !
Love this post! I stayed at an AI for the first time last year in Zanzibar. I didn’t know about the wristband thing and I cut mine off at night because I didn’t want to sleep in it. Not a good idea — they wanted to charge me $50 for the flimsy wristband, so I strung it back together with floss. Oops!
Super helpful! I’m planning a resort holiday and this is such practical and useful advice, thank you!