 All-inclusive resorts can be an incredibly convenient way to vacation. Commonly found in Mexico and the Caribbean, these tropical resorts typically include all meals and snacks, nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks, and nonmotorized ocean sports (kayaking, sailing, and snorkeling just off the beach) in the nightly room rate. Activities ranging from dance lessons and cocktail-making classes to beach volleyball and morning yoga are also included, as is access to the on-site fitness center. Also often included: evening entertainment (think live music, karaoke, fire shows, and comedians) and kids’ clubs. When you book an all-inclusive vacation, you pay one fee, and a whole lot of food, drink, and entertainment is at your fingertips. Sounds easy, right? It sure is, but there are some things you’ll want to keep in mind to help your all-inclusive trip go as smoothly as possible — especially if you’re new to this type of travel. Here are some mistakes to avoid when you’re planning, booking, and experiencing your next all-inclusive resort vacation.  1. Expecting Everything To Be IncludedWith all that is included in an all-inclusive resort vacation, there’s plenty that isn’t included. For example, resorts nearly always charge for a la carte spa treatments (and they’re not cheap). A round of golf at the resort course will likely cost you. If you want to drink premium wine, beer, and liquor outside of the house brands, you’ll pay for that, too. And there will likely be an upcharge for special restaurant dishes like lobster and steak.  Then there are the “extras” you might want to enjoy while at the resort, such as a candlelight dinner on the beach, scuba-diving lessons, or a reserved beach bed with gourmet treats. That said, the specific inclusions at different resorts vary widely. Some properties, like Beaches, do include premium liquors. Sometimes, certain room categories or packages, like the El Dorado Spa Resorts’ Honeymoon Collection, include a special romantic dinner or two-for-one couples’ massage. Sandals covers greens fees at its Caribbean golf resorts. Bottom Line: Research what exactly is included in your reservation. If you can’t find the answer on the resort’s website, pick up the phone or start an online chat with a reservations agent to get the scoop. Or enlist the help of a travel agent.  2. Not Bringing Enough Cash For TipsSome resorts, such as Couples, have a publicized no-tipping policy. That means you don’t need to leave cash tips for housekeepers, bartenders, and other resort employees — your room rate covers all gratuities. More typically, it’s customary to leave a few dollars for the friendly bartender making your drinks, the restaurant servers who are hustling to get hot food to your table, the energetic activities staff running the fun volleyball games, the housekeeping staff leaving you towel animals on your bed every night, and the bell staff handling your luggage. Bottom Line: Find out what your resort’s policy is when you’re booking your vacation. Plan to bring several $1 and $5 bills to support hardworking employees if tipping is allowed on the property. If tips are covered in your room rate, you’ll still want a few dollars to tip taxi drivers, luggage handlers, or tour guides you may encounter outside the resort. (Dollars are widely accepted as tips in Mexico and the Caribbean, though local currency is welcomed as well.)  3. Readily Accepting The Offer To Sit Through A Timeshare Or Vacation Club PresentationMost all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico have a vacation club, where members pay a fee to receive significant discounts or upgraded “members-only” rooms on trips to that family of resorts. Similarly, timeshares (also called vacation-ownership memberships) allow people to purchase a set number of weeks to spend annually at the resort — or other resorts in the network — so you are basically paying for subsequent vacations in advance. On arrival at your all-inclusive resort, you’ll undoubtedly be asked to attend a vacation club or timeshare presentation in exchange for a “free” gift. Over the years, my husband and I have sat through these talks for $100 in cash, a Jeep rental, and a 60-minute massage. Each time we said, “No, thank you,” firmly, when we were asked to buy into a timeshare or vacation club (even after the initial offer dropped in price by more than 75 percent). We have zero interest in being locked into vacationing at the same place every year, and we don’t want to be stuck with a timeshare that will then need to be deeded to our kids or otherwise sold when we can’t travel anymore. However, I like freebies, so we sat through the sales spiels. That is, until the last time — the sales tactics were incredibly aggressive, we were treated rudely when we said we weren’t interested, and we were roughly escorted out a back service door (while folks who did purchase memberships were celebrated with champagne bottles popping and bells ringing). Now we simply say we don’t want to attend a spiel. Bottom Line: Consider whether it’s worth giving up at least an hour of your vacation time to tour the timeshare or vacation club accommodations and sit through the sales presentation. Often, salespeople will say it’ll take just an hour, but they’ll keep selling until you literally get up and walk away. Keep an eye on your watch and make clear you’re done listening after the agreed-upon 60 minutes. Be prepared for aggressive sales tactics — it’s easy to be swayed and make a purchase impulsively! Remember, you can always just budget for that massage or other “freebie” instead of wasting your time in a sales presentation.  4. Not Exploring The Whole Resort Or Trying New ThingsThis is your vacation — you should spend it how you like. And if you immediately find a favorite spot at the pool for lounging, or a favorite breakfast restaurant with the best made-to-order omelets, then by all means, put that on repeat daily until it’s time to go home. Similarly, if you’ve been to Mexico multiple times, and this particular trip is all about rest and relaxation on the beach, then there’s no need to book a bunch of off-site excursions to local cenotes, archaeological ruins, or snorkeling spots. But I’d suggest that if you’re at a new-to-you vacation destination, you take the time to check out all the offerings of the resort and its surroundings. That means scouting out the different relaxing spots to read your book (hammock, lounge chair, or beach bed!) or making reservations at the various a la carte restaurants (typically upon arrival with the concierge or restaurant staff, to avoid missing out). Also consider visiting the resort’s tour desk, where representatives can sign you up for off-property trips to learn about the local culture or have fun with various activities — from a sunset catamaran cruise to a zip-lining adventure to swimming with stingrays. Bottom Line: You know what you like, and on vacation you may not be interested in any surprises. But traveling also offers opportunities to try new things. So if you’re going to a Club Med property and you can learn to fly on a trapeze -- safely, and for free! — why not sign up? Similarly, with all of your food included, sample new dishes. If you don’t love what you ordered, don’t hesitate to ask for a different appetizer or entrée — all your food is paid for already, so enjoy!  5. eat only Familiar foodsThe beauty of an all-inclusive is that you’re free to eat and drink whatever and whenever you please. Don’t pass up the opportunity to sample dishes that are new to you — after all, it’s included! All-inclusives typically have buffets or restaurants with a wide variety of food on offer, and all of it is available at no additional cost to you. Instead of sticking with your favorite foods or usual combinations, venture out of your comfort zone and try something new. If you don’t like it, no loss; you can pick something else. Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning.
0 Comments
Venture off the beaten path during your next vacay.  When planning for an upcoming vacation, I like to find the lesser-known things you can’t miss at that destination. It’s no different when it comes to theme parks. You probably know the highlights about Universal Orlando Resort: fun rides, hotels to stay at, delicious restaurants and entertainment, and — of course — The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There’s so much more you can do at Universal that you may not even be aware of. Like, did you know you can adopt a Pygmy Puff? Do you even know what a Pygmy Puff is!? Well, you’re about to find out. I put together a list of my top picks for the lesser known experiences you can do during your vacation here. Whether it’s your first visit you’re planning or your 100th, I hope these spark some inspiration. 1. Try a Can of Whoville’s Who Hash  One of my new favorite foodie finds is over at Green Eggs and Ham Cafe in Seuss Landing with the can of Whoville’s Who Hash. Munching on your can of Who Hash while strolling through the land will make you feel as if you’re right in the middle of a Dr. Seuss book. You can also get Green Eggs & Ham Tots, Buffalo Chicken Tots, and more. 2. Have a Chat with a Volcano Spirit If you venture inside the volcano Krakatau at Universal’s Volcano Bay, you will come across Vol, the spirit of the volcano! This trickster fire spirit is great to chat with and can be a bit playful with water when they want to be. 3. Tour the MEN IN BLACK Headquarters  One of the areas guests walk by overhead is the immigration room, which seems straights off the set of the first MIB film. What you may not know is that you can actually get a tour of this area and explore the downstairs level of MIB headquarters. If you ask one of the agents nicely, they may have availability to take you down and meet a few of the aliens. *Note: This experience is not always available. Saving the galaxy can be quite time-consuming.* 4. Meet Characters From Your Favorite Movies Did you know you can occasionally run into Men In Black agents, trade in your cash for bank notes with a Gringotts Goblin, or even practice your kung fu moves with Po from Kung Fu Panda? There are a ton of characters to meet that you may not even be aware of! Keep an eye out as you explore the parks to see who you can find. 5. Adopt a Pygmy Puff  And this, my friends, is a Pygmy Puff. They are one of the cutest creature companions in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and, when you adopt one, the shopkeepers will do a fun naming ceremony for you. You can find them at Magical Menagerie and Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, and you can adopt them in three sizes! 6. Bowl a Strike in Your Hotel Even if you can’t bowl a strike (like me), it’s pretty sweet having a bowling alley in your hotel. Galaxy Bowl at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is small and intimate with only 10 lanes, which is part of its charm, but it does fill up fast. Don’t forget to make a reservation ahead of time and to bring your lucky bowling socks. 7. Snap a Pic with Your Favorite Shark  Our JAWs attraction will live on in our memories, but there is still one place you can get a taste of it. Quite literally — you can enjoy a Shark Attack drink at Chez Alcatraz. This little bar pays homage to the attraction and even has our favorite shark right next to it for pictures. 8. Brave a 125-Foot Drop Slide Called Ko’okiri Body Plunge Your vacation is the perfect time to face your fears, right? Conquer the tallest drop slide in Orlando at Universal’s Volcano Bay. It also happens to have an awesome view… that is if you can keep your eyes open. 9. Try All Six Kinds of Butterbeer Treats  Yes, you read that right. There are six kinds of Butterbeer treats you can try in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including fudge, ice cream, potted cream and — of course — the three types of drink. #TeamFrozen all the way. *Certain Butterbeer treats are offered seasonably.* 10. Dance with a Panda Sometimes you just need an impromptu dance party with a panda. Have no fear, Hashtag is here! You can meet and dance with Hashtag the Panda before racing through New York with Jimmy Fallon. You can also see a performance by the Ragtime Gals. 11. Embark on a Rum-Tasting Journey  Take a break from the parks and unwind with a rum-tasting journey led by a Rum Captain at Strong Water Tavern at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. They also happen to have amazing empanadas. *Operations are temporarily suspended for Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. * 12. Get Your Putt-Putt On As a self-proclaimed mini golf extraordinaire, one of my favorite things to do is play a round at the Hollywood Drive-In Golf in Universal CityWalk. It’s the perfect low-key activity to end the day. Plus, the haunted and sci-fi themes of each course speak to my little geeky heart. 13. See Your Favorite Movies On… Water Screens?  End your day at the parks with a front-row view of the nighttime show Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration in Universal Studios Florida. There’s something really epic about seeing a gigantic T. Rex from Jurassic World roaring in your face on MASSIVE water screens. *This show is available on select nights. Make sure to check the park map or Universal Orlando Mobile App for updates.* 14. Enjoy a Lunch Inspired by Dishes from Across the Globe Right at the front of Universal’s Islands of Adventure is one of my favorite restaurants, Confisco Grille. This hidden gem (that just so happens to be in plain sight) features an eclectic menu with a mixture of global cuisines like Asian, Turkish, Mediterranean, Greek, Russian, Polish, and more. You can also find mysterious “confiscated” goods inside that you may recognize from the park. 15. Escape to Waterfall Cove  This is my kind of ‘hidden gem’ when it comes to water parks. Waterfall Cove is a secluded area tucked away at the base of Krakatau (the volcano) in Volcano Bay. It makes for a peaceful escape from the crowds and has some gorgeous waterfalls that will make you feel as if you’ve been transported to an exotic location. 16. Explore Lost Continent An enchanted talking fountain, exotic cuisine, a bazaar filled with trinkets and treasures, psychic readings, and more. Lost Continent is one of the most richly-themed areas of Islands of Adventure with stunning backdrops for photos, and the perfect place to relax and grab a bite to eat. I highly recommend having lunch at Mythos and enjoying the excellent views of the park from the outside seating. 17. Eat Burgushi – Where the Cow and the Fish Become One  Take the fixings of both a burger and sushi, put them together, and bam! Burgushi. Chow down on this land and sea fusion at The Cowfish in Universal CityWalk. My favorite is The High-Class Hillbilly-Southern Style Bar-B-Q-Shi (pictured). 18. Live Your Best Rockstar Life I’m all about music, which makes Hard Rock Hotel one of my favorite places to stay. One of the fun things to do is the memorabilia tour. You can see priceless items from some of your singers and bands. Feel inspired? You can rent a guitar or record player to play in your room after! *Some hotel amenities may be temporarily unavailable during your visit.* 19. Cast Your Own Spells  Create your own magic in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with an interactive wand. You have to try your hand at the Meteolojinx in Diagon Alley (pictured). My personal favorite spell is Incendio at Flimflams Lanterns in Diagon Alley. It’s so cool at night! You may even discover some hidden spells as you progress in your practice. 20. Sing Karaoke on the Big Stage Even if you’re afraid of being in the spotlight, singing karaoke at Rising Star in Universal CityWalk is SO FUN. You get backup singers and even a hype man to help make you the star of the show. Plus, the lights are bright enough on stage so you can barely see the crowd — just in case you need a courage booster. *Check the Universal Orlando Mobile App for when Rising Star and other CityWalk venues are open.* What are you looking forward to checking out? Add to the list in the comments if you’re an experienced veteran of the parks! Must be 21 years of age or older with valid identification to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages at Universal Orlando Resort. AuthorMeg Kinnerk is the Founder and Owner of Mickey's Dream Vacations Inc. Meg lives in Chicago and enjoys traveling the world with her husband and two sons. During Meg's 12 years in the Travel Industry, she has been recognized for her achievements across several platforms, including being a Top Producer with Disney Destinations, Funjet Vacations, a member of Disney's EMTAC Team, and a Universal UPreferred Agency, as well as many others. Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Disney Destinations. We take the stress out of travel planning. |
RSS Feed 
