The choice of whether to plan an all-inclusive vacation or to buy airline, hotel, entertainment and dining separately is especially important in an uncertain economy.
All-inclusive vacations – trips that package lodging, dining, drinks, entertainment and often flights into one price – have always been popular, especially for travelers visiting a destination for the first time, or seeking a week’s get-away at a resort location, especially on Caribbean islands. The notion of not having to make on-the-spot decisions or pay unexpected extras is certainly appealing.
When All-inclusive Vacations are a Good Idea
- The purpose of the trip is a relaxing get-away to an island resort like Sardinia or Tenerife, (the Canary Islands are known as Europe's Caribbean) and savoring the local experience and is less important than being sure of the price and quality.
- Lying on a beach or in a deck chair, swimming in a pool and knowing what you’re eating trumps exploring a destination and being surprised at what you find.
- The budget for a vacation is limited and it’s important to know exact costs in advance.
- It’s a destination you don’t know, where you don’t speak the language and haven’t the time to learn about either.
- When the price of a package is so much lower than the cost of its components that it makes sense to use the flight and lodging, then explore independently, even paying for meals out.
When All-inclusive Vacations are a Not Good Idea
- The purpose of a trip is to explore a destination and join the local scene.
- Travelers know the locale already and are looking for new experiences.
- Travelers are confident of their ability to nose out local inexpensive dining spots and watering holes.
- Claustrophobia sets in after three days of the same surroundings and dining room.
- In an economy where supply greatly exceeds demand, making last minute bargains on flights and hotels likely, it makes less sense to pay far in advance. Of course, it may also pay in this situation to book an all-inclusive vacation at the last minute, too.
Other All-inclusive Travel Options
Resorts and cruises are not the only kind of all-inclusive vacation, however. Consider the following options, which offer many of the same price advantages, but are designed for those who like to explore.
- Packaged tours that follow a special interest, such as Picasso Tours’ wine tour of Spain, which includes transportation, guides, winery tasting costs and some meals. Guides on these tours are often able to advise travelers about local dining options for the meals that are not included, and fellow travelers share an interest in the subject, whether it’s wine, art or music.
- Packages for independent travelers that include flights, airport transfers, hotels and rental car, all paid for in advance. Abreu Tours offers Portugal packages with lodging in the country’s outstanding Pousadas, so travelers are sure of top lodging and dining in destinations they select.
- Walking or cycling tours, for active travelers who like to explore with a like-minded group, knowledgeable local guides and the details taken care of by someone else, thanks. Tours include hotels, most or all meals (and often wines), admissions and transfers, as well as flights. Country Walkers offers trips in the Italian Lakes, Tuscany, Sicily, the Cinque Terre and other popular places in Italy.
The copyright of the article All Inclusive Vacations in S Europe Travel is owned by Barbara Rogers. Permission to republish All Inclusive Vacations in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
