All-Inclusive means you can truly relax and indulge on your vacation, because it’s all included for one incredible price. With all-inclusive vacations, you can leave your money in your wallet and your wallet in your room. One low price includes gourmet meals, endless activities, entertainment and more. Before making a down payment on an all-inclusive vacation this spring, consider this: Even though all-inclusive deals usually come with higher price tags, the extra cost might be well worth it. Economists and travel experts say that pre-paying for all the food, drinks, and relaxation you can buy can actually help you have a more enjoyable getaway because you don’t have to keep thinking about the money you’re spending. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or family vacation, all-inclusive resorts are ideal for a relaxing trip because, everything you’ll eat, drink, see, and do is included in one price. Of course, there are all-inclusives all over the world, but Mexico is perhaps best known for its many options, ranging from budget-friendly properties to super-luxurious resorts with all the amenities. Plus, these hotels are set in picturesque beach towns around the country’s coastline.

What’s included
Staying at an all-inclusive (“AI”) resort means you’ll pay one flat price for your room, all meals and drinks. But that’s only the beginning: tons of activities and entertainment, as well as taxes and tips, are included as well, so you won’t get shocked by hidden fees on check-out. Many upscale resorts add excursions and other luxury perks to the package.

Where to go to get away from it all
You’ll find plenty of all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, Central America, and most Caribbean islands. For all-inclusive value without a passport, there are also options in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Many all-inclusive resort brands have several different properties, so if you find one you like, you can travel somewhere different each year and be confident you’ll be getting the same level of service wherever you go.

Why choose an all-inclusive resort?
Really, you should be asking yourself “why not”? Yes, the package price makes them convenient; but it’s really about the experience. These resorts go above and beyond to provide you with excellent service. Think butlers, 24-hour room service and more. Organized activities and kids’ clubs make them great destinations for families. All inclusive resorts in Puerto Vallarta, along Mexico’s Pacific shore, are well known. While the prospect of sipping a margarita on the white, sandy beaches may be enough to attract you, there is much more to enjoy in this beautiful beach town

And for the rest: resort credit
High-end all-inclusive resorts include golf greens fees, spa services, motorized watersports, scuba dives, and wireless internet. Where these aren’t included, you can often take advantage of resort credit offers that make these extras practically complimentary. Although taxes on accommodations and meals are included, you may have to pay them separately on items paid for with resort credit. The Mexican coastal resort town of Cabo San Lucas has perfected the art of the all-inclusive hotel. While the genre has often gotten a bad rap, these all-inclusive resorts are the very best in Cabo—with high-end dining, excellent service and restaurants serving up some of the best local seafood dishes in the region.

Dining details
A resort’s specialty or a la carte restaurants may require reservations, while others may include an extra fee. Modest all-inclusive resorts will tend more towards buffet dining, while higher-end resorts will include more al la carte options in the package prices. House wines and spirits will definitely be included in your package, but you may have to pay more or use resort credits if you want premium wine or spirits.

Are All-Inclusive resorts all the same?
No. Many resorts go above and beyond what you might expect, offering a wide range of specialty restaurants serving gourmet cuisine plus abundant international buffets, premium-brand alcoholic beverages, room service, supervised kids’ clubs and world-class spas. Even avid cruisers may want to re-think their vacation options when considering the cost differential between a cruise and a land-based all-inclusive vacation.

All-inclusive resorts are made for budgeters. Since pre-paying means that you know exactly how much you’re paying ahead of time, it’s a useful strategy for people with strict limits on how much they can spend. When you book a vacation at an all inclusive resort, nearly everything is paid for in advance and there is little nickel and diming after the fact. So you don’t end up going on vacation and coming home to an outrageous credit card bill for extras.