The all-inclusive resort, where throngs of tourists gather to enjoy all the food, drink, and sun they can bear. As wonderful as it sounds, there are a few things you need to know before rushing out to book that really cheap vacation package. To help you understand all-inclusive resorts, here are 6 things to know about them.
- All-inclusive does not always include everything
Back in the day Club Med first introduced all-inclusives, they really meant all-inclusive, but as more resorts and even cruise ships came aboard, it became less "all-inclusive." Today, many resorts charge extra for many services, including top-shelf liquor, airport transfers, motorized water activities, and spa treatments. It seems that the more premium the perk is, the more likely you are to pay more for it. Things like off-site excursions can cost a lot, and don't be surprised when you're asked to pay for things you once thought were included. The good news is that almost everywhere includes all the normal food and drink, accommodation and services, which means you can still pay one price, as long as you stay within those parameters.
- The room game
You're flipping through the brightly colored travel magazine or looking at room photos on the website of the resort you're about to visit. Guess what, that nice ocean view room with a canopy bed and gorgeous bedding is probably not what you'll get when you arrive at the resort. Standard rooms are often not shown in books or on websites unless you click a lot of links to get to that particular image. Another fact that is often left out of travelers is whether the resort is under construction. This can happen one of two ways: First, you've booked and paid for your trip far enough in advance that the resort didn't know construction was planned. And let's be honest, they're not emailing all future guests letting them know that. Or you booked online and just didn't notice the fine print somewhere on the website. Either way, it's always good to check online boards, review sites, etc. when booking an all inclusive.
- Welcome to seclusion
Most all-inclusive resorts are surrounded by other all-inclusive resorts. Investors have snapped up expensive beachfront properties that no locals could afford, poured millions of dollars into building resorts, and surrounded themselves with other big resorts. You won't find any kind of local culture to experience here. You won't find any local shops or restaurants in the area. What you'll find is a mega-resort that offers all the restaurants, experiences, and shopping you could want—that is, if you're not interested in learning about or supporting the local economy. Some resorts like top 10 resorts in Coorg even tell guests that it is dangerous to leave the resort, prompting them to stay and spend more money at the resort. Just so you know, you're probably not helping the local economy by going to one of these resorts.
- There are no refunds
There are some things you just can't control in life, and one of those things includes the weather, which can be a big factor when it comes to best resorts in Madikeri, considering there are so many located in the Caribbean where they see hurricanes. From May to October. Unfortunately for guests who have the misfortune of bad weather when at the resort, there is not much the resort can do for them. Even when a resort includes a "hurricane guarantee," the fine print states something like hurricane-force winds must hit the resort building. And even then, if that happens, the costs of the fights are not reimbursed. To avoid this, buying travel insurance is recommended, but consumers should be aware of what they are buying and what it will cover.
- Don't expect Michelin-star restaurants
Although you can eat all you want at these all-inclusive resorts, since most of them offer some form of dining throughout the day, you may not want to. The cheapest all-inclusive resorts often don't offer the best food, and the saying "you get what you pay find out more for" couldn't be more true. Expect to dine at many buffets, unless, of course, you make restaurant reservations as soon as you set foot in the resort. Even then, don't expect meals that will blow your mind. It's important to note that there are top resorts in Coorg that offer fantastic restaurants, some for which you pay more, and if food is really important to you when you go on vacation, we suggest reading the reviews.
- Tips are very useful
It is literally worth tipping your bartender, your housekeeper, your server, and everyone you come in contact with who works at the resort. Unless, of course, you're at a resort that doesn't allow employees to accept tips. In all other cases, however, if you want excellent, personalized service, be sure to show up with some extra cash. There are a couple of different ways to approach tipping, the first is to leave a big tip on the first day with the idea that you will be taken care of the whole time. The other way is to tip as you go, a bit more inconvenient when all you have on is a swimsuit, but sometimes more effective. If tips don't interest you, don't get mad when the guy sitting at your bar gets fantastic service and you don't get any. And don't say we didn't warn you.