Choosing the right all inclusive resort shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. Whether you’re planning your first all inclusive resorts experience with a family or dreaming of a solo beach escape, this guide will help you pick the perfect spot without the overwhelm. We’ll walk through destination types, budgets, amenities, and even travel personality types so you can confidently book the trip you’ve been craving.
🌴 Set Your Vacation Intentions
Start by asking: what’s the purpose of this trip? Are you craving total relaxation, fun and nightlife, family bonding time, or wellness and rejuvenation? Defining the vibe upfront will help you eliminate the wrong resort types early in your search.
🌎 Choose the Right Location
The best cheap all inclusive resorts are spread across Mexico, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, and even parts of Europe and Southeast Asia. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Mexico: Great for affordable beachfront luxury and short flights from the US.
- Caribbean: Island hopping, turquoise waters, and adults-only options.
- Europe: Spain’s Canary Islands and Greece offer seasonal all-inclusives.
- Asia: Bali and Thailand offer budget-friendly options with cultural flair.
🛏️ Match Amenities to Your Needs
Think beyond “all you can eat.” Do you want a swim-up suite, 24/7 room service, kids’ clubs, or a world-class spa? Comparing all inclusive resorts based on these priorities will help you make decisions faster. Also consider resort size—larger ones have more restaurants and pools; smaller ones are more boutique and quiet.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly vs Adults-Only vs Party Resorts
Not all resorts are created equal—some cater to young families with waterparks and kids’ clubs, while others are adults-only havens for romance or wild weekends. Before you book, decide: are you traveling with kids, as a couple, with friends, or solo? This will impact everything from activities to dining style. All inclusive family resorts typically have waterparks, lazy rivers, maybe even activities for kids or kids clubs.
📊 How to Compare Resorts Without Getting Overwhelmed
Don’t open 30 tabs and fall into analysis paralysis. Start by filtering your must-haves (budget, vibe, destination) using a trusted tool. Look for patterns in reviews—not perfection. Three 4-star resorts with hundreds of positive comments are often better than a 5-star with mixed feedback.
🧰 Top Tools to Use for Filtering the Right Resorts
- Trip.com – Use the search term “all inclusive” in your destination to pull the right listings.
- Google Reviews – Search for terms like “food,” “cleanliness,” and “service” to get the real scoop.
- YouTube & TikTok – Watch walk-through videos from recent travelers for real-time insights.
📅 When to Book and How to Get the Best Deal
The best time to book all inclusive vacations is typically during shoulder seasons—late April to early June or mid-September to early November. You’ll find flight and hotel deals by bundling early or watching for flash sales. Tools like Kiwi.com or Trip.com allow you to compare flight + hotel prices instantly.
🎯 Resort Types by Travel Personality
Here’s a quick match based on your vibe:
- The Romantic: Adults-only resorts with oceanfront suites and candlelit dinners.
- The Family Traveler: All inclusive family resorts with kid clubs, babysitting, and waterparks.
- The Party Crew: Resorts in Cancun or Punta Cana with nightclubs and DJ events.
- The Wellness Seeker: Bali or Tulum resorts with yoga, spa credits, and smoothie bars.
- The Solo Explorer: Smaller boutique resorts with flexible excursions and communal dining.
💬 FAQ: All-Inclusive Resort Questions Answered
- What is an all inclusive vacation? It typically covers lodging, meals, drinks, and select activities in one price.
- Are there any all inclusive resorts in the US? Yes—Florida, South Carolina, and even Alaska offer limited options.
- What is the best all inclusive resort in Cancun? Consider Excellence Playa Mujeres, Moon Palace, or Hyatt Zilara Cancun.
- Are all inclusive resorts worth it? Yes—especially for families, honeymooners, and foodies who want a hassle-free trip.
- How much are all inclusive resorts? Expect to spend $100–$300 per night per person depending on destination and season.
- How much are all inclusive resorts in Mexico? Budget-friendly options can be found for $120–$180 per night, per person.
- Where is the cheapest all inclusive resort? Check off-season deals in Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Riviera Maya.
- What is the best all inclusive resort in Jamaica? Look at Sandals Negril, Iberostar Grand Rose Hall, or Couples Swept Away.
- Where to book all inclusive vacations? Use Trip.com and search for “all inclusive” with your hotel or destination name.
- What all inclusive resorts are in Puerto Rico? Wyndham Grand Rio Mar and Copamarina Beach Resort are two great options.
- Are all inclusive resorts really all inclusive? Not always—check for exclusions like excursions, spa treatments, or top-shelf drinks.
- World’s best all inclusive resorts for adults? Try Hermitage Bay (Antigua), Le Blanc (Mexico), or Jade Mountain (St. Lucia).
- What does adults-only really mean? No guests under 18 are allowed—these resorts focus on romance, relaxation, or nightlife.
- What’s a swim-up suite? A hotel room with a private patio leading directly into a shared pool or lagoon.
📌 Ready to Book?
This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. This blog post is about all inclusive resort tips.