How to Save on Vacation – Ultimate Guide
All-inclusive resorts promise an easy, carefree vacation—but that doesn’t mean you need to spend top dollar to enjoy yourself. If you’re dreaming of endless buffets, cocktails by the pool, and nightly entertainment while sticking to a budget, this guide is for you. Here’s how to save money at all-inclusive resorts without missing out on the fun.
🎯 All Inclusive Vacation Tips: Book at the Right Time
The biggest mistake travelers make is booking during peak season. Prices skyrocket during school holidays, spring break, and Christmas. For better deals:
- ✔ Travel during shoulder season ie. travel on a budget (April–early June or mid-September–early November).
- ✔ Use flexible travel dates when searching flights and packages.
- ✔ Monitor pricing with deal tools like Trip.com and Kiwi.com.
📍 Choose Budget Friendly All Inclusive Destinations
Some destinations are simply cheaper due to exchange rates and lower local costs. For example:
- ✔ Dominican Republic and Mexico are great for budget friendly all inclusives.
- ✔ Consider lesser-known areas like Huatulco or Puerto Plata instead of Cancun or Punta Cana.
💼 Pick the Right Resort Package
Not all all-inclusives are created equal. Here’s how to get more value for your money:
- ✔ Look for resorts that include airport transfers, room service, and top-shelf drinks.
- ✔ Check if there are resort credits for spa treatments or excursions.
- ✔ Avoid resorts that charge extra for a la carte dining or premium Wi-Fi.
🍹 Cheap Ways to Travel: Skip the Upgrades
While oceanfront suites and VIP lounges are tempting, you can often enjoy the same beach and restaurants as everyone else without the markup. Unless you’re celebrating something special, stick to the base package and request free upgrades at check-in.
🍔 Money Saving Travel Hacks
Eat at the resort as much as possible—food is one of the biggest included perks. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- ✔ Bring a travel-friendly insulated cup to keep drinks cold and reduce bar trips.
- ✔ Hit the buffet at odd hours to avoid crowds and get fresh items.
- ✔ Ask staff about which restaurants don’t require reservations.
🧳 Pack Strategically
Buying essentials at the resort gift shop will kill your budget. This is a budget resort travel hack STOPPER. Instead, pack these ahead of time:
- ✔ Reef-safe sunscreen
- ✔ Packing cubes to avoid overpacking
- ✔ Waterproof phone pouch for pool days
🚐 All Inclusive Resort Tips: Don’t Overpay for Transportation
Resorts may offer expensive shuttle services. If yours does not instead:
- ✔ Compare rates with GetRentACar for private or shared airport transfers.
- ✔ Use local ride-share apps if safe and available in your destination.
💸 Tip Smart
Tipping at an all inclusive resort can make a difference in your service—but it doesn’t have to be costly. Bring $1 and $5 bills to reward bartenders, housekeepers, and bellboys. A little generosity goes a long way toward better experiences.
📵 Say No to Resort Photography Packages
Those romantic dinner or beach photo packages are pricey. Instead:
- ✔ Pack a mini tripod with remote.
- ✔ Use your phone’s timer and take golden-hour selfies.
🛍️ Skip the Souvenir Trap
Souvenirs inside the resort are overpriced and generic. Buy small trinkets or local snacks outside the gates or at airport gift shops instead.
🎁 Bonus Tip: Use Resort Credits Wisely
Some resorts offer credits for spa services or excursions. Use them strategically—book early, and don’t fall for “upgrade packages” that end up costing more than the credit’s worth.
📦 Recommended Packing Essentials (Amazon)
📌 Ready to Book Your Budget-Friendly All-Inclusive?
This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. This has been a blog post about how to save on vacation.