Do you ever go on vacation, only to come home feeling like you need another vacation? I know that happens a lot to me, mostly because I like taking cultural and adventure packed trips.

However, traveling to resort destinations can be especially relaxing and hassle-free. All-inclusive resort vacations make these types of trips even more enticing. Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America have plenty of resorts for you to choose the best option for your experience.

There are 2 primary elements to consider when comparing all-inclusive resort vacations: how much money you want to spend and what is the purpose of your trip.

How much do you want to spend?

This is a big factor for all-inclusive resorts because the per night expense is exactly what you expect to be spending. Once you have your flight, the room cost should technically be the only other expense for your trip. I say this lightly because if you want to do any activities or excursions on your vacation, those will more than likely be an additional cost.

Another thing you want to think about is determining how much you want to spend, or would likely, spend on food and drinks. The benefit of an all-inclusive stay is that meals and drinks are included with the cost of your room. And to emphasize—unlimited food and drinks.

• Are you somebody who eats 3 meals a day? (this may be a weird question but I know a lot of people who prefer only 1 to 2 meals per day—I am definitely a 3 meals per day type of person…plus snacks)
• Do you…
  • eat a lot each meal?
  • snack frequently?
  • like to have alcoholic drinks with your meals?
  • like to have multiple alcoholic drinks per day?

All of these questions are very important to ask yourself because it will help to clarify how your eating/drinking preferences can affect the expenses of your trip.

For example, my husband eats quite a bit more than me. He likes expensive types of food (like steak and crab) and can enjoy a few drinks before reaching his limit. On the other hand, I am a vegetarian and don’t eat any of these traditionally more expensive foods. I also prefer to eat smaller meals throughout the day. Additionally, I’m not a big drinker and will usually have only 1 drink if we go out. We definitely get our money’s worth for him at all-inclusive resorts, but not so much for me in my opinion.

When thinking about how much you want to spend on your vacation, it is essential to consider how your eating/drinking preferences will impact your expenses.

What is the purpose of your vacation?

This is a big factor that may not be the most obvious. If you want to go on vacation for the sole purpose of relaxing and not having to think much about what you are doing next—then you should definitely consider going to an all-inclusive resort. There are many people who love the all-inclusive concept because they really don’t have to think or stress about much once they arrive at their destination. If they do want to spend a day on the town or take a local tour, the concierge service at the resort can also arrange hassle free.

However, if you do want to enjoy the culture of a new place and eat the local food, then an all-inclusive may not be the best option from a cost perspective.

Chichen-Itza is only a 2-hr drive from Cancun!

If you are intending to go on a lot of excursions and want to see different places, that will add up to the already high cost of an all-inclusive resort. Also, think of it this way: if you go on a few excursions, either half-day or full-day, you are likely going to have to pay for your own meals (and won’t get your resort rate reduced for those times you eat elsewhere).

On a recent trip where my husband and I stayed at an all-inclusive resort, we went out into the nearby town one day. We got coffees, lunch, and each had a drink—which amounted to $70. Our all-inclusive rate was already paid for so we essentially lost money that day. We also went on 2 excursions while on this trip: 1 half-day and 1 all-day tour. Which meant we weren’t using all of the meals that are included in the all-inclusive rate.

So, are all-inclusive resort vacations worth it?

The answer: it depends on YOU. How much you want to spend in general, how much you plan to utilize the all-inclusive food and drinks, and how much time you plan to spend away from the resort, which has cost implications as well, will all affect your decision. And of course, it depends on which resort you select (as there are some affordable all-inclusive resorts out there).

I made a comparison below between 2 similar resorts in Costa Rica. One, the Westin Playa Conchal, is all-inclusive and the other, JW Marriott, is non-all-inclusive (also called EP or European Plan, where meals are not included in your rate). I’ve included estimates on meal expenses for what you might expect to pay. This will vary based on what/how much you eat & drink. Also, keep in mind that prices vary per night and season so check a few different booking sites to find the lowest price!

All-Inclusive Resort:

5 Days at an all-inclusive resort with 1 half-day activity and 1 full-day excursion (for 2 people):

• 1 activity that does not include meals (e.g.: going into the local town for surf lessons)
• 1 excursion that does include meals (e.g.: going on a tour to nearby rainforest)

Non-All-Inclusive/EP Resort:

5 Days at a non-all-inclusive/EP resort with 1 half-day activity and 1 full-day excursion (for 2 people):

• 1 activity that does not include meals (e.g.: going into the local town for surf lessons)
• 1 excursion that does include meals (e.g.: going on a tour to nearby rainforest)

In this direct comparison, it is cheaper to stay at the non-all-inclusive resort.

So how much would you have to spend on food for it to be worth staying at this all-inclusive? In the above comparison, the difference is $900, or $180 a day. If you think you will spend that much on food and drinks—go for the all-inclusive! If not, you will save yourself money by going to the other resort.

Before you book your next trip at an all-inclusive resort, find a similar non-all-inclusive resort and do a comparison like the example above. The prices will also vary by the rating and location so those may be factors you also consider.

The Westin Lagunamar Resort is not all-inclusive

Of the 6 resorts in Cancun listed below, you can see a range of prices for both all-inclusive or non-all-inclusive (EP) resorts (prices based on the same date in August 2019).

All-Inclusive Resorts:

Fiesta Americana Condesa
★★★★☆
$513

Panama Jack Resorts
★★★★☆
$317

Crown Paradise Club All-Inclusive Resort
★★★☆☆
$247

Non-all inclusive/EP:

The Ritz Carlton Cancun
★★★★★
$349

Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun Resort & Spa
★★★★★
$279

Presidente InterContinental Cancun Resort
★★★★☆
$151

There are so many options that you can choose the resort that is perfect for you! (and notice you can get some all-inclusive rates cheaper than EP resorts!)

What has been your experience with all-inclusive resort vacations?

Get a FREE travel budget worksheet!

Start saving for your next trip right now with this free travel budget worksheet!

email address start planning

Get a FREE travel budget worksheet!

Start planning your next trip right now with a free travel budget worksheet!
Along with this worksheet, you will be the first to know about new travel tips from Time Off to Travel.