Bahama All Inclusive

Planning a vacation? Try all-inclusive

Cruises are generally considered to be all-inclusive vacations (although tips, shore excursions, and alcohol can add to the cost). You may also want to check into all-inclusive resorts and packages. There are chains such as Almond Beach Resorts, SuperClubs, Sandals, Real, Occidental, Barcelo, RIU, Dreams, Palace, Oasis, and hotels that offer a variety of prepaid arrangements.

Cancun, the Bahamas, Aruba, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic top the list with the majority of places to stay. Club Med offers 80 resorts around the world. Tour companies such as Apple Vacations and Funjet have combined air and hotel deals to Las Vegas, Orlando, the Caribbean, Hawaii, etc.

Some resorts cater to singles, others to couples, families or gays. Excellence Resorts are adult-only in Mexico and Dominican Republic. SuperClubs (Hedonism and Breezes) offer free weddings/renewal of vows plus a satisfaction, hurricane, and sunshine guarantee. At most you don't have to pay for drinks, meals, or activities; tipping may even be included.

Because water, food and drinks at some destinations will be expensive, all-inclusives can save a lot of money. Each resort will have its own style: They can be beachside/mountainside and offer tennis, golf, spa facilities, specialty treatments, entertainment, and planned activities. Water sports such as snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, water skiing, and paddle boating are often available. Depending on the property you may have to pay extra for jet-ski rentals, golf carts, etc. If you are a certified diver some include one or two tank dives a day.

The bottom line is that all-inclusives generally cover most things you want to do, but research carefully to choose the right one.

Meals can be lavish buffets or five courses. The quality and quantity of food varies widely; snacks may be available for in-between times, plus 24-hour room service. Standard liquor brands are usually free; specific brands may cost extra.

If you want to relax and not get out your wallet every time you want to do something, this type of vacation is for you. Families benefit, as many will allow children under a certain age to stay for free, and fully supervised activities give parents a lot of leisure time. Child care services can be from as needed babysitting to individual nannies.

When airfare is included it can be a better deal than purchasing tickets separately — but in most cases, it's from major cities.

There are disadvantages, however. If you are keen to sightsee around the island/destination and experience an intimate look at local cultures, renting a car and exploring will add to the expense. The resorts can seem like a theme park for adults. When tipping is included, services are sometimes mediocre. And if you're someone who doesn't participate in activities, eats like a bird and is a teetotaler, all-inclusives probably aren't such a good deal.

All inclusive vacations? Are they really? Need suggestions on ...

Been to Several all inclusive resorts – Unless you are a a VERY expensive one the food is not the best. Breakfast seems to be rather good but lunches are mostly survival food (hot dogs, hamburgers). Dinner is hit an miss, Caribbean locations are going to be a lot of fish, beans, rice, etc. What we do is always have a good breakfast and then we are usually doing something mid-day or evening and eat out. It may seem like a waste but it is not. Remember that beer and alcohol is usually included in the price, and if you drink, it makes very much sense to go all inclusive.

All Inclusive Tip – Most guests think they own the place at an All inclusive and don’t tip. ALWAYS tip the bartender a few dollars in the morning and maybe a buk or two through out the day. They Always remember you, put better booze in your drinks and will hand your drinks over the heads of a line of people waiting infront of you. I do it all the time, it works. (Same with the maids)

Hey motherof2 – we went to Punta Cana last summer – Great time, I’m jealous

I have vacationed a few different ways. 1st- Cruise (Oct 2005)- Western Carribean: Is really cool– u can tend to feel ‘cooped up’ Food can get alittle boring– all can taste the same. Food is included but drinks are not… so if u want to drink… not a good option, can really add up. 2nd- Non- All Inclusive 5-star in Cabo San Lucas (Sept 06): Went here for my honeymoon– Unbelievable. really great resort–food and drinks not included–couldnt feel entirely relaxed since was trying to budget food and drinks. Spent 600 on food and drinks (and that was really skimping). 3rd-All Inclusive( June 2007): We went w/ Apple Vacations –which was really great. Went to Cancun-this is the way I would do it from now on- all food and drinks included. Food was good, alot of variety at the resort we stayed at. Worry free vacation. went out couple times, brought 400 spending money came back w/ 130! Definately worth it to me Hope I helped!

It depends on what you want. I’ve been to an all-inclusive resort in Cabo and didn’t care for it. It was kind of like riding the “Mexico ride” at Disneyland. You were pretty much cut-off from the environs of Mexico and didn’t get to see the culture or the people. If you go to a resort that is set up so you never leave, why leave the country? It can be a very “plasticized” view of another place. A cruise can be fun, but you’re in pretty close proximity with a lot of other people. Some people like cruises, some people really don’t. I don’t know what your desires would be for a honeymoon. If being alone, staying in bed (a lot), having room service, etc is a priority, consider a stateside resort somewhere near you. That way you won’t be spending travel money for someplace you really won’t see. A resort at a nice place near you with a spa might be the way to go. Whatever you decide, have a wonderful time.

Caribbean & the Bahamas

Frommer's Portable Bahamas

Business week

The All-Inclusive Christ

Frommer's Bahamas 2012