All Inclusive Family Travel

Vacation package deals

By Jennifer Eblin

All inclusive vacations can be the right choice for some families, but many people prefer planning their own trips because they like the freedom.

What is All Inclusive?

With most all inclusive vacation packages, what you do and when you do it is mandatory. Sometimes you will be given a choice of two events such as a trip to a nearby city or a day of horseback riding, and you need to decide in advance which you want, and when you will do it. Well, what if plans change or if you want to do both? Some people prefer choosing their own options by planning a vacation. The other issue is children and all inclusive packages. Kids can be finicky, and your child might have a fear of horses now, but in six months when you go on vacation, suddenly has a love of horses. How do you decide now what your family will want to do by the time the vacation comes around?

Consider the Cons

The other disadvantage of all inclusive vacation packages, is that they can be expensive compared to working out a vacation yourself. Most plans include certain activities, a hotel room, and little else. Food, drinks, souvenirs, and even transportation to and from the hotel are not included. Some hotels offer discounted prices to local events and attractions that are not advertised, but if you ask, you can save a lot of money. AAA is another company that offers discounts to events, attractions, hotels, and even on rental cards. Using a few quick discounts can save you quite a bit of money, and you can create a vacation for much less than an all inclusive vacation package.

Some travelers tend to focus on the discounted rates associated for children, but it doesn't really save you that much money in the long run. Most hotels now offer "children stay for free" deals when parents or legal guardians reserve a room, whereas a package deal charges a set rate for each child, depending on their age. Advocates of all inclusive vacation packages often bring up the all you can eat aspect, but that isn't the best reason for choosing a package. Many plans do not include food or drinks, and most actually charge extra for eating at the resort's restaurants. Other packages pass along a gift certificate for meals on site, but it often isn't enough for the whole family to eat all week long. In many cases it is cheaper to make food yourself at the hotel, or to use coupons available from the hotel.

All inclusive package deals can be a good deal for some travelers, but only if you are prepared to spend more than you would otherwise, and give up the freedom to make your own decisions.

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