Summer vacation season is fast approaching, and an all-inclusive vacation may be the best way to go. The concept of the all-inclusive vacation goes way back to the Club Meds of the 1950s. Much has changed over the decades, however, and much to the consumers’ liking. For a time in the 1980s, the all-inclusive vacations seemed to market themselves to the younger crowds, such as honeymooners and singles who wanted a vacation but on a very small budget according to Forbes .
They also report that Scott D. Berman, a principal at PwC and leader of the firm’s U.S. hospitality and leisure practice said, “Historically, there has been a stigma attached to this industry — that it is limited to middle-market consumers.” But that trend is rapidly changing. And WebProNews.com states that over the past three years, the number of travelers that take an all-inclusive vacation rose from 8 percent to 14 percent.
The increase in all-inclusive travel is speculated to be due to the economic situation that consumers face today. It is much more appealing to travelers to know exactly what is coming out of their pocket while planning their vacation. They can plan specifically, and not have any surprises in large expenses.
All-inclusive vacations now span the range of college students to large families, senior adults and even groups of travelers. And while most of the locations are in the Caribbean or on a beach, that trend is also changing with resorts offering all-inclusive in a variety of locations.
What is most important as a consumer is planning their all-inclusive vacation is to determine exactly what is included. For some it may be the room and a few snacks during the day. While others may also include all meals and drinks, but no alcohol, or some may go so far as to include certain activities or babysitting services according to Forbes . Just be sure to read all the fine print. And know that your airline tickets will most likely not be included.
The lodging rates also vary greatly for all-inclusive resorts. There are no longer just the lower budget hotels or resorts that offer all-inclusive. There are numerous five star resorts offering various packages. Stephanie Diehl, travel consultant for Travel Designed revealed to Forbes , “Taking a quick look at mid-June in the Cancun/Riviera Maya/Cozumel areas, for example, pices range from $80 per person/per night for budget properties to $338 at the most upscale and luxurious properties.”
All-inclusive vacations seem to be the way to go, and with all the hundreds to thousands of resorts now offering this option, travelers can plan down to every single detail of what they want to spend and how they want to spend it.