An all-inclusive vacation is a package holiday offered by a holiday resort where all expenses are included in the price. The definition of what all-inclusive means varies somewhat from one resort to the next, but in general this means that lodging, drinks and meals, entertainment, recreational activities, gratuities and occasionally transportation are all included in the price.
Eating and drinking are always part of the asking price. Meals are well prepared and served buffet style, via a snack bar or in on-site restaurants with a wide variety of cuisines to choose from. Filling up a second or third plateful will cost no additional amount. Also, all drinks are free. This includes soft drinks and alcohol. Often times alcoholic drinks are served between specific times but there is no limit to how many frozen margaritas are consumed.
Another regular feature of all-inclusive vacations is free rental and access to recreational activities. Most of these resorts lie in tropical areas (though some can be found in mountain areas), which means free kayaks, skim-boards, surfboards, wave runners, sailboats, windsurfing equipment, scuba and snorkeling gear as well as golf equipment. Activities off-site will include transportation at no extra charge.
All-inclusive resorts also offer a lengthy entertainment calendar. Once the sun drops guests can expect a wide variety of shows to stimulate them. From fully costumed musical reviews at top end resorts to simpler offerings like 70s or Greek themed events. Live bands playing calypso, reggae and Caribbean as well as pop music are popular as are DJ's spinning records for guests to dance to. If there is a well known club nearby, trips to these locales will be organized by the staff.
Also, always included in the price of these resorts is lodging. In general, all-inclusive resorts tend to be well maintained, upright sort of places. Guests can expect the same amenities that they would find at any resort hotel. Transportation to and from airports is sometimes included as well.
Extras include resorts that cater specifically to couples or families only. More often, however, many will schedule a certain week, once or twice a month that is devoted to a specific group. Children are well attended to with a good variety of activities including soccer, sand castle building, arts and crafts, face painting and drawing. Kids-sized swimming pools are common as well. Baby-sitting for individual children, however, is generally not part of the price.
