All-Inclusive Vacations: Destinations, Deals and Tips

What Is All-Inclusive? How Does All-Inclusive Work?

An all-inclusive vacation is designed to make travel simple. You pay one upfront price, and most of your trip essentials are covered. At a minimum, this includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you can enjoy your vacation without worrying about daily food costs or figuring out where to eat.

Many packages go beyond meals and include extras that make it easier to truly relax, such as:

• Snacks throughout the day

• Nonalcoholic drinks, and often alcoholic beverages

• Access to resort amenities like pools and beaches

• Select on-site activities and entertainment

• Added perks like coffee breaks, desserts, late-night snacks, or discounts on spa services and excursions

There is no single definition of “all-inclusive,” and what is included can vary by hotel. While meals are always part of the package, items like premium alcohol, imported wine, à la carte restaurants, or specialty dining may cost extra. Taking a moment to review what is included before booking an all-inclusive resort deal can help you avoid surprises and choose the right fit.

All-inclusive resorts are especially common in destinations like Mexico, the Caribbean, Greece, and the Maldives, as well as on cruises. They work particularly well for beach vacations, family trips, and adults-only getaways, where convenience and relaxation are part of the experience and relaxation are part of the experience.

By contrast, this travel style is not recommended for major city trips like New York City, where travelers tend to spend most of their time dining out, sightseeing, and exploring neighborhoods beyond the hotel.

If the idea of paying once, skipping meal planning, and unwinding by the beach or pool sounds appealing, an all-inclusive vacation may be exactly what you are looking for.

What Should I Know Before Booking an All-Inclusive Stay?

Before booking an all-inclusive resort, it helps to think about what you want from your trip. If your days are usually packed with sightseeing and excursions, a hotel-only or half-board stay may give you more flexibility.

All-inclusive vacations work best for travelers who want to slow down and enjoy the resort itself. They are especially popular for family vacations, romantic beach getaways, and winter sun vacations, where convenience makes a real difference.

Budget is another important consideration. While all-inclusive vacation packages often cost more upfront, they often offer better value once you arrive. With meals, snacks, and sometimes drinks already covered, there are fewer surprise expenses and more room to relax.

A quick check of what is included will help make sure the stay matches your expectations.

Half Board, Full Board, or All-Inclusive: Which Should You Choose?

Once you’ve decided that this travel style fits your plans, the next step is choosing the right meal plan. And choosing between half board, full board, and all-inclusive really comes down to one simple question: How do you plan to spend your day?

If you picture yourself staying at the hotel most of the time, relaxing by the pool or beach, reading, and enjoying the resort’s facilities, then all-inclusive is usually the best choice. Meals, drinks, and snacks are available throughout the day, so you never have to plan around meal times or leave the resort for food.

If your days will be spent sightseeing or on excursions, half board often makes more sense. It typically includes breakfast and dinner, giving you freedom to be out during the day without paying for meals you may miss.

Full board falls in between. It usually covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but not drinks or snacks. This works well if you plan to return to the hotel for meals but do not need the extras that come with all-inclusive.

Some resorts also offer packed lunches for day trips, which can add flexibility. In short, choose all-inclusive if you want to relax and stay on site, half board if you plan to explore during the day, and full board if you want structured meals without extras. The best choice depends on how you want to spend your time.

Most Popular All-Inclusive Destinations

All-inclusive travel pairs best with sunshine, beaches, and easy days by the water. These destinations are especially well suited to resort stays, where meals, drinks, and amenities are bundled together so travelers can truly relax.

• Mexico: White-sand beaches, sunshine, and a deep resort culture make Mexico one of the strongest all-inclusive destinations in the world. Add Mayan ruins, warm seas, and endless resort options, and everything is in place for a perfect holiday.

• Dominican Republic:
A Caribbean classic. The Dominican Republic is known for palm-lined beaches, large seaside resorts, and effortless all-inclusive stays where days drift easily between the pool and the ocean.

• Jamaica: One of the most iconic all-inclusive destinations. Jamaica is loved for its relaxed vibe, beautiful beaches, and resorts that make it easy to settle in and enjoy the island without a schedule.

• Costa Rica: Costa Rica combines tropical beaches, rainforests, and wildlife with resort comfort. All-inclusive stays here are especially popular for travelers who want nature, adventure, and relaxation in one trip.

Popular, but More Experience-Driven Choices Destinations

These destinations work especially well for travelers who want more than just a beach resort. All-inclusive and full-board stays are available, but the appeal here is the balance between resort comfort and memorable surroundings, whether that means historic towns, dramatic landscapes, or iconic scenery

• Greece:
From mainland Greece to the Cyclades islands, Greece offers scenic beauty and warm hospitality. Crete stands out in particular, with one of the largest selections of all-inclusive resorts in Greece, making it a great option for travelers who want both resort comfort and easy access to beaches, towns, and historic sites.

• Maldives:
Often associated with honeymoons and special occasions, the Maldives is all about turquoise lagoons, overwater villas, and full-board or all-inclusive stays that complete the experience.

• Thailand: Famous for its film-worthy scenery, Thailand combines tropical beaches, lush landscapes, and welcoming resorts. Full-board and all-inclusive options allow travelers to enjoy it at an unhurried pace.

More Niche All-Inclusive Destinations

These destinations offer select all-inclusive or resort-style stays, often alongside strong cultural or natural appeal. They are a great fit for travelers who want something a little different, where the resort experience is part of the trip, but not the entire focus.

• Spain:
Spain offers all-inclusive stays primarily in island destinations like the Canary Islands and the Balearics. While better known for culture and city travel, it can still work well for beach-focused resort vacations.

• Croatia:
Increasingly popular for its clear water and varied landscapes, Croatia is not traditionally all-inclusive, but coastal resorts and full-board stays are becoming more common.

• Morocco:
From Marrakech and Fez to Essaouira and Chefchaouen, Morocco offers cultural depth alongside select resort-style and all-inclusive stays.

• Egypt:
Best known for its Red Sea coastline, Egypt is ideal for diving and snorkeling, paired with comfortable seaside hotels and full-board options.

• Cape Verde:
This Atlantic archipelago blends wild landscapes, golden sand beaches, and a mild climate. It remains a quieter choice for travelers looking for something different.

• Tunisia:
With a warm climate and good-value resorts, Tunisia works well for both families and couples seeking affordable all-inclusive stays by the sea.

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Important to Know: Hawaii and Puerto Rico Are Not True All-Inclusive Destinations

This is one of the most common questions travelers have, so it is worth being very clear. Hawaii and Puerto Rico do not have true all-inclusive resorts.

While some hotels in Hawaii offer meal plans, resort credits, or packages that bundle breakfast or select activities, Hawaii all-inclusive resorts do not exist in the traditional sense. Dining out, exploring different beaches, and experiencing local culture are a central part of traveling in Hawaii, which makes the classic all-inclusive model a poor fit.

The same is true for Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico does not have true all-inclusive resorts, either. Most hotels operate on a room-only basis, and travelers are expected to explore the island’s restaurants, beaches, and neighborhoods independently. While this flexibility is part of Puerto Rico’s appeal, it is very different from the all-inclusive resort experience found in places like Mexico or the Caribbean.

If you are specifically looking for a true all-inclusive vacation where meals, drinks, and activities are bundled into one price, destinations like Cancun, Jamaica, or the Dominican Republic are a much better match.

Are There Any All-Inclusive Resorts in the United States?

Short answer: very few.

The United States does not have many true all-inclusive resorts. Unlike popular beach destinations abroad, most U.S. hotels charge separately for meals, drinks, and activities. That is why classic all-inclusive stays are much harder to find in the U.S.

That said, there are a small number of resorts that offer all-inclusive or nearly all-inclusive stays. These places usually focus on the experience rather than unlimited food and drinks. You will most often see this style of stay at:

• Wellness or spa retreats

• Nature-focused resorts

• Luxury lodges or ranch-style resorts

• Resorts where meals and daily activities are included

These U.S. options are usually more expensive upfront than international all-inclusive resorts. However, they can still be a great choice if you want to avoid long flights, skip passport requirements, and keep travel simple. For some travelers, staying closer to home with most costs included feels just as relaxing.

Whether you’re dreaming of a beach escape abroad or looking for an easier all-inclusive-style getaway within the U.S., the picks below balance price, experience, and simplicity.

All-Inclusive Resorts You’ve Seen on TV

Several of the most talked-about all-inclusive resorts have appeared on popular TV shows, including Love Is Blind.

The honeymoon phase of Love Is Blind is typically filmed at luxury all-inclusive resorts, mostly in Mexico and the Caribbean, where food, drinks, and activities are included and couples can relax, mingle, and explore together without leaving the property.

Past seasons have featured all-inclusive resorts like the Grand Velas Riviera Maya and the TRS Coral Hotel in Cancun, both known for upscale amenities, adults-focused spaces, and a true all-inclusive experience.

These resorts highlight why all-inclusive stays are especially popular for romantic getaways, honeymoons, and couples trips, where everything is taken care of and the focus stays on the experience.

When Is the Best Time to Book an All-Inclusive Vacation?

You may have heard that booking late at night unlocks cheaper prices. In reality, there is no magic hour. Prices change based on demand, availability, and travel dates, not the time you click “book.” Staying up until 2 a.m. is unlikely to score secret savings.

Avoid Peak U.S. School Breaks When Possible

Traveling during U.S. school breaks is one of the biggest drivers of higher prices. Summer months, spring break, and the Christmas and New Year period are typically the most expensive times for beach resorts.

For better value, fall travel is often a sweet spot. Late September, October, and early December usually bring lower prices, fewer crowds, and still-pleasant weather in many destinations.

Book Early or Book Last Minute

If your dates are set, booking early gives you more choice and often better prices. If you are flexible, last-minute deals can also be excellent, especially when resorts discount unsold rooms close to departure.

Our Best Advice

There is no single perfect time to book. The best approach is to watch prices, stay flexible when possible, and book when a deal fits your budget and schedule. Deal alerts can help take the guesswork out of timing.

With a little flexibility and the right timing, an all-inclusive vacation can be easy, affordable, and genuinely relaxing.

Why Trust Us for All-Inclusive Deals?

Finding a great vacation deal should not feel like a full-time job. We track resort stays, flight discounts, and vacation packages every day, scanning thousands of offers so you do not have to.

Our team has years of experience in the travel industry and focuses on deals that offer real value. That means clear pricing, reputable resorts, and offers that genuinely save money. Whether you are booking months ahead or jumping on a last-minute getaway, our goal is simple: to make travel easier, more affordable, and stress-free.

FAQs About All-Inclusive Vacations

Are all meals and drinks really included at all-inclusive resorts?

In most cases, yes. All-inclusive resorts typically include breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and unlimited local drinks. However, some extras such as premium liquor, à la carte restaurants, or specialty coffee drinks may cost extra depending on the resort. Always review what is included before booking.

Are tips included at all-inclusive resorts?

Often, yes. Many all-inclusive vacation packages include tips in the total price. That said, it is still common and appreciated to leave a small tip for bartenders, servers, or housekeeping staff, especially for great service.

Are all-inclusive resorts worth it for families?

Absolutely. All-inclusive family resorts are one of the easiest ways to travel with kids. When meals, drinks, and entertainment are bundled together, families can save money and avoid constant planning. Look for resorts with kids’ clubs, family pools, and on-site activities.

What is the difference between all-inclusive and all-inclusive light?

All-inclusive light usually includes fewer meals or drink options than a standard all-inclusive package. Alcohol may be limited or excluded altogether. These packages are often cheaper but do not offer the same level of convenience or variety.

Do all-inclusive vacation packages include flights?

Not always. Some all-inclusive vacation deals include both flights and hotels, while others are hotel-only. Always check the package details so you know exactly what is included before booking.

Can I book a last-minute all-inclusive vacation?

Yes. Last-minute all-inclusive deals are common, especially outside peak travel seasons. Resorts sometimes lower prices to fill remaining rooms, which can lead to excellent savings if you are flexible with your travel dates.

What is the cheapest time of year to book an all-inclusive vacation?

The cheapest time to book an all-inclusive vacation is usually outside peak travel seasons. Late spring, early fall, and early December, excluding holiday weeks, often offer the best prices. Travel during summer, spring break, and Christmas is usually more expensive.

Are all-inclusive resorts good for couples and honeymoons?

Yes. All-inclusive resorts for couples and honeymoon all-inclusive resorts are very popular because they make planning easy and allow couples to relax without worrying about daily expenses. Many resorts offer adults-only areas, private dining, and spa packages for romantic trips.

Do all-inclusive resorts include activities and entertainment?

Most all-inclusive resorts include some on-site activities and entertainment, such as fitness classes, beach sports, shows, or live music. Certain activities, excursions, or premium experiences may cost extra depending on the resort.

Is all-inclusive worth it if I like to explore?

It depends on your travel style. All-inclusive vacations work best if you plan to spend a lot of time at the resort. If you prefer sightseeing, dining out, and exploring cities every day, a hotel-only stay may be a better fit.

Can I find all-inclusive deals for short trips?

Yes. All-inclusive short stays of three to five nights are common, especially for long weekends or quick beach getaways. These can be a great way to experience an all-inclusive resort without committing to a longer trip.