An all-inclusive resort is a resort where guests pay one set price for everything on the vacation. Packages typically include airfare, a specific room category, transfers, taxes and fees and can include travel insurance. 

Travelers need to determine in advance what is most important to them to have an experience that meets or exceeds their expectations. Here are some factors to consider when choosing an all-inclusive resort:

• Flights and Destination
• Transfers
• Adult only versus family resorts
• Distance from airport
• Bedding preferences and number of travelers
• Room categories
• Activities offered at the resort
• Size of resort
• Dining Options
• Smoking versus non-smoking
• Public beach versus private beach
• Spa/fitness center
• Top shelf liquor versus other brands
• Internet access/Wi-Fi
• Children’s activities
• Elevators
• Age of resort
• Purpose of the trip
• Hotel rating
• Traveler experience and expectation level
• Resort Reviews
• Budget
• Special Needs
• Expertise of a Travel Professional
• Using a reputable travel supplier
• Travel insurance

If you have travel related questions, use the services of a professional travel agent.  They can answer questions, find information about your destination and help you thru the planning process – before, during and after your trip.  Travel creates memories that last a long time!  Take the stress out of planning travel and use a travel agent.  It will be worth it! Some travel agents charge service fees (depending on the type of travel) others do not.  Most travel agents are paid solely on commission.

If you are contemplating taking a vacation between February and April, especially during the week of Easter, the time to start planning is now! Some flights already have limited seats available and some resorts have room categories that are sold out or are not even available thru certain suppliers. 

As Ralph Waldo Emerson says “Life is a journey, not a destination”.  Enjoy the journey! 

I am open to suggestions for future blogs on travel related topics! 

Please send me your ideas to journeysbykaren@yahoo.com