Avoid Overlooking Cheap, Affordable Resort Getaways If You Want To Experience The Best Of The Caribbean

Half the fun of a vacation is the planning and anticipation of the journey and all the wonderful things that await: Crystaline turquoise waters, daiquiris by the pool, waking up to watch the sunrise, or sleeping all day with the window open while a soft breeze blows diaphanous curtains into the air. The real dilemma is deciding where to stay. If money is no object, the choice is easy. If you dislike hotels and want to cook for yourself, it's vacation rental time, baby.  If you're debating between a luxury and a budget all-inclusive, you may want to give the latter some serious thought and follow these tips on how to choose the best all-inclusive for your travel style.

All-inclusive resorts have surged in popularity, making it challenging for travelers to narrow the options. Once considered a safe choice for unadventurous travelers with low-quality dining, all-inclusives have become a luxury travel staple, with some featuring award-winning chefs, premium liquors, infinity pools, and even a personal concierge. In other words, the pendulum has swung so far in the opposite direction that many are unaware of the benefits of a lower-cost option.

Of course, you will want to research potential resorts and read reviews thoroughly before booking your stay. Sites like Tripadvisor, The Points Guy, and Oyster offer in-depth commentary and recommendations. Be honest with yourself and your travel companions about expectations, and consider how you plan to spend your time. Be mindful of reviews regarding cleanliness and customer service, as these should never be compromised. Everything else, however, comes down to personal preference. According to Georgia Fowkes, of Altezza Travel, "The biggest misconception about all-inclusive resorts? That they mean compromise," she says. "They don't. They deliver the same island dream without the island-price heartbreak."

People with negative images of all-inclusive resorts often think of limitations rather than liberation. Globe Thrivers founder Shir Ibgui believes it's the contrary: All-inclusives not only save you money, but they also save you time. "There's no need to plan every meal or excursion — just arrive and enjoy. " Ibgui emphasizes the importance of reading the fine print and checking what these all-inclusive resorts actually include, as most affordable all-inclusives charge extra for premium perks. 

Affordable all-inclusives can strike the perfect balance between luxury accommodations and a cheap boutique hotel. You have the basics when you need them, and the option to explore beyond the resort without feeling cheated. Travel expert Ava Wilson, of Taste Travel Discover, loves the value and freedom of not having to carry your wallet all the time or the surprise of a big bill at checkout. "All-inclusive resorts, no matter how cheap, still offer incredible value, since basic drinks, activities, and meals are prepaid," she states. Wilson also stresses researching a resort's vibe before booking and notes, "Even high-end resorts sometimes miss the mark when it comes to food and filtering out the crowd." According to Wilson, if the food quality and service are good, budget-friendly all-inclusives are an incredible value. What's more, staying at an all-inclusive resort can even save your budget on longer vacations. 

Perhaps the greatest advantage of a budget all-inclusive is that you do not feel obligated to eat every meal and participate in every activity on the property. You can enjoy breakfast and an afternoon at the beach with drinks and snacks at the resort, then venture to town for a great dinner and night out without the guilt of having spent a fortune on the hotel meals you're missing. Conversely, you can partake in an all-day excursion, return to the hotel later in the day or evening, then rest and enjoy dinner on the property — no need to get a ride back into town. For Carlos Nasillo, CEO of Riderly, the world's largest motorcycle rental platform, affordable Caribbean all-inclusives enable his clients to allocate extra money for island motorcycle excursions, with prepaid meals, drinks, and evening entertainment waiting when they return from an active day.

Finally, one of the more overlooked aspects of less-glamorous all-inclusive resorts is that they often attract guests from outside the United States. Canadian, European, and Latin American travelers often stay at affordable resorts, which can offer American travelers a unique opportunity to socialize with fellow travelers from around the world. This, in and of itself, is an invaluable opportunity that many luxury resorts cannot offer because they are designed around "exclusivity" by nature. Dean Van Es, founder and CEO of Fast Cover Travel Insurance and an ardent traveler, notes that, "A lower-cost all-inclusive won't have the same frills as the high-end options. However, many parts of the world, such as the Dominican Republic, feature stellar resorts that offer an incredible vacation on a smaller budget."