I’ve worked at an all-inclusive resort for 10 years – these are 19 mistakes every traveller should avoid

Heading to an inclusive resort is the best of both worlds: you get to go on an amazing holiday while someone else takes care of all the little details. But how do all those little details work, exactly? And how can you, as the guest, have an epic experience? As an entertainment director for more than a decade, I’ve gotten an insider look into nearly every aspect of these types of hotels, which means I know a few things that you’ll definitely want to know. My job may sound like a 24/7 party, but it’s a lot of work too. I joke that my ‘nightlife’ fills my entire day. But my lack of work-life balance is your gain, since my experience translates into all-inclusive resort tips that will help you have a blast and give you the most bang for your buck. Because let’s be honest, if you’re going to an all-inclusive resort, you’re spending a lot of money – and you deserve to get what you’re paying for.

Over the years, I’ve seen thousands of guests, and there are some common mistakes people make – from the type of package they book to what they do (and don’t do) when staying at an all-inclusive. So memorise this advice because it can help you have the best holiday of your life.

Despite the title of ‘all-inclusive,’ most all-inclusive resorts don’t include everything. While the specifics will vary depending on the resort, your membership status and the package you booked, common exclusions include transportation to and from the airport, spa treatments, premium alcohol and Wi-Fi in your room (although it’s generally provided for free in common areas). Other amenities may be partially included. For instance, water sports may be included in your rate, but you might have to pay extra to rent motorised equipment like jet skis. While you’ll be told about extra charges when booking a service or activity, if you’re not really paying attention, you could end up with quite the surprise when you see the final bill at the end of your stay. This is also true of all-inclusive cruises.

Do this instead: read the fine print of your package before you arrive (and ideally before you book), and be sure to ask staff if you’re unsure whether something’s included. You could easily add an extra 10 per cent or more to your bill if you don’t. You should also always ask whether resort fees – which can range from $25 to $100 a day, depending on the company – are included.

Here are some common resort extras – and how to avoid them.

Even within the same chain, every all-inclusive resort is different – from the culture and dining to the amenities and excursions – and the time to discover those differences is not the day you get there. Knowing what to expect can help you have a better experience, since you’ll know what you want to do and can jump on reservations quickly, as well as know what to pack for the weather and available activities. It’s also an important part of managing your expectations. Sometimes we have guests show up expecting everything under the sun and then are disappointed when all their expectations aren’t met – things they would have realised if they’d researched the resort first.

Do this instead: Take an hour or so to check out the resources on the resort’s website, and go to online forums for that resort so you know what the can’t-miss things are. Come prepared with a list of activities, foods, cultural experiences and shows that you’re most excited about. Upon checking in, you can also talk to the concierge, entertainment director or other employees for their personal recommendations and for help making reservations.

Tipping etiquette can be confusing no matter where you are, and the rules are different at all-inclusive resorts. One of the selling points of an all-inclusive resort is that gratuities are usually included in the package. But while this means guests aren’t expected to tip for regular services like housekeeping or dining, guests may still choose to tip for exceptional service or for special requests, such as having an item ordered online and delivered to them. Plus, certain ‘extra’ services – like spa treatments, deluxe excursions or butler service – may not be included in the all-inclusive package, which means that a tip wouldn’t be included either.

In addition, tipping culture at resorts has changed since the pandemic, and even though tips for normal services aren’t required, in some countries and some resorts (for instance, in Mexico), they are now expected – even if it isn’t explicitly stated. That isn’t true everywhere, of course. In certain countries, tipping isn’t the norm. For example, in Japan, you shouldn’t tip at all at an all-inclusive resort.

Do this instead: read the details of your package to understand which services are included and which require an additional tip. Bring $100 to $200 in cash for tipping, and ask the concierge upon arriving what is generally expected and appropriate. Some resort employees, especially those in poorer countries, depend on these tips to make a living wage, so while you may not have to tip them, it’s still the kind thing to do.

Just because you can eat a kilo of crab legs and a litre of ice cream, it doesn’t mean you should. (And yes, I saw someone do that!) Since most, if not all, food and drinks are included, some guests feel that the way to get their money’s worth is to overeat or drink to the point of inebriation. Unfortunately, I’ve seen guests stuck in bed for an entire day or two after a binge, making them miss out on all the other fun things.

Do this instead: feel free to indulge, but be moderate in how much you eat and drink at once. Remember, it’s about enjoying the overall experience, and that’s about having fun while doing things you couldn’t do at home.

While you certainly can stay in your room and enjoy the peace and quiet, the draw of an all-inclusive resort is that it offers far more than just a place to relax. Yet you’d be surprised at how many guests don’t take advantage of all the resort and the surrounding area have to offer. Most resorts are in locations known for their beauty, culture, weather and opportunities for adventure, and it would be a mistake to not even check it all out.

Do this instead: this is the perfect opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and try something new, whether that’s eating a local delicacy or going on a guided tour through ancient ruins. You might even make some new friends along the way. It’s exactly these types of things that will make your holiday fun and memorable.

We work hard to provide delicious, one-of-a-kind dining experiences that reflect the culture and flavours of the locale. This isn’t just about offering local delicacies; it may also include a special cooking method, watching the chef prepare your food, seeing where the food comes from or allowing you to participate in the dining experience in a unique way. Filling up on hamburgers and fries is fine, but the food is a big part of what you are paying for.

Do this instead: look up the resort’s dining options in advance, and pick out a few adventures to try. Most resorts offer a chef’s tasting menu that encompasses the local cuisine – for example, in Bali, you can watch your fish caught fresh and then cooked on a traditional grill.

Ask the chef or entertainment director for their suggestions for what’s best at the moment. And book your reservations as early as possible.

Here are some things you should never touch at all-you-can-eat buffets.

Many guests are repeat visitors at specific resorts, and staff develop relationships with their favourites and will go out of their way to make sure you have everything you want and need. They might even provide little extras for free, like treats, drinks or early-access passes to shows. The employees are also an incredible resource for what to try in the surrounding areas, what you need to know about local cultural norms, how to prepare for certain excursions and other site-specific tips. But they can only do that if you’ve already built a good relationship with them.

Even if you’ll only ever be at the resort once, a little kindness goes a long way with all the staff, ensuring that your stay is pleasant and that you feel taken care of. Honestly, a kind guest will find themselves being treated like a king or queen, so this is one of the all-inclusive resort tips that you really don’t want to skip!

Do this instead: start by acknowledging staff with a smile, remembering their names and asking how they are. Do not be rude to staff, even if you’re upset; you’re much more likely to get help when you’re kind and calm. Ask questions about the area or the resort – they are a wealth of insider information – but steer clear of overly personal questions that could come off as creepy. For instance, do not hit on the staff, ask where they live or for their private phone numbers. If you want to keep in touch, they can give you their company email address.

I’ve seen too many people miss out on the joy of the moment because their eyes are constantly on their phone. You’re on holidays for a reason – to get a break from daily life – so let this be a magical experience. Take in the beauty of the surrounding nature, watch your children play, have a cocktail with your spouse, check out a performance, go dancing at the nightclub.

Do this instead: use your phone to snap a few pictures or videos for memories, but otherwise try to keep your tech use to a minimum so you can be fully present. (Plus, you’ll avoid a lot of frustration, since internet service may be spotty and limited to certain areas.)

When it comes to holidays, you have to plan for the unexpected, and that includes making sure you have adequate insurance coverage and knowing how to access it. Insurance coverage depends on where you are and what you’re doing, but expect the resort’s insurance to cover only things under their direct control, such as mechanical malfunctions, equipment failures, schedule changes and cancellations. It generally won’t cover weather-related disasters, personal medical emergencies, accidents, injuries, flight cancellations and other things that could seriously mess up your trip (and your budget) if you’re not prepared.

Do this instead: consider buying separate travel insurance for the trip, and read through it carefully so you know what’s covered. You will most likely be offered travel insurance as an extra when booking, either through a travel agent or directly through the resort. You can also purchase travel insurance as a rider to other insurance policies, like a homeowner’s policy, and many credit cards offer travel insurance as a perk when you pay for the trip with that card. Also make sure to check with your personal medical insurance about what they cover while you are away, especially if you are out of the country.

Is budgeting for travel insurance important? Find out here.