WHAT ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS WON’T TELL YOU
Beyond the promises.
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Renovation plans aren’t usually mentioned in resorts’ marketing materials, so confirm with your travel agent (or risk dealing with noise and dust). “We’ll usually get a notification about construction upon booking,” says Flight Centre travel agent Megan Vonhone. If you aren’t using an agent, contact the resort directly.
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Beware of photo editing. Scrolling through the endless images of pristine beaches and plush rooms online, you’d be forgiven for thinking every resort offers five-star accommodations at one-star prices. “Travel agents often have personal experience with these properties, so we can give you the lowdown,” says Vonhone. Check sites like TripAdvisor for unretouched photos from real guests.
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International corporations manage most resorts offering all-inclusives, and this can mean they rarely benefit the host country economically. Find resorts that have been granted Green Globe certification, which requires a commitment to social, economic and environmental responsibility.
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When it comes to discounts for travelling at “off- peak” times of the year, remember that there’s a clear reason why rates are much lower during, say, the tropical wet season. While travel insurance can cover the cost of a trip cancellation or interruption caused by a natural disaster, in cases where your holiday is simply rained out, you can forget about getting a refund.
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Tip well, even if your package says gratuities are included in the cost of your stay. Resort employees in some countries usually depend on tips to make ends meet; unless the hotel forbids it, carry a roll of cash bills and hand them out to staff who keep you feeling pampered.
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Keep food-borne illness at bay by avoiding drinks with ice cubes and steering clear of lukewarm offerings that have been left out for hours at buffets. Traveller’s diarrhoea strikes one in four sun-seekers, so it’s best to keep anti-diarrhoeal medication on hand.
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Resorts can be a petri dish for germs. Outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease and gastroenteritis do happen. Check online reviews for information about the resort’s cleanliness.
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Buy some health care peace of mind by opting for enhanced 24-hour medical travel insurance, which covers the cost of a doctor’s visit to your hotel room. Some resorts have in-house doctors, but beware of overcharging.
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Make sure you bring all necessities, especially sunscreen – you’ll need lots, and prices at the hotel shop can be double or triple what you’d pay at home.
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You might be tempted to save some money by researching and booking day excursions privately ahead of time, but it’s best to wait until you arrive, and then speak with the concierge desk. Their local knowledge is invaluable.
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Luxury resorts and cheaper resorts often share the same stretch of beach. If you’re mainly visiting for the sun and sand and don’t care for fancy amenit ies, you’ll f ind bet ter value with the budget option.