Be an early bird when it comes to excursions.
We’re not just talking about booking them the moment you arrive, either. Excursions booked at the resort are generally more expensive, so reserve them before you leave home, ideally through your travel agent—because they have better connections.
"Many people wait until they are at the resort to book off-resort experiences and excursions, but as travel advisors, we have relationships with tour operators outside of the resort which can offer better rates," says Lori Stephens at Sojourney Travel. "For instance, we book a lot of catamaran cruises ahead of time because they’re so popular, and we can typically offer better prices than the ones offered by the resort."
Not convinced? Local operator Tours Grenada’s catamaran sailings start from $74 for a sunset and dinner sail, but Sandals Grenada’s prices for sunset cruises start from $115. That pricing pattern is typical across many excursions and activities.
The best things don’t always come in small packages.
Bear in mind that when it comes to value for money, the bigger resorts often have the power to offer cheaper rates, whether it’s through the reduced costs they pay buying food and drink in bulk or just simple logistics of being a big player in town.
"All-inclusives on smaller, more remote islands often have fewer true all-inclusive options, and imported food and drinks can drive up prices without adding extra perks," says Sarah Bonsall, founder of Latitude 21 Travel. "If you want the best bang for your buck—and the widest range of truly all-inclusive resorts—it’s hard to beat [the big resorts of] Mexico and the Dominican Republic."
Pack accordingly (and check the dress codes).
One common way to unexpectedly spend cash at an all-inclusive? When you don't realize that fine dining restaurant you’ve booked has a strict dress code.
"Knowing the resort’s dress code before you pack is key," says Stephens. "Some all-inclusive resorts require pants and closed-toe shoes for men at dinner while others require dress shorts and close-toed shoes for men and 'resort casual' dresses for women. Knowing exactly what is expected by the resort is crucial."
The same goes for anticipating the need for the sundries you'll be using every day, like sunscreen and bug spray. They're sold at a premium at resorts, so pack them at home.
Beware the shared transfer.
The transfers offered by the hotel aren’t the only option. It may be less expensive and quicker to pre-book a taxi with a local company instead.
Michael Boguslavskiy at Caballeros Vacations says that private transfers—when booked in advance—can often be cheaper. “For example, a private transfer from Cancun Airport to Secrets Playa Blanca costs $130 for up to seven people. A shared transfer costs $41 per person. So if you have a family of four, you'll save money by going with a private transfer.”
Taxis are often faster, too. "Most places include shared transfers, but a shared transfer usually means that your transfer will stop at other resorts, and it will wait at the airport for everyone else before departing," says Boguslavskiy.
Ask if you're eligible for free room service.
Yes, more resorts are including room service as standard, but never assume your chosen resort is one of these. Double-check that when a resort brags about its room service, it isn't only available for certain categories of room.
"Increasingly, resort brands want to create clear divides between their various hotels," says Boguslavskiy. "For example, Iberostar Waves resorts no longer offer room service, but Iberostar Selection resorts offer it between 11am and 11pm."
Palace-level RIU Resorts have room service, while regular RIUs don’t. Grand Palladium rolled out a similar change recently: Grand Palladium Select resorts offer free room service, while standard Grand Palladium resorts charge for it. Don't assume you can use room service for free.
Check the check out.
That late-night flight home might well have seemed like a bargain when you booked it, but your savings will be quickly wiped out if you’re booted out of your resort at 11am and have to fill the rest of the day.
"Resorts, especially during busy times, are starting to crack down on folks who have a late flight back home," says Boguslavskiy. "Normally you would check-out of your resort at 11am, and if you have an evening flight, you can just hang out at the property, making full use of the amenities. But we’re seeing more resorts giving people just a couple of hours' post-checkout time to use the property, and then asking for additional payment for use of things like the pools and restaurants."
Bearing in mind that day passes for all-inclusive resorts (which some will insist you purchase) tend to start from around $100 per person, this is another overlooked detail worth double-checking.
Find your dream driver.
Do you have friends or relatives who have already visited the destination you’re visiting and who can recommend a great local driver? The great ones are worth their weight in gold—or at least, the dollars you’ll save.
"If you meet a driver you like and trust, grab their direct contact information for other off-resort explorations," says Fora Travel advisor Lauren Ruehl. "This will save you money compared to local taxis, which are known for inconsistent pricing in tourist destinations, and pre-arranged drivers through the hotel."
When services come recommended, they're also less likely to rip you off—which is one reason the travel advice of Frommer's has succeeded for long.
Embrace free fun, but ask for spot discounts.
The good news? You’ll almost certainly be surprised to find out just how many free activities are offered by the resort, so always ask for a full list of included amenities from resort staff. You're frequently bound to find things you didn't even know was available.
"I love taking advantage of the pre-planned and included activities that the resort offers rather than booking outside activities on my own," says Bonsall of Latitude 21 Travel. "Often you’ll find free fitness classes, beach volleyball games, cooking and cocktail classes, dance lessons and free nightly entertainment."
If you do decide to splurge on added extras, don’t assume this means paying the advertised price. "Often, you can negotiate the prices of water sports activities, and you should always ask about daily specials at spas," says Sarah.
Should you tip at all-inclusives?
"Most all-inclusive resorts state that tips are included for restaurants, bars, and housekeeping, but we always recommend tipping extra for great service," says Bonsall. "Many staff work in countries with low wages, so even a small gesture goes a long way."
So how much should you budget for tips if you decide to show all-inclusive resort employees a little extra love?
"Personally, when in all-inclusives I usually tip bartenders a few dollars per round and leave $5 daily for housekeeping," says Bonsall. "I give bellmen between $5 and $10 per bag and drivers $20–50 depending on the distance. At meals, I often leave $5 per couple for breakfast and lunch, and about $10 per person for dinner. But of course, this is just what I do, so feel free to adjust to your budget and the service you receive. No matter what you tip, it will be appreciated."
Embrace travel advisors.
Yes, you’ve got travel insurance (hopefully), but this doesn’t mean you won’t still be hit with various unexpected (and often non-refundable) expenses should the worst happen.
“When Mexico’s Atelier Playa Mujeres resort had its devastating fire in 2023, we arranged for someone to collect our clients and transfer them to alternative resorts, free of charge,” says Boguslavskiy at Caballeros Vacations. “We walked past folks [who were] stuck on the beach on hold with varying travel agencies, trying to figure out what to do to salvage their vacations. They were dealing with this—and the associated costs—entirely alone.”
Check how inclusive your all-inclusive really is.
The best way to avoid racking up unexpected costs during your vacation? Before you book, take the time to thoroughly research what’s included and what isn’t.
“Some resorts will charge for top-shelf alcohol, premium dining establishments, airport transfers and water-based activities, while others, including Sandals and Beaches resorts, include everything: gratuities, motorized water sports, scuba diving and top-shelf liquor,” says Stephens at Sojourney Travel.
“Awareness is key, and if you’re using a travel advisor, they should be able to define what is truly included.”