To All-Inclusive or Not to All-Inclusive?
(425 Reviews)
99% Recommended
Pam MacIntyre
Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic part of the world?
I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.
The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!
Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!
Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!
Australia
Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.
While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.
And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.
Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.
Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.
Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
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1-763-231-8893
Ah, the classic question: All-Inclusive or a resort with no meals, drinks, or entertainment?
Then I always get asked, "What do YOU prefer?" And my answer is always the same… it really depends on the experience you’re looking for. That said, I personally love both All-Inclusive and non-All-Inclusive resorts. My choice usually depends on where I'm traveling.
For destinations like Aruba, St. Maarten, the Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, and others, I absolutely love being able to venture off the resort and experience the local spots, watering holes, and authentic cuisine.
On the other hand, places like Mexico, Jamaica, and several Caribbean islands are where All-Inclusive shines for me. There's something so relaxing about lounging poolside with endless cocktails and food whenever my gluttonous heart desires!
Additional Considerations When Choosing All-Inclusive vs. Non-All-Inclusive Resorts
When deciding between the two, it’s helpful to keep a few other things in mind:
Budget Considerations: All-Inclusive resorts often offer great upfront value since meals, drinks, and many activities are included. This makes budgeting easier, especially for those who like knowing most of their costs in advance. On the flip side, non-All-Inclusive resorts sometimes have lower nightly rates, which can give you more flexibility and control over how much you spend on dining and entertainment.
That said, it’s important to understand that going non-All-Inclusive doesn’t automatically mean your trip will cost less. It really depends on your travel habits—where you choose to eat, how often you dine out, what you drink, entertainment considerations, and how much you indulge all factor into the final cost. Some non-All-Inclusive resorts also don’t include any entertainment, which can impact both your expenses and your overall experience.
So while budget is certainly an important factor, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Ultimately, your decision should reflect the kind of experience you're looking for—and often, your destination can guide that choice. Some places are better suited for the ease and indulgence of an All-Inclusive stay, while others are perfect for the flexibility and local immersion that comes with going à la carte.
Flexibility & Exploration: If you love discovering hidden gems—local eateries, cultural tours, or off-the-beaten-path adventures—a non-All-Inclusive resort allows more freedom to roam. All-Inclusive resorts tend to keep you on property, which is perfect if you want a worry-free, stress-free vacation.
Dining Experience: While All-Inclusive resorts often feature multiple dining options, they may not always deliver the same authenticity or culinary variety you'd find in local restaurants. For food lovers eager to explore regional flavors and hidden gems, a non-All-Inclusive stay can offer more memorable dining moments.
That said, not all All-Inclusive resorts are created equal—quality can vary widely when it comes to service, drinks, meals, room categories, and restaurant variety. If food is a big part of your travel experience, it’s worth considering which resort truly meets your expectations.
Family, Adults-Only, or Group Travel: All-Inclusive resorts tend to be a great fit for a wide range of travelers—whether you're planning a family vacation, an adults-only escape, or a group getaway. With kid-friendly amenities, adult-oriented experiences, and built-in entertainment, these resorts make it easy to keep everyone happy. Plus, the all-in-one pricing simplifies budgeting, which is especially helpful when coordinating travel for multiple people.
One thing to also keep in mind if you’re traveling as a group is that there are many benefits to opting for an All-Inclusive resort versus a non-All-Inclusive. All-Inclusive tends to keep people together more, whereas with non-All-Inclusive options, everyone often goes their separate ways. When you're traveling together as a group, a lot of the most memorable fun comes from the togetherness! So that’s just something to weigh when deciding which direction to go.
Travel Style: Some people want total relaxation with everything at their fingertips—meals, drinks, and entertainment included—while others prefer mixing resort downtime with off-property adventures.
So, my advice? Try both!
Sometimes the best way to decide what’s right for you is to experience it for yourself. After all, that’s half the fun of traveling – the experimentation!