The Real Difference Between All-Inclusive Resorts
(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!
Can Be Reached At
1-763-231-8893
What to Know About All-Inclusive Resorts (Before You Book—Hopefully With Me!)
With so many all-inclusive resorts out there, choosing the right one can feel a little overwhelming. The good news? I’m here to break it all down for you—so you can feel confident and excited about your choice.
In general, all-inclusive means your meals, drinks, and entertainment are included in the package price. But not all all-inclusive resorts are created equal—especially when it comes to the quality of the food, drinks, service, and activities. Let’s break down the key areas that really make a difference.
Food
For many travelers, food is a top priority—and for some, it’s everything. I totally get it.
Most all-inclusive resorts offer a mix of buffet-style and à la carte restaurants, often with a variety of international cuisines. At some properties, the meals are genuinely gourmet—the kind of dishes you'd expect from a high-end restaurant. I've personally had food so good, I asked the chef for the recipe (which I then realized I definitely couldn’t recreate at home unless I wanted to gain 10 pounds in a week!).
On the flip side, there are resorts where the food is just... fine. It’ll fill you up, but it might not wow you.
It’s also good to know that while many resorts include all restaurants in your package, others charge extra for certain premium meals—like lobster or filet mignon—or reserve a few “specialty dining” options for guests with upgraded packages. This allows them to cater to a wider range of travelers and budgets.
If having gourmet meals every night is part of your dream vacation, just let me know—I’ll make sure we focus on resorts that can deliver that kind of dining experience.
Beverages
Let’s talk drinks—because for many, it’s a big part of the all-inclusive experience.
While all all-inclusive resorts include alcoholic beverages, the quality and selection can vary quite a bit. Some offer only premium name-brand liquors, while others stick to more basic well options—think generic vodka, rum, gin, tequila, etc.
The same goes for beer and wine: higher-end resorts usually have better brands and more variety.
If you have a go-to drink or a favorite liquor that really matters to you, tell me! I’ll check directly with the resort to make sure it’s available.
Entertainment & Activities
One of the things I love most about a great all-inclusive resort is the entertainment—and after 25+ years in this industry, I’ve seen it all.
Some resorts truly deliver that “wow” factor with evening shows and live performances, while others are more low-key. It really depends on the property, and the vibe you’re going for.
During the day, you’ll find plenty of options beyond just lounging poolside or on the beach. Many resorts offer activities like yoga, cooking classes, beach volleyball, kayaking, snorkeling, and more—at no additional cost.
Family or Adults-Only?
All-inclusive resorts can be found throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama, with options ranging from family-friendly to adults-only. Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a fun group getaway, or a relaxing family vacation, there’s a resort that fits your style and needs.
It’s also worth noting that not all adults-only resorts are created equal. Some are laid-back and peaceful—perfect for unwinding with a cocktail and a good book. Others are vibrant and social, with high-energy pool scenes and late-night fun. Then there are resorts that strike a balance somewhere in between. And finally, some lean a bit more toward the risqué side, featuring topless beaches or au naturel areas.
That’s where we come in—to help match you with the adult-only experience that fits you best.
Final Thoughts
It’s not just about picking any all-inclusive resort—it’s about finding the one that’s the perfect fit for you. From the food and drinks to the entertainment and overall vibe, each resort has its own unique flavor. And that’s where the fun begins—figuring out which one matches your vacation style best!
Together, we’ll sort through the options and design a vacation that fits you—your style, your pace, your priorities—from start to finish.