The popularity of all-inclusive resorts has skyrocketed in the past five years.  They offer programs for everyone including families, couples, and singles.  All-inclusives come in all shapes and sizes, from ultra-luxurious mega resorts to quaint, boutique style hotels.  But everyone always wants to know…Do they really include EVERYTHING?

Breakfast room service at Secrets SilverSands…that was a lot of food!

The answer is yes… and no.

Here’s what’s usually included (ask about your particular resort to be sure):

• All meals, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages and most alcoholic beverages
• Some activities, depending on what your resort has available, such as tennis, golf, diving or snorkeling, other non-motorized water sports, and workouts.
• Gratuities are included but it doesn’t hurt to tip a bartender or room attendant every now and then if you feel they are doing a great job. In fact you will most likely get extra service if you do so but you don’t need to.
• Nightly entertainment – shows, dancing, karaoke and more
• Room service – some resorts include 24 hr room service. This is good to double check on.

Here’s what’s usually NOT included:

• Airfare and airport taxes (except with Delta Vacations’ package where your airfare is included)
• Spa treatments (massage, facial, etc), but access to facilities is usually included
• Off-site tours
• Phone calls
• Items purchased at the gift shop

A couple notes on “inclusions”:

• You will get the “included” wine with your dinner, but you can, many times, purchase a specific wine.  Also, sometimes only domestic or local liquor is included, so if you’re in Mexico for example, you may have to pay extra (if available) for a Miller beer instead of a Dos Equis or Pacifico or Corona.
• You may have to make reservations for your meals at select restaurants onsite.  And sometimes, if you don’t make the reservation, your options may be limited.  You also may be restricted to how many times you can eat at some of the nicer restaurants at the property. So make your reservations when you arrive.

Where are all-inclusive resorts available and a good option?

Jamaica , the Dominican Republic , Mexico , especially Cancun and the Riviera Maya

Some questions to ask yourself before choosing an all-inclusive resort:

1. Am I looking for a vacation where I want very little outside influence, just want to relax and not be bothered with where to go to eat dinner or what to do?
2. Do I want to see something and do something different every day?
3. Are there enough activities at this particular resort, and are the restaurants suitable to my taste?

If you have questions on all-inclusive vacations  for us you can find Delta Vacations on Facebook (in fact we are giving away a trip to one of our fans!) or follow us on Twitter.

What’s your favorite all inclusive?

Our guest blogger for today is Nancy from the Family Travel Network, where she is giving you tips for traveling with young children.  Next week she will be discussing kid friendly resorts and destinations.

Tips for Traveling With Young Children.

* Sign your little one up for frequent flyer programs. It’s amazing how fast those miles will add up.

* Schedule flights that coincide with your child’s nap schedule. If it’s going to be a very long flight, red-eye overnight flights also work out well.

* If your child is old enough, talk with him/her ahead of time about your trip. Read stories about flying in planes and talk about what to expect. Preparation always helps.

* Print out your boarding passes ahead of time for flights that allow online check-in.

* Bring along food and healthy snacks, and buy water before getting on the plane. If you need infant formula, bring along plenty of that, too. You never know how long you’ll be on the plane and it’s a good idea to keep your kids on their regular eating schedule if possible.

* Bring along an FAA approved car seat on the plane.

* Do not check your stroller – airports are big places. Keep your child in his/her stroller and check it at the gate.

* Dress your little one in comfortable clothes (darker ones hide stains) and bring along an extra change of clothes and some zip-lock plastic bags in case of accidents.

* For infants and toddlers, bring along as well as plenty of diapers, wipes, and a small container of baby bath soap & wash cloth, just in case of accidents.

* Pack a small first-aid kit with everything you might need, including children’s Tylenol, a digital thermometer, band-aids, children’s antihistamine, a nasal aspirator, and other items.

* Consider bringing along Ear Planes to keep ears clear and pressure free if your kids are old enough to use them.

* Don’t forget one of family travel’s best kept secrets – the travel knapsack – to keep your child entertained throughout the trip. Load it with cool items including story books, activity books, finger puppets, felt books with stick-ons, magnetic games, small dolls/action figures, and other items.

* If your child has a favorite item that you can’t replace – such as a beloved blanket or toy - don’t take a chance that it could get lost and ruin your trip. Bring it with you in your carry-on luggage.

There are lots more tips for traveling with young children, but hopefully these will help.  You can find more of Nancy’s tips at (www.familytravelnetwork.com)

Do you  have tips for traveling with kids? Comment here or tweet us @deltablog.

Nancy, Family Travel Network

How do you travel for a full week in one carry on? We’ll show you how in this edition of Cubicle Travel Tips, plus other useful travel information you need before you pack.

Do you have other useful travel tips? Share them below or tweet them @deltablog.

Sean C, Delta Vacations