When you plan a vacation there are a few things to consider. Some people prefer to wing it and just make their plans when they arrive at their destination. Others prefer to plan out their entire trip and prepare a budget. To make planning and budgeting easier, many people look for all-inclusive vacation options. This makes planning easier and in some cases can be more affordable.

While some all-inclusive vacations can be the stuff dreams are made of, many others are not up to the standards of most people. If you are thinking about planning an all-inclusive vacation, be sure to check on these features to make sure you are getting your money’s worth.

Food
Many people who have had bad experiences with all-inclusive vacations complain about the quality of the food they are served. Sure the resort cruise line advertises an all you can eat buffet and top quality food choices, but in reality, you could be paying a lot of money for poor quality food. When you call to book your vacation, ask about the food that is served so you have a better idea of what to expect and can decide beforehand if it will be worth the cost.

Activities
One of the reasons many people book all-inclusive vacations is to take advantage of the many activities that are advertised or offered. Some cruise lines and resorts advertise the attractions that are available at all of their resorts or ships. When you arrive at your resort or cruise ship, you could find that the show or activity you were most excited about is not available at your specific resort or ship. To avoid this disappointment, ask about which activities, shows and experiences are available for the cruise or resort you are booking.

Alcohol
Alcohol is one of the biggest letdowns experienced on an all-inclusive vacation. If you planned to sit under an umbrella or by the pool sipping on your favorite cocktail or drinking your favorite beer, you could be upset to arrive at your destinations and find out your favorite drink isn’t included in your all-inclusive package. When it comes to alcohol, it is semi-all-inclusive and many resorts and cruises only offer certain brands of beer and liquor and certain types of mixed drinks. Always ask about what type of alcohol is included with your all-inclusive package.

Finding an all-inclusive vacation package that fits your needs and expectations can make it worth the cost, Just make sure your vacation will be all you want it to be before you book it and pay a deposit.

Image via Wikimedia Commons.