Everything You Need to Know Before Booking an All-Inclusive Summer Getaway

All-inclusive resorts make travel planning simple since your lodging, food, entertainment and even your drinks are included for one standard rate. Still, there's a lot to learn about this type of resort and a lot of details that may surprise you if you're not informed. Planning an all-inclusive escape? Here's everything you should know first.

First, the term "all-inclusive" is somewhat of a misnomer. All-inclusive properties tend to include all your basic meals, drink and lodging in a single price, but you may need to pay extra for upgrades like motorized water sports or specialty dining. Make sure you know what is and isn't included so those vacation "extras" don't catch you by surprise.

Another expense you may not anticipate are tips, although you should absolutely plan for them. Remember that most all-inclusive resorts are in developing countries where workers are paid very little. Your tips are appreciated and you don't have to tip a lot to make a big impact.

Some all-inclusive packages include airport pickup with a group or on your own, but others expect you to get to the resort yourself. Either way, make sure to research your destination to find out the best options ahead of time, whether that's public transportation, a taxi or something else.

Here's the good news: all-inclusive resorts include all your alcoholic drinks. The bad news? They may only offer off-brand liquors and only one or two types of wine or beer. Make sure to research alcohol options at resorts ahead of time if you're picky and note that you can sometimes get the top-shelf brands for an extra charge.

Make sure to pack shampoo, conditioner, soap and especially sunscreen for your all-inclusive getaway. You can usually buy these items at your resort if you forget, but they can be exorbitantly expensive. Plus, you may not find the brands you want. When it comes to your packing list, you're better off being safe than sorry.

If there's a single most common complaint about all-inclusive resorts, it's that the dining options can be underwhelming. This may not be a big deal if you only eat to stay alive, but all-inclusive resorts are rarely popular with foodies for a reason. Also note that you can book gourmet all-inclusive resorts with better dining options if you're willing to pay a premium.

Need a break from the kids? Some all-inclusive properties are only for adults, and many others are only geared to couples. Plenty of regular all-inclusive resorts also offer adults-only sections, which can be a good alternative if you're traveling with a group that includes children but want a place to drink cocktails and relax without any screams and giggles.

Some all-inclusive properties let kids stay free while others let kids stay in your room for a discounted rate. Still, you should compare and price out all your options. Some resorts count anyone over the age of 12 as an adult, where others don't consider kids adults until they're at least 17.

If you're eager to get off your resort for snorkeling, ziplining or another fun activity, you should know that it's okay to pre-book these excursions on your own. If you want to wait until you're on vacation, you can also head to your resort concierge desk and choose among the excursions offered by your property.

While some all-inclusive resorts are small and exclusive, others have up to 1,000 rooms or more! That may not seem like a big deal, but the number of guests on a property can drastically affect your experience. If you have a preference, make sure you check whether an all-inclusive property is a megaresort before you book.

Families on a budget should consider the more affordable destinations for all-inclusive properties first. While there are always exceptions and you'll occasionally find a low price on a higher-end island like Antigua, you'll normally find the best deals in the Dominican Republic, Mexico or Jamaica.

Family-friendly resorts tend to have dedicated clubs for children and teens, and some of these clubs are supervised. This means that your resort may come with free babysitting-a real dream come true for moms and dads who just need a break.

If you have the flexibility to travel at any time of the year, consider booking your all-inclusive vacation during times of the year when most schools are in session. Because hurricane season lasts from June until November, fall is also a smart time of the year to save big on an all-inclusive getaway. Just make sure to buy travel insurance so your vacation isn't spoiled if a hurricane throws your plans off track.

When comparing all-inclusive properties, you'll probably notice a huge variation in the number of dining options your resort offers. Some have more than 10 restaurants and bars or even more than that, while smaller resorts may have only one or two. Make sure you know this ahead of time-especially if you're planning a long vacation and want as many options as possible.

If you don't like your dinner at an all-inclusive resort, that's perfectly okay. You can head out for a second dinner, a third dinner or even a late-night meal. Most all-inclusive resorts offer dining nearly around the clock or at least 20 hours per day, although late-night options may be limited to easy foods like pizza and french fries.

You might be surprised by how stringent all-inclusive resort dress codes can be. Many won't let you dine at night unless you meet certain standards, such as long pants and closed-toed shoes for men. It's best to know your resort's dress code so you can pack accordingly and avoid a nasty surprise.

If you want to save money and simplify the vacation planning process, consider bundling your airfare and hotel into a single package. Tons of websites make booking a vacation package a breeze, but make sure to check out Expedia.com, Priceline.com and CheapCaribbean.com.

Also remember that plenty of all-inclusive resorts aren't on the beach or even in a tropical climate. If you're looking for something different, you can find all-inclusive family camping packages, all-inclusive dude ranches and plenty of other options that are normally centered around the outdoors or specific movements like wellness.

Finally, do us a favor. Don't book a $129 per night all-inclusive resort and expect a luxury trip. Resorts are priced based on the level of quality for food and service, so you should have a general idea of the quality of any resort based on the nightly rate. If you want a luxury travel experience, plan on paying for one.