How to Save Money on All-Inclusive Resort Vacation

Image: Group jumping into pool at an all-inclusive resort. (Photo Credit: gilaxia / E+)
Image: Group jumping into pool at an all-inclusive resort. (Photo Credit: gilaxia / E+)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 10:50 AM ET, Fri April 7, 2023

Booking a vacation at an all-inclusive resort is already a budget-minded decision since lodging, food, drinks and some activities are included in the price.

But what about the travelers looking to get the most for their all-inclusive buck?

While using a travel advisor will always remain the best way to ensure your trip goes off without a hitch—agents also fix the issues that arise—there are several tips and tricks to saving cash when booking an all-inclusive vacation.

One of the biggest keys to saving money when planning a vacation is to book early. Not only do some travel companies offer deals when tourists pay well ahead of time, but booking early also ensures travelers get the best rooms in the most popular destinations without the fear of missing out.

“My No. 1 piece of advice on how to save money on an all-inclusive vacation is to BOOK EARLY,” SiouxEmpireTravel.com Owner Tyson Wharton said. “The demand is real and the resorts and airlines know that. The era of last-minute cheap deals is over.”

Another option is using credit card reward points, airline miles and loyalty programs for discounted or even free, all-inclusive stays. By racking up points throughout the year through regular purchases and other travel, the reward programs can be a great way to save money.

Travelers should check with each loyalty brand to see if any surcharges apply when booking rewards, especially when booking a vacation with multiple people.

“There are opportunities to save money by booking in advance, taking advantage of discount and/or free upgrade promotional offers or by booking the room and flights together as a package,” SunsationalBeachVacations.com President Tom Brussow said.

When booking a family trip, tourists should consider finding an all-inclusive resort that allows children of a certain age to stay free or at a discounted rate with paid adults, based on the current promotions or time of year.

“In my opinion, it is really not about purely saving money but about getting the best value and vacation experience for your money,” Brussow continued. “The key is to match the customer with the right resort for their specific wants, needs, and budget, i.e. food, beach, romance, spa, room amenities and type, activities etc.”

There are many tips and tricks to pinch a few pennies, but the best course of action before any big adventure is to consult a travel advisor. With a wealth of knowledge in the booking process and familiarity with top destinations thanks to first-hand experience, there is no better way to save money than by working with an agent.

“Using an advisor is important not only for finding the best pricing, but for also having your back if and when things go wrong,” Wharton continued. “Parts of the travel industry have changed and things might not be the same since COVID. Even a seasoned traveler can run into delays, cancellations and more.”

Booking a dream vacation can become a nightmare for travelers going outside their comfort zone. By using an advisor, people will have peace of mind and can more thoroughly enjoy their time in paradise, which is worth its weight in gold. 

No matter which method travelers use to save money on their vacation, all-inclusive resorts remain one of the best options for tourists booking on a budget. 


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