Pros and Cons of an All Inclusive Honeymoon

I found another date twin today!! Damn thats awesome!!! I don't think there are any downfalls to an all inclusive. We also go all inclusive to Mexico and I couldn't imagine going any way else. I always bring money for tips and shopping but you could go with $20 in your pocket and be okay.

I see traveling and vacationing as two different things. For traveling, I like to explore and learn about new places, which you cannot do from a resort. But when I vacation I just want to relax with minimal planning. So for vacations, I am all for all-inclusive resorts!!! Everything is taken care of, I dont have to plan much, and I get unlimited food/drinks!

If you are on a budget I think all inclusive is a great idea because you don't have to buy anything unless you want to. But if you want luxury and want to try multiple restaurants and activities I would say don't do all inclusive. Hope it helped somewhat.

I do love an all-inclusive resort! But the inclusions can vary wildly based on the resort.

As you can see from several of the other posts, the quality of the food can really be the downfall of the resort. We started really focusing on all-inclusive resorts that cater to foodies a couple of years ago. After all, so much of what you pay for is the food!

Here's an article about what's included, and what's not, at many all-inclusive resorts.

http://www.blisshoneymoons.com/whats-included-inclusive-resort/

We went to an all inclusive in Punta Cana and loved it. It's so great to just have one price and be able to let loose without worrying about extra cost for more food or drink. We booked through Delta Vacations and it included flights, resort stay and shuttles. Excursions were the only thing that cost extra. If you just want to lay on the beach and eat and drink and relax, all inclusive is perfect. If you'd rather go somewhere more off the beaten path and explore more, it's probably not for you.

We love all-inclusives!! We prefer adult only and be sure to pick one with many restaurant choices and that includes top-shelf liquor. Read reviews to stay at a place with great food. I also recommend a resort where you don't have to make reservations for dinner. We love to eat and drink so all-inclusive resorts are definitely the best value for us!!

We went to Costa Rica and did both. The first part of our trip was in the Arenal area. This is where we did all of our excursions. We left our hotel every day for dinner. The all inclusive was at Secrets. All inclusive adult only. It was amazing. It was a good balance for us to split it because we wanted to experience both.

Interesting post. We just went to Costa Rica this past January and I honestly wish we would have done all inclusive because the three meals per day became a bit pricey, lol.

Thanks for the advice..........

The biggest cons I've heard of are bad food and people feeling like they can't leave the hotel or eat at any local places because they already paid at the hotel. My favorite part of traveling is finding hole in the wall local places and eating and immersing myself into local culture.

I can't think of any cons for all inclusive resorts. All of the ones I've been to have had excellent food; DH is a good snob and he even really enjoyed all of the restaurants.

Hi Terry. Yay for active grooms!!!

To add my two cents to this convo, I didn't like the idea of all inclusive at first because I felt it limited your options and you wouldn't want to leave the hotel the entire trip. We got an offer to stay at an all inclusive for a wedding gift (that's a separate post). FH and I were gonna go the boutique hotel route. But after weighing the cost of having to get food, liquor and snacks on our own, travel time, etc. We decided, all inclusive it is! We're planning off site tours and adventures so we're not cooped up there the whole time. I think not having to worry about where to go off site to eat will definitely take some stress away from the honeymoon. I say go for it as long as your budget allows!

I never felt we could not go off site just because we were at an all inclusive. The only cons are spending more than you would if you paid for food/drink (if you don't drink or eat a lot) and being at a resort with limited food options and/or bad food.

Secrets the Vine in Cancun is an amazing all inclusive. Iberostar Rose Hall in Jamaica was also very good- healthy options as well.

Agree with everyone above- All- Inclusives are awesome! I love not having to think about anything if I don't want to and just showing up and getting endless food/drinks.

Main downsides- food can be just ok. I am pretty picky about only going to places with several restaurants and good reviews for the food

The reservation system can be a pain for meals especially at busy places- hate it when you can only go to nice places once or when all reservations have to be made on the first day.

Check out the liquor supply- ask for top shelf if possible

Don't forget excursions! Couples in Jamaica had some nice excursions included in the price of staying and we certainly took advantage!

After spending an insane amount of money on the wedding, it will probably be a lot less stressful to go to an all inclusive so that you don't get even more stressed about how much more money you're spending on meals and drinks every time the bill comes.

We love all inclusive resorts! We have been to a dozen in our time together. The best one we have been to is Dreams in LaRomana Dominican Republic. Lots of food, activities, sun, beach and swim up bar. The staff was friendly, spoke English and it was so easy to go to the different restaurants.

We are doing Riu Palace in Punta Cana and I have personally done both all inclusive and not in the past and the all inclusive was much more relaxing.

My fiancé and I are going to Mexico but rather than all inclusive, we are staying at a small boutique hotel. He doesn't drink at all so it would be a waste for us to do AI. Plus we want to scope out the authentic foods and explore Playa del Carmen (and the Mayan ruins) rather than being cooped up in the resort

I have been to 13 all inclusive resorts and have never felt trapped on the resort. We are also the types to never do "tours" but rather take cabs/bus around and explore the areas.

We loved it. We just literally wanted to lay on the beach for a week with drinks in our hands. Make sure you do research on trip advisor and other places to make sure he food is quality. And that the specialty restaurants are included not just buffet. Ours had 3 options for lunch (1 buffet) and 5 dinner restaurant a the buffet was amazing though! All drinks included as well. We did 1 day where we did an excursion. We also did the spa at the resort. Other than that just beach and lounge.

I also highly suggest going in shoulder season. You save on price but it's also not as busy. The pools weren't swarmed with spring breakers. We went in nov and paid $2000 with airfare for 7 nights. Ocean Coral and Turqesa in Riviera Maya

Food and flaming tequila!