Should You Go All In for All-Inclusives?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ส.ค. 2024
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Not all that glitters is gold. Rachel and George are here to crunch the numbers, debate the pros and cons, and decide once and for all if all-inclusive vacations are worth your money. Which costs more: a trip to 30A or a week at a resort? Why does late-night crème brûlée from room service hit different? And is it all too good to be true?
In This Episode:
• The current state (and fascinating history) of all-inclusive vacations
• George’s love of fire dancing and Rachel’s aversion to mass-produced vacation food
• Cost comparisons, nonrefundable contracts and Costco Travel tips
Helpful Resources:
• Enter The Ramsey Cash Giveaway for a chance at $3,000! bit.ly/SMHHgvwy
• Do you have a Guilty As Charged question for Rachel and George? Send a DM to @rachelcruze or @georgekamel on Instagram! Be sure to type “GUILTY?” at the top of your message so we don’t miss it.
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This Week’s Happy Hour Special:
Sidecar
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 ounces cognac
• 3/4 ounce Cointreau
• 3/4 ounce lemon juice
• Sugar (for garnish)
Instructions: Coat the rim of a chilled cocktail glass with sugar and set it aside. Add cognac, Cointreau, lemon juice and ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake until mixed and chilled. Strain the liquid into your prepared glass and enjoy!
Pull up a chair to the happy hour you wish your friends were having. Mix two money experts with some hot takes and a splash of nostalgia, and you get Rachel Cruze and George Kamel talking unfiltered about what’s going on in the world, pop culture, and how to afford a life you love.
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I made a mistake watching this... now I have a travel itch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But, as always, AWESOME show! Y'all are the best.
Same here! It sounds nice!
Me too!!!! 😂
We're saving up for a cruise that is all inclusive.
It's definitely a different kind of trip than we've ever done.
We are a road trip family which is a lot more planning intensive.
This will be the first family trip we save up for in cash and don't put on a credit card.
You’re going to love it! Cruises are a lot of fun and a great way to see the world.
Good for you! Advice, make sure you know none of you get seasick before you're stuck on the ship!
Kinda all inclusive but the ship has all kinds of extras including tipping, drinks all kinds of extras even WiFi
Just got done with one and I can’t say how great it was to have it paid for!!! We only took like 350-500 cash with us and came back with 140 of it!
Yes! Pre pay tips before the trip! Or that’s a 300 you didn’t expect
LOVE IT. I have a 13 year old girl, 11 year old girl, and an 8 year old girl, and in their free time, this is all they listen to. They draw and have the podcast going!!!
In 2017 my brother and I went on a non-inclusive vacation to New Zealand. Got a good deal for flights about $400 round trip each. We had no specific plans except to get there and then do WHATEVER we feel like doing. Just random. We rented a car and traveled from Auckland to Coromandel, Cathedral Cove, Rotorua, Taupo, Waitamo Caves, and back to Auckland. Stayed at various AirBnB. Pretty much half the northern island. The one-week trip costed us $1700 total for both of us. It helped that USD is a bit more than NZ currency. The best vacation of my life as it was the definition of freedom.
Hi I'm from nz . Thanks for speaking well of my country
My guy said grab your Vera Bradley duffel bag 🤣😂 get out my closet George haha Love you guys !
Only thing I wish was mentioned when talking about resorts is the increase of “tipping culture”. Went to a resort in Cancun last year. The overall cost was very reasonable but everyone was strongly encouraged to tip for everything - every time you get a drink from the bar, at each meal, leave money for housekeeping (twice a day including turndown), for the golf cart driver taking you between activities, the band, etc. I understand the importance of tipping but it got to be so much each day you don’t realize the overall cost increases by a few hundred dollars.
I just tip like a dollar or two..I get 100 1$ and I always end up having a lot still left
We frequent Sandals resorts, and their company policy is generally no tipping!
Even though we’re boomers, we enjoy this show a lot! We listen on the podcast in the car when we’re traveling, or stream it when we’re at home. We’ve listened to the Ramsey show since 2007, so we can predict a lot of the advice but this show is refreshingly different. We’re in our 70’s, but still find the content interesting. Keep up the good work!
My bf won a free trip to an all inclusive in Cancun. Can't wait for that later this year!!! If it's free, it's for me!!
This was my first time watching the Smart Money Happy Hour & I absolutely loved it. The subject, the setup, the banter & the length. It was great.
Thanks for watching!!
Watch them all from the beginning! Awesome!
George… that dolphin doesn’t even know your name.
I'm loving the all-inclusive vacations in this season of life. Our children are pretty little yet and I don't have the mental bandwidth to plan more detailed vacations right now. I love that I can book and show up with everything being done for us. We also love to RV which is more work than leisure so I appreciate the all-inclusive packages from time to time 😊 Is it saving me money? I'm not sure. Probably not, but many times the area's surrounding the resorts are not safe. It's better to book a tour and have a local guide. Imo.
My parents went on an all inclusive resort in Punta Cana! They also went to an Excellence Resort. It was called Excellence El Carmen. They gone 4 times in the past 2-3 years. I LOVE THIS SHOW!!!!!! I've watched all of them! And they loved it!
I am fair skinned and trusted my husband to spray me down with sunscreen on our honeymoon in Antigua (where the sun is even stronger than here in south LA). A portion of my ankle was missed and I had a second degree burn. My ankle turned purple and swelled up, so I spent the rest of the week hiding my leg from the sun and smothering it with aloe Vera (which our room came stocked with, lol). I thank God it was only my ankle and not all over my body!! That would’ve made the trip miserable!!
Hi from Antigua. I hope you come back
Hey guys, quick tip, if you buy Boomer things second hand like furniture and dishes, you can keep them forever and use the money you would have used on Ikea stuff for vacations. Bonus if you're a millennial or gen z or relatives will love you because their stuff isn't going to a landfill
It all depends on what step you're on.
Steps 0-3: no traveling
Steps 4-6: traveling is allowed, but not all in
Step 7: go all in.
Uh, depends.
Depends how long 0-3 is. If getting debt free is a 5 year journey, it’s okay to spend $500 on an important anniversary trip once out of those 5 years. Just pay cash and work extra for that money.
And steps 4-7? No, go all in. That’s ridiculous.
George and Whitney went on a baby moon!?! How did I miss this news!? Congrats!
The Holy Lands cruise sounds AMAZING!! 😊
We have our first Disney cruise (and first cruise taking our kids) booked for February 2024. Our twins will be 9 years old and it’s costing us about $5100 for 4 nights on the Wish (newest boat). I was actually getting worried they’d be almost growing out of the perfect age, so I’m glad to hear otherwise. We actually love Disney World (not so much everything the company stands for) and have taken them 7-8 times since they were 2 1/2. One of the biggest pros for us is their DAS pass (our son is autistic). We are very nervous about taking him on a cruise (my husband especially), but figured now would be the best time to try it out. I love all inclusive trips and love cruises mainly for that reason. Only inclusive resort I’ve ever done was the Sandals resort in Antigua for our honeymoon back in 2011. My husband actually went all out and booked us the suite on the beach with our own private butler, so I believe he paid about $6000 for the week including flights. I’m sure we could’ve paid much less if we didn’t upgrade our room.
Avoid anything Disney vacation wise, got it.
Ooh! I’m wanting to take our family (my husband, my 6.5 year old daughter and I) on a Disney cruise! My husband isn’t a huge fan of rides, so I think is a better compromise. Let us know how you liked the Wish! Have fun!!!
Reminder when you are going to these Rescort walk with $1 and $5 bills to tip the staff. Also support the local business.
These two together are outstanding.
I LOVE this show! You all have a great back & forth banter. So fun!❤
I love every episode! I started listening on the Ramsey app, but George's expressions are not to be missed!
Keep the videos coming!
Tips: I work for several all inclusive properties in Mexico. Cabo, Cancun, loreto, Puerto Vallarta. I recommend all inclusive is your spending 75%or more on property. Because if we are all honest we spend more on vacation for food and drinks. Expect premium items and ask if there is any and ask about resort credits. But if you plan on spending less on time on property then dont cause you'll probably be spending your money in down town for food during 7am-7pm. If you like to stay in your room then get ocean view at least you have that view to stare at. But if you plan on being out of your room most of the time get garden view. Most of the time if you call the resort directly they will most likely price match the 3rd party site. And all inclusive is ALWAYS cheaper when booking it up front then waiting till you get on property. The resorts I work for have a full refundable and modifiable reservation policy so you get a win win situation. If the price drops you get the lower rate. Also the properties I work for have partial deposits the remaining balance is due at check in. Also ALWAYs ask to see if there is a better deal! At most 4 times because after the 4th offer your getting the best rate available that the agent was authorized to give by the resort. 😊
Love this show🎉. I am a Baby Boomer and LOVE TRAVEL Experiences!! It’s not all about the stuff in Life for me! 😊That’s why I worked in the travel industry for so many years. I say if you hand the urge to travel, do it. 🎉
Congratulations George on the baby on the way!
Very good episode, you two... I have always wondered about all-inclusive vacations and learned something today. Thank you!
I ADORE cruises! However, those excursions can definitely add up so it's always good to budget an extra $1000 realistically if you want to do extras on your cruise beyond the base fare. However, you can always save some cash by going through local vendors or grabbing a taxi at the ports rather than straight through the cruise line 🙂
great episode. i'm gonna do like George and book through Costco travel.
I love this show!! You guys just seem like you’re having so much fun! Rachel you make me laugh just listening to you laugh at yourself!!😂
I travel with my cousins. It’s a blast. I love travel. I’m between boomer and millennials, my family has valued travel a lot. And yes we love all inclusives. Cruises are a favorite
This was a great episode! We never go to all inclusives because I always assumed they were too expensive, but I learned from this episode that is not the case. Travel is my favorite thing, and that is where we spend our money. Rachel, you definitely need to go to Europe to experience an entirely different culture and all of the history. I love this show!
Went on an all-inclusive to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Can't wait to go back 🏖
Great topic! Love to watch you both together! ❤
My husband and I stayed for 1 month at the Live Aqua Resort in Cancun while my husband was undergoing treatment. Really great resort.
Glad you did this episode. It's everyday choices we make. I think car rental should be a next topic.
Yesss ! Because I have not been able to get a rental since I cut my credit card 😭
my rich sister wanted to take my family on an all inclusive trip but i didn’t know where to look. COSTCO, bingo!!
Great show! Very informative
All inclusive at MSC CRUISE here from SOUTH 🇿🇦. Is awesome. We love and use.
But, we learned not to book ahead for excursions bcs if the weather not great they refund. But, take forever.
We been to CLUB MED IN MAURITIUS was super worth it.
Always enjoyable. Thanks for another great show!
Loved the show as usual
Sidecars are my favorite drink to make! And it’s not served in a martini glass. It has its own glassware, it’s beautiful 😍
We do. We do love it!
Oooh I loved this one so much. I am clueless about traveling and cost and such so it was super informative for me and honestly hope inducing! All inclusive for sure in my future!
I love this show!!
Three night Nashville (hotel points) budgeted and paid for. Family reunion and beach week both budgeted and saved for. I never go on vacation without having ALL the money saved first. It’s more relaxing knowing you don’t into debt for a vacation
So funny that this one came out three days before we leave for an all inclusive in Puerto Vallarta! And it's my husband's first all inclusive vacay. Can't wait!!
Love Smart Money Happy Hour! I always look forward to Thursday's! Rachel and George are hilarious and informative! Rachel and George are 10 out of 10! 😊😊
Did one in March to Costa Rica. Liked almost everything. The food was amazing. There were parties and music until 11 every night, which was a little annoying.
I love All Inclusive and Cruises cause i like to know what the price is up front and i can save the money. Also my travel agent you can pay 200 upfront and the rest is do 60 days before the trip. Also key, get travel insurance in case you need to cancel or something happens to protect your travel investment
Went to my first all-inclusive in Tulum/Akumal Mexico in February 2022 and LOVED it. I would definitely go back again. It was magical. We didn't get to use the non-motorized sports because the flag was red every day (and I really really really wanted to kayak in the ocean) but every other aspect was amazing. I can't wait to go back again. I loved Grand Bahia Principe.
Costco travel FTW! Booked our honeymoon trip to Hawaii for 7 nights. Best deal we could find.
Loved this! 👏🏽👏🏽
George's comments on Mallorca 😂
Very cool! My husband and I got married December 19, 1981.
Love this show!
You had me at the burnt cd’s ❤
George, your accent when you speak an other language is so good!! I would like to ear you speak french ;) Bonne journée!
Your dollar doesn't go further in Turks & Caicos! It's gorgeous but SO expensive. Groceries were nuts. Milk was $10/gallon in summer 2022.
That milk better have gold flakes!
SMHH is fun!
At the beginning of April for six nights my family of six, from North MS, stayed at a 2 bedroom town house in Panama City Beach, which was a five minute walk to the beach. I chose this particular rental because of the "extras" that were included - boogie boards, sand toys, beach cart, inflatable swim rings, mini golf putters and balls and more. We paid $1400 for the rental. We ate out a lot. Gas, food, and souvineers cost of $1,055. So this trip total was $2,455. My self-employed husband attended a continuing education conference for part of the trip, so we get to write off five of those nights, and the mileage to and from area! I had to search high and low to find that rental, but I'm glad I did! (The all inclusive resorts I've seen have a max of four people per room. The rare one that has more is wildly expensive. For us an all inclusive resort would cost significantly more than $2,455 for six nights.)
Great show! This could be a two part series in vacations how to save for them and how to get a good deal on them . Just in time for summer
I LOVED Live Aqua (Cancun)! You got a great price!
Travel with family and friends is fun, we just make sure we have dinner together. Agree that compatible people are important.
I love love love to travel!!! That’s what I don’t mind spending my hard earned money on vacations! Love travel less things
Whyyyyy isn’t Costco travel sponsoring this??!! 🙄 I had never heard of Costco travel!
Excellent show!
Definitely a way to travel what’s better is all inclusive and no tipping policy. You know exactly your bill before leaving and stay within budget.
i love to travel. my husband like a all inclusive and i like adventure and culture so we always alternate but now with a five year old, more kid friendly trips.
A nice cruise is 'all-inclusive enough' for me. All the basics are paid and I am happy to pay for the extras.
Such great info!! And now the hubs and I need to start planning. 😉
I just came back from Ireland and i booked one week hotel with breakfast . Its all worth it and i love it
I love your show.
Whoa whoa whoa, where is the "Dave on a Disney Cruise" tell-all story? Honestly, I would pay a little bit to hear that story! We have been on two and I, certainly, am NOT my happy self on those - they are stressful!
You should do a live show!
I love them together
Disney Cruise is the best. Our group was 18 years and up, and Disney has adult only pools and beach. Everyone enjoys the experience
Interesting to hear your thoughts. I'm a travel agent who specializes in all-inclusives. You are spot on when it comes to some items but some not so much. Love watching your podcast. Just use a travel agent next time. 🙂
which ones do you recommend in Mexico for high school ages?
I looooooove an all-inclusive.
I did an all inclusive about 20 years ago.
The food was pretty good. I tried foods I wouldn’t have tried if I had to pay for each meal.
Great episode! I've been researching all inclusives trying to determine if the cost is justified. Thanks for the info!
We had no money and had to be back at work so we didn't have a honeymoon until later. Later we went to the beach and on the way stopped at a furniture store and bought furniture for our first non furnished apt. It definitely wasn't all inclusive and definitely on the low budget side.
Fantastic show. I enjoyed every minute and I am a fan of the sidecar. I know it to be with brandy and maybe that's the sane thing as cognac.
Maybe you two could take over Dave's show sometime and do 3-4 hours of this. Different topics and cocktails obviously LOL
we do not spend much money on anything, we live very simply, but all inclusive is a must with small kids. this is the only vacation we truly rest :) we can enjoy being family without having to take care of everything we do at home (cleaning tiding, shopping, cooking, washing dishes, entertainment). once our kids are teenagers, we will start doing road trips but for now every year we save money to go all inclusive in summer to a good resort (we are from Europe). I always felt a bit bad about it because it is much money for 10days. But every year we say it was worthy. Love this episode. I worried you would say - better save it, not spend, it is a vain 😅
George, be careful and say OLDER people, not old. When you get there, you'll understand why. Loved this episode!
Or elders, or senior citizens.
It’s a good thing we got out of debt belly the time we got married. We’ve already booked our trip for Universal Orlando.
Hamansi resort in Belize is so AMAZING!!!
my wife and i did the todo incluso thing in the Dominican Republic back in 2013 (three years before we were everyday millionaires) and it was fun. but the free drinks were the kind you could drink constantly from 10:00am to 10:00pm and wake up without a hangover (and in the right bed!) so maybe that's a plus. It might give an alcoholic a chance to sober up.
All inclusive adults only to a high end resort w great food like Grand velas in maya riviera WOOHOO 🙌
I’m not too interested in all-inclusive resorts because I barely drink, and my husband doesn’t at all, and I really care about quality of food, which is really rare to find at an all-inclusive. That said, we’re taking a Disney cruise to Alaska this summer, but we chose that just as a way to hit the spots we wanted to easier than driving.
If you have a problem with alcohol, this plan could be a disaster.
Likewise, if you don't drink alcohol, it's a bad deal for you. It may work for medium drinkers?
Cant wait for my honeymoon this summer… nice all inclusive
my husband and I never had a honeymoon until 6 years married and we went on a cruise to the ABC islands (7nights) for both of us interior room. We paid $1500 this was October 2022
My fiancée and I are doing cruises all this year and next year to get a feel for “traveling” abroad and to visit many different cities first.
We’re using cruises as a way to visit different countries as a sampler before diving in head first and locking into just 1 location at a time
Love cruising! I want to go back to an all inclusive in anigua!
Antigua..
You should be considering safety especially when you bring kids. We were told in Jamaica it wasn’t safe not to do an all inclusive from the locals.
LOL this video came out as soon as I booked my august travel to Cancun?! Will be staying at the Hard rock Cancun for a week (all inclusive 😇) with first class tickets for 2k.
Fun topic. Not a fan of typical all inclusives (would carefully research quality if booking), have had the most fun renting a home/villa in Bali, Jamaica with daily services of a driver and a meal or two per day cooked on site. This allows excursions, great food, and comforts without herds of people and constant piped in music. More economical with multiple people. Haven't vacationed in years after poor decision that increased housing costs too much. Cultural travel has been the most rewarding, but sometimes a package is good for relaxing.
Jamaica is def not safe not to do an all inclusive. It’s on the government list for places not to go.
@@katemiller7874 Smart comment, great idea to look at State Dept. advisories before planning a trip.
Going to Cancun TOMORROW!! All inclusive resort. I wish you guys would’ve talked about tipping at all inclusive resorts because I’m not sure how much/ when is appropriate.
Never done an inclusive resort did a nice cruise and liked it. We will be doing all inclusive Punta Cana this summer...we will see. With kids i think should be easier..also checked to make sure food was good....worth paying more over place with slop.
It’s wise to do an all inclusive there. Not too safe
Ive never been to Disney cruise but I would also recommend not taking small kids to Disneyland or Disney World. My kids don't remember going when they were 3 and 5..oh I remember all of it..they had fun but also a lot of crying involved 😅
I think all-inclusive resorts are very situational. With a group they are great; when you need to relax, they are perfect. We are much more adventurous and love food! It really depends on what we need from that trip. Also, my husband is a pilot, so flight perks are great!