Mistakes 1st Time Travelers Make at All-Inclusive Resorts
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 พ.ค. 2024
- All inclusive resorts are some of the best options for enjoying a beach destination, but there are some drawbacks. Here we go through some of the most common travel mistakes tourists make when they stay at an all inclusive resort, whether it is in Cancun, Aruba, Spain, The Dominican Republic, or Jamaica. These are things that all tourists should know before they book an all inclusive resort.
Filmed in the Dominican Republic
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I think it's wrong for companies to advertise all-inclusive then say so and so and such and such is not included
I agree. But I also think ppl who stay at resorts are just dumb white ppl
Unfortunately it happening more often especially in alcohol
Some are limiting the amount
Agree
Agreed. American hotels are doing that too. They say that and then charge you a resort fee and parking.
Yep, typical marketing BS.
Great tips!
I would to that list the following :
Don't try to drink all the alcohol in the hotel. You won't be able to do it and instead you'll end up with a bad hangover taking you out of action or worse yet alcohol poisoning.
Now the pool chair hoarders should be hated by every single person who's on vacation 😂😂😂
I would also add a note about the wristband. It helps to have some way to hide it if you go off resort. Maybe a bracelet or watch. The street scammers will pick up right away with the whole "hey, remember me from the *your resort*?".
Well done.
If you take it off and bring it to the front the next day and actually have the wristband, they should give you another without having to pay because since you have it, nobody else could be using it.
Great tips, Walter! Let me share two more mistakes:
1. Make sure the room mini bar and the room service are included too. That's not always the case.
2. If there's anything wrong with your reservation you can ask for an upgrade in your status in the resort that can include exclusive beaches, beverages or experiences.
I'd say and add on to the tip situation, "be nice to people", a lot of times I see people go to these types of resorts and they think they're royalty with a cadre of servants. And they always wonder why I get taken care of faster and better than them, which just makes them more obstinate. Being nice and friendly to staff goes a loooong way
$32 for sunblock!! I have never been to an all-inclusive, but this is one thing I'll never forget! 😂
No joke, $50 in the hotel shop in Cancun
I find that the benefits can be skewed toward alcohol drinkers a lot.
We planned an all inclusive cruise that excluded tea from "all-inclusive" drinks. A family of 6 that doesn't take a drop of alcohol but has to pay more for a pot of tea at breakfast. Smh
Hi Walter, great video! I've only done all inclusive in cancun and need to warn people about the time-share sales people. If you get caught just being nice (hearing them out but not having any intention on investing in a time share), you will literally waste hours if even a whole day of your trip.
Hours that feel like YEARS 😀
I kind of knew the time share people were part of the deal, but I was surprised how annoyed I was by them. I just stopped answering the phone in the room and saying no to most free gifts offered by hotel "staff." If I liked all-inclusives more, I think I might pay more money to NOT hear sales pitches.
No gracias on repeat is wat I used outside the resort lol
I made the mistake of going to one presentation in exchange for dinner at an exclusive beach restaurant. They were unbelievably incessant and persistent. They had one closer after another after another. I was starting to think we could never leave. When we were finally through after wasting an entire morning (we were told it would be no longer than two hours), the girl leading us around told the host a secret word probably meaning we didn’t buy anything and he gave us a voucher for some lousy breakfast at a stupid time that we ended up not even using. When we asked about the dinner we were promised he said he didn’t know anything about it. just say no no matter what they offer and enjoy your own time.
It's incredible that you're able to interact with time travelers and learn their ways.
😀
Extra mistakes: 1) Underestimating the strength of the sun on your first day, not putting on sun tan lotion, and getting the worst sunburn of your life 2) If you're a drinker: not going to every single bar and finding the best bartender, who you tip well and are guranteed to have the tastiest/strongest drinks 3) Enjoying said bartenders drinks too much, and nursing a hangover the next day.
My face in brazil confirms part 1 😀
I'll never understand how non melanated people have to remind other non melenated people to put on sunscreen?! Like how did you survive not knowing you could burn in the sun? I'm black my whole life I've been putting on sunscreen and I don't even sunburn in the sun easily. But my mom always instilled the importance of sunscreen. Also it might help with your aging process.
1. Check out show schedule & activities. Those can be great.
2. Sometime different buffet restaurants can have different food. For example, if this buffet doesn’t have the oxtail that you want, maybe the other ones will.
Mistake #1 don’t get sucked into those presentations for travel clubs ! My husband made me go to one for a free excursion . Wasted 3hrs of my vacay . Nice excursion tho
I hate the towels on the chair people.
I agree and I also think all hotels and pools should have the policy to just remove items left on chairs after 20 or 30 minutes. Come claim them back at reception. No resort can have a chair for every single person simultaneously and people who "claim" them and then leave them unused for hours are just making sure others have a bad time.
I just remove the towel if nobody is there.
@@jerryremillard what if the person is taking a dip in the pool 🤣
@@Snowshowslow I think 20-30 minutes is too short for the chair rule. If I'm at the beach, I may be in the water for 20+ minutes, only to get out to reapply my sun lotion and dry up a bit for a snack only to find my towel and stuff gone. Oops
Beautiful sharing as always.Thanks for great information. 👍🌴😍
Wow that's a lot of information. I haven't been to an all inclusive in years, so this is helpful 😊
Tipping.....underrated on cruises and all inclusive resorts. If you want service, then you are competing with everyone else that is there. After the first 2-3 days, the staff will recognize you, and treat you differently. You will be at the beach or bar and servers will come up to you regularly. At the restaurants, you will get whatever you want, and food off the menu. It doesn't take much to set yourself apart from everyone else. Most don't tip at all.
Hi, Wolter! I'm really enjoying your videos, specially the ones from my lovely Dominican Republic. One tip at DR in the event you need to buy clothes, footwear or things like bugs spray, sunblock or anything you fancy: Just head for the public mall outside the resort premises, specially if in the Punta Cana area. There are several malls where you can buy almost anything at very affordable prices, some things even at the same price or even cheaper than at your country of origin. There's even an Ikea. You'll have to go outside of course, but it will be completely worth it.
Really good to know. Great tips. thanks
Like always. Great Advice!
I'm actually planning to go to an All-Inclusive in Sept-October so this is a great video! (Tell you son I definitely always tip AND it is a good reminder for people too!)
Thanks, guys!
If you’re staying at a higher end resort a lot of these don’t apply. Resort chains like secrets, couples, excellence, etc. walk you through everything. The food quality is much more higher end than a Barcelo, riu, Bahia, etc. You def get what you pay for with an all Inclusive. The higher end resort chains also don’t have wrist bands.
I totally agree. I noticed a huge difference in service.
For sure! I love excellence resorts
@@skyelynnae we do too. Our fave excellence is excellence punta Cana
Totally right. He should rename this video "The first mistake is going to a crummy budget resort."
Agreed. Just got back from Secrets and this video really doesn't resonate with my experience. I wanted for nothing and staff went out of their way to make the experience wonderful.
I love the Barcelo hotels and resorts. The one in Cabo, Mexico was amazing.
So many great reminders!! You're so close to 1 million subs! So excited for you, Mark!!
Great content! I've also experienced an all-inclusive that everything was timed. Was only available at certain times, bars closed extremely early, you had to make reservations in person at the front desk by 8 in the morning to get one of the restaurants. So if you didn't get your fill or keep some food and drink in your room you were pretty much out of luck.
The things I want to avoid on vacation are worrying and hurrying. The worst!! thing a resort hotel worker could say to me is "You better hurry up and make a restaurant reservation before 11 am or you won't get a seat at restaurant X for tonight's dinner service."
They do book fast--so if you don't want to get shut out, get your reservations asap.
As a local in Punta Cana, this video is on point!
Adult resorts are not always more relaxing! Don't book there thinking "Oh thank God, it's all grown ups, no kids running around." Stag(ette) excursions can be the most obnoxious bunch of fellow resortees. People go there to have a good time, whether they remember it or not. Family ones have some semblance of 'down time' or 'after hours'. If that's your game, then you'll love it but don't book mum and dad's 50th anniversary gift at an adult resort without looking into it. With adult ones, sometimes the noise goes 24hrs and you often find 'puddles' in corners and against the sides of buildings. If lying in the sun and peaceful relaxation is more your thing, read the reviews and watch for things like "boring", "small", "nothing to do" - THOSE are the best!
Hi Mark, great informative video we stayed at the Riu Palace Punta Cana back in November!
Hey Mark, awesome video
We stay at the Barcelo in Aruba. Been to Punta Cana 5 times, stayed at all-inclusive each time. We feel it is the way to go. When we were in DR we were told not to venture out on our own unless on an excursion, so that was really the only time we left the resort, and were able to see some of the country. We did the same thing in Mexico. We only left the resort on an excursion, that was it. When we go Aruba, even though it is safer to leave the resort, we still do all inclusive, cause eating every meal out, and drinking, especially in Aruba is crazy expensive. We have our breakfast and lunch in the resort and maybe go out for dinner a couple times.Having done all inclusive on all our trips, we pretty much know what to expect and yes, we ask questions too. Your video will be very helpful to first timers.
Resort areas in Mexico are safe to venture out own your own. Just do not wear expensive jewelry, flash large amounts of cash or go anywhere with anyone you do not know.
@@BernieLeVeque I would never go to Mexico again. Last time I was there I got sick, and no, I didn’t drink the water. Plus I wouldn’t feel safe there whether on a resort or not.
Love your videos Wolter!!!! Been a fan and subscriber for years!! Im heading to Cancun soon, and your info is always very helpful! It is my first time going to an "All inclusive" Adults only resort. I will keep in mind all of this info! Good timing too! Thank you Wolter and family!
Have fun!
Dunno, I found that all-inclusive might be great when travelling with small kids but otherwise it kinda locks you in. We started doing half-board instead because it forces you to get out and eat somewhere else, visit places. Also alcohol/cocktails in all-inclusive tends to be not-what-you-usually-want.
Another great travel video! Thanks!!!
Great tips. Thanks!!
All inclusive resorts are like cruise ships on land. That’s how I think of them.
Yes!!
We stayed at The Level, Melia Punta Cana, DR. They used to have a Dominican restaurant and Dominican dishes on the lunch buffet. You can walk down the beach to other beach restaurants that have great local food.never forget sunscreen. 40 bucks.
So helpful. Thanks
Couldn’t agree more with the tipping and learning a bit of the local language. The last time I did an all-inclusive in Cancun, I found both made a big difference. Giving good tips and learning some key phrases in Spanish made for a better experience. I definitely got faster and better service because of that.
Most mexicans don't speak english, and I've noticed this being a mexican myself. So whenever a foreigner comes to Mexico, they have an infinitely easier time if they know a few words in spanish
I am thankful that every resort we've been to has explained everything. Our food and non-premium drinks were included. The staff was great. In Jamaica, they had authentic food on the resort.
Very helpful information !👍P.S. Punta Cana was my favorite winter Escape 🏝🌞
(Melanie here) Hi! Great video. Next time, I need to remember my refillable bottle. I came up and introduced myself to you at the all-inclusive in February. It's a wonderful place. The specialty restaurants had great food and the buffets were good as well. Very few staff there spoke English but enough to get our questions answered.
Great video! Thanks
I've only been to one AI resort and they had a watermelon juice machine, self-serve. I drank 13 glasses that first day and levelled off to about 8 glasses per day. Best thing ever! Good that I didn't have a bigger glass! I also found the buffet to be exactly what you said, cafeteria food that appeals to Europeans. So Much Bread. There were two pots of local dishes for dinner but they were the same thing over and over, a delicious bell pepper stew. I had a nice encounter with an employee when I showed him I could write my name in Arabic, he was thrilled. The overwhelming memory of that trip though, was the heat and humidity and insufficient AC of the Maghreb in July.
I must be tired, I totally read "Mistakes Time Travelers Make" LOL! Anyways, I visited the Dominican once, I wish I had these tips then. Super helpful info!
The best all inclusive I've stayed in when my children were young is Beaches Negril in Negril Jamaica .Everything is included even scuba diving if you are certified. Always stayed on the concierge level and you are treated like royalty.
Great video
I was actually just in barcelo bavaro beach for our honeymoon! I recognized your videos are from the palace. My biggest issue was that they didn't tell us anything. They just handed us our room keys and told us our room numbers. Didn't know there was the palace with other pools or the other restaurants were included or even where to do watersports. We had to figure it all out ourselves
A few years back they would offer a sort of orientation meeting at a preset location that gave very good information about the resort and the area, truly appreciated that, I think it was put on by the airline that you used, lt has been a while since it was offered. A number of resorts ago. They (the airline) have cut down on so much.. lf you take the time, and the staff have time they can fill you in on so very much. Thankyou for your video, and as you said "don't forget to tip" as generously as you can.
Hi! Awesome video! I was there a month ago and i never had any problems to find chairs either the beach or pools!
I've been to quite a few All inclusives & most of them have been to the Domincan. Which they seem to just have a variation of levels of services, so u get better pools, better beaches, better restaurants. I just booked Antigua & didn't realize that if I would've booked directly w the resort, there's a whole big list of extras we would've received. Room upgrades, restaurant upgrades & coffee delivered to our room in the morning. I should've checked this before I booked. I thought I was well informed when it came to booking vacations. I deeply regret not researching this first. I just looked for the best price. So FYI, if you're booking a new hotel just research what specific deals individual resorts have. Also, I did look at reviews before I booked but I never saw anything about it
Local food - we have stayed at several all-inclusives in Mexico, at the buffet my bland/picky eater partner follows the American/Canadian guests, I queue up for whatever the Mexican guests are eating. Tipping, shopping, we use local currency exclusively, as to use the Almighty U.S. dollar, we are Canadian so we get dinged twice on exchange rates, and you get quoted the 'gringo price'. Same often applies to credit card use. Good point on the outrageous prices for commodity items from the resort shops, bring it with you or go off-site to buy.
Good tips
I see that you are at the Barcelo Bavaro beach. Stayed there several times. Beautiful resort
That's gotta be the Germans and Scandinavians, who are reserving the sunbeds with towels at the crack of dawns.
Brits/Americans aren't awake until 9am when on vacation!
😀
I went to DR last year and it was actually tough to find Dominican food at the resort. Mexican AI's i think it's easier to find Mexican food. But man, this was spot on Mark!
So true!!!
Tried the tequila and grapefruit you suggested. Its awesome sauce👍
Los tres golpes. .great!!
I did an all inclusive Cancun the best food was at the beach stand that had a rotisserie and ceviche ate there every day
🌷🕊️👍 good advice 🙂
I don't know elsewhere but in Cuba, the grill is generally the best place to eat.
ALWAYS READ THE FINE PRINT!!!
Laughing that you mentioned over eating, but not drinking to excess. Even at “family” resorts I’ve seen adults passed out on a lounge chair in the middle of the day that I saw dancing on tables the night before
I read that in Aruba, they no longer permit All-Inclusive resorts on the island. It doesn't stimulate the local community.
Nonsense. I just came back and there are all inclusives
I think that some countries are reviewing their tourism options. All inclusives do hire a lot of people from the local community so there's that to balance. As it may create a society division between the people employed in resorts and the others.
What resort is this you’re at? Thanks for all the info! 😊
Fyi...Amazon sells collapsible silicone Beach toys that pack fairly flat. Then you can reuse them instead of throwing plastic Beach toys in the trash!
in the first 2mins I thought, "Oh! that sounds kinda like a cruise!". But the not sharing info thing?? Well, thank you for sharing. Sometimes it's just all about knowing the culture :)
Have you guys ever stayed at El Dorado Casitas Royale? I am in September and would love your take on the place!
Chock full of useful, practical tips. Excellent!
I’ve never stayed at an all-inclusive resort but I have to say, they sound pretty rubbish. I think maybe denying yourself something (say the opportunity to go out to a local restaurant to enjoy local food and culture) just because you’ve already paid for it in the resort, is a mistake. Maybe another way of looking at it, is to reflect on the cost of airfare, etc to get to that location and plan to enjoy all it has to offer, whether within the resort or not.
Maybe I’d choose to stay in an all-inclusive just for a few days if it had something I was especially looking for (say a great beach or water sports) but combine it with a stay in a nice city hotel where I’d have the freedom to eat out, shop and just soak up the vibe. But then my kids are all grown and it’s just my wife and myself.
These are all great tips! One that I will add is, when ordering adult beverages the bartenders usually put a very small amount of booze in your drink to keep costs down for the resort. I learned to order my drink plus order an extra “shot” of whatever booze goes into it so I can dump it into the drink myself for the full flavor. & you are absolutely right about learning a few words of the local language, not only is courteous to put forth a little effort but as soon as the staff realizes that you are truing to speak their language they seem to become very appreciative of the effort & they love to help you with pronunciation & new words! Ask them about where they’re from, ask them about their culture, if you aren’t going to foreign countries to learn about the region & the people then what’s the point???
Well Done, Walters !
Bring dress pants/slacks to wear to the fancy restaurant(s). They won’t let you eat there without them
A going to Royalton Rivera in Cancun soon, how do you know what level of “all inclusive” you have?
For tipping: Should I convert cash, or take USD?
Always thought in all inc. Take what you want but want what you take, If you haven't had it before take a little to try if you like it then get more.
What resort would you say had the best selection of girlie drinks and the best food on the buffet? Thanks
I hope to see more all inclusive videos. You should make a video about tipping at all inclusive resorts because there is a lot of debate about it. Some people barely tip while others tip like if the trip was free.
It never hurts to be known as a good tipper. Every extra dollar/peso/Euro is needed and appreciated by every person working in that industry, especially in today's economy of run-away inflation. And, believe me, the word about who is a good tipper gets spread FAST around the back of the house where the guest never goes...
@@aniveed8005 You want to be generous but you have to draw the line somewhere. I have heard some crazy numbers and that's why I think a video about it would be helpful.
I don’t tip
First time I went all-inclusive, the first mistake I made was trying to pay for my first drink. I assumed it wouldn't include alcohol. The room didn't cost nearly enough to cover the cost of feeding me and getting me drunk. At least it wouldn't have at home
My brain wanted this to be time travelers, like... going back or forward in time.
English is fun. I'm cackling. 😂😂😂
strange been to several all inclusive resort and haven’t had many of the experiences you described, no alcohol or food limits no its not top shelf but still did the job and the food wasn’t to bad but the restaurants was always included I never paid extra for anything
Love your channel. All-inclusives are so not me. No way. Still an enjoyable video.
Do you only pay for a room at the resort but go out of the resort for food and drinks? I am planning on doing that but not sure how it would work with kids and all.
Can you suggest a AI resort in Costa Rica ? Should I book other activities in addition ?
Bring you own straws for your drinks. Most places I’ve been to now give you paper straws that only last 5 seconds before clapping. We now just bring our yeti mugs with the reusable straws and the bar tenders will usually fill your cup.
I can’t be the only one who read that as “time traveller” lol. Jokes asides. I never went to one yet and hopefully I can buy one during the cold winter months for fun
So many have. Even I do now that people have pointed it out 😀
I’m going to an all inclusive resort in Mexico.. The all inclusive includes gratuities and food and access to all restaurants. The only extra charges are for special order wines at mealtime … am I expected to tip for drinks or restaurant meals that are part of the all inclusive price. and if so how much?
Gee never really thought about all inclusive. Any recommendations for Jamaica?
What is the link you used to booked for all inclusive?
Can’t decide where to go ? Please suggest . Cancun, punta Cana, Costa Rica, Jamaica, puerto rica or Dominican Republic…
Not great swimmers are adventure ..
Like but of everything.. little water, land, little adventure..
which place to go ? Which AI resort ? Should we book excursions at the same time we book resort , or wait and see what they offer ?
where in DR are you? we've been going for 10+ years at AI and never can you reserve a dinner a month in advance, heck you can't reserve until the day of.
Adrian tropical is soooooo yummy in DR on George Washington ave and heredia
Nice :)
Such reasonable and accurate information...gotta love Wolters World!👏👏
Thanks Scott
Neither reasonable nor accurate. The F you talking about? Oh wait, it's a "paid for" account
Sounds a lot like cruising…only difference is you’re on land and not sailing. I think I could def do an all-inclusive resort. Given I’m heading into winter right now, a holiday someplace sunny sounds lovely.
Thank you for this wonderful and informative video. We are thinking of going to Dominican republic but the length of flight worries me. Over 9 hours from uk. Most I've flown is 3 hrs. Any tips? 😊
We have a video titled "how to survive a long haul flight" it has lots of tips
You will be fine, BA flights to Punta Cana, they do red eye. Sleep wake up in paradise.
@@woltersworld thank you, i will take a look. 😊
@@shizumaakiyama3129 thank you 😊
Beware timeshare scams. I went to a resort in Mexico and they made us attend a timeshare pitch meeting on our first day. And beyond that, the whole all-inclusive thing felt like a scam, honestly. The cafeteria food is totally a thing. I wouldn't do it again.
Ugh. Timeshares... ugh... they are brutal
They did not make you. You can say no, and walk away
John Oliver did a fantastic breakdown on timeshares / it worth watching - it’s on TH-cam
Love your wife’s camel colored backpack luggage with rolled handles, where did she get it?
Sometimes gratuities are included. They are at the Excellence resorts. So check that info. Of course, staff will still appreciate tips, but you also have to consider the local currency and frequent overtipping in a tourism-heavy economy can lead to economy-damaging inflation for all citizens including those who aren't getting paid a lot of tips. You have to find the right level of tipping.
I wish there was an onlyfans.. but like I get to tag along with this guy on his vacations. As a single traveler that would just be awesome.
This is so perfectly timed for me since I’m literally heading to Cancun in my first international trip ever Friday 😂
Have fun!
@@woltersworld thanks man! Love your channel and it inspires me to become a world traveler. Hoping to visit almost every country before I die!
Dang, I wish I knew about the large cup trick in the past. I would love to have had a 20 oz beer rather than having to get four 5 oz ones.
Biggest mistake is thinking you can reserve a beach chair by leaving your stuff. If nobody is there I'm taking it.
The chair or the stuff?
ahh when will you do australia?