5 tips for staying in at all-inclusive resort in Mexico
The Royal Solaris hotel in Cancun. Photo by Aimee Heckel
By Aimee Heckel
It sounds perfect. All of the food and drinks you could want, right there, for no extra cost. You don’t have to drive around looking for restaurants. No bar-hopping and related transportation costs. Free entertainment. It’s no wonder so many people choose an all-inclusive resort, especially when traveling to other countries, like Mexico.
While staying at an all-inclusive resort can make your vacation easier, and often even cheaper, there are also many ways to blow it. Here are five tips (learned the hard way) to help you make the most of your all-inclusive resort stay.
1. Start slow.
During the first few days, you may feel excited and tempted to try everything. A little bit of everything at the buffet. Dessert after every meal. All of the mixed drinks on the menu.
Slow down. This is the quickest way to spoil your experience and stir up a belly ache and head ache. Instead, prioritize. Pick a theme for each day, or at least each meal. Stick to that theme. And slow down on the sugar, including mixed drinks. You are already most likely dehydrated, after traveling and spending all day in the sun. Fuel your body with plenty of water and healthy fruits and veggies, and cut back on the sodium and sugar.
2. When available, pick local food.
Mexicans do Mexican food best. It’s almost guaranteed to be the best thing on a menu in Mexico. Stop the guessing games and reduce the odds of getting a yucky meal — especially at buffet-style restaurants — by sticking to local specialties. German night in Cancun is probably going to lead to regret.
3. Ask the concierge plenty of questions on day one.
Slip staff a few bucks to get some tips and inform yourself. Which shows this week are the best? Are there any upcoming spa deals? What food does the staff eat? They work here every day; they are going to know the best bets.
4. Plan at least one excursion off site.
Sure, you don’t have to ever leave the resort. But you will want to. Plan something for the middle of your stay, to break up the pace, change scenery and give you a new perspective. It may be as simple as a new stretch of the beach or a boating trip.
5. Don’t drink all day.
You will be tempted to order beer with breakfast — just because you can. Don’t. You can usually spot the people who have been at the resort the longest. They’re the ones who have learned the hard way to drink responsibly and stick to just beer or just wine. Save yourself some headaches (literally) and make smart choices with your alcohol. Also, make sure you follow every alcoholic drink with a glass of water. The motto of all-inclusives should be “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” Moderation, friends. You will enjoy yourself much more if you don’t abuse your resort — and body.
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