I’ve Visited 20 All-Inclusive Resorts: 5 Extra Costs You May Not Have Accounted For

Complete-package resorts include everything from food and beverages to entertainment, transportation and accommodations for one fixed price, which takes the stress and guesswork out of planning, saving and budgeting — sort of.

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According to All Inclusive Outlet, “The average cost of an all-inclusive vacation in 2024 is $3,202, with guests staying an average of five to six nights at their chosen resort.” But many vacationers have found that the agreed-upon cost of their “all-inclusive” vacation ticked up, up, up with every night they spent at their resort.

GOBankingRates spoke with two seasoned travelers who are all too familiar with unexpected resort costs. All-inclusive vacations can be a wonderful and cost-effective experience, and not all resorts are created equal. However, if you’re planning to visit one, watch out for these common and sneaky hidden expenses .

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Elsa Raois is the president of GoldenTeak , a direct importer and distributor of premium teak outdoor and patio furniture based in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Raois is active in her community, and her company is a monthly contributing member to charities and causes like St. Jude Children’s Hospital, UNICEF, the American Red Cross and Disabled American Veterans.

Raois gives plenty back to the community, but she makes sure to leave a little for herself for hard-earned and much-needed getaways — and she doesn’t like to cobble her vacations together piecemeal.

“I have enjoyed over 20 all-inclusive resort vacations in the Caribbean and Mexico,” she said.

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Resort Fees

“Hidden costs to budget for include resort fees, which run about $20 to $50 a night,” Raois said.

According to hospitality service software provider Cvent, “Resort fees are charged by resorts, casinos and other hotels on a nightly basis, not per stay. These fees are also typically charged on a per room basis, not per person, and may be disguised as ‘destination fees,’ ‘facility fees’ or ‘amenity fees.'”

Resort fees cover services like shuttle rides, parking, concierge and internet access. They’re typically not included in the advertised cost of the package but are mandatory nonetheless.

Gratuity

Raois also said gratuity went a long way in jacking up her bill, which is not an uncommon experience. Sandals and Beaches are famous for their no-tipping policies, but according to Excellence Resorts, gratuity is usually allowed and often considered standard etiquette at most all-inclusive resorts, even those where tips are included in the price of the package.

Taxes

Like resort fees, taxes are not usually included in the advertised cost of the package, but they’re unavoidable nonetheless — and don’t be surprised if they’re higher than you’d expect. According to Little Hotelier, so-called “‘transient accommodations tax” rates can soar into the double-digits, which was Raois’s experience precisely — and taxes can gang up on you in groups.

If your resort is in the U.S., cities, municipalities and states can all pile on. For example, according to the Hollywood Roosevelt, guests get slapped with a 14% California occupancy tax, a 0.3% California tourism fee and a 2% Los Angeles tourism fee.

That, and all the other hidden costs, can add up quickly.

“At our favorite Beaches, Turks & Caicos, we paid $500 a night for an oceanview suite, but the final bill was over $700 per night after additional fees,” said Raois.

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Richard Burgon is an avid RVer, adventure lover and seasoned traveler — and he takes many of his journeys in pursuit of his twin passions, surfing and fishing. He’s the owner of RovinRV , where he provides comprehensive park and destination reviews, expert recommendations on high-quality RV equipment and detailed information through in-depth tutorials.

Off-Resort Excursions Are Not Usually Part of the Package

Burgon’s vacations aren’t limited to the confines of motorhomes, travel trailers and camper vans.

“I have taken a number of all-inclusive vacations, especially in the Caribbean, ranging from five to seven days,” he said. “One thing that first-timers often find surprising is that there is a premium price tag on some off-property activities and excursions. For instance, at one of the resorts in Cancun, I found out that a snorkeling trip they said was ‘free’ actually cost $150 for equipment rental.”

On-Resort Extras Are, Well, Extra

When you’re perusing your resort’s website and literature, you’ll likely see gleaming, tranquil and soothing spas and wellness facilities and assume that access is included in the purchase price. In most cases, that assumption will come with disappointment — and a reluctant pass on that hot stone massage you’d been dreaming about.

“Another surprising cost is spa treatments, which could range anywhere from $200 to $300 per session, even though it may seem like part of your package,” said Burgon.

His experience is the rule, not the exception, with BeachBound writing, “Spa treatments are typically not included in an all-inclusive package.”

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : I’ve Visited 20 All-Inclusive Resorts: 5 Extra Costs You May Not Have Accounted For