How to Find the Best All Inclusive Resort for Your Family

Planning an all-inclusive vacation with kids can feel like a daunting task. You have to choose the right family resort, set a budget and pick activities that will keep your kids busy enough to give you a break.

But with the right planning, you can enjoy a hassle-free trip where everything’s taken care of for you. We’ve broken it all down, so your next vacation will be a breeze. Plus, we’ve got expert tips from two travel experts to help you every step of the way.

What is an all-inclusive vacation?

Simply put, an all-inclusive resort bundles most (if not all) of your vacation essentials into one price. This typically includes meals, drinks, accommodations, activities, entertainment and often flights and airport transfers. When you book an all-inclusive, you normally plan to spend most of your time at the resort with a few excursions offsite to sightsee or try an activity like sailing or snorkelling. North American travellers usually go south to the Caribbean when visiting an all-inclusive but you can find resorts around the world.

The beauty of an all-inclusive vacation is that you don’t have to worry about keeping track of expenses while you’re there. Want to grab a bite at one of the resort’s restaurants or sip on a poolside cocktail? It’s all covered. Plus, many resorts offer special discounts, amenities and activities designed specifically for families, so you can relax knowing everything is taken care of.

The first step: Know your family’s vibe

Before diving into the details, consider the kind of vacation your family wants, says Rienk de Jong, SVP of Global Revenue and Sales at Premier Worldwide Marketing.

"The first step in planning an all-inclusive vacation is deciding on the type of experience your family would like, whether it's relaxing on a beach, embarking on an adventurous getaway or immersing yourselves in local culture. All-inclusive resorts make this process seamless by offering convenience and tailored experiences to suit all ages."

Once you’ve identified the kind of vacation you want, you can start narrowing down your destination list and choose a resort that fits your family’s needs. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vibe, an active adventure or a mix of both, there are plenty of options that cater to families.

All-inclusive features families should look for

When choosing a resort, make sure it offers activities that will keep everyone entertained—from the littlest kids to the grandparents. 

"When choosing a family-friendly destination, it is important to consider activities that suit everyone travelling, whether it’s kids, teenagers, parents or grandparents," says de Jong.

For example, if you have younger kids, look for resorts with a great kids’ club, water parks and family-friendly dining options. Many kids' clubs offer babysitting services, meaning that parents can drop the kids off for a few hours or a day of fun while the grown-ups relax.

For older kids or teens, something like the Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts, which features a 90s-inspired hangout spot called the Snick Lounge, might be just the thing. And don’t forget to check out the other amenities—like private cabanas, luxury spas, and even gourmet dining for parents. It’s all about finding that balance between fun for the kids and relaxation for the adults.

Accommodation features: Space is key

One of the key things families look for is space—and lots of it. Look for accommodations that are spacious enough for your whole crew to spread out and feel comfortable. 

"Families should look for accommodations that provide plenty of space, such as connecting suites or rooms with separate sleeping areas, to ensure comfort for all," says de Jong.

For larger families, look for resorts that offer suites. They offer roomy accommodations with private balconies or terraces overlooking the beach, plus swim-up suites perfect for taking a dip just steps from your room.

Setting a budget: What to keep in mind

Melissa Leong, author of Happy Go Money, a fan of all-inclusive vacations and campaign spokesperson for Sunwing Vacations, believes budgeting is the first thing families should think about when planning a trip.

"Start with this question: 'How much do we want to spend in total?' Your trip budget should include travel, accommodations, transfers (possibly a private transfer with a pre-booked car seat), airport parking, excursions, tips, toiletries, souvenirs, miscellaneous, etc. (I include a 10 percent buffer for unexpected costs.)"

An all-inclusive trip is great for budgeting because most of the major expenses are included upfront. From meals to drinks, activities and even airport transfers, the all-in pricing helps you avoid surprises along the way. Leong suggests being mindful of the high season, as prices can jump during holidays or school breaks.

"Flexibility is your friend. Use fare grids such as Sunwing’s Lowest Price Calendar to find maximum savings. For example, if you leave on a Monday or Wednesday, it might be cheaper than leaving on a weekend."

If you can, book at least 90 days ahead to get the best rates, and if you're flexible, last-minute deals can also offer great discounts.

Food: Keeping picky eaters happy

Food is a huge part of any family vacation and all-inclusive resorts shine when it comes to variety and ease. Whether your kids are picky eaters or foodies in the making, you’ll find plenty of dining options that cater to all tastes.

"The perfect dining experience for kids offers convenience and variety, allowing them to choose their favourites. For picky eaters, 24-hour room service ensures there's always something they’ll enjoy," says de Jong.

Tips for smooth sailing

Every vacation has its bumps, but with the right kid-friendly strategies, you can make things run smoothly. Leong shares a few of her favourite tips for making the most of an all-inclusive stay.

"I create little 'surprise packs' that I bust out when needed: during a long wait at check-in, for example. I fill a package with stickers, leftover Halloween treats, items that I’ll sneak from my kids’ party loot bags throughout the year—anything to delight them and offer sweet distraction."

And don’t forget to pack smart—be mindful of the extras you might need on your trip, from sunscreen to snacks, and make sure you have any essential medications or gear (like snorkelling masks) before you arrive.

"I’ll include snacks for excursions, essentials such as sunscreen, aloe, insect repellent, medicine and gear such as inflatable swim jackets, snorkelling masks, etc. to avoid buying things at gift shops."

Ready to book your next family getaway?

All-inclusive vacations are the ultimate way to enjoy family time without the stress. With these tips and expert insights, you’re ready to pick the perfect resort, set a budget and create a vacation your family will never forget. Whether you’re lounging by the beach or exploring new activities, your all-inclusive getaway will be one for the books!

Experts

• Melissa Leong is the campaign spokesperson for Sunwing Vacations. She is also the author of the award-winning finance guide Happy Go Money. She has two travel-loving boys, 5 and 9. She’s a devotee of all-inclusive vacations because they check all of the boxes—they offer easy budgeting and something for everyone including her kiddos: the beach bum bookworm and the aspiring surfer dude.
  
  
• Rienk de Jong is the SVP of Global Revenue and Sales at Premier Worldwide Marketing.