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Tel:  800.552.6103 / Local: 302.442.0225
January 30, 2013 
A Personal Note From Michelle

Celebration Travel Journeys is an online, weekly newsletter written by Michelle Woodson and dedicated to all things travel. If you enjoyed this newsletter, please feel free to forward it to someone who you feel would also enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by and happy travels!

 

 

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Greetings!   

 

Me

All-Inclusive Resort vacations offer an exceptional value.

  

Did you know that the all-inclusive resort concept started on the beautiful island of Jamaica more than 35 years ago? Fast forward to today and I'm happy to say that the industry looks nothing like it did when it first began. There are many more resort options, as well as amenities and upgrades from which to choose. When my kids (son, Tre, almost 16 and daughter, Ariana, 19) were younger, the majority of our vacations were at all-inclusive resorts. That was - and probably still is - the most affordable way for a family to travel.

 

All-inclusive resorts are typically found in the Caribbean and Mexico. Not every island offers this option, and some are more affordable than others.  Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Port St. Lucie, Florida, is the only all-inclusive property in the U.S.

 

I highly recommend this type of travel for families, groups and multi-generational travel. The value is truly exceptional!

 

Today we'll look at the array of alternatives in the all-inclusive resort industry, as well as help you determine which one is right for you. Happy travels!

 

Best,

 

Michelle     

Owner/Travel Consultant

Ticket to Travel 

 

 

  

 

Photos:  Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso Resort, Riviera Maya, Mexico; Butler Service with Sandals Resorts - an early pioneer of the AI concept.

 

All-Inclusive Value... and fun!
All Inclusive Value... and Fun!
 

     

Beaches Turks & Caicos - Voted World's Best Resort for Families 2012 by Travel & Leisure

 

  

What exactly is an All-Inclusive (AI) resort?

 

An AI resort is where everything is included in your vacation for one price, and is paid in full prior to departure. You know up front what your total vacation cost will be.

 

What's included at an AI resort?

 

Just about everything! Roundtrip airfare, all food and beverages (including alcoholic beverages - and often an in-room bar), daily entertainment, supervised kids programs and teen disco (if applicable), non-motorized watersports, roundtrip transfers to/from the resort, taxes/fees and gratuities. Most AI resorts have multiple restaurants and bars, including swim-up bars.

 

The shorter list is what's not included! Spa services, gift shop purchases and tours are additional.

 

Where can I find AI resorts?

 

You can find resorts in destinations such as Jamaica, Punta Cana - Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Aruba, Costa Rica, Cancun, Riviera Maya and Los Cabos - Mexico.  You'll find the best value in Jamaica, Punta Cana and Mexico.

 

What are the different types of AI resorts?

 

There are many different types of resorts including family, adults only, adults and couples only, honeymooners, singles, golf and clothing optional.  There are also resorts to fit just about every budget from economy, to ultra luxury and everything in between.  Some resorts, like Sandals & Beaches, as well as Iberostar Resorts, offer complimentary exchange privileges at their nearby resorts.

 

How is an AI Resort priced?

 

An AI resort is typically priced per person, based on double occupancy (two people sharing a room) in the lowest category (garden view).  There are many room types that you can upgrade to including ocean view, ocean front, private plunge pools and villas.  Most also offer 24 hr room service, butler service, as well as preferred club and concierge.

 

What are the major AI resort chains?

 

Some of the major resorts chains include, but are not limited to, Sandals & Beaches Resorts, Palace Resorts, Iberostar Resorts, SuperClubs, Couples Resorts, AM Resorts (Now, Zoetry, Secrets, Dreams & Sunscape Resorts), Excellence Resorts and Club Med.

 

Note:  Hotel chains such as Marriott Int'l, Hyatt Hotels, Hilton and Sheraton which operate resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico are typically not AI resorts, although some exceptions apply (i.e., Hilton Rose Hall Beach Resort & Spa in Montego Bay, Jamaica).

 

How do I get more information and book my vacation?

 

Give me a call at 302.442.0225 or 800.552.6103. I'm sure there's a destination and resort to suit your needs.  I'd be happy to point you in the right direction!

  

  

Sandals Whitehouse, Jamaica

 

 

Photos: Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun Swim-up Suites - Riviera Maya; Massage on the beach; Dreams Resort & Spa Los Cabos - Mexico; Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. 

 

Michelle Recommends

  

 

 

Booking your next vacation at an all-inclusive resort.  This type of travel lends itself very well to families, groups and multi-generational travel because everything is included, and there are no surprises.  This is a vacation that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime, and won't break the bank.

 

Like I always say... value is not the same as price. 

 

 

 

 

Photo:  RIU Palace Aruba.

About Michelle Woodson and Ticket to Travel

 

(Michelle & Keiko Matsui - contemporary jazz pianist)

 

Michelle grew up in the diplomatic corps and had the privilege at a very early age of traveling all over the world. Living in such diverse places as London-England, Kingston-Jamaica, Mogadiscio-Somalia and Rome-Italy, cemented her love and passion for travel. Michelle's unique background led her to Ticket to Travel in response to the growing demand for knowledgeable travel consultants.

 

Michelle works with clients who want to celebrate the milestone events in their life with travel, and stay connected with family and friends through memorable adventures, without having to deal with the stress of planning it all.  Michelle's goal is to always exceed your expectations, and strive to ensure that your travel dollars and hours are spent as wisely as possible.

 

Celebration Travel Journeys is an online, weekly newsletter written by Michelle Woodson and dedicated to all things travel. You'll be introduced to interesting people and off- the-beaten-path adventures, as she shares a lifetime of traveling the world. She'll show you how you can celebrate and enjoy the special events in your life with travel, with the people who mean the most, and recommend unforgettable trips of a lifetime.

 

If you enjoyed this newsletter, please feel free to forward it to someone who you feel would also enjoy it.  Thanks for stopping by and happy travels!

 

 

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