All-Inclusive Resort Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
- Morgan Cottrill
- Jun 19
- 4 min read
Planning an All-Inclusive Vacation? Don’t Miss These Resort Hacks
There’s nothing quite like checking into an all-inclusive resort—frozen drink in hand, ocean breeze in your hair, and not a single decision left to make. But even paradise has its secrets.
Whether it's your first time or you’re a seasoned beachgoer, these all-inclusive resort hacks will upgrade your experience and help you make the most of your time (and money!) at a tropical resort. As a travel advisor who’s toured dozens of top resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean, I’ve gathered the inside tips guests really need to know—plus how my concierge-level services can make your vacation even smoother.
1. Book With a Travel Advisor (Not a Discount Site)
Don’t gamble with your vacation experience.
One of the most overlooked all-inclusive resort hacks is also the simplest: book with a travel advisor who knows the properties. Online deals can look tempting, but you might miss out on perks like:
Room upgrades
Resort credits
Flexible payment plans
Insider resort recommendations
A real person to call when you need help
When you book through me at Destinations by MC, you get curated resort matches and VIP support—all at no extra cost to you.
2. Choose the Right Resort for You
Not all resorts are created equal.
“Luxury” means different things at different resorts. A high-energy Cancun party resort and a romantic adults-only escape in the Riviera Maya may both be 5 stars, but the vibes couldn’t be more different.
When I match clients to resorts, I consider:
Atmosphere (romantic, lively, relaxed)
Room style (swim-up suites, butler service, oceanfront views)
Food quality & dining options
On-site activities & entertainment
Family-friendly vs. adults-only
Budget, without compromising experience
The right fit = a better trip.
3. Pack These Unexpected Essentials
These small items can save your vacation.
Here are my must-pack items for an all-inclusive resort:
Insulated tumbler – Keeps drinks cold on the beach
Over-the-door organizer – Keeps toiletries accessible and the bathroom tidy
Pool floatie – Some resorts allow these and they’re a fun way to relax
Bluetooth speaker – For mellow room vibes or balcony sunsets
Waterproof phone pouch – Great for pool days or catamaran excursions
Dress code cheat sheet – Especially helpful for restaurants with formal nights
Carbon-Monoxide detector - for the hotel room. Just trust me on this.
Bonus: I provide my clients with a full curated packing list so you don’t forget a thing.
4. Make Dinner Reservations ASAP
Don’t get stuck with 9:30 pm dinner slots.
Some resorts allow you to reserve restaurants in advance or right after check-in. Others work on a first-come, first-served basis with long wait times.
💡 Pro Tip: I let my clients know exactly how each resort’s dining system works and which restaurants are can’t-miss—like teppanyaki tables or beachfront seafood grills. If you prefer no reservations at all, I know exactly which resorts offer that.
5. Explore the Resort on Day One
Yes, even if you just want to hit the pool.
Many guests spend the first few days discovering hidden bars, adults-only pools, or fun daily activities they wish they’d found sooner. I always recommend doing a quick “orientation walk” on arrival day to locate:
Lounges and quiet spots
Coffee bars or ice cream shops
Best beach chairs and shaded areas
Activity schedules and excursion desks
My resort overview guides (available to all booked clients) help you get your bearings fast.
6. Don’t Skip the Free Activities and Entertainment
They’re often surprisingly good!
Most guests underestimate the value of the resort’s included activities. From dance lessons and cooking classes to snorkeling, yoga, and mixology demos—there’s often something for everyone. Nightly entertainment, too, can range from Broadway-style shows to live bands under the stars.
As your travel advisor, I’ll recommend the resorts known for amazing entertainment (hello, Xcaret and Royalton Chic!) vs. those better for quiet downtime.
7. Use the Resort App (or Ask Me for a Digital Guide)
Some resorts are more high-tech than you’d expect.
Many resorts now have mobile apps that include:
Restaurant menus
Activity schedules
Spa services & booking
Resort maps
Contactless room service or concierge chat
If the resort doesn’t offer an app, I’ll send you a digital overview guide or create a shared Trello board for couples or families to stay organized.
8. Upgrade Strategically
Not all upgrades are worth it, but some are game-changers.
Some of my favorite upgrade-worthy perks include:
Swim-up suites (especially in hot destinations)
Preferred Club / Concierge level with premium alcohol and private lounges
Oceanfront or corner suites for honeymooners or special celebrations
Private airport transfers for a seamless arrival
As your advisor, I’ll walk you through the cost vs. benefit—so you know where to splurge and where to save.
9. Know the Tipping Etiquette
Yes, tipping is still appreciated—even at an all-inclusive.
While tips aren’t mandatory, they’re always welcomed. Small daily tips for housekeeping, bartenders, and servers go a long way—and sometimes unlock better service or extra touches.
I provide tipping guidelines in all of my travel prep emails so you feel confident and prepared.
10. Don’t Waste Time Booking Excursions Last Minute
Popular experiences can sell out before you arrive.
Planning to swim with turtles, go ziplining, or take a sunset catamaran cruise? Booking early guarantees availability and lets me screen for quality providers with top safety records.
Let me handle the details so you can show up and enjoy.
Let’s Plan Your All-Inclusive Vacation Like a Pro
These all-inclusive resort hacks are just the beginning. When you book with Destinations by MC, you get expert resort matchmaking, travel support, packing guides, and organization tools that make your trip truly effortless.
🌴 Ready to book a resort vacation you’ll rave about? Let’s talk.
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