Page 14 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – November/December 2016

AAA
Let’s Talk Travel
Get the Most From Your All-Inclusive Resort Vacation
With the holidays right around the corner, I bet you’ve been thinking about what to get the family or that special someone. How about a tropical all-inclusive vacation that will please every family member? It’s not too late to visit your local AAA travel agency and make some dreams come
true. None of us really need any more things...
do we? What we need is time well spent with the people we love and time to unplug and enjoy new experiences.
There’s a lot of confusion regarding all-inclusive resorts. Like the cruise lines, there are so many choices (and so many sales) and you need to get the right information.
I am a long-time fan of all-inclusive resorts for families and couples, and have spent some terrific vacations enjoying all the amenities.
All-inclusive resorts are popping up everywhere, particularly in the Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexico – and now many hotel brands (Hyatt, Marriott and Wyndam) are in the all-inclusive business. Most of us have heard about the Sandals, Couples, Breezes and Secrets properties, but that’s only scratching the surface to what is really available.
The first thing you need to determine is what type of vacation you want and where you want to go.
Are you traveling with children? Many all-inclusive resorts are adults only.
Do you want a quiet, romantic and refined vacation, or do you want 24/7 activities and entertainment? Do you want a land and air package? (It’s usually a better deal.) Do you want ultra-luxury with unlimited top-shelf cocktails, a butler, world-class spa treatments and a plunge pool – or do you want a less expensive, less “fluff & frills” resort?
Before you commit, talk to your favorite AAA travel agent and get these questions answered. It’s your vacation, your time and your money. Be sure to get exactly what you want.
Here are some questions to consider when meeting with your travel agent:
• How large is the property and when was it built? • Is it a rated property by AAA? If yes, what is the
Diamond rating? (1 Diamond = clean, no frills;
5 Diamond = ultra-luxury wow factor)
• How would you describe the clientele?
• What activities are offered and included in the
rate? Golf? Tennis? Water sports? What is not included – spa treatments? Tennis lessons? Horseback riding?
• How many meals are served daily? How many dining venues?
• Is room service available?
• Are meals served buffet style or off the menu by a
waiter?
• Do we sit at a private table or are we required to
sit at large tables with other resort guests?
• Are there any alternative on-property specialty
restaurants and are there any additional charges? • Does the resort host get-acquainted cocktail
parties or dinners?
• Are unlimited cocktails, beer, sodas and sparkling
waters included? Are they local, premium or
top-shelf brands?
• Describe the different bars and lounges, and is
there live entertainment and dancing?
• Is there a casino on-property or nearby?
• Am I expected to pay any type of gratuities? If yes,
to who and when?
• Is there free internet access?
• What is the resort dress code? Do I need a coat and tie for dinner? Any formal nights?
• If this is a family friendly resort, is babysitting included? Is there a kids’ club?
• Are there teen activities?
• Does the resort cater to Americans or is the
clientele mostly international?
• Are airport transfers included and how far is the
airport?
• When is the best time of year to enjoy the resort
and is there a hurricane policy?
• Is there a “clothing optional beach and pool area”?
(You don’t want to be surprised.)
• Is it safe to wander off the resort and head into
town alone – or do you recommend staying on
property for the duration of the vacation?
• If unexpected medical care is needed, is there a
nurse on duty or a doctor on call?
• Are there any AAA member special sales or
promotions going on right now?
TM
By Sandy Fenton
Secrets Vallarta Bay
Dreams Punta Cana
Tune into “Let’s Talk Travel with AAA” every Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on WHP-AM580. For more information, go to www.whp580.com and click on the link to “Let’s Talk Travel.”
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016
Now!