Every Day With Rachael Ray

EVERY DAY TRAVEL
more reasons
TO LOVE ALL-INCLUSIVES...
all-inclusive

2 You’ll be entertained from dawn till dusk. The no-added-fee activities go way bey ond snorkeling. Try horseback riding, snowshoeing, hiking, fishing, white-water rafting, zip-lining, square dancing…. No matter what you’re into, it’s probably included at one of these resorts.

DO’S AND DON’TS
do ask about hidden
costs: Some resorts
cover everything, while
others charge for alcohol
(or alcohol upgrades),
gratuities, babysitting or
off-site activities.

don’t leave your
swanky clothes behind.
Even casual resorts often
have dinner dress codes.
4

3
Two words:
free childcare.
Club Med ( clubmed.com) offers
free childcare for kids ages
4 and above, and Beaches resorts
( beaches.com) have certified
nannies for babies of all ages—
even newborns! Plus, your kids
won’t complain, since they’ll be too
busy swinging from the trapeze (at
the Club Med Sandpiper Bay circus
5school) or doing other show-and-
tell-worthy activities.

do look south, as the best deals can often be found in Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. Check out ultimateall-inclusivetravel.com, a comprehensive resource.

don’t wait to make dinner reservations. Some restaurants book weeks in advance, so call ahead.

You can avoid the airport. Google “all-inclusive vacation” and you’re likely to find nothing but far-off, tropical locations. But we discovered a ton of fabulous resorts within the 50 states (no passports needed!), and one is bound to be within driving distance of your house. Read all about ’em on the next page!

do ask if you can use the facilities at sister resorts if you’re staying at a chain hotel. Some places provide transportation between resorts.

don’t expect an immersive cultural experience. Native culture is not a priority at most all-inclusives, and some spots are secluded.

The food is fantastic (and free!). Picturing one sad, stale buffet, with hard rolls for breakfast? Wrong! Many of the resorts we found pride themselves on gourmet meals. (Think pan-seared duck breast with port reduction, and coconut bread pudding with honey-thyme ice cream.) Plus, most have several eateries, ranging from poolside lounges to white-tablecloth restaurants.