Travel experts say everyone always wants to know if all-inclusive resorts really do include everything.

The answer is yes... and no.

Here’s what’s usually included (ask at your particular resort to be sure).

• All meals, snacks, and gourmet dining.
• Activities such as tennis, golf, diving or snorkeling, workouts, waterskiing and other water sports.
• Amenities, airport transfers, taxes, and gratuities.

Here’s what’s NOT included:

• Airfare and airport taxes
• Spa treatments (massage, facial, etc), but facilities access usually is included
• Off-site tours
• Phone calls
• Items purchased at the gift shop

A couple notes on “inclusions”

• You will get the “included” wine with your dinner, but you can, many times, purchase the wine you really want. Also, you may only be able to get domestic liquor, so if you’re in Mexico for example, you can expect to pay extra for a Guinness beer instead of a Corona.
• You may have to make reservations for your meal -- ask your travel agent. And sometimes, if you don’t make the reservation, you don’t eat, so check that one!
• If watersports are included, they may be motorized or non-motorized sports. You need to check to make sure.

Where is an all-inclusive resort a good option?

Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Riviera Maya

Where is it not as good an option, or not offered?

Costa Rica, some destinations in Mexico, Hawaii

Some questions to ask yourself before choosing an all-inclusive resort:

• Am I looking for a vacation where I want very little outside influence, just want to relax and not be bothered with where to eat dinner or what to do?
• OR, do I want to see something and do something different every day?
• Are there enough activities at this particular resort, and are the restaurants suitable to my taste?
• Is sticking to a budget extremely important for my vacation?

Other things to note:

• Tipping is not allowed.
• There is a broad range of all-inclusives. The full all-inclusive is going to have the nice sit-down restaurants. The next step down will have all buffet dining.