When you are booking travel, some of the terminologies could be clearer, especially when you are trying to consider your budget for meals. Hotels and resorts have meal plans that are added to the room rate. Some meal plans, however, are already included in the overall package. Either way, adding a meal plan is a great way to plan your budget.

Let’s explore some of the meal plans you can consider. There are four common types of meal plans. The most common is the All-Inclusive (AI), followed by the European Plan (EP), American Plan (AP), and Continental Plan (CP).

The All- Inclusive plan represents including all meals, snacks, and drinks. The types of food and drinks may vary from resort to resort and should be considered when booking an All-Inclusive Resort property. Some resorts have classified these by different room categories. For example, the AMRCollection of resorts in the Breathless brand has their EXHALE club that offers premium beverages to those that book that room category. In addition, resorts may use different names for their all-inclusive plans, such as Karisma resorts. They use the term gourmet inclusive.

The European Plan (EP) is room-only. Guests in these hotels will pay for any meals. EP is the most common in cities and among most public hotels.

The American Plan (AP) is similar to the all-inclusive plan but only includes 3 meals daily with the room’s price. Just so you know, this may not include drinks and can vary widely from hotel to hotel.

The Continental Plan (CP) is a bed and breakfast plan. It includes your accommodation and breakfast. The type of breakfast can vary from a hot breakfast to a buffet with a few hot items included.

In addition to the most common meal plan terms, you may also see Half Board Meal Plan (HB) and Full Board Meal Plan (FB). The Half Board is when breakfast and evening meals are included in your room rate. Breakfast will typically have drinks such as coffee, tea, and juice but will not include drinks in the evening meal. Full Board is when all three meals are included, breakfast, lunch, and dinner; however, no drinks are included. This plan is perfect for those who want to take advantage of their accommodations and amenities and do little outside the resort.

Planning your vacation using a meal plan can help you with your budget and help you not overspend on meals. In addition, knowing that the majority of your daily spending is paid for when you depart for your trip brings peace of mind and helps relieve the stress of deciding where to eat and surprises expenses. Include your travel advisor in this conversation, as they will know which resorts have plans for you and enjoy all your vacation destination has to offer you!

What do you think of when you hear ‘All-Inclusive Resort’?

Right now a beautiful all inclusive resort situated on the beautiful shores of a vast ocean sounds like a perfect place to be! With the “yucky” weather still lingering in the north nothing screams more than sunshine and warmth!

All inclusive resort vacations can be the perfect match for many travelers. If you are like me, once I plan my vacation I just want to enjoy it. I want it to fit the budget. Include everything I need and no surprises!

So what does all inclusive mean? For most resorts it means your package includes, your room, all you can eat dining, all you can drink beverage, and some onsite activities and entertainment. You basically can travel to these destinations with everything taken care of and few out of pocket expenses. Easy!

There are some differences throughout the all inclusive industry. Some resorts capture a niche like Sandals that includes many beach and water activities or Karisma resorts that boast gourmet dining and top shelf drinks and exclusive Canadian Beef weeks. Others you may need to upgrade to get those added to your package.

In addition room categories leverage one brand over another too. Over the water bungalows are the hottest rage right now and are exclusive to Karisma and Sandals in the major island markets. Exclusively designed suites like Casitas at El Dorado or beach front Bungalows in Sandals Antigua offer the luxury of exceptional views, privacy and restful vacations.

There are moderate all inclusive resorts that are nice on the budget and offer everything you will need to steal away for some sun and fun. You will find clean rooms, beautiful pools, great food and plenty of pool bars to try out some of your island favorites.

Day trips to local attractions and activities are typical for someone that wants to get a little more culture. You can swim with dolphins, sail away on a catamaran, Rose a camel or scuba dive! There is plenty to choose from. Cultural excision to the Mayan Ruins or museums and cities are great options too. You won’t be disappointed.

Many Weddings and Honeymoons are taken at all inclusive resorts. It has everything for everyone and creates a perfect backdrop for these special occasions. And certainly don’t forget th anniversary!! Capturing the romance is their specialty!
The ultimate in luxury for me is visiting the spa. Although this is an additional charge you can prepay services if you choose to do so. The spas located at these island resorts enhance the overall relaxing experiences of your vacation. And if you get a little sunburn you may want to stop in for a little therapy to sooth the burn!

There are many fantastic resorts to choose from and our travel planners have their favs they would love to share with you! The nice thing about these type of vacations are that you can plan ahead or even check it out last minute for a quick trip!