How you can miss your all-inclusive holiday. Ten frequent mistakes of tourists

Increasingly popular among Romanians who make holiday plans, the tourist offers “all-inclusive”, where most of the ordinary services are included in a single package offered by hotels, does not mean complete release.

Holiday on the coast. Source: freepik.com

Some mistakes made by tourists who opt for such stays could lead to ruining the holidays, even when the budget allocated to them is a substantial one.

A tourism and hotel management specialist offered some useful tips for those interested in the “all-inclusive” offers.

All-inclusive does not mean “everything included”

One of the mistakes that Romanians opt for all-inclusive stays is to believe that the chosen springs offer all the services in the tour package.

“Usually, certain services are excluded: transport from and to the airport, SPA treatments, premium alcoholic beverages and even Wi-Fi in the room, and other facilities can only be partially included. For example, water sports can be in the tariff, but for motorized equipment (such as skijet) you will need to pay extra”says the tourism specialist, quoted by Reader’s Digest.

Beaches from Bulgaria. Source: Wikipedia

Beaches from Bulgaria. Source: Wikipedia

He recommends tourists to read the details of the tourist package carefully, before reaching the destination, and asking the resort staff if certain services they have are included or requires additional costs.

Lack of information about holiday destination

The second frequent mistake of tourists who choose all-inclusive springs is not to document early on the place to go.

“Sometimes we have tourists who come with huge expectations and are disappointed because they are not fulfilled all the desires, things they would have understood if they had documented beforehand.” states the author of the article.

It recommends to those who choose such stays to carefully research both springs sites and online platforms where they can find stories about the experiences of other tourists who have benefited from the same services.

Too much or too little tip

Typically, all-inclusive tourist packages also include the tip in the price of stay, so guests are not expected to leave tip for ordinary services, such as cleaning or serving the table.

“Certain extra services, such as SPA treatments or luxury trips, may not be included in the all-inclusive package, and in this case the tip is not included. Also, in some countries the tip is expected, while in others it is not an ordinary practice. For example, in Japan you should not leave a tip.”explains the specialist.

Tourists are advised to read the details of the package carefully or to ask at the reception what services involve additional tip. It is also useful to have a sum of money for tips, which, even if they are not mandatory, are considered gestures of appreciation and goodwill.

Too much drink and food

Some tourists feel the pressure to consume more than usual, just because all foods and drinks are included in the tourist package, but there is no rule to say that every preparation in the menu must try.

Drinks should be consumed in moderation. Photo: freepik.com

Drinks should be consumed in moderation. Photo: freepik.com

“As almost all foods and drinks are included, some tourists think they have to eat or drink excessively to get their money. Unfortunately, I saw guests who stayed in bed for a day or even two after such excesses, missing all the other fun activities.”says the tourism specialist.

He recommends tourists to be moderate with food and drink at each meal.

Holiday spent only in the resort

All-inclusive holidays are a good opportunity for relaxation, but many tourists do not take advantage of everything to offer the resort and surrounding area.

“Most springs are located in places famous for the beauty, culture, climate or adventure opportunities, and not exploring anything in the surroundings is a mistake.”informs Reader’s Digest.

The site advises tourists to get out of the comfort zone and try new things: from guided tours, local delicacies and activities available outside the hotel.

The cold to the employees brings disadvantages

Resort employees are an excellent source of recommendations about what can be tried in the area, about local habits, preparations for trips and other things specific to the destination. But all this additional information and services can be provided in particular to those who manage to build a good relationship with the staff.

Holiday at the pool. Photo: freepik.com

Holiday at the pool. Photo: freepik.com

“Even if you reach that resort once in life, a little kindness matters enormously and can ensure a pleasant stay and the feeling that you are really well treated. A friendly tourist will be treated, so this is a tip that you really do not want to ignore.” inform the publication.

She recommends tourists to greet with a smile on her lips, to remember the names of the employees and to be polite with the resort staff. It is good, however, to avoid too personal questions, which could be misinterpreted or could disturb.

Expenses for services that are not used

Travel + Leisure, a tourism site, draws attention to another frequent mistakes of tourists, the fact that I pay for services that I do not use.

“For example, if you go on vacation and do not consume alcohol or you prefer to eat only fish and salads, a premium package with sophisticated drinks does not bring you any benefit. You can pay for access to the spa, but in fact you want to stay on the beach.” shows the traveler publication.

In such cases, tourists are advised to opt for a simpler or even classic holiday

The budget allocated to the holiday may be a mistake

Another common mistake that tourists make is not to take into account the budget available for the holiday, risking regretting the money spent.

“Establishing a budget is essential to protect your finances and to stay within reasonable limits. It is easy to convince yourself that a very expensive package deserves the pampering, but if you do not feel comfortable with the sum or you have to resort to savings (or even enter the debts), you better give up. informs Travel + Leisure.

When the phone remains more important than the holiday

Many tourists lose the joy of the moment because they are always with their eyes on the phone.

“You are on vacation to take a break from the routine. Let yourself be carried by experience: admire nature, look at your children playing, enjoy a cocktail with your partner, go to shows or dance in the club”, Recommends tourism specialists, according to Reader’s Digest.

Their advice is that the phone (be used only for pictures or videos and the time spent with technology is limited.

Holiday photos can be precious memories. Source: freepik.com

Holiday photos can be precious memories. Source: freepik.com

“Thus, avoid the frustration from the places where the Internet is weak or limited to certain areas”, complete the publication.

Ignoring safety rules

Some tourists believe that weather warnings, public health rules, avoiding forbidden areas and respecting swimming areas or wearing the rescue vest are for others, not for them.

“The safety rules are not made to ruin your vacation, but to protect you. Their ignorance can endanger you and it can ruin all your stay”, shows the marketing director of a popular resort.

He recommends tourists to comply with the rules and avoid the risks, even if they are convinced that they “already know” how a certain activity is done.

Other frequent mistakes in all-inclusive holidays include: lack of hydration (many forget to drink enough water), failure to use hats or shadows for sunscreen, forgetting the beach lotion, medicine when appropriate, waiting for the staff to supervise children or the fact that tourists do not consult the schedule and to find out when they are in the case.