All Inclusive Resort Check In Tips

Four Questions to Ask at Check In

You’ve done it. You flew from home to a foreign country and you are at the check in desk of your all inclusive resort.

The staff will usually ask for:

Your Passport - They will take it to make a copy.

A Credit Card - While most of your drinks, meals, and activities are included, some items like a special bottle of wine or spa services have an extra charge. Be sure you have a credit card - not a debit card. The resort will place a hold for a set amount on your card. If you use a debit card, that money is actually deducted from your bank account. If you use a credit card, it will remain in pending status.

You also want to check to see if your credit card has foreign transaction fees. This is a fee your credit card company charges when use it in another country. You can call and ask for the fee to be waived for your vacation. Sometimes, they will do it.

Depending on the country and current regulations, they may also ask for your proof of vaccination and proof of negative COVID test.

At this point, I recommend asking Question #1: Are there any upgrades available and what is the cost? I strongly recommend always booking a room you’d be happy in, but you may also get lucky and find an upgrade available that works for you.

You should be prepared that your room will not be ready until 3 pm or 4 pm. You can check-in and use the facilities if you arrive early. Bell services will keep your bags. I recommend packing a swimsuit, cover-up / t-shirt, and flip-flops in your carry on bag for easy access. If you don’t have room in your carry-on, I use a reusable grocery bag and back those items in there. That way, I can open my big suitcase, pull out that bag, and have everything we need to head straight to the pool or beach.

Usually, the check in staff will offer a little folder with information about the resort or direct you to a QR Code. Be sure you know how to turn on Wifi in airplane mode and scan a QR code so you can access resort information and menus. It’s also good to ask if a map is available.

Be sure to ask Question #2: Is there an App I should download to make my stay easier? If the answer is yes, download it right there so the staff can help you troubleshoot any issues you may have.

Then, it’s time for Question #3: What requires reservations and how do we make them? This includes dining reservations, activity reservations like a snorkel trip or use of the kayaks, and your appointment for your COVID test if needed to return home.

Then, last, but now least is my favorite question after a long day of travel: Question #4 Where I can eat and get a cocktail right now?

I hope this information is helpful and leads to a great start for your all-inclusive vacation.