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A Brief Guide to All-Inclusive Honeymoons

It's certainly ironic that planning a relaxed, fun getaway with your spouse after your wedding tends to be full of stress and anxiety. Fortunately, all-inclusive honeymoons tend to take a lot of headache out of the planning process. Just like any other option, though, all-inclusive honeymoon packages tend to come with their own unique pros and cons. Here is a general look at the option of going all-inclusive, as well as what you might expect from it.

All-Inclusive Options

All-inclusive honeymoons are honeymoons that come as a complete package. You pay a lump sum upfront in exchange for prearranged lodgings, activities, and even drinks and food. Some packages even include wedding ceremonies, and others offer a kid-friendly option. Opting for all-inclusive is not only a time-saver, it also allows the newlyweds to partake in all the fun without incurring huge unexpected costs or dealing with the headache of exchange rates. In some cases, all-inclusive packages manage to be cheaper than the price of a self-planned honeymoon, sometimes 25% cheaper. The possible savings and the relief of knowing everything's been paid for upfront are both the biggest reasons that the all-inclusive option is so popular.

Of course, those of you who err on the more cautious side are probably wondering if the packages are completely all-inclusive, or still manage to incur additional costs on top of the prepaid price. Whether or not there are extra costs depends on the facility, in all honesty; some places require membership to qualify for the all-inclusive option, and others charge extra for rentals or premium food and beverage items like lobster or rare liquors. Some external activities, like tours, do not include the cost of food and drinks. Prices may also rise if the package is reserved during peak season. The priciest packages can be as much as $1000 per night. Of course, for couples who aren't interested in socializing with other couples or who don't plan on leaving their hotel room very much, all-inclusive packages can be a superfluous expense.

Popular Packages

The most popular all-inclusive packages come in four main forms: couples-only resorts, adventure tours, kid-friendly packages, and cruises. Packages like these are popular with Mexico, South American countries, and islands like the Caribbean that draw a lot of tourists. Each of these options have their own appeal-- the adventure tour packages, for example, hold the most appeal for honeymooners who want to explore the area outside the hotel through hiking, safaris, and so on. The couples-only packages tend to appeal to newlyweds who want to spend as much time together as possible, and also encourage couples to socialize with each other in common areas like lounges and cafes. The kid-friendly packages are self-explanatory-- they tend to include kid-friendly activities, in-room babysitters and adult-only areas, for an extra charge.

Overall, all-inclusive honeymoon packages are just as varied as the couples who book them. They can be a very appealing option if you are budget-conscious or want to get the full experience out of your honeymoon destination. If you are interested in getting the most bang for your buck, an all-inclusive package might just be the right option for you. With all of this in mind, it is important to remember what the honeymoon is truly about: you and the one you love.

Last Updated: April 17, 2015