For college students looking for cheap Spring Break travel deals and other bargains, the all-inclusive travel package or all-inclusive cruise might look like a great deal. But is it? Here's more about all-inclusive travel, along with the advantages and disadvantages of this kind of travel for college students.
What is an All-Inclusive Vacation?
All-inclusive travel refers to vacations where travellers pay one price for the whole vacation. A true all-inclusive vacation includes airfare and other travel costs, hotel or sleeping accommodations, the cost of all food and drink, the cost of all excursions and activities, and tips. These kinds of deals often can be found at all-inclusive resorts and for all-inclusive cruises, but are available for other kinds of travel as well.
The first thing any traveller should ask before purchasing an all-inclusive travel package is this: how all-inclusive is it? For example, many cruises are mostly all-inclusive, but require travellers to pay for excursions and alcohol. For some travellers (such as your typical student on Spring Break), these expenses can add up quickly, especially alcohol. Also, some all-inclusive packages include tips, but there's still the expectation that travellers will tip more.
What's the best way to find out how inclusive a package really is? Shop with a reputable travel agent. This is not a purchase one should make over the Internet. This is especially true for college students, who are frequently the victim of travel scams. This is one trip you want to book with a human being. Fortunately, many college campuses have college travel offices. Not only are these offices reputable, but they specialize in helping students and finding them discounts.
Advantages of All-Inclusive Vacations
So let's assume a student is successful at finding a legitimate, all-inclusive vacation package or cruise package. What are the advantages to these deals?
One of the best things about an all-inclusive package is that you don't have to worry about money when you're there. The bill is paid ahead of time, and you can relax and enjoy yourself. For students looking for a break from stress-filled semesters, this can be a terrific bonus.
Another advantage to the all-inclusive vacation is that activities are pre-planned. It can be a lot of work to find activities, especially in a far-away place. For students busy with classwork up to the minute they step on the plane, this is a big time saver.
Moreover, for many students, the lure of all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink vacation packages goes without saying. After months and months of dorm or college apartment food, a steady diet of cocktails and an all-you-can-eat, 24-hour buffet sounds pretty spiffy, huh?
Disadvantages of All-Inclusive Vacations
A disadvantage to some all-inclusive vacation packages is that there's less freedom to choose what to do. If you like the pre-selected activities, that's great, but if you don't, you essentially pay for something you don't enjoy.
In addition, it can be lots of fun to choose your own activities and to spend time exploring a new location without a guide – especially when you're young and energetic. Some college students would just as soon wait until they're older and less adventurous to have someone else plan their vacation.
Moreover, for some students (and travellers in general), the all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink concept might not be the best idea. Sure, it's only a week, but you can consume an awful lot of excessive junk food and alcohol in a week. For some, pay-as-you-go for food and alcohol may be a better idea.
Are All-Inclusive Vacations Affordable?
So can students afford all-inclusive packages, or are these vacations out of reach? The price of these trips does vary widely. Thanks to the lackluster economy, students who do their homework can find themselves terrific deals. While travel companies sometimes avoid student travellers, during poor economic times they don't have that luxury. So take the time to shop around.
However, do keep in mind that all-inclusive packages aren't cheap. Students might be able to save money by planning their own trips step-by-step and cutting corners where appropriate. And students can save a lot of money if they choose cheaper travel options, like road trips.
So is an all-inclusive vacation or cruise package right for you? Before booking a package, consult with a reputable travel agent, and find out exactly how inclusive the trip really is. In addition, consider the advantages and disadvantages of these kinds of trips carefully. Best of luck and happy travels!
For more student travel tips, check out this Spring Break Travel Tips guide and this guide to Cheap Student Airline Tickets.
Naomi Rockler-Gladen - Instructional designer and freelance writer, Naomi Rockler-Gladen writes some of Suite101's most read work.
