Survey: All-Inclusive Vacations In Demand

A new survey from Hilton confirms that 85% of Americans feel booking an all-inclusive resort is the best way to reduce the stress of planning a vacation. And who can blame them? Not only is planning minimal, travelers simply need to pack a swimsuit, some breezy resort wear and a smile to focus on what matters most: Your vacation. The best resorts have something for everyone – all included in the price – from fun-in-the-sun sports and activities to lively and exciting nightly entertainment, and restaurants that give a glimpse into dishes from around the world to eye-opening cultural programs. Sometimes, these resorts even include supervised kids programs where children can make friends while parents reconnect with some one-on-one time.

As you look toward booking your summer vacations and beyond, the survey highlights the reasons all-inclusive resorts are tops in the minds of travelers:

Disclosure: This post may contain references to products from one or more of our advertisers or content partners. We may receive compensation when you click on links in this article.

At an all-inclusive resort, travelers can enjoy an array of things to do, all without worrying about planning or leaving the property. According to the recent survey, more than a third of travelers (37%) feel mentally refreshed on vacation when they don’t have to worry about leaving the resort during their stay. Another 29% of respondents say they want their itinerary planned for them, preferring to simply show up to already-scheduled onsite activities like morning yoga classes on a golden-sand beach or salsa lessons by the pool.

With 36% of those surveyed feeling most stressed about having enough to do and finding activities when on vacation, all-inclusive resorts remove the burden by offering an array of fun. During the day, take to the water in a sunfish sailboat, try your hand learning local arts and crafts, or put your feet up for an invigorating facial or body treatment at the spa. When the sun goes down, live music and theatrics like fire dancers or acrobatic performers are often part of after-dinner entertainment lined up by tropical resorts. Hilton’s All-Inclusive resorts, for example, give guests a chance to connect with the destination’s local culture, such as taking merengue lessons in the Dominican Republic or learning about Mayan astrology and helping to rebuild jungles in Mexico.

Deciding what and where to eat and making restaurant reservations are additional top stressors to vacationers (33% and 29%, respectively), which explains why another 37% of survey respondents feel refreshed when they don’t have to make decisions about their meals. Just walk out your resort room door and into your pick of restaurants with ocean views, open-air seating, and an array of options. Of course, these are accompanied by cocktails at any hour because, well, it’s always 5 o’clock at an all-inclusive resort. Even the pressure of finding a restaurant in a new destination for large groups and families is eliminated, with enough variety and space for all parties to pull up a chair.

At Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort, for instance, guests can sample 12 unique restaurants, including the rich traditions of Mexican cuisine at Maxal (try the Mole de Café Oxaqueno!) and Auma’s open-fire grill with a theatric approach to serving selections of prime cuts of meats. And beverages are shaken, stirred, and poured by masterful mixologists at swim-up bars and socially vibrant lounges throughout the expansive property. Moreover, diners don’t have to think about costs, ordering whatever is the most appealing on the menu because – yes! – it’s included.

Nearly all American travelers surveyed (98%) prioritize wellness when on vacation, with 23% planning to work out while traveling and another 20% willing to pay additional fees for spa services. You can experience a massage to the sounds of lapping waves with a beachfront treatment or visit a quiet haven amidst the Mayan jungles of Mexico at resorts like Hilton Tulum Riviera, an All-Inclusive Resort. With 16 treatment rooms and hydro massage therapy, elements of nature surrounding you are used within the therapies rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit.

Guests don’t have to give up their at-home wellness programs, either, with state-of-the-art fitness centers also included with a stay. Plus, all-inclusive resorts go above and beyond in wellness offerings, providing multiple ways to stay active on both land and sea. That is, of course, should you want to stay active. No one will bat an eye should you choose to do nothing more than sit poolside, sipping a fruity concoction.

Disclosure: This post may contain references to products from one or more of our advertisers or content partners. We may receive compensation when you click on links in this article.