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All-Inclusive Resorts vs. Vacation Home Rentals

A beach vacation doesn't need to involve hefty price tags, errands and chores.
A beach vacation doesn't need to involve hefty price tags, errands and chores.
Rooms - Travelers

LESS Money. LESS Worry. MORE Beach.

Beach vacations don't have to break the bank, especially when you opt for one that bundles all your vacay needs in one package price! All-inclusive resorts allow you to indulge without having to reach for your credit card every time you want to eat, drink or do something fun. You can actually sit back, relax and enjoy your vacation without the looming stress of what your total vacation cost will come out to. Need some MORE convincing? Here's a breakdown of what you get at an all-inclusive resort versus a vacation home rental.

All-Inclusive Perks

  • Unlimited Food

    All-Inclusive Resort: You already paid for it! Enjoy access to unlimited dining all vacay long.

    Vacation Home Rental: Time to pull out the wallet. Prepare for out-of-pocket grocery store and restaurant expenses.

  • Bottomless Drinks

    All-Inclusive Resort: You already paid for it! Enjoy access to unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages all vacay long.

    Vacation Home Rental: Time to pull out the wallet… again. Prepare for out-of-pocket liquor store and restaurant expenses.

  • Access to Amenities

    All-Inclusive Resort: Resort guests can enjoy access to awesome pools, swirling Jacuzzis, boozy swim-up bars, comfy beach loungers, a soothing spa and so much MORE!

    Vacation Home Rental: Not all vacation rentals are created equal. If you want a rental with awesome amenities (like one with a pool that’s also close to the beach), expect a hefty nightly rate.

  • Resort Activities

    All-Inclusive Resort: Resort guests can spice up their daily vacay routines with resort activities at no additional cost. Think snorkeling, kayaking, volleyball tournaments, morning water aerobics and themed parties.

    Vacation Home Rental: Your host might have a deck of cards hidden in a cabinet but prepare to B.Y.O.E. (bring your own entertainment) or worse… pay extra for it.

  • Provided Childcare

    All-Inclusive Resort: Supervised childcare and activities at the kids club for the little ones, peace and quiet by the pool for you–it’s safe to say you and your kiddos will love an all-inclusive resort.

    Vacation Home Rental: Sadly, one of the many fees that come with a vacation rental does not include supervised childcare just steps away from the pool. That peace and quiet will come at an added cost.

  • Cleaning Staff

    All-Inclusive Resort: Head out for a day in the sun and come back to a clean room, made bed and fresh towels. Housekeeping will take care of cleaning throughout the entirety of your vacation with no additional cleaning fee.

    Vacation Home Rental: Head out for a day in the sun and come back to the mess you left behind. When it comes to checkout, get ready to roll up your sleeves, take out the trash and tidy up. Oh, and don’t forget to pay the cleaning fee!

  • Resort Concierge

    All-Inclusive Resort: Maybe you want to add a little something to your vacay–a trip to the spa or a day of adventure. Head to the concierge and let them do all the planning for you! They’re connected to the best tour operators and will get you awesome discounts.

    Vacation Home Rental: You’re the concierge. Start your research now!

  • Easy Booking Experience

    All-Inclusive Resort: You can book your flight, hotel, airport transfers AND excursions with CheapCaribbean. Talk about convenience!

    Vacation Home Rental: You book your rental. Now what? Well, you get to start all over and book all the other necessities. Don’t lose track of those reservation numbers!

  • Unbeatable Price

    All-Inclusive Resort: Vacation packages not only make for a seamless booking experience, but they give you the best beach value! Your payment includes everything you need for an awesome time in the tropics. Cheers!

    Vacation Home Rental: The nightly rate you see is just the beginning. Don’t forget to factor in the service fee, cleaning fee and laundry list of out-of-pocket expenses.

3-Night Getaway Cost Comparison*

  • Nashville: $1,630* Per Person

    Let's say you and a group of friends are going on a long weekend getaway to Nashville, Tennessee. You find a cute vacation rental near downtown, book round-trip flights and look into doing a pedal tavern through Broadway.

     

    You get there, hop in a ride-share to the rental and immediately make a pit stop at the grocery & liquor stores. Between snacks, seltzers and ride-shares, the group chat is popping off with receipts. You also have two dinner reservations and a brunch reservation, which means more action for your credit card.

     

    Your group has a good time bar-hopping and exploring the city, but the costs continue to stack up throughout the weekend. By the time Sunday rolls around, you're stripping beds, starting laundry and ditching all the leftovers, all while trying to ignore the inevitable–seeing how much money you spent. 

     
    • Round-Trip Flight $400
    • Home Rental + Fees $380
    • Groceries + Dining $300
    • Alcoholic Drinks $150
    • Activities $250
    • Transportation $150
     

    Estimated total comes out to $1,630* per person

  • Cancun: $599* Per Person

    Now imagine you and that same group of friends decide to switch things up with a long weekend in Cancun. You book an all-inclusive vacation package that bundles your round-trip flights and resort stay, and the price you see? That’s the price you pay. No hidden cleaning fees, no splitting grocery lists–just vacay vibes.

     

    You arrive in paradise and head straight to your resort, where welcome drinks are waiting. No need to make a run to the store or figure out dinner plans—unlimited food, snacks and cocktails are included. Whether you’re lounging poolside with a frozen drink or joining in a game of beach volleyball, the fun (and flavor) doesn’t stop. You even try paddleboarding one morning and enjoy themed events come sundown.

     

    When it's time to head home, you’re relaxed, sun-kissed and full of memories—not receipts. No chores, no check-out checklist and no mystery charges.

     

    • All-Inclusive Vacation Package Includes
      • Roundtrip Flights
      • Accommodations 
      • Unlimited Food
      • Unlimited Drinks
      • Resort Activities
     

    Deals start as low as $599* per person

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Read MORE About Why We Love All-Inclusive Resorts

*Costs vary by origin airport, destination and length of stay.