By: Miriam Bribiesca
Planning a trip sounds cute and all until you’re fifty tabs deep in flight searches, things to do, and somehow watching a YouTube video called “Top 10 Worst Airport around the world” If just thinking about travel logistics makes your eyelid twitch, we’ve got you!
Enter the all inclusive trip! Basically, the grown up equivalent of having someone pack your lunch, pick your outfit (kind of), and tell you exactly what’s happening today. Except in this version, your “lunch” is unlimited tacos, your “outfit” is a fit appropriate for your desired activity, and what’s “happening” is snorkeling, spa time, or a volcano hike without you ever opening a map or an excel sheet.
And before you think “all inclusive” means overpriced, boring resorts where the highlight is the buffet, we are here to convince you otherwise. An all inclusive vacation is basically the “one price, no worries” vacation because your room, food, drinks, and most activities are already covered. You just show up, eat like royalty, and spend your days hopping between the pool, beach, and whatever fun the resort throws at you.
So here are three places that have all inclusive resorts for those who hate planning, allowing you to have an actual vacation both physically and mentally, and giving you the gift to not stress over what you are next (hopefully).
Riviera Maya, Mexico
WAs you’ve probably heard, Riviera Maya is basically the Beyoncé of all inclusive destinations. It is gorgeous from every angle and somehow manages to pull off casual and extra at the same time.
Here you’ve got the pool bars, endless chips and guac, and social media worthy sunsets, but there is even more fun stuff you can expect when you book an all inclusive trip:
- Cenote Hopping: These aren’t your average swimming holes, they are basically underground jungle caves where sunlight pours in making the water so clear it looks fake. Some resorts throw cenote tours into your package that means no taxi haggling or confusing bus rides required. Everything is taken care of and we LOVE the sound of that.
- Sea Turtle Night Patrols: Certain eco friendly resorts let you help local teams guard turtle nests and, if you’re lucky, you can watch the babies make their first wobble into the ocean. Zero cute meter left unbroken.
- Mayan Spa Rituals: Forget the cucumber eye mask and pristine locations. Try a temazcal, an ancient steam bath led by a guide who will make you feel like you’re not just cleansing your pores but your soul as well.
If you are trying to save more coin, we suggest booking during the slower season (April to May or September to November) when prices dip and weather still slaps. Of course, bring a friend, split a room, and you’re looking at less per night than your weekly coffee habit. SCORE!
Crete, Greece
Of course Europe should be in your list when and Crete is a solid option to consider. Think of Crete as the spontaneous friend who shows up with snacks, a playlist, and a full itinerary you didn’t know you needed.
Booking an all inclusive trip here will swap you indecisions for instant adventures like:
- Cretan Cooking Classes: Some resorts have chefs who’ve been perfecting recipes since before your parents met. Learn to make dakos and moussaka (delicious greek dishes) that you get to eat right after. Afterall, a chef has got to eat his own food!
- Samaria Gorge Hikes: We only recommend doing this during the off season as temperatures are perfect hiking weather, and some resorts organize group treks through dramatic cliffs and wildflower fields making sure you get the most iconic views
- Village Nights: If you are trying to avoid tourist traps like the plague, we get it, and oftentimes some resorts hook you up with authentic village festivals that have music, dancing, and grilled halloumi that could start a revolution.
While there, keep an eye out for student discounts. Pack your student ID along with your sunscreen because in Crete, it can score you cheaper entry to ruins, museums, and even boat rides to nearby islands.
Bali, Indonesia
If one thing is true about Bali is that it has an incredible range of activities to do. One day you can be meditating under palm trees, the next you’re at a fire dance that feels like Burning Man but better, and before the trip ends you can find yourself channeling your inner Indiana Jones exploring the jungle.
If this sounds like a dream, we suggest going for the all inclusive resort that balances all sides of you and you might end up with activities like:
- Art Workshops: Try batik painting or silver jewelry making, these souvenirs will be handmade, personal, and way cooler than the typical boring keychain.
- Mount Batur Sunrise Hike: Guided treks up an active volcano are often included, and yes, although it is a 3AM activity, the sunrise is so ridiculous and worth it you will think it’s AI.
- Floating Breakfasts: The bougieness of eating pancakes in a pool cannot be overstated. Ridiculous? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely. AND makes a fantastic photo op for your feed!
To save even more, visit during the rainy season (January to March) for the lowest rates. You’ll still get plenty of sunny days and fewer people photobombing your moments.
If you have your doubts when it comes to booking an all inclusive trip, we understand, but here are a couple of reasons you should consider.
- Safety First: Your meals, rides, and activities are handled by the resort’s vetted partners. No sketchy tours, no random taxis, no hoping a random street food stand doesn’t ruin your entire vacation.
- Budget Predictability: One price covers most of your trip, so your bank account won’t be hit with surprise charges mid vacation. Plus this means you can appropriately save up and even treat yourself if your budget allows it.
- Zero Decision Fatigue: The majority of the decisions are made for you, which means you can focus on actually enjoying the moment and not coordinating all the moving parts to make your experience happen.
Now, if you would like to enjoy your all inclusive trip like a pro. Here are a couple of pointers to keep in mind.
- Read the package like it’s gossip. The term “All inclusive” can range from “everything is covered” to “food only.” Know before you pay and arrive so you can squeeze every drop of value. You wouldn’t want to miss out on a complimentary massage now would you?
- Bring Your Staples: Reusable bottle, comfy walking shoes, portable charger, these can save you money and a headache. Just because it’s all inclusive, you still have to use a bit of your brain power.
- Stay open to the weird stuff: If the activities list says “coconut bowling” or “karaoke in the local language,” just do it! If it makes you uncomfortable or sounds a little odd, it’s often a sign that you’re going to have a good time and produce some epic stories that will make all those who didn’t join regret their decision.
Life’s too short to only go on vacations that feel like work and we know a lot of them do when you are in charge of every single detail. An all inclusive vacation, however, gives you permission to just exist with a drink in hand, sunscreen on, and often deciding between the spa or the pool. Your only homework? To show up! Everything else is extra credit. And if you’re really chasing those bonus points, don’t forget to grab our exclusive Scholartrip student flight deals so you can get to your all inclusive for less and spend more on the fun stuff once you’re there..
