AARP Smart Guide to Taking a Resort Vacation

Match your travel interests, like beachcombing, history or skiing, to the perfect resort

Resorts can provide an unforgettable, in-depth travel experience. Read on for tips and tricks to maximize your stay.

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Stephanie Vermillion,

AARP

Published March 02, 2026

In this story

Planning Your Trip | Budgeting Tips | All-Inclusive Intel | While You're There

If your travel regimen could use an upgrade, consider booking your next trip to a resort. “While a hotel can be functional for business or a city break, a resort is the place you go to stay and experience it,” says luxury travel expert and editor Annie Fitzsimmons, author of National Geographic’s 100 Hotels of a Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate Retreats. “You travel by passion for a resort.”

That passion could be beachcombing, skiing, history or any travel interests in between. And while booking a resort doesn’t always require an all-inclusive rate, sometimes opting for this approach does make sense.

We talked with travel experts about the do’s and don’ts of taking a resort vacation, from budgeting tips and lesser-known amenities to making the most of your stay.

Beach destinations are among the most popular spots for resort vacations.

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PLANNING YOUR TRIP

1. Book a beach stay

If you’re seeking a beach resort, you might want to look beyond places like Cancun and Cabo. “Belize, Grenada, Curaçao and Barbados are on our hot list,” says Jennifer Byrne, CEO of travel agency The Tropical Travelers. “Whether you’re looking for all-inclusive, non-inclusive, luxury, family or couple-style resorts, these locations have something unique and fun.”

2. Choose your own (resort) adventure

Resort vacations can go well beyond sun and sand. Fitzsimmons’ new book, a compilation of the world’s best travel properties, includes resorts for lake stays, golfing, skiing, wellness and wildlife. Some properties even immerse you in arts and culture. Schloss Elmau in Germany, for example, has a historic concert hall and one of the largest resort libraries in the world, says Fitzsimmons. Su Gologone in Sardinia, Italy, and the Ashford Castle in Ireland offer art classes that include pottery and painting.

“You’re going not only to experience the resort but to really open your mind and connect with people who care about those things,” Fitzsimmons says.

3. What to pack

Your packing list depends largely on your itinerary, but many resorts offer onsite rentals or gear-borrowing programs, whether it’s muck boots for rainforest resorts in the Amazon, extra-warm layers for safari resorts or workout gear for properties that prioritize wellness. Fitzsimmons says some resorts offer umbrellas and even trench coats for rainy days. You can ask your resort for a packing list beforehand; many have them to help their guests avoid over- or under-packing.

4. Don’t forget restaurant reservations

Being a guest at a resort doesn’t guarantee you a spot at its restaurant. Michelle Orr, a Virtuoso-certified travel agent and CEO of Master Travel, recommends making dinner reservations in advance.

“It’s always easier to cancel a reservation should you change your mind than to find a last-minute reservation at your preferred location,” Orr says. “But make sure you check the time limit. Many restaurants now take a credit card and will charge a penalty if a cancellation is made within 24 hours of the reservation.”

5. Go green

If you want to help protect the planet while you travel, opt for an eco-friendly resort. First, look for third-party certifications demonstrating that the resort’s construction and operations take energy efficiency and conservation into account. These include EarthCheck, Green Globe and the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), Orr explains. “If their website doesn’t indicate this, you can call directly to ask.”

Next, research or inquire about how the resort sources its food and whether it’s sourced locally. Then look into its on-site amenities. “Are there large refillable bottles for shampoos and soaps, or do they only offer small sample sizes?” she says. Other things to consider: “Do they recycle? Do they have refillable water stations? Do they hire locally or bring in their workers from other countries?”

6. Consider a travel adviser

You can absolutely book a resort on your own, but hiring a travel adviser or agent can streamline the planning process. “For certain types of trips that are more complicated to plan, going through a travel agent might save you a headache, like a trip to the Maldives that involves seaplane transfers or a safari,” says Tanner Saunders, senior hotels reporter at The Points Guy. “Going through a travel agent can also help you get elite perks like potential room upgrades, a special welcome gift in the room or credits to use on [the] property.”

Search for ways to bundle resorts and flights for a cheaper vacation. You can also look for off-season dates that could save you a lot of money.

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BUDGETING TIPS

7. Save money in the off-season

Traveling beyond high season is a tried-and-true budgeting hack. That said, off-season travel can be a gamble, especially for trips near the sea. In the Caribbean, for example, off-season is roughly May through November. “Hurricane risk and hotter temperatures make this time less appealing to many travelers, and the prices reflect this,” says Orr. If you are booking in the off-season, get travel insurance to protect your investment.

8. Watch for past deals

Tracking a resort’s past seasonal or holiday sales can help you save on your next trip, too. “Some hotels will run specials,” says Orr. “If you want to get one for your trip, keep track of their offerings or research what they may have offered last year.” You can find this information on Google, the property’s social media pages or its website’s blog or newsroom.

9. When — and whom — to tip

According to Byrne, all-inclusive hotels typically include tips, but it’s important to confirm this with the resort or your travel agent before you go.

Even if they are included, “we find it’s always welcome to offer additional tips for exemplary services,” says Byrne. “Non-inclusives do not include tips, and they are always recommended. Tipping is always via cash at hotels.”

And tipping extends beyond the restaurant. “For housekeeping, I take an envelope and give it to the front desk so they can distribute it to everyone,” Fitzsimmons says, noting that she also tips the concierge if they go above and beyond to help her, as well as the doormen who assist with bags. To have cash ready, “the first thing I do is go to an ATM when I land,” Fitzsimmons says.

10. Should you bundle resorts and flights?

Sometimes you can book a resort and flight together — but should you? It depends, says Saunders. “So many resorts and hotel brands offer bundled packages that come with your room and flights, and sometimes even more perks as a bonus for booking it all together,” he says, adding that the same is also true in reverse. “You can frequently find pretty good deals on resorts through airline vacation portals. I’d just say no matter how you plan to book, be sure to shop around to make sure you’re getting the best deal.”

11. The inside scoop on resort loyalty programs

Being loyal to a resort brand could net you serious savings, says Saunders: “Thousands of resorts around the world participate in loyalty programs where you can earn points or spend points you already have on a vacation.”

Major hotel companies like Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt have their own loyalty programs — as well as resorts, “from affordable all-inclusive resorts to ultra-high-end resorts with overwater bungalows, Michelin-starred restaurants and nearly everything in between,” Saunders says. Whether or not joining a program is worth it depends on your travel frequency. “If you don’t travel enough to earn elite status, it might be advantageous to book through a travel agent who might be able to score you some perks you might not earn with lower-tier status,” he says.

12. Use credit cards to earn points on resort bookings

Booking travel with the right credit card can help you save money, too. Saunders recommends the Chase Sapphire Preferred and American Express Gold cards for the typical traveler, as both offer “great ways to earn points that can be used for travel just by spending money on things you always will spend on, like dining out and buying groceries,” he says. A higher-end card, like an American Express Platinum or a Chase Sapphire Reserve, can get you into luxury hotel-booking programs. “Booking through these programs comes with benefits like free breakfast for two people and on-property credit, late checkout, potential room upgrades and sometimes the chance to check in early.”

If you’d prefer to stay loyal to one resort brand, Saunders recommends investing in a co-branded card to “earn points and work your way up through the ranks of status.”

13. Don’t miss out on membership discounts

“There are discounts hiding all around us; you just have to know where to look,” says Saunders. “You can certainly find discounted rates for military veterans and senior citizens, or through programs like AAA or AARP, and even Sam’s Club or Costco.” Large companies sometimes offer their employees discounts on travel, too.

All-inclusive resorts are popular for many reasons (cost savings among them), but they’re not always the best pick for everyone.

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ALL-INCLUSIVE INTEL

14. Ask if all-inclusive is for you

All-inclusive resorts may be a smart option, but it depends on your travel preferences. Orr suggests asking yourself a few questions to decide. “Are you traveling to a location known for its incredible dining options, or are the options outside the resort limited?” she says.

In places like Turks and Caicos that have world-renowned dining scenes, you may not want to dine at the resort every night. Next: “Is transportation outside of your resort readily available to travel to restaurants?” If it’s a hassle to get to and from local establishments, especially at night, you may be better off going the all-inclusive route.

15. Tally up your meals

Also consider your food and alcohol consumption. “Our clients receive free perks when we book their hotel, including breakfast for two and a food-and-beverage credit,” says Orr. “So if you have this amenity, then you only need to consider the cost of lunch and dinner. If you aren’t a big eater at lunch or dinner, then all-inclusive may not make economic sense for you.”

Alcohol is another important consideration. “Alcohol can be one of the biggest expenses at a resort,” Orr says. “People who enjoy alcohol throughout the day will probably come out ahead if they go to an all-inclusive over someone who doesn’t drink any alcohol.”

16. Look at the restaurant variety

“If you’re staying eight to 10 days in a resort, you need to consider the variety of food options in an all-inclusive resort,” Orr says. Some resorts have numerous restaurants on-site, while others may have just one or two. “If there are limited choices, you might tire of the food during your stay,” she continues. “But if your trip is only three to five days, then the variety may not be a factor.”

17. Calculate your cost savings

If you’re still trying to determine whether to go all-inclusive or non-inclusive, Orr suggests doing some quick math. “Research the cost of restaurants in the area so you can anticipate what you might spend if you dine out,” she says. “This will give you an idea of whether it makes financial sense.”

18. Going all-inclusive at a general resort

You don’t necessarily have to stay at an all-inclusive hotel to get an all-inclusive rate— just know what you’re signing up for. “Regular resorts that have all-inclusive options often have restrictions on what is included,” says Orr. “Maybe top-shelf alcohol is not part of the program, or they might limit the number of restaurants included. Make sure to ask for a written explanation of exactly what is and is not included.”

19. Don’t overlook head count

While many hotels let you change the number of guests pre-arrival, an all-inclusive resort bills you based on head count. That means adding another person at the last minute is almost guaranteed to involve extra fees. “All-inclusive rates are paid by the number of guests, so be accurate when reserving the room,” says Orr. Additionally, note the ages of everyone and ask about discounted rates, as some resorts offer free options for young children.

20. Look up the pricing tiers

All-inclusive stays are rarely one flat rate. “Many all-inclusive resorts have different tiers, such as a club level. Make sure you research if this is available when you make your reservation,” Orr says, noting that these higher tiers may come with priority dining and access to exclusive areas of the property. “There is a higher price associated with this access, but it’s often worth it. You may even get your own on-site butler.”

21. Research what’s included at an all-inclusive

Contrary to the name, an all-inclusive doesn’t mean everything is included. Take room service. “Inquire before you choose the hotel to see if room service is included in the ‘all-inclusive’ price. Some resorts do not include this option,” says Orr, adding it’s important to read the fine print before booking.

22. Don’t fall prey to predatory sales tactics

During your all-inclusive stay, you may be approached about “exciting” sales and memberships — but Orr says to be wary. “Do not fall prey to these sales tactics, and be careful about what you are actually agreeing to,” she says. “At check-in, you can request that resort employees do not approach you with these sales tactics.”

At check-in, be cautious about resort orientations as well. They may sound enticing, but Byrne advises avoiding them at all costs. “These are always for time-share purchases. We never recommend these,” she says. “We arm our clients with everything they will need to know prior to arrival — and this includes a cautionary warning against such sessions.”

Develop a friendly rapport with the staff at your resort. It’s a simple step that can ensure your stay is as pleasant as it can be.

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WHILE YOU’RE THERE

23. Ask for a room upgrade

The easiest way to go from base to best room? Ask! “You can always request a free room upgrade at check-in,” says Orr. Oftentimes having a loyalty link to the hotel, even by joining its free membership program, can help you get a leg up.

24. Be nice to the staff

Another easy way to elevate your stay: engage with the resort team. “Be kind to the staff,” says Orr. “This goes a long way.” And in many cases, especially at resorts, the staff have unique stories and come from all over the world, so you never know who you might meet.

25. Stop saving beach chairs

Arguably the biggest faux pas in the world of tropical resort travel? Chair-saving at the pool or beach. “You know those people who go down at 7 a.m. to reserve the best chairs, throw a towel down, go back to sleep and show up at 10:30 a.m.? This is no fun for anyone,” Orr says. “We see more and more places that will pick up your items within 30 to 45 minutes if no one is seen actually using the chair.”

26. In-room amenities you didn’t know you could ask for

Your in-room amenities will vary widely by the resort and its level of luxury. Some offer yoga mats or resistance bands; others have steamers or hair straighteners. Many high-end resorts offer drinks and snacks upon arrival. In these cases, Fitzsimmons suggests calling ahead and sharing your preferences, such as requesting green juice instead of champagne. Additionally, a lot of hotels will press your clothes for free, she says, and many go above and beyond for multigenerational family travelers, providing everything from strollers to bottle warmers.

27. Experience a splurge-worthy resort for a day

“If you can’t afford to sleep at a hotel, take it on a date,” says Fitzsimmons, explaining that many of the most historic and luxurious resorts around the world offer experiences that public nonguests can also enjoy. You could try a fancy breakfast or an afternoon tea, book a spa day at a wellness retreat, or grab a drink in a hotel bar known for its art.

28. Take advantage of rest and relaxation

Staying at a resort can be thrilling, with a wide range of amenities to choose from — including diving, painting classes, meditation workshops, culinary tours and off-site exploring. Take advantage of the experiences that excite you, but remember to sit back, put your feet up and enjoy one of the best perks of resort travel: well-earned rest and relaxation. “I never say a hotel feels like home,” says Fitzsimmons. “I want it to feel better than my home.”

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Stephanie Vermillion is a freelance travel journalist and photographer for publications like National Geographic, Outside Magazine, Travel & Leisure, and Vogue. She's the author of 100 Nights of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Adventures After Dark, which was published with National Geographic and Disney Publishing in December 2024. She can be reached at StephanieVermillionStudio.com.