I discussed whether going to an all-Inclusive resort is worth it in this post here. Personally, I am not that big of a fan of these types of hotels. Between the touristy environment and the lack luster food it just isn’t my cup of tea. I think my trip was further complicated by going to a resort alone. It certainly effected my overall experience.
Going to an all-Inclusive resort alone sets up a unique set of challenges. Picking the wrong one can take away from what can be a fun time. Well, fun for anyone who likes resorts that is. As opposed to a “normal” trip like a city, there is only so much to explore in a resort. If you are by yourself in the wrong establishment, you will find yourself bored.
There are many reasons why you may go to an all-inclusive resort solo, maybe it is you are forced to for a wedding like I was. Or perhaps, you are new to travel and aren’t ready to jump into a solo trip to Marrakesh as your first getaway. Whatever your reason I will help guide you when it comes to going to an all-inclusive resort alone.
1. Pick an Adults Only Resort
A family resort sucks for a single traveler. I assume you are an adult reading this and not a child who ran away from home. This was probably my biggest mistake when I traveled to an all-inclusive resort a couple of months ago. Families are great I am sure, but do you really want to spend your morning dodging children at the pool? A resort that includes kids must set up at least half of their amenities towards them. Already you are out of luck in terms of things to do.
In addition, it is harder to make friends because people seem to gravitate toward others with kids. When I went, I was just that weird loner around a bunch of families. When going to an all-inclusive resort alone, you want to maximize the chance of meeting other travelers. Family resorts do not do this.
Kids also ruin the buffet, not like most need any help in that department. Grubby little hands on everything. Going to a family resort when your single is more hassle than it is worth. The atmosphere is just different. Yes, people are still partying and drinking, but it doesn’t have a good vibe.
2. Pick a Resort Geared towards Singles (if you are)
Even if your resort doesn’t have kids, it may be geared towards couples. Once again us solo travelers will feel isolated. Nothing is more depressing than being single and going to an all-inclusive resort by yourself and being surrounded by happy people in relationships. There are places that are geared more towards single travelers or at least non married groups.
If you really want to have some memories one can try Hedonism II, Jamaica. I have never been there, but I assume from the name you will have many great stories to tell (or not tell). There are others that might offer a tamer experience, a simple Google search in the area you are going to will help you weed out the couple’s resorts.
3. Choose a Resort that has Amenities which Foster Meeting People
That is a long heading title, but I think it gets the job done. If I were to pick a resort again the first thing I would do is find one that has amenities which will help me meet people as well as kill time. I am a big poker player, so an all-inclusive resort with a casino would help me fill in the dead time between drinking. Poker allows me to meet people or at least have conversations with them. Blackjack is the same concept.
If gambling isn’t your thing, there are other ways to accomplish the same end. Obviously, a nice bar helps, but most resorts have these. Even something like horseback riding or scuba lessons might do if that is what you’re into. The goal is to get around people, going to an all-inclusive resort can be especially lonely if you aren’t talking to anyone throughout your day. Finding a way to come in contact with others goes a long way.
4. Choose Your Location Wisely
If you aren’t forced into a destination like I was, choosing the right place can improve the experience. The more exotic the better in my opinion. If you are walking around a Costa Rican rain forest the time will fly and it will feel as if you are on vacation. When I went, I didn’t have a choice on location, and personally I would have rather not gone to this area. There was nothing spectacular about the beaches of Playa Maya nor nothing exotic about the location.
Go to a country you want to see and learn about, not just the one that feels most comfortable. When going to an all-inclusive resort alone, you do want to pick a country that is safe, given you are by yourself. Still pick an interesting destination as well, being alone in an exotic area is more fun than being alone in a place that you have seen a million times before.
5. Make it Walkable
Even though you are on an all-Inclusive resort I feel to get the most of your time you want to branch out a bit. Yes, drinking all day might sound like paradise at first, but after day two I am usually ready to drown myself in the slushy maker. A safe, walkable town is preferable. When on a resort, one is usually surrounded by other tourists. As mentioned, I like to see the “real” location when traveling. What better way to do this than explore a local area?
A Google maps search will help you decide if you can easily walk to an area from a resort you are considering. Once again make sure the area is safe, one should always do this, but it goes double when traveling solo. Sometimes a resort just doesn’t have the amenities or local flare that you want, being accessible to a few local bars and restaurants can make it more of an experience.
6. Take Precautions
I mentioned safety a couple of times, but I want to emphasize it here again. Going to an all-inclusive resort alone is probably safer than other types of solo travel, but there still can be concerns. This is especially true if you go off the beaten path (like I like to do) in a foreign country. If you are “overserved” at the bar there will be no one looking out for you. Watch how much you drink; remember everyone around you is essential a stranger.
Yes, you are more likely safer at an all-inclusive resort surrounded by Americans, than in a regular hotel in a foreign city. Even still take the necessary precautions, tell people where you are going, keep your wits about you and remember you will be dealing with a lot of people you never met. If you are in a different country, it might be wise to know where your embassy is as well.
7. Have a Plan (or Schedule)
When I went to my resort, I regret not having more of a plan to kill my free time. I did set up a routine towards the end, gym, breakfast, then drinking, then drinking some more. You will be better off having a loose idea as to what you will be doing, unless all you truly want to do is lie around a beach.
It would be beneficial to look up a couple of excursions, depending on where you go there could be rainforest or coffee plantation tours. This gives you an opportunity to interact with other people, while filling up your time. When traveling alone you might feel as if you are looking for things to do at times. Going to an all-inclusive resort alone sets up its own challenges, because the area and amenities are confined to the hotel. After you have had all the watered-down drinks you could handle, you will say, “now what”. Having at least a loose plan might help.
8. Be Social
Even if you are an introvert you are going to want to meet people when traveling solo. Not doing so will make you feel as if you are going insane. I have spent many of days traveling by myself where I felt as if I didn’t speak to anyone the entire day. Trust me that is a weird feeling.
I think that meeting people on a resort is easier than in other travel situations. You most likely are all from the same country. There is a lot of alcohol involved and the resort will usually have some type of built-in games or activity. Take advantage of these. The more activities you do, the more people you might meet. If that is your intention. On the other hand…
9. Enjoy Your Solitude
Going to an all-inclusive resort alone did give me an opportunity that I don’t normally have. Being in solitude in a beautiful (kind of beautiful, read my review here) environment. So much of the time we don’t have a chance to think, either we are at work or wasting away in front of the television. Traveling alone gives you the opportunity to sit in silence.
You can be selfish (and even a bit reckless) and not have to deal with people. Find the right resort and you will find plenty of opportunities to sit back with a drink and not be in anyone’s company. Traveling with a partner is great, but sometimes you just want to be by yourself. Going to an all-inclusive resort solo gives you this opportunity.
10. Don’t Pick a Resort
Ok, so I guess it is only 9 tips…but should you go to a resort yourself? I guess it depends on if you feel resorts are worth it. For me they are not. If you truly love drinking and lying around the pool, then sure go for it. Certainly, you can have fun at an all-inclusive if you meet the right people. I just think there are better options.
Traveling solo allows you to explore by yourself, without being held to someone else’s schedule. You lose that at a resort. All-inclusive resorts just feel more contrived to me, I like to get out and start walking the city or area I am visiting. I know it depends on what you are looking for. Some like the comfort of a safely enclosed area. For me not so much.
Conclusion: Going to an All-Inclusive Resort Alone
If you love all-inclusive resorts, go for it, I personally think there are better options. Don’t be afraid to take those options. Whichever way you choose, be sure to take safety precautions and remember it is your trip. Do what you want, who will know!
