All of us daydream. We daydream about the day we will get our spouse on the sailboat we promised long ago. We dream about the day we will idle away on the beach in the Caribbean. We even imagine ourselves snorkeling deep in the ocean blue where everything looks perfect. Unfortunately, we cannot stay in that trance forever. Methinks its time you made that dream a reality.

Some of the things that should feature prominently when you decide to take that vacation include; budgets, your passion and interests, and of course, what your significant other wants in a holiday. Making a decision whether to stay in an all-inclusive resort or a boutique hotel should not be hard.

1.All-Inclusive Resorts

Advantages of Staying in an All-Inclusive Resort

• Everything is available – Whether you are looking for a family accommodation or a honeymoon suite, you will have your choice. All-inclusive resorts have a host of restaurants for casual dining, formal dining, gourmet dining…name it. Amenities such as kids programs, swimming pools, spa, motorized sporting, adults-only activities etc. will be provided.
• You will have a choice – All-inclusive resorts try to capture the imagination of every traveler that makes a reservation. Therefore they will have disabled facilities, facilities for the adventure seekers, for those on honeymoons, and even for those out to rekindle their intimacy. You can be sure that the staffs at these resorts are well-trained and keen on impressing you. Whether you want to engage in zip lining, shopping, sunbathing, beach activities and nightclubbing, you will do it at no additional cost to you. It is all-inclusive!

Examples of all-inclusive resorts that you should consider include; Barcelo, Four Seasons, Riu, Sandals, Secrets, Couples, Zoetry and many more.

Disadvantages of staying in an all-inclusive resort

• You miss the local authenticity – Most of the all-inclusive resorts operate on international standards. You will miss out on experiencing the local culture, food and nightspots. True, you will meet new people in the resort, but they are unlikely to be locals. You will only interact with other travelers.
• Your budget may be out of reach – If you are a budget traveler, you may not afford an all-inclusive resort unless you save for a long time.
• You interests and passions may not be captured completely – All-inclusive resorts have many holiday amenities and outdoor options, but this does not necessarily mean your interest will be available. For example if you are a nature enthusiast, you will not find a lot of options in the all-inclusive resorts in Mexico.

2.Boutique Resorts

Advantages of Boutique Resorts

• Flexibility – You eat what you want, meet local people, and do what you love doing on holidays. Boutique resorts do not impose. They will offer you basic things such as accommodation, transport and breakfast. It is up to you to do what takes your fancy.
• Complimentary services – If your budget allows, you can enjoy complimentary services such as spa treatment, a welcoming bottle of wine, room service etc.
• The Pricing – Boutique resorts allow you to choose the holiday package that you can afford. Their accommodations and holiday activities packages allow you to choose that which you can afford, as well as that which you love doing. You do not get to pay for an activity that you do not enjoy as is the case in all-inclusive resorts.
• Experience the local culture – since you have the option of paying for only the things that you need in a boutique resort, you can venture out to dine in local joints, club with the locals and visit local points of interest.
• Whether you want to camp in tents in the African wild, join a gypsy wagon in Europe, stay in a castle in Scotland or rent a bungalow by the oceanfront in the Caribbean, boutique resorts allows the flexibility.

Disadvantages of boutique resorts

• The quality of services and amenities is not usually as high as in the all-inclusive resorts
• Onsite holiday options are limited. You may not find many dining options, swimming pools, spa treatments etc. in a boutique resort.
• You may end up paying more – If you do not do your homework properly, you may pay little on accommodation and end up paying through the nose on food and other holiday activities that are offered outside your resort.

3.Why don’t you blend the two?

Fortunately for the discerning traveler, you have the option of blending the two.  Upon the realization that they are locking out some business, some resorts have merged the options to be found in the two categories of holidaymaking. They ensure that they offer the amenities of all-inclusive resorts but also allow their guest to escape the property to experience the local culture, music and cuisine.

Good examples of such resorts include; the Veranda resort in Turks and Caicos, Anse Chastanet in St Lucia among others.

Do not let the high rates dissuade you from enjoying a vacation. Just do your research well and there should be something in the market suitable for you. Happy vacationing!