The Best Time To Book Your Stay At An All-Inclusive Resort

If you've suddenly noticed your social feeds jam-packed with friends flaunting their stays at all-inclusive resorts, it's not a coincidence. As it turns out, these resorts have upped their game, with many prioritizing improving the quality of their food, services, and amenities to entice more travelers to book. "If you are new to all-inclusives, now is a good time to visit one. We're seeing a ton of premiumization brought into the all-inclusive category as resorts focus on delivering a five-star experience," travel editor Christina Jelski told The Washington Post. Tempted to see what the fuss is all about? You can apparently do so without blowing your budget. Just be sure to book during the shoulder season, or the short window between the peak and off-season.

Gone are the days when significant discounts were a given during the low season, especially in destinations like the Caribbean, Mexico, and Thailand. "We [have] no more low season," Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, shared with CNBC Travel. While more and more people are realizing the advantages of traveling during the shoulder season (see also: better rates and smaller crowds), you can still score considerable savings when you book during this time. Oh, and if you want to maximize your savings further, consider booking your trip from September to November.

You may think that booking a vacation at an all-inclusive in the fall may not make sense due to the threat of a monsoon, but the fall months are reportedly the best time to book if you want to minimize your spending. Not only will you get to snag deals on your stay, but you also save on airfare.

"During September and early October, you can see rates as low as 35% off or you'll get a third or fourth night free," Annie Davis, president of a luxury travel firm, told USA Today. "We are seeing that most travelers are looking for more value due to inflation." To illustrate, at the time of this publication, a seven-day stay at an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic will set you back $3,090 when you book in July. If you opt for a mid-October vacation though, you'll only be looking at parting with $2,208. That's nearly $900 in savings! Meanwhile, CheapAir's 2024 International Airfare Study found that you can score the best airfare deals to the Caribbean in the fall and winter. The savings only amount to around $24 compared to spring and summer prices, but hey, savings are savings no matter how small.

The cherry on top is you won't have to compete with as many lounge chair hoggers when you book in the autumn. "Fall is a wonderful time to stay at an all-inclusive resort, as you can enjoy quieter hotels and more availability for excursions," Scott LePage, president of Americas at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, told USA Today.

Many of us are probably guilty of making a purchase lured by the promise of significant savings, only to face buyer's remorse afterward because the deal wasn't as great as it initially appeared. The same principle applies when booking all-inclusive resorts. If you encounter a cheap package during the fall — or any other season, for that matter — it's not advisable to book right away. You ought to still do research to find out if the resort aligns with your preferences, from the theme and guest demographics to the inclusions of the package offered. "There's nothing wrong with all-inclusives," travel blogger Nicole Hunter told The Washington Post. "However, you are paying for what you want to do, but also what you don't want. If they offer free tennis lessons and you don't play, your rate includes the costs of the tennis pro and court upkeep."

In the event that you find a resort that ticks all of your boxes but seems just beyond your budget, travel expert Jane Jones told GoBankingRates that it pays to book directly with the establishment and unleash your negotiating skills. "Ask if they have any promotions or discounts available, or if they can offer you a better rate," she suggested. "You may be surprised at what you can save just by asking."