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All-Inclusive Resort vs. Taking a Cruise: Travelers looking for relaxing, hassle-free vacations often look to Cruise Ships or All-Inclusive Resorts for a week in paradise. Many enjoy the unlimited food and alcohol, while others want a vacation that requires little research or choice during the trip. However, when comparing these two experiences, there are important differences to consider the right fit for you and your family. In this write-up, I will be focusing on one region of the world: the Caribbean Islands and Mexico, since that’s where the majority of All-Inclusive Resorts exist. Here are some things to consider: ADVANTAGES OF A 7 DAY CRUISE You get to see 3-4 different countries or islands, adding a bit of variety to the trip You can find quieter spots on the boat including libraries if you don’t want to party Some cruise ships cater specifically to certain age groups, which can be great for children or seniors Cruises can have casinos, Vegas-style shows, mini-golf, water slides and other extensive entertainment Usually the service from staff is very personal and customized Sometimes you can score incredible deals on cruises during non-peak times Restaurants are extremely good at catering to all dietary needs ADVANTAGES OF AN ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT The rooms and bathrooms are much larger than a cruise ship. You usually have access to the beach just steps away from your room You can stay at an adult-only resort. (there are adult-only cruise options, but they are extremely expensive or usually not found in this part of the world) Resorts tend to feel less crowded and more spread out You can eat dinner whenever you want rather than at an assigned time. You also don’t have to sit with strangers like you often do on cruises The price you pay covers just about everything, except spa treatments or water sports You can stay in one place the whole time rather than having to exit the ship every day or two. THINGS IN COMMON Plenty of dining options ranging from buffets and formal dining options. Good gym and spa facilities Each offers the convenience of having everything you want within a 10 minute walk. PRICES A week at a 4-star All-Inclusive in Cancun for two people starts as low as $1500 for the week! A 7 night cruise to the Caribbean Islands from Miami starts at $1000 per week for two people. (Remember that alcohol, fine dining, and excursions are optional, but will be extra!)  
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1. Which countries are the best for safari? When people usually think of an African Safari, they want to see the big 5: Rhinos, Elephants, Lions, Leopards, and Buffalo. The prime countries to view these animals are Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa. All three countries have a booming tourism industry and numerous safari companies to choose from. However, other countries such as Zambia, Namibia, and Botswana also offer unique safari’s often at a much cheaper price. There are also other exotic animals such as great white sharks, rare bird species, and Gorillas that may dictate the country you choose. 2. How to get there? There are only three direct flights from the United States to the southern part of Africa: two to Johannesburg and one to Nairobi. A fourth flight to Cape Town from Newark is coming soon. Prices to these airports rarely drop below $1100 per person during peak season. If saving money is your objective, it is possible to fly to Africa for under $700 during off-peak season. Another trick is to use points to fly into Western Africa (Lagos and Accra) direct from the United States and then connect on an African airline to nations in the southern part of Africa. Lastly, there are many 1 or 2 stop flights from the U.S. that connect in Europe or the Middle East. Remember to book as far in advance as possible to get the best deal. I have seen deals as little at $600 round-trip to Africa! 3. How far in advance to book? Booking a safari about a year in advance is not only ideal, but critical during high seasons such as Christmas time and during the Great Migration (around July/August). Although most companies won’t sell out 12 months in advance, the lodges and camps (where you sleep during your safari) often will. The later you book, the less choices you will have for accommodations as the best ones will be sold out. 4. How much does it cost? Budgeting for an African Safari can definitely seem daunting. In general, an 8-10 day safari can range from $2000--$5000 per person depending on the type of accommodations you want. These include all meals and water, lodging, jeep use, and the safari itself with a guide. Tour prices do NOT include flights to Africa, gratuity for your driver (a few hundred dollars), Visa costs, laundry, and travel insurance. If you are willing to camp, you can certainly can fit in an entire trip to Africa for under $3000! 5. Finding the right itinerary and tour company: Safari companies in Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa are extremely competitive. They usually strive for perfection given that their clients have high expectations for their once-in-a-lifetime vacation. Start by finding companies on Trip Advisor that have at least 4.5 star ratings. Then go to about 10 of those company’s websites, before emailing your favorite 5-6 with an inquiry. You should hear back within 24 hours regarding your request as they usually communicate very professionally. See who gives you the maximum flexibility and the best price and know that you will rarely be disappointed. We ended up using Easy Travel Co. (after about 50 emails working on the perfect itinerary!) and absolutely loved our 10 day safari in Tanzania. 6. Other tips to keep in mind:
 Many travel enthusiasts keep multiple credit cards in their wallet to maximize their point earning potential. I currently have 12 cards in my wallet with each card serving a different purpose. Although the annual fees may seem excessive, these cards have earned me over $30,000 in free travel over the past 5 years! Here is a list of all 12 cards in my wallet and when I actually use them. (hint: sometimes I don't....).
P.S. My credit score is above 800, so having that many cards doesn't have to hurt your credit score! American Express Personal Platinum Card Signup Bonus I got: 100k AMEX Membership Reward Points When I use it: Airfare (5x points), Car rentals (when I rent an expensive car) Annual Fee: $550 Main Perks: Priority Pass Lounge Access, Delta SkyClub Access, $200 airline credit, Free TSA PreCheck/Global Entry, $100 at Saks Fifth Avenue, International Business Class Discounts, Hilton Gold Status, Marriott Gold Status Chase Sapphire Reserve Signup Bonus I got: 60k Ultimate Reward Points When I use it: Restaurants, Hotels, Car Rentals, and other Misc. Travel Annual Fee: $450 Main Perks: Priority Pass Lounge Access, $300 travel credit, Primary Car Rental Insurance, Redeem each point for 1.5 cents of travel. Marriott Bonvoy Business (formerly SPG Business) Signup Bonus I got: 105k Marriott Points When I use it: I don’t Annual Fee: $125 Main Perks: Free night at any mid-level Marriott property, discounts for some business needs such as advertising, shipping, supplies, etc. Marriott Bonvoy (formerly SPG Personal) Signup Bonus I got: 105k Marriott Points When I use it: I don’t Annual Fee: $95 Main Perks: Free night at any mid-level Marriott property Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Signup Bonus I got: 100k Marriott Points When I use it: I don’t Annual Fee: $95 Main Perks: Free night at any mid-level Marriott property Alaska Airlines Personal Signup Bonus I got: 35k Alaska Airline Miles, plus a buy one, get one free companion ticket When I use it: For every purchase not mentioned anywhere else. (pharmacies, Costco, Target, Amazon, etc.) Annual Fee: $75 Main Perks: Free Checked Bag, Buy one, get one ticket for $99 each year Southwest Plus Signup Bonus I got: 60k Southwest Rapid Reward Points When I use it: Rarely Annual Fee: $69 Main Perks: 3k points every year JetBlue Plus Signup Bonus I got: 60k TrueBlue Miles When I use it: Grocery Stores (2x points) or JetBlue Flights Annual Fee: $99 Main Perks: Free check bag, discount on in-flight purchases, 5k bonus points each anniversary Hyatt Card (old version) Signup Bonus I got: 30k Hyatt Points When I use it: I don’t Annual Fee: $75 Main Perks: Free night at any mid-level Hyatt property each year Chase Freedom Signup Bonus I got: I downgraded my Chase Sapphire Preferred to this card, so none When I use it: On gas, pharmacies, or groceries depending on the monthly bonus category Annual Fee: $0 Main Perks: 5x points on bonus categories that change every 3 months. Transfer those points to my Chase Sapphire account to maximum value. Citi Double Cash Back Signup Bonus I got: I downgraded my Citi American Aadvantage card to this card, so none When I use it: I don’t. It’s just to keep my credit score high because it is my oldest card. Annual Fee: $0 Main Perks: 2% cash on every purchase Citi Preferred Signup Bonus I got: I downgraded my Citi Premier to this card, so none When I use it: I don’t. It’s just to keep my credit score high because it is my second oldest card. Annual Fee: $0 Main Perks: Nothing |
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