I've stayed in all kinds of places across 100 countries, but there's still one type of accommodation I never book

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Author Ash Jurberg smiling in front of elephants
I believe the best travel stories happen when you venture beyond an accommodation, and all-inclusive resorts can make it hard for people to want to do so.

Ash Jurberg

I took my kid to an all-inclusive Nickelodeon resort. Our stay was filled with pleasant surprises, but I'd only return on one condition.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Pool surrounded by palm trees and shrubbery near water
My daughter and I had a nice stay at the Nickelodeon Punta Cana, but I wish I could've taken advantage of the daycare more.

Tiffany Leigh

I spent $337 a night to stay at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico with friends, and the 5-star experience blew me away

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Author Dyana Lederman smiling
I spent $1,349 to spend four nights at Atelier Playa Mujeres, an all-inclusive resort in Mexico, with my best friends.

Dyana Lederman

I went to an all-inclusive resort with my best friend's family. I didn't know how much I needed a family vacation.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Noelle Wiehe (left) with her friend Ashley (second from left) and Ashley's family on vacation at an all-inclusive resort, they are all in a pool.
The author, left, went on vacation with her friend Ashley's family, second from left, to an all-inclusive resort.

Courtesy of Noelle Wiehe

I thought I hated everything about all-inclusive resorts until staying at one completely changed my mind

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
An empty resort pool surrounded by lounge chairs and palm trees, with 6 lounge chairs in the water.
I've grown to love staying at all-inclusive resorts.

Jacqueline Dole

I've been to more than 35 all-inclusive resorts. Here are 10 mistakes I always see first-timers make.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author in an orange dress, standing by a pool and sipping an Aperol spritz.
I've been to several all-inclusive resorts around the globe and have seen a lot of people make the same few mistakes.

Kelly Magyarics

I've been to 35 all-inclusive resorts. I always watch out for these 7 red flags.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
Author Kelly Magyarics at St. Barth
As you're researching your dream vacation, it's helpful to read reviews on several of the top travel sites to avoid all-inclusive resorts that aren't up to snuff.

Kelly Magyarics

I've visited dozens of all-inclusive resorts, but there's one in Mexico I can't wait to return to

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
simone posing next to a poster of jimmy buffet's license to chill album at Margaritaville resort
I'm not a Jimmy Buffett fan, but I love Margaritaville.

Simone Paget

I've sailed on two all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise ships. These are the 3 reasons I think they're worth the cost.

Tech Insider : Travel
bed of deluxe veranda suite on Silversea Silver Ray
Ultra-luxury cruise ship's convenience, all-inclusivity, and suites could make them worth their cost.

Brittany Chang/Business Insider

When you should — and shouldn't — book an all-inclusive vacation, according to an expert

Tech Insider : Travel
Vacation in Santorini.
Choosing between all-inclusive and booking separately depends on what kind of vacation you want.

grinvalds/iStock

Subscribe to all-inclusive