Expedia launches all-inclusive resource center

March 30, 2005 |

Expedia.com recently launched a new online resource center that provides travelers with deals, information, and benefits of all-inclusive resort vacations.

According to a new survey conducted by Harris Interactive, this trip planning resource comes just in time: 70 percent of U.S. adults admit to feeling stressed about vacationing and 33 percent attribute this stress specifically to exceeding their vacation budget.

All-inclusive resorts are a great option for these travelers because they typically include meals, beverages, entertainment and sometimes more within the price of the room, helping to alleviate any overspending concerns while on vacation.

“It’s rather ironic that people often take a vacation to get away from their day-to-day tensions, yet still manage to get stressed out while they’re on their trip,” comments Kari Swartz, Expedia.com travel expert. “A frequent source of vacation stress is budget: 90 percent of U.S. adults go over budget once they’re on vacation, with about 57 percent overspending specifically on food and drinks. All-inclusive resorts are a great option for these people, as gourmet meals and premium beverages are typically included with the room price. Also, entertainment and activities and sometimes even childcare are usually included at these resorts, allowing you to actually sit back and relax - which is what vacationing is all about.”

Having all of your vacation needs and desired amenities included in one upfront price is very appealing to many travelers. In fact, 34 percent of U.S. adults surveyed said they’d stay at an all-inclusive resort for their next getaway primarily because of the convenience; while 26 percent said they’d choose this kind of vacation so they wouldn’t have to worry about overspending on food and drinks.

The exotic locations of many all-inclusive resorts and the ability to find tailored vacations for families, singles, couples, and adventure seekers also topped the list of reasons why travelers would opt for an all-inclusive vacation. The survey showed that 42 percent of adults are most likely to choose an all-inclusive for family trips, 41 percent said they would go this route if planning a warm weather getaway, and 38 percent would choose an all-inclusive resort for a romantic vacation.

Expedia’s new online resource center helps travelers better understand and evaluate all-inclusive resorts for their next vacation. Travelers can find resort spotlights, view top destinations for all-inclusive experiences, and see the different categories of resorts that are available to them.