• Adults-only resorts may have a partying singles scene with nightlife that lasts until dawn, like Club Med in Cancun. Or they could be quieter locations frequented by young honeymooners who aren't particularly interested in socializing all night with other guests.
   
• Mixed-group resorts typically have amenities for adults and for kids. Children's programs at these properties may not be as comprehensive as at resorts geared specifically for families, and they may not be the best choice for families with younger kids who need more structure.
   
• Family-oriented resorts, on the other hand, are not a good match for a single person hoping for memorable nightlife. But with the kids-only pools, waterslides and water parks, video-game centers, teen discos, and supervised children's activities, these resorts offer mom and dad some needed relaxation time. Some destinations also attract international visitors. Many Club Med locations, for example, attract Europeans--some villages will have numerous French-speaking visitors. A strong European influence may also indicate the resort has a relaxed policy on topless sunbathing.
   
• Bargain vs Luxury Resorts Pricing is probably the first factor most travelers consider when choosing a resort. All-inclusive chains and vacation wholesalers usually have ratings for individual resorts, using stars, numbers, tridents, and so on. Typically, the higher the rating, the higher the price. There are three major differences between budget and upscale resorts: A bargain property generally has basic accommodations, just a bare-bones hotel room. Luxury resorts feature large rooms, suites, or even villas, usually with in-room amenities. Budget resorts may have fewer food options. All-inclusive used to mean all buffet, all the time. But resorts have become more sophisticated and offer more dining options--French, Italian, Tex-Mex, even Japanese cuisine--in smaller on-property restaurants along with the standard buffet service. Less expensive resorts likely have fewer restaurants and bars, or might levy a surcharge if you dine at a la carte restaurants. More upscale resorts give you more options and usually don't tack on extra charges. Basic properties are likely to have fewer amenities and luxurious extras like spas, scuba-diving centers, on-site golf courses, and fully-equipped gyms. Count on finding many of these frills at more upscale resorts. Still, a budget resort is definitely worth a look if you ask questions first to ensure it will meet your needs.

It's hard to compare value between all-inclusive resorts and independent travel, since so much is bundled into the package price. If you don't plan to take advantage of many of the activities an all-inclusive has to offer, a bargain-priced resort may suit you. But if it's pampering you're after, be prepared to pay more. Also, remember that you may be tempted to try something new just because you can. Club Med's famous trapezes, for example, or any number of sports, from kayaking to scuba diving. And for parents, not having kids constantly asking for cash may be worth the price on its own.

WHAT'S INCLUDED AND WHAT'S NOT

What does all-inclusive really mean? Ideally, you should be able to lock your wallet in the safe all week and not have a bill to settle when you leave. But all-inclusive is also widely used as a catch-all marketing term. At some resorts and hotels, it may only mean that some meals are paid for; drinks and even activities cost extra.

Major chains trumpet their "super" or "total" or "ultra" all-inclusive pricing. Typically, one price covers accommodations, airport transfers, meals, some drinks, and basic sports and amenities. Recently, Club Med revamped its all-inclusive policy to cover drinks and daylong snacking like the other big brands, rather than requiring travelers to barter beads or wear a bar bracelet for drinks as in years past.

The big resorts don't tend to nickel-and-dime you continuously, but they do have exceptions to the everything's-paid-for rule. Some extra charges are obvious, such as purchases in resort boutiques and laundry and dry-cleaning services. Excursions and sightseeing tours outside the resort usually will incur charges, too.

Other costs aren't so clear-cut. Massages and beauty treatments in resort spas aren't typically included, though some resorts may allow guests a few complimentary treatments. SuperClubs' Grand Lido resorts include free manicures and pedicures, but charges for other services, for example.

Fees for childcare and children's programs vary, particularly when it comes to care for infants and toddlers. For example, Club Med's Baby Club Med for infants 4 to 23 months and Petit Club Med for toddlers between 2 and 3 years both cost extra, though programs for older children don't. Beaches provides supervised childcare and programs for kids during the day; evening babysitters are available for an additional fee.

All-inclusive prices usually cover non-motorized water sports, which means snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, and the like. Expensive or extreme sports, such as golf, scuba, and deep-sea fishing, may or may not be included, depending on the chain or even by individual resort locations. If golf or scuba is your passion, you may want to consider a resort where it's included, like Beaches or some SuperClubs.

TYPES OF ALL-INCLUSIVES
We've outlined offerings from some of the largest all-inclusive brands, but travelers have many choices beyond these players. There are other all-inclusive brands, such as Palace Resorts, as well as independent all-inclusives, like FDR Pebbles in Jamaica. Many well-known hotel brands also operate all-inclusive resorts or have all-inclusive options at individual properties.

Finally, some hotels offer meal-plan-only options at specific destinations. Be sure to ask exactly what these options cover. Meal plans may cover only breakfast and dinner, not lunch, or meals only at certain restaurants on the resort. And because meal-plan-only options don't include other amenities and activities, your costs may start to add up.

FINDING THE BEST PRICE

You don't have to pay the very costly brochure rates if you shop around, especially if you're flexible with your travel dates. An experienced travel agency can be a big help in helping you choose the right resort, especially those that specialize in all-inclusive travel.

Value-added specials and theme promotions are common, both directly from resorts and from wholesalers. Look for offers such as extra free nights with a minimum stay, free airfare for kids, or kids-eat-free deals.

Prices for Caribbean travel tend to peak around spring break and Christmas, and remain high in the winter as U.S. travelers from the East Coast escape the winter doldrums. Summer and early fall prices are lower--though that's during hurricane season. Check with the resort about hurricane guarantees or consider buying travel insurance.

If you just want to get out of town, but don't much care where, you may want to check out "surprise destination" specials, in which you get significant savings in exchange for letting a resort or a vacation wholesaler choose the resort you'll visit.

COMPARISON SHOPPING

Don't forget to ask detailed questions about any resort you're considering. Also check out Web sites for other travelers' vacation reviews. One good resource is www.Tripadvisor.com, which has gloves-off reviews highlighting the good, the bad, and the ugly of all-inclusive resorts. The reviews are often anonymous and sometimes include gratuitous moaning about problems clearly beyond the resorts' control. But some reviews can help you make an informed decision and show you whether you need to ask more questions to make sure you'll be happy with your trip. Consistent reviews griping about the rocky beach may be a warning to heed if white sandy beaches are your bliss; rave reviews of children's programs might steer you to a better resort choice for your entire family.