How to Book a Unique All-Inclusive Vacation That’s Not Terrible
Think small and embrace the "Joy of Missing Out" when looking for more interesting all-inclusive stays.

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All-inclusive vacations can conjure images of food under heat lamps, too many poolside piña coladas, and being trapped on resort grounds. But sun-soaked packages are not the only type of all-inclusives. And looking ahead to 2026, travelers are reimagining what these vacations can be.
Sure, sprawling mega-resorts exist — and their numbers are growing. All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy has spent the last couple of years building a portfolio of nearly three dozen all-inclusive hotels worldwide, mostly in Mexico and the Caribbean.
But a shift is underway: over 70% of travelers are now embracing slower, more intentional escapes that prioritize well-being over jam-packed itineraries.
This movement, dubbed "JOMO" (the Joy of Missing Out), represents a departure from the "FOMO" (Fear of Missing Out) travel style that dominated recent years. Instead of racing to check off bucket-list destinations, today's travelers are opting for presence over pressure and simplicity over schedules.
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Consider a different type of all-inclusive travel going into 2026
Some all-inclusives are entirely antithetical to stereotypical resort experiences. Wellness and authentic activities take precedence over all-you-can-eat buffets. They aren't necessarily in sunny locales, and guest counts are limited to just a handful of beds.
Vista Verde Guest Ranch in Clark, Colorado, is among the properties that check all those boxes. At this all-inclusive dude ranch, summer outdoor activities include fly fishing and paddle boarding, while winter options include snowshoeing, ice fishing, skiing and sleigh rides. There are only 12 cabins and three lodge rooms, creating an intimate experience far removed from mega-resort crowds.

Hiking over the tundra at Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge in Nunavut, Canada. (Photo by Sally French)
Many all-inclusives in this genre may hardly be considered relaxing in the traditional sense. Take Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge, with 16 cabins located just under 500 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Vacationers ride fat tire bikes over the ice or sea kayak when it melts. With no electricity at night and no in-cabin showers, it's not glamorous, but it delivers the kind of meaningful, nature-immersive experience today's travelers crave.

Even cruise lines are adapting to this shift. Norwegian Cruise Line now offers all-inclusive packages featuring unlimited open bar, specialty dining, high-speed WiFi powered by Starlink and shore excursion credits—removing the stress of budgeting so guests can focus on unwinding. Their Caribbean itineraries and private islands like Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas provide the laid-back rhythm perfect for JOMO-style travel, with adults-only retreats and spa sanctuaries designed for those who want to truly unplug.
Beware the price tag
The cheapest Arctic Watch offering costs $17,500 Canadian (about $13,000) for nine nights, amounting to about $1,400 per night. At Vista Verde Guest Ranch, three-night stays start at $2,695 during the off-season or about $900 per night (though per-night costs decrease the longer you stay).
But not every all-inclusive worth visiting is for travelers with big budgets.
At Minnesota’s family-oriented Fair Hills Resort, cabins are modest and the food resembles what you ate at summer camp. Meals and activities — such as golf lessons, pickleball, and s’mores — are included in most packages. Rates can run just over $200 per adult, per night, and $121 per kid, per night, depending on your stay length.
Cruises fit a nice spot with low upfront prices, particularly if you're amenable with an Interior stateroom. Things add up once you add on drink or Wi-Fi packages (or splurge on a nicer room), but the varied prices also work well for groups traveling together albeit at different price points.
» Learn more: The best all-inclusives you can book with points
How to book a better all-inclusive
If you’re considering an all-inclusive for your next vacation, here are some tips to consider:
Think boutique, not blockbuster: Skipping the sprawling resorts in favor of intimate properties can bring more personalized service. It might also better connect you with the destination and its people rather than the hundreds of other vacationers.
Consider more than just beach locales: Whether it’s the Arctic tundra, a Minnesota summer camp or Colorado dude ranch, some of the most authentic experiences occur at all-inclusives that are far from the beach.
“We are stewards of the western ranch lifestyle, and we enjoy bringing folks into our world,” says Ben Martin, general manager of Colorado’s Vista Verde Guest Ranch.
You might even consider a trip that doesn’t stay in one place. Companies like SpiceRoads Cycling and Backroads offer all-inclusive, multiday cycling tours where you get a guide and bike support on top of meals and nightly lodging.
Prioritize points: If you do opt for an all-inclusive stay at one of the major hotel chains, take advantage of the opportunity to book properties on points, which can often be earned through credit card spending.
Reschedule to travel during shoulder season: Shoulder season, which is the time between tourist season and the off-season, can provide a healthy mix of lower rates and fewer crowds, yet decreased risk of bad weather or businesses that have closed for the off-season.
Understand what’s truly included: You might never touch your wallet at some all-inclusives. Others charge for add-ons such as snorkel gear or alcohol. A few even tack on resort fees.
Embrace the 'Joy of Missing Out.' Give yourself permission to skip the jam-packed sightseeing marathons. Nearly half of travelers admit that trying to "do it all" leaves them needing a vacation from their vacation. Instead, prioritize freedom from obligations, time in nature, and the ability to spend your days at your own pace.
Why all-inclusives make sense for travelers
Vista Verde’s Martin says his all-inclusive model avoids making vacationers feel nickel and dimed throughout the stay.
“If a guest is frequently reaching for their wallet, they are constantly being reminded that their stay is transactional,” he says. “It changes the dynamic of our relationship with them.”
This philosophy aligns perfectly with the JOMO travel movement. When travelers embrace the joy of missing out on rigid schedules and constant decision-making, an all-inclusive stay removes the pressure entirely. And if you can score a deal, such as a stay booked on points or during shoulder season, an all-inclusive can leave a far bigger mark in your memory than your bank account.
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