Still debating the all-inclusive vacation merits?  Read on to get the lowdown on other important points.  Although food is a big deal, as described in Part 1, what about all those hours of the day (and night) you don’t spend at a table with a drink in hand?

Activities:  All-Inclusive

Most resorts offer a handful of things to do while you spend a week on their beaches, such as swimming, motorized water equipment, scuba diving or snorkeling.  Some resorts charge extra for certain activities, while others have a restriction on how long you can use the water scooter or how many times you can rent equipment in a week.  Get the details on activities before you book, so that you’re not disappointed.

Spas and golf round out the traditional all-inclusive vacation’s activities.  For some, this is all they need to have a good time.  A trip to the spa for a massage and mani/pedi in the morning and golf in the afternoon is a perfect day.

Activities:  Regular Vacation

While you might enjoy sitting on the beach or golfing, a traditional vacation means you’ll do whatever it is you want to do, when you want to do it.  If it’s rock-climbing or catching an afternoon matinee, the traditional vacation keeps your options open.

Conclusion:  The biggest problem here is price.  With an unlimited budget, you’ll be able to do everything on your wish list.  If the beach is your primary goal, then all-inclusive is the easy choice.  After all, sitting on a lawn chair by the ocean with a book doesn’t involve waiting in lines, shelling out big bucks or planning and research. 

Ask yourself what you want.  If your answer includes options you can’t find on an all-inclusive property or that aren’t included in the basic package, consider planning a traditional vacation.

Nightlife:  All-Inclusive

Nightlife varies on a resort-to-resort basis; it also changes city-to-city and depending on what age group the resort caters to.  If you want to be able to visit several different discos, it’s best to book in a traditional party city like Cancun, Mexico.

If you’re looking for a great meal with live entertainment, ask your travel agent for the best options.  Some resorts will have cheesy, touristy live entertainment, while others will feature local bands and talented musicians.  When it comes to nightlife all-inclusive style, it’s all about choosing the right resort.

If you expect to party until dawn and sleep all day on the beach, don’t visit a family-friendly all-inclusive, even if the price is right.  If peace and quiet after midnight is on your agenda, it might not be a bright idea to book in the local party hot spot.

Nightlife:  Regular Vacation

On a traditional vacation, nightlife is what you make it.  You’ll have to look into the details before you hop on the plane.  The internet and travel guides are good resources with which to start your search.  Although this option is far more work and might cost you in ticket fees, cover charges or drinks, you’ll find that you can create the perfect combination of nights out on the town the traditional way.

Conclusion:  The downside to traditional vacation nightlife is the research and extra worries involved.  For example, how are you going to get back to the hotel?  Planning ahead to take advantage of what your city has to offer is key; if you’d rather not, go all-inclusive.

Culture:  All-Inclusive

The all-inclusive option tends to butcher culture in favour of the perfect, one-stop vacation experience.  The kind of person who can’t stand a cookie-cutter version of complex cultures will probably be insulted by the bulk of all-inclusive offerings.

However, there are always diamonds in the rough.  Your travel agent has been to many resorts, so trust him or her.  Internet research can guide you to the right mix of easy, comfortable and culturally sensitive resorts.  Talk to people who have been there and ask them if they felt they really experienced Mexican, Costa Rican or Cuban culture.

Culture:  Regular Vacation

The traditional vacation only wins this race in a few categories and culture is one of them.  While walking down the streets of the town or city you’ve chosen, you’ll have the chance to interact with locals and live life, if only for a week, the way they do on a Caribbean island. 

Conclusion:  If you want to come home with a tan and a cultural experience, go traditional.  If you could care less, all-inclusive is probably the best place to be.

Activities and nightlife vary distinctively, so know what you want and be sure you are going to get it before you book.  The culture question is more difficult.  Some resorts showcase their culture and others butcher it.  When I want to learn about a country or city, I need to walk its streets.

The Final Tally

The bottom line is that if you do your research and speak to the local travel agency, an all-inclusive vacation can be the right choice.  If you want more than a beach, a drink and a safety deposit box for your passport, the traditional vacation will let you customize your vacation experience. 

The all-inclusive vs. regular vacation is a very personal decision.  This traveller would prefer to plan and experience her vacation off the resort grounds, but I also know when a week on the beach is absolutely necessary.  Keep your vacations balanced -- both have their ups and downs.