4 reasons to choose an all-inclusive:

• There are no hidden surprises in your budget—With room tax, gratuities, and food and beverage included in the cost, you are not estimating what other charges will amount to. You no longer have to guess your beverage consumption, which is often the largest variable of any event.

• There’s a variety of food—Most all-inclusive properties offer several dining options. Some are casual buffets and others are more upscale with various cuisine options. Some properties may require reservations for dinner, so guests should keep this in mind when they make plans.

• Private events are at a nominal fee—You can host a private event with a per-person surcharge, usually ranging from $15 to $30 per person.

• Local vendors are there to help you and your costs—Working with a destination management company is an excellent option for ground transportation services, activities, and even gifts. On a recent site visit, I took photos of what I wanted to purchase and sent them to my DMC, and they were able to secure the items for me. I was not forced to pay any custom charges or broker charges.

Source: Jean LaCorte is president of The Compass Group Inc., conference and meeting planners, Montville, N.J.

You Might Also Be Interested In:

Checklist: 35 Money-Saving Tips