Resorts with all-inclusive packages include everything from food and drinks to entertainment, transportation and accommodation for one set price, so you can take the stress and guesswork out of planning, saving and budgeting – so to speak.

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According to All Inclusive Outlet, “The average cost of an all-inclusive vacation in 2024 will be $3,202, with guests staying an average of five to six nights at their chosen resort.” However, many vacationers found that the agreed-upon cost of their “all-inclusive” vacation continued to rise with each night they spent at their resort.

GOBankingRates spoke with two experienced travelers who are all too familiar with unexpected resort costs. All-inclusive vacations can be a wonderful and cost-effective experience, and not all resorts are the same. But if you’re planning on visiting one, watch out for these common and sneaky hidden costs.

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A specialist furniture retailer knows that the advertised price does not always correspond to the actual price

Elsa Raois is president of GoldenTeak, a direct importer and distributor of high-quality teak outdoor and patio furniture based in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Raois is involved in her community and her company makes monthly contributions to charities and organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Hospital, UNICEF, the American Red Cross and Disabled American Veterans.

Raois gives a lot back to the community, but also leaves a little for hard-earned and much-needed getaways – and she doesn’t want to cobble her vacations together in a piecemeal fashion.

“I have enjoyed over 20 all-inclusive resort vacations in the Caribbean and Mexico,” she said.

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Resort fees

“Hidden costs to consider include resort fees, which are about $20 to $50 per night,” Raois said.

According to hospitality software provider Cvent, “Resort fees are charged by resorts, casinos and other hotels per night, not per stay. These fees are also typically charged per room, not per person, and may be disguised as ‘destination fees,’ ‘facility fees,’ or ‘amenity fees.'”

Resort fees cover services such as shuttles, parking, concierge and internet access. They are usually not included in the stated price of the package, but are mandatory nonetheless.

Tipping

Raois also said that tipping contributed a lot to the increase in her bill, which is not an uncommon experience. Sandals and Beaches are known for their no-tipping policy, but according to Excellence Resorts, tipping is usually allowed at most all-inclusive resorts and is often considered standard etiquette, even those where gratuities are included in the package price.

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Steer

Taxes, like resort fees, aren’t usually included in the package’s advertised price, but they’re unavoidable nonetheless – and don’t be surprised if they’re higher than you expect. According to Little Hotelier, so-called “transient accommodation tax” rates can climb into double digits, which was exactly Raois’ experience – and taxes can hit you in droves.

If your resort is located in the U.S., cities, towns and states may charge even more. For example, according to the Hollywood Roosevelt, guests must pay a 14% California lodging tax, a 0.3% California tourism fee and a 2% Los Angeles tourism fee.

These and all other hidden costs can quickly add up.

“On our favorite beaches, the Turks and Caicos Islands, we paid $500 a night for an ocean view suite, but after additional fees, the final bill came to over $700 a night,” Raois said.

An RV enthusiast leaves the road and enters a resort that is always popular

Richard Burgon is an avid RVer, adventure lover, and experienced traveler – and he makes many of his trips to pursue his two passions, surfing and fishing. He is the owner of RovinRV, where he provides comprehensive park and destination reviews, expert recommendations on quality RV gear, and detailed information in in-depth tutorials.

Excursions outside the resort are usually not part of the package

Holidays in Burgon are not limited to motorhomes, caravans and camper vans.

“I’ve been on a number of all-inclusive vacations, mostly in the Caribbean, that lasted between five and seven days,” he said. “One thing that often surprises newbies is that some activities and excursions outside the resort come with a hefty price tag. For example, at one of the resorts in Cancun, I found out that a snorkeling excursion they said was ‘free’ actually cost $150 for rental equipment.”

Extras at the resort are, well, extras

When you peruse your resort’s website and information, you’ll likely see gleaming, tranquil, and soothing spas and wellness facilities and assume that access is included in the purchase price. In most cases, however, that assumption will lead to disappointment—and a reluctant foregoing of that hot stone massage you’ve been dreaming of.

“Another surprising cost is spa treatments, which can cost anywhere from $200 to $300 per session, even if it seems like they’re part of your package,” Burgon said.

His experience is the rule, not the exception. BeachBound writes: “Spa treatments are not usually included in an all-inclusive package.”

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I Visited 20 All-Inclusive Resorts: 5 Extra Costs You May Not Have Considered