If you are headed to a top travel destination like Mexico or the Caribbean, spending a few nights at an all-inclusive resort may be your best option. While some guests may never plan on leaving the comfort of the resort, other people are naturally more adventurous and therefore may crave more stimulation throughout the day. These five simple tips are perfect for all-inclusive resorts like Barceló Los Cabos in Mexico.
Get to Know the Staff:
One of my favorite parts about traveling is getting to meet the locals. Just because you stay at a resort doesn’t mean you can’t learn about the culture. As you are sipping your piña colada by the pool, why not talk to your server (if they aren’t overly busy) and get to know them a bit. Find out where they are from, what brought them to this particular location and what their favorite things to do are. This might seem creepy to you, but servers and bartenders often know where the best bars and restaurants in the city are located. If nothing else, they are a great source of entertainment. I asked one bartender what his favorite thing about working at the resort and he quickly responded that it was all the beautiful women in bikinis that kept him ultra alert.
Practice the Local Language: Another great thing about traveling is practicing a foreign language. So often, the thing that prevents travelers from attempting to communicate with locals is the fear of messing up. Believe me, you are going to mess up and you may even get laughed at, but by the end of your trip, I guarantee your language will be better and you will have probably even picked up a few slang phrases that you can take with you the next time you visit. Even if you aren’t the best Spanish or French speaker, just being able to communicate with locals in their language is not only rewarding for you, but it’s a breath of fresh air for them. Don’t believe me? Well, then ask fellow travel blogger Will from Wake and Wander. He wasn’t shy to test his Spanish speaking skills in Los Cabos, and he left with a firmer grasp on the language and a few local friends.
Leave your Resort:
Unlike cruise ships where you are confined to the boat for most of the trip, there is no stopping you from wandering along the beach. When I stayed in Los Cabos, we left the resort everyday and really made the most of our time in Mexico. While many “vacationers” choose to stay at the pool and bar all day, the real “travelers” make sure they hit up all the local bars in town. After a day of exploration and of course drinking, you’ll be amazed by how refreshing it is to step foot back at your resort. If you want something a bit more organized, ask the front desk for suggestions.
Make Friends:
It’s not too difficult to make friends at a resort like Barceló. Don’t assume that all guests want to stick to themselves. Many young people and even families are more open to meeting people when they are in the relaxed state of mind that only a vacation can bring. Never assume that you won’t meet anyone interesting. When I was in Los Cabos, I took a water aerobics class and there were Canadians, Germans, and Americans in a single class. Traveling has an authentic way of bringing people together, so you might as well join in on the action.
Eat Your Way Through Cultures:
Many resorts pride themselves on authentic cuisine. Barceló has five different upscale restaurants that offer dinner: Bon Vivant (French), El Cortijo (Spanish), Capri (Italian), Lotus (Japanese) and La Hacienda Steakhouse. With the rooms decorated according to the cuisine, it’s easy to forget where you are. This is one way to experience a bit of global culture anywhere you go. Even though I was in Mexico, I was in awe of the Japanese chef cooking our food in front of our eyes.
Take Advantage of the View:
There is no sense going to an all-inclusive beach resort if you aren’t going to appreciate your surroundings. Barceló Los Cabos has three buildings, each offering a different view of the ocean and pools. It’s hard not appreciating nature when it’s literally staring you in the face. Try setting your alarm clock early one day and making your way to the beach to watch the sunset.
