How Inclusive Do You Want Your Vacation to Be?

Some travelers love knowing almost everything has been paid for before they leave home. They don't want to think about the price of another cocktail, what dinner is going to cost or whether an experience fits into the budget once they're there.

Others would rather pay less upfront and choose their extras along the way.

And plenty of us fall somewhere in the middle.

We tend to hear the word all-inclusive and immediately think of resorts. But even at an all-inclusive resort, there can still be things that aren't included.

Cruising works a little differently. A mainstream cruise isn't typically considered all-inclusive, yet your accommodations, dining, entertainment and plenty of things to do are already built into the cost. With river, premium or luxury cruising even more may be included.

And when you really start looking at what's included with a guided tour, it may not be as far from that mostly-inclusive vacation model as you think. Hotels, transportation, sightseeing, guides, experiences and some meals may already be part of what you've paid for.

Different styles of travel. Different levels of what's included.

A higher price may include things you'll otherwise pay for later. A lower price may be exactly what you need because you wouldn't use those extras anyway.

One traveler may love knowing most of the vacation is paid for before leaving home, while another may prefer having more flexibility along the way.

There really isn't a right or wrong way to do it.

The goal isn't necessarily finding the vacation that includes the most. It's finding the one that includes what matters most to you.

Because when you understand what's included—and what's not—you can look beyond the price tag and decide whether the vacation you're considering actually fits the way you want to travel.