World Vancouver

All-inclusive resort near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Carolyn Ali photo.

Enough winter already! Many people yearn for a week or two in the sun at this time of year, and all-inclusive packages make it easy. Flip through any brochure and you’ll see hundreds of resorts with palm-tree-lined beaches and sparkling turquoise pools. But after a while, all the properties start to look alike. How do you choose the resort that’s right for you?

I  posed that question to Allison Wallace, spokesperson for Flight Centre Canada. The travel agency sells packages from most of the major all-inclusive vacation players, including Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, Sunquest, Signature, and Sandals.

First, she said, select your destination wisely. She recommends opting for a place that has direct air service from Vancouver. That’s so you don’t waste precious hours in transit. “It makes a big difference if you have a week versus a two-week holiday,” she said on the line from her Vancouver office. Destinations with high-season, direct flights from Vancouver include Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, Los Cabos, and Cancún in Mexico; Montego Bay in Jamaica; and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. Staying on the Pacific coast, where the time-zone change is nil or minimal, also makes transitions easier.

Wallace also advises travellers to look at what kind of guest a resort targets. Those vacationing as a family should make sure there are enough kids’ activities. Those on a romantic getaway may want an adults-only property, or a chain that caters to couples, such as Sandals, RIU, Barceló, or Royal Hideaway. Consider the resort’s setting, as well: a property on a busy resort strip may be ideal for those seeking stimulation, but “If it’s out a lot further and has a private beach, it’s going to be a lot quieter.”

Wallace noted that star ratings for properties in Mexico and the Caribbean “are pretty arbitrary” and aren’t standardized across suppliers. “A four-star in Mexico is equal to a three-, three-and-a-half-star property here,” she said. To ensure your expectations are met, book one star level higher than you actually want, and keep in mind that you get what you pay for. “People want five-star but they’re only willing to pay three stars,” she added.

According to Wallace, Flight Centre’s top three chains in terms of repeat bookings and positive client feedback are Sandals, RIU, and Club Med. In general, “Five-star-rated chains are the most popular” and get the most repeat business.

To really get a feel for a resort, look to somebody who’s been there. “TripAdvisor, your friends, your travel agent…it’s that firsthand knowledge that’s your best resource,” she said. Ideally, talk to somebody whose taste you know and trust.

High season for tropical resorts runs from December through March. Bargain hunters can often find deals for travel immediately before and after peak periods such as school closures for Christmas and spring break. This year, people are likely to get good value for stays between January 4 and 21. Wallace says spring break will fall during the last two weeks of March, so deals may be found the weeks of March 7 and 14 and the first week of April.

Booking early is a good idea. “Last-minute is only good if you’re really flexible and you don’t care where you’re going,” Wallace said. She noted that airlines have cut flights over the last few years due to the recession and fuel prices. Consequently, there are fewer seats available, and “the demand keeps the space filled.” By mid-April, when charter airlines reroute their planes to Europe, there are even fewer sun-spot seats, so deals are harder to come by.

And by then, you might be able to feel the sun’s warmth in Vancouver.

Follow Carolyn Ali on Twitter at twitter.com/carolynali