If all-you-can-eat buffets, nightly entertainment and peace of mind from knowing you’re not going over-budget sound good to you, then an all-inclusive resort or cruise may be for you.

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But how do you ensure an all-inclusive trip is really a better option than traveling à la carte? Travel experts said there are important factors to consider when deciding how you want to travel.

Relaxation or Exploration?

If your goal is to get in as much ‘R&R’ as possible, an all-inclusive resort could be the best option. 

Even though it may cost you more, not having to worry about opening your wallet on the trip could be worth its weight in relaxation.

“A lot of people don’t want to do a lot of planning, and at an all-inclusive resort, you don’t have to decide where you want to eat or what you want to do,” said Peter Frank, editor and chief of Concierge.com, the online travel magazine and search engine affiliated with Conde Nast Traveler. “For a lot of people, not having to worry about planning anything is the definition of relaxation--and it’s worth a million bucks if you’re stressed out.” 

But if you’re really into exploring and getting a feel for the culture and the community you’re visiting, an all-inclusive vacation may not be a  good option, since all of your activities and your interactions typically take place at the resort.

One Destination or Multiple Locations

If you’re into seeing several places during one vacation, a cruise is a great way to visit more than one destination without spending a lot on transportation.

"If you’re taking a cruise to Europe and you’re seeing several countries at once, you’ll never do it for what you can do it for on a cruise ship; that’s the great benefit and the great value of a cruise,” Frank said. “You can see a lot of places for less money.”

But you may not get much time experiencing the local culture on the ship, so if that's what you want, you may be better off visiting one or two locations on your own.

Hedge Currency Concerns

Cruises also have the advantage of letting you pay ahead of time in U.S. dollars, so you’re able to hedge future risk of deeper drops in the dollar.

“You’re paying in advance and the price is set--so if you book your European cruise now, you’ve already paid your $899, so no matter what the dollar does, you’ve locked in that rate,” said Genevieve Shaw Brown, senior editor of Travelocity.com, the online travel booking agency.

Knowing that you’re not going to be spending a lot of money to exchange your dollars for euros can be a plus if you’re determined to stick to a tight budget, Brown said.

Be Mindful of What’s not Included

Beware: The term “all-inclusive” can sometimes be a misnomer, as there are often basic things that are not covered in the sticker price. For example, although most cruises include meals, drinks often cost extra, so be certain to build that additional cost into your budget. All-inclusive resort packages do typically include drinks, but some may charge more for “top shelf” or high-end alcohol, while others will tack on extra fees for certain activities or excursions. 

“You have to ask what you’re getting. There are lots of little bits and pieces that they will try and tack onto the overall cost at both resorts and on cruises and it can be hard to keep track of what you’re paying for and what’s included, so read the fine print,” said Frank of Concierge.com.

Don’t Forget Airfare Costs

Most cruises do not include airfare, and some all-inclusive hotel packages price airfare separately.  Because the flight alone can cost several hundred dollars, you’ll want to be careful to get the best possible deal on airfare. 

“Even if you see a great deal on a cruise, remember to check the airfare before you buy,” said David Lytle, editorial director for Frommers.com, an online travel guide and trip planning Web site. “If you have to fly to Florida or New York from the West coast or the Midwest, the airfare can get really expensive, so consider flying during the middle of the week because even if you have to take an extra couple of days off and stay in Florida for a night, it can still be less expensive than the high-priced flight.”

One of the keys to securing low-cost airfare is booking your flight well in advance, so if you’re planning to take a summer vacation you should start the research as soon as possible, said Lytle.