Your room preference can significantly impact the overall cost of your vacation package. A garden-view or standard room may cost hundreds of dollars less than a beachfront or ocean-view room.

The lowest advertised vacation package price will typically include a standard or garden-view room that is not beachfront or ocean view, along with basic economy airfare. Upgrading your room category, view, flight class, or other travel preferences will increase the final package price.

While searching for resorts for myself and my clients, I’ve noticed something: if you’re not traveling with anyone under 18, I almost always recommend looking at adults-only resorts first.

And here's why

Family-friendly resorts are designed with families in mind. That means part of what you’re paying for may include amenities like water parks, kids’ clubs, game rooms, childcare services, splash zones, and other family-focused activities.

And yes, you’re still helping pay for those amenities even if you never use them.

If I’m traveling without children, I’d rather put my vacation budget toward a resort designed around the experience I actually want.

Adults-only resorts tend to offer a different atmosphere. In my experience, they’re generally quieter, more relaxed, and often feel less crowded, especially around the pools, restaurants, and common areas. The amenities and entertainment are also usually geared specifically toward adults.

That doesn’t mean family-friendly resorts aren’t great, they absolutely can be. I just believe your resort should match who’s actually going on the trip.

Candid Trip Tip: Don’t just compare the price of resorts. Compare what you’re actually paying for and whether you’re going to use it.