Are charity challenges just cheap holidays in the guise of doing good? - The Telegraph

Posted: 24 Sep 2018 12:00 AM PDT

In the past five years, there has been a growing trend for fundraisers to sign up to charity challenges that push participants out of their comfort zones, often in far-flung destinations.

While a cousin is trekking through desert, wadis and mountains from Dana to Petra in Jordan, a friend is being put through his paces on a climb up Kilimanjaro and an old colleague is posting Instagram stories of her cycle ride through Sri Lanka's central highlands from the west coast to the south.

Confession: I have done one myself. Last summer, I went on a 500-mile, week-long charity cycling challenge that started in Basel in Switzerland, continued up the Alps and wended back to Lake Como in Italy. My friends and colleagues gave generously, but some did ask how exactly their money would be spent.

Trisha Andres embarked on a charity challenge in the summer of 2017

That's a perfectly reasonable question. After all, there's an overriding perception that charity challenges are simply a way for an individual to travel to far-off places and have a cheap holiday in the guise of doing good.

If you are on the receiving end of a donation request, you may also wonder: am I simply subsidising other people's travel or really contributing to some good causes?

According to Charity Challenge and Discover Adventure, two tour operators that specialise in organising charity challenges, around 40 per cent of their participants self-fund. For instance, in my case, I paid the full package cost of my charity cycle, purchasing flights, food, activities and accommodation. I raised money as an added extra with no specific target that I was obliged to meet. All the sponsorship and fundraising proceeds went directly to the charity.

Walking, cycling, climbing and activity sports are common 'Charity Challenges' Credit: istock

Another payment option, which 60 per cent of participants choose, is the "minimum sponsorship" method. This often involves paying a registration fee (anything from £100 to £500) and committing to raising a certain amount through fundraising and sponsorship. The target will typically be around £2,000 to £3,000 but may potentially be more depending on the nature of the trip. Expedition costs will be subtracted from this pot and the charity will keep the remainder, including whatever is raised beyond the target.

Moreover, challengers can decide to make another personal contribution to their travel costs prior to departure, which means the charity will end up subsidising a smaller share of the cost. The benefits are clear, but a fundraising trip isn't something to commit to on impulse, with some challenges involving, for instance, cycling more than 50 miles a day and funds of up to £5,000. Yet, despite the commitment and cost, many people sign up year after year.

For some, the experience is life-enhancing; for others, it has simply allowed them to raise funds and travel; and, for the select few, a single trip has converted them into lifelong altruistic adventurers.

For some, the experience is life-enhancing Credit: istock

If you've never tried it, below are our answers to some likely questions – and 20 great charity challenges to consider:

Do you have to be a certain age group to participate in a charity challenge?

Absolutely not, according to Jonathan Bryan, managing director of Discover Adventure. Participants of all ages are welcome. "We've had everyone from 11 years old upwards sign up. The eldest participant was an 81-year-old gentleman called George Harding. All that we ask of anyone taking part is that they have a sense of adventure and determination, and commit to putting in a sensible amount of training before the trip," he says.

Peter Robinson, director of Global Adventure Challenges, agrees, citing that "participants are a range of ages, abilities and backgrounds. The one thing they all have in common is the desire to push their boundaries and achieve something incredible, usually in support of a cause close to their heart."

"Participants have typically been in their 30s and 40s but we are now seeing an increasing number of both younger and older challengers. Whatever age group, they tend to be adventurous, driven and looking to make a difference in their own way."

"Fundraisers should expect to have their limits tested" Credit: istock

How is this different from a holiday?

"While our trips could be considered adventures of a lifetime, they aren't designed to be luxury getaways," says Bryan. "Fundraisers should expect to have their limits tested in order to achieve something remarkable. The sense of accomplishment from completing a challenge and hitting fundraising targets is a very powerful motivator."

If you don't subsidise your own trip, are you effectively asking donors to fund your "break"?

"Challenges aren't exactly fly and flop beach breaks. They involve a high degree of commitment. The concept allows charities to raise millions of pounds while offering adventures, often in inspiring destinations, and the chance to contribute to a worthwhile cause," says Robinson.

Are these challenges a significant income stream for the charities then?

Yes. Global Adventure Challenges has taken 30,000 challengers on trips, helping them to raise £30 million for more than 1,500 charities in 18 years. Charity Challenge says it has raised £50 million for more than 1,750 charities worldwide in 18 years. And Discover Adventures has raised in excess of £100 million for big and small charities in the last 24 years.

Do challenges actually benefit local communities? Credit: istock

How do they support local communities?

"Responsible tourism is an integral part of our ethos and we also focus on preserving local economies and giving back to the countries we visit," says Simon Albert, director of Charity Challenge. The tour operator employs local guides and staff where possible and uses the services of locally-owned ground handlers and accommodation. In addition, it has donated more than £500,000 to local community projects around the world, from setting up health centres to building schools.

20 of the most popular charity challenges

Peak performance

1. The slow route up Kilimanjaro

The Machame route up the highest free-standing mountain on the planet offers an excellent chance of reaching the summit. Because it takes longer, it shows off more scenery, plus more days on the trail means better acclimatisation for the push to the top – views to the Maasai Mara plains and, on clear days, a visible curvature of the Earth.

Hike Kilimanjaro Credit: Getty

A 10-day Mt Kilimanjaro Trek is available from Discover Adventure (01722 718444; discoveradventure.com) including porters, guides, support team, full-board accommodation and flights. Departures between September and December 2019. Self-funding (including registration fee): costs from £2,749; 100 per cent of any fundraising goes to charity. Flexi: £499 registration fee; £500 tour cost contribution; £3,500 fundraising target (50 per cent goes to charity; 50 per cent to the operator). Minimum sponsorship: £499 registration fee; £4,500 fundraising target (50 per cent goes to charity; 50 per cent to the operator).

2. Three Peaks: the classic British climb

The Three Peaks challenge is one of the most popular climbs in the UK. It tackles three of the highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales, taking in the dizzying heights of Ben Nevis (4,413ft), Scafell Pike (3,209ft) and Snowdon (3,560ft) over two days, with a total trekking time of 15 hours or less.

Scale Snowdon as part of the Three Peaks challenge Credit: istock

A three-day Three Peaks Challenge is available from Global Adventure Challenges (01244 676454; globaladventurechallenges.com) including accommodation, some meals, welcome pack, local transport and transfers. Transport to Glasgow not included. Departs June 21 2019. Self-funding (inc reg fee): costs from £455; 100 per cent of any fundraising goes to charity. Minimum sponsorship: £75 registration fee; £760 fundraising target (50 per cent goes to charity; 50 per cent to the operator).

3. High Atlas ambitions

Trek the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains' highest peak, Mount Toubkal (13,671ft). The pay-off at the summit is priceless: endless views reaching across to the Sahara Desert. At the final stop, rose-walled Marrakech, there's time to visit the souks and get lost in the city's labyrinthine streets.

Trek Mount Toubkal Credit: Getty

A five-day Mount Toubkal Trek is available from Global Adventure Challenges (01244 676454; globaladventurechallenges.com) including full-board accommodation, tents and camping equipment, transfers and flights. Departs Aug 7 2019. Self-funding (inc reg fee): costs from £920 (100 per cent of any fundraising goes to charity.) Minimum sponsorship: £150 registration fee; £1,540 fundraising target (50 per cent goes to charity; 50 per cent goes to the operator).

On the right trek

4. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Hike through valleys and high passes along the classic Inca Trail leading to lush cloudforest into the challenging Dead Woman's Pass (13,780ft). The route heads towards Sun Gate, overlooking Machu Picchu, where the trek ends. There's a free day in Cusco for some independent sightseeing, last-minute shopping and bottomless pisco sours.

Hike through valleys and high passes along the classic Inca Trail Credit: Getty

A 10-day Inca Trail challenge is available from Global Adventure Challenges (01244 676454; globaladventurechallenges.com) including full-board accommodation, tents and camping equipment, porters, transfers and flights. Departures between May and November 2019. Self-funding (inc reg fee): costs from £2,049 (100 per cent of any fundraising goes to charity). Extra: £150 trekking permit fee and £250 airport tax and fuel surcharge. Minimum sponsorship: £349 registration fee; £3,400 fundraising target (50 per cent goes to charity; 50 per cent goes to operator). Extra: £150 trekking permit fee and £250 airport tax and fuel surcharge.

5. Path to the Dalai Lama and the Taj Mahal

Dharamsala in India is the heart of the world's highest mountain range. It's also home to the Dalai Lama and the centre of the Tibetan Community. There's time to visit a traditional art centre and a tea garden in this fascinating town. From here, the trek starts in earnest, passing through the Kingdom of Gaddi, where nomadic shepherd tribes roam the high passes with their cattle. Along the way, the Dhauladhar Mountain Range is in full view. The Taj Mahal is the final stop.

End a long journey at the Taj Mahal Credit: istock

An 11-day Dalai Lama Trek is available from Global Adventure Challenges (01244 676454; globaladventurechallenges.com) including full-board accommodation, tents and camping equipment, porters, train tickets, transfers and flights. Departures between May and October 2019. Self-funding (inc reg fee): costs from £1,749 (100 per cent of any fundraising goes to charity). There is also a £250 airport tax and fuel surcharge. Minimum sponsorship: £349 registration fee; £2,800 fundraising target (50 per cent goes to charity; 50 per cent goes to operator). There is also a £250 airport tax and fuel surcharge.

6. Secret sections of the Great Wall of China

This trek snakes across mountains in remote areas north of Beijing, passing through woodland and terraced farmland. It follows old sections of the Great Wall, as well as restored sections. There's a free day in Beijing for an optional special guided tour of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, a tour of the old streets of Hutong with a rickshaw ride and lunch with a local family. End the day with a sumptuous Peking duck supper.

Try to find a section of the Great Wall bereft of other people Credit: istock

A nine-day Great Wall of China Trek is available from Ultimate Challenge (020 7386 4680; ultimatechallenges.co.uk) including full-board accommodation, transfers and flights. April 16 2019. Self-funding (inc reg fee): costs from £1,675 (100 per cent of any fundraising goes to charity. Minimum sponsorship: £295 registration fee; £2,760 fundraising target (50 per cent goes to charity; 50 per cent goes to the operator).

7. Enlightenment on the el Camino de Santiago

A Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage was intended to quieten the mind as much as revere relics. This five-day trek takes in a section of this route and showcases the beauty of rural northern Spain, crossing Asturias's uplands over eight days of higgledy-piggledy villages, churches, silence and family hotels where your luggage awaits. At its end you join the Camino Frances into Santiago: mind stilled, pilgrim passport stamped, job done.

Got on a modern-day pilgrimage Credit: istock

An eight-day El Camino de Santiago trek is available from Ultimate Challenges (020 7386 4680; ultimatechallenges.co.uk) including accommodation, mountain guides, most meals, celebration dinner and transfers. Excludes flights. Self-funding (inc reg fee): costs from £950 (100 per cent of any fundraising goes to charity. Minimum sponsorship: £200 registration fee; £1,500 fundraising target (50 per cent goes to charity; 50 per cent goes to the operator).

8. On the trail of Navajo Indians in Arizona

Follow in the footsteps of the Navajo Indians on this Grand Canyon itinerary, which spends a week trekking the Sedona Area (4.3 miles/7km), the Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Arizona (6.8 miles/11km), Monument Valley into Grand Canyon National Park (6.2 miles/10km), Mystery Valley (7.5 miles/12km) and Zion National Park (7.5 miles/12km). There's a hearty dinner around a campfire, a desert camp at a ranch and a final celebratory day in Las Vegas.

Follow in the footsteps of the Navajo Indians Credit: istock

A nine-day Beyond the Grand Canyon Trek is available from Charity Challenge (020 8346 0500; charitychallenge.com) including full-board accommodation, activity equipment including tents, entrance fees, transfers, flights and a donation to a community project of your choice. Departs Oct 18 2018. Self-funding (inc reg fee): costs from £2,627; 100 per cent of any fundraising goes to charity. Flexi: £495 registration fee; £495 tour cost contribution; £3,340 fundraising target (51 per cent goes to charity; 49 per cent goes to the operator). Minimum sponsorship: £495 registration fee; £4,350 fundraising target (51 per cent goes to charity; 49 per cent goes to the operator).

9. Pasasge through the land of fire and ice

Ice roads, volcanic terrain, fjords over frigid rivers… Ski-trekking across Langjokull glacier ice cap is a challenge to remember in one of Iceland's most spectacular landscapes. Starting at Husafell, the itinerary heads towards Baldjokull, which rises 4,760ft above sea level, with views of the Thursaborg mountain range. Participants camp on ice, and the weary can take a dip in geothermal springs.

Sleep on vast glaciers Credit: Getty

A nine-day London to Iceland Glacier Ice Trek is available from Charity Challenge (020 8346 0500; charitychallenge.com) including full-board accommodation, entrance fees, activity equipment including tents, crew support and flights. Self-funding (inc reg fee): costs from £2,607; (100 per cent of any fundraising goes to charity). Flexi: £475 registration fee; £475 tour cost contribution; £3,380 fundraising target (51 per cent goes to charity; 49 per cent goes to the operator). Minimum sponsorship: £475 registration fee; £4,350 fundraising target (51 per cent goes to charity; 49 per cent goes to the operator).

Pedal power

10. Haute ride from London to Paris

A classic challenge over a long weekend, the London to Paris bike ride covers 234 miles (377km) across England and France. Setting off from west London, the cycle pushes past Hampton Court into the countryside on quiet roads towards Portsmouth via the North and South Downs. There's an overnight ferry ride to Calais, from where the French leg of the ride begins. Pedal past pretty hamlets into the town of Amiens, where there is an overnight stay, before cycling into Paris, ending at the Eiffel Tower.

Peddle your way across the South Downs National Park Credit: istock

A three-day London to Paris Bike Ride is available from Charity Challenge (020 8346 0500; charitychallenge.com) including full-board accommodation on a twin-share basis, full vehicle support and maps. Flights excluded. Self-funding (inc reg fee): costs from £1,033; 100 per cent of any fundraising goes to charity. Flexi: £175 registration fee; £175 tour cost contribution; £1,395 fundraising target (51 per cent goes to charity; 49 per cent goes to the operator). Minimum sponsorship: £175 registration fee; £1,750 fundraising target (51 per cent goes to charity; 49 per cent goes to the operator).

11. Roman holiday on two wheels

The Italian landscape changes at every turn: from sophisticated cities to lush countryside. It's all on display on a Venice to Rome cycling challenge, which pedals along flat roads from the canals of Venice to the undulating hills of Tuscany and Umbria, pushing past terracotta houses and fields of olives and corn before a final lurch into Rome.

Race through the undulating hills of Tuscany Credit: istock

A six-day Venice to Rome Cycle is available from Discover Adventure (01722 718444; discoveradventure.com) including full-board accommodation on a twin-share basis, full vehicle support and maps. Flights excluded. Departures between April and September 2019. Self-funding (inc reg fee): costs from £1,175; 100 per cent of any fundraising goes to charity. Flexi: £175 registration fee; £250 tour cost contribution; £1,500 fundraising target (50 per cent goes to charity; 50 per cent goes to the operator). Minimum sponsorship: £175 registration fee; £2,000 fundraising target (50 per cent goes to charity; 50 per cent goes to the operator).

12. Greek odyssey

This Hellenic journey starts on the outskirts of Thessaloniki on the north-west corner of the Aegean Sea. It then heads to the coast, followed by a ferry ride to gem-shaped Thassos island. "The emerald of the Aegean" is lined with quiet roads and traditional villages, ancient sites, clear blue seas and a lush green interior. After cycling a loop of the island, you'll cycle back to Thessaloniki where the odyssey ends and the celebrations begin.

Cool off in the waters of Thassos Credit: istock

A three-day Greek Bike ride is available from Ultimate Challenges (020 7386 4680; ultimatechallenges.co.uk) including accommodation, bike hire, most meals, celebration dinner, transfers and flights. Departs Sept 17 2019. Self-funding (inc reg fee): costs from £1,229 (100 per cent of any fundraising goes to charity). Minimum sponsorship: £295 registration fee; £1,870 fundraising target (50 per cent goes to charity; 50 per cent goes to operator). Extra: £50 for airport taxes.

13. Coast to coast in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's return to peace and splendour has attracted many a traveller and it is one of this year's most popular destinations. Explore this intriguing island on a coast to coast bike ride, cycling from the country's west coast on quiet back roads through hilly countryside, weaving inland into the central highlands to explore tea plantations as well as cultural attractions in Kandy. It finishes off at a beach in Trincomalee.

This adventure ends at Trincomalee Credit: Getty

A five-day Cycle Sri Lanka challenge is available from Action Challenge (020 7609 6695; actionchallenge.com) including full-board accommodation, bike hire, support team and flights. Self-funding (inc reg fee): costs from £2,195 (100 per cent of any fundraising goes to charity. Minimum sponsorship: £399 registration fee; £3,600 fundraising target (50 per cent goes to charity; 50 per cent goes to the operator).

14. The cider and Cornish pasties trail

Land's End to John O'Groats is the ultimate British bike ride. It's a serious slog – 1,000 miles (1,600km) through three countries, from broad beach to mountain high, from Cornish pasty to Scottish haggis. Discover Adventure puts the wind at your back (hopefully) by pedalling from south to north and – luxury! – carries your bags.

Push off on the ultimate British bike ride Credit: Getty

A 13-day Land's End to John O'Groats Cycle is available from Discover Adventure (01722 718444; discoveradventure.com) including full-board accommodation, full vehicle support en route, maps and transfers. Departures between June and August 2019. Self-funding (inc reg fee): costs from £1,799; (100 per cent of any fundraising goes to charity). Flexi: £349 registration fee; £500 tour cost contribution; £1,900 fundraising target (50 per cent goes to charity; 50 per cent goes to the operator). Minimum sponsorship: £349 registration fee; £2,900 fundraising target (50 per cent goes to charity; 50 per cent goes to the operator).

15. Beaches, temples and rice paddies in Vietnam

A 250-mile (400km) cycle from the north to the south of Vietnam, starting in the capital Hanoi and pedalling down to Ho Chi Min City. From Hanoi, the cycle heads for Hue, which is lined with ancient temples and tombs before stopping at Hoi An, a colonial city with riverside cafés, colonial architecture and a patchwork of rice paddies and sandy beach. Then it's off to My Son, the site of Vietnam's most extensive Cham remains, set in a jungle valley. You'll follow nature's trail all the way to the Marble Mountains and to Da Nang before stopping for a dip at Nha Trang's beaches. The last stop is Ho Chi Minh City where there's time to reflect on your achievement.

Cycle Vietnam from north to south Credit: Getty

A 10-day North to South Vietnam Cycle is available from Charity Challenge (020 8346 0500; charitychallenge.com) including full-board accommodation on a twin-share basis, activity equipment, entrance fees, transfers and flights. Self-funding (inc reg fee): costs from £2,648; 100 per cent of any fundraising goes to charity. Flexi: £445 registration fee; £445 tour cost contribution; £3,585 fundraising target (51 per cent goes to charity; 49 per cent goes to the operator). Minimum sponsorship: £445 registration fee; £4,495 fundraising target (51 per cent goes to charity; 49 per cent goes to the operator).

16. Cloud forests and wildlife in Costa Rica

Green, serene and wild, Costa Rica is many people's first choice for an initial foray into Central America. It's a safe and relatively small country that packs in a lot of experiences. On this coast-to-coast cycling challenge, you'll cross the country by bike, pedalling 290 miles (467km) from the Caribbean coast to the Pacific on the roads and dirt tracks of Costa Rica's hilly interior. En route, there are lakes, volcanoes, rainforests and all manner of flora and fauna.

Get your head in the clouds in the forests of Costa Rica Credit: istock

A 10-day Costa Rican Coast to Coast Cycle is available from Global Adventure Challenges (01244 676454; globaladventurechallenges.com) including full-board accommodation, tents and camping equipment, local bike hire with spares, support, transfers and flights. Departures between Nov 2 2018 and Nov 1 2019. Self-funding (inc reg fee): costs from £2,099 (100 per cent of any fundraising goes to charity). There is also a £250 airport tax and fuel surcharge. Minimum sponsorship: £399 registration fee; £3,400 fundraising target (50 per cent goes to charity; 50 per cent goes to operator). There is also a £250 airport tax and fuel surcharge.

Activities galore

17. White-water rafting and cycling in Croatia

Croatia's rocky stretch of Adriatic coast is the backdrop for an adventurous week, which starts at Split across to the islands of Brac and Solta for cycling, followed by a hike along Krka National Park taking in jewel-like lakes and waterfalls before a trek up Dalmatia's highest peak. The challenge, suitable for beginners, ends with a day of white-water rafting.

Take in the beauty of Krka National Park Credit: istock

A seven-day Croatian Multi-activity Adventure is available from Discover Adventure (01722 718444; discoveradventure.com) including full-board accommodation, crew support, entrance fees and flights. Self-funding (inc reg fee): costs from £1,374; (100 per cent of any fundraising goes to charity). Oct 14 2018, May 5 2019 and Oct 13 2019. Flexi: £199 registration fee; £250 tour cost contribution; £1,850 fundraising target (50 per cent goes to charity; 50 per cent goes to operator). Minimum sponsorship: £199 registration fee; £2,350 fundraising target (50 per cent goes to charity; 50 per cent goes to operator).

18. Dogsledding in winter wonderland

Drive a pack of huskies across Swedish Lapland's winter wonderland, spotting elk and reindeer along the way. There's an initial mushing practice to help the group get to grips with the sleds. Afterwards, the agenda is dogsledding fun in Kiruna. In addition to learning to manage and care for the huskies, you'll also set up campsites and muck in with the cooking. Other highlights include a stay at a traditional Sami tepee and a visit to the Icehotel in Jukkasjarvi.

Drive a pack of huskies across Swedish Lapland's winter wonderland Credit: Getty

A seven-day Dogsledding Challenge is available from Charity Challenge (020 8346 0500; charitychallenge.com) including full-board accommodation on a twin-share basis, activity equipment including tents, ground staff, transfers and flights. Self-funding (inc reg fee): costs from £2,627; (100 per cent of any fundraising goes to charity).
Flexi: £495 registration fee; £495 tour cost contribution; £3,340 fundraising target (51 per cent goes to charity; 49 per cent goes to the operator). Minimum sponsorship: £495 registration fee; £4,350 fundraising target (51 per cent goes to charity; 49 per cent goes to the operator).

Just deserts

19. Bedouin life and a dip in the Dead Sea

Starting at Dana, this trek follows ancient Bedouin paths past hills, wadis and arid desert, crossing the canyons and escarpments of Jordan's Rift Valley. It ends with an ascent to the back door of Petra, with enough time for a bob in the Dead Sea as well.

This journey ends at Petra Credit: istock

This nine-day Trek to Ancient Petra is available from Discover Adventure (01722 718444; discoveradventure.com) and includes full-board accommodation, crew support, vehicle support, entry to Petra and Little Petra, plus flights. Departs Oct 20 2018, March 30 2019 and Oct 19 2019. Self-funding (inc reg fee): costs from £1,974; 100 per cent of any fundraising goes to charity). Flexi: £299 registration fee; £500 contribution towards tour cost; £2,350 fundraising target (50 per cent goes to charity, 50 per cent to the operator). Minimum sponsorship: £299 registration fee; £3,350 fundraising target (50 per cent goes to charity; 50 per cent goes to the operator).

20. Moroccan magic in the Sahara

The Sahara Desert offers a blast of sunshine and endless opportunities for adventure. This 48-mile (78km) trek along the dried-out riverbeds and windblown sand dunes of the Sahara desert snakes along ancient irrigation channels that are still in use today. Trekkers are accompanied by Berber guides and a small caravan of camels throughout. The remote night camps, including one on the banks of Oued Mzouaria, resemble scenes straight out of Arabian Nights.

Camp beneath the stars Credit: Getty

An eight-day Trek the Sahara Desert is available from Action Challenge (020 7609 6695; actionchallenge.com) including full-board accommodation, entrance fees, support team and flights. Self-funding (inc reg fee): costs from £1,299 (100 per cent of any fundraising goes to charity). Minimum sponsorship: £199 registration fee; £2,200 fundraising target (50 per cent goes to charity; 50 per cent goes to the operator).

[node:title] for Vacation - Travel+Leisure

Posted: 26 Jan 2016 12:00 AM PST

As a Manhattan assistant district attorney and mother of three, Kerry Chicon can make a persuasive case for needing a break from stress and planning. So finding a low-maintenance vacation is her high priority: "When we travel with kids, we always go with an all-inclusive vacation," she says.

Savvy travelers like Chicon aren't just taking the easy way out—they've discovered that an influx of service-oriented hoteliers has raised the bar on the all-inclusive resort model, introducing more amenities and more of a sense of place.

Better still, the perks and convenience of an all-inclusive vacation can be had at a great price (from $471 per night at the Ocean Coral & Turquesa on Mexico's Riviera Maya). Keep your eye out for air/resort packages offered by big travel providers, and you may find even lower rates.

One of the biggest improvements at all-inclusives like the Ocean Coral & Turquesa is the food. In years past, the cuisine at many all-inclusive resorts had all the flair of a Holiday Inn buffet, with a few slices of pineapple to signify location. Buffet lines haven't disappeared entirely, but resorts are recognizing that showcasing fresh ingredients and local cuisine will lure guests with more refined palates.

Taking the focus on cuisine even further, Azul Beach Resort on the Riviera Maya calls itself "gourmet-inclusive": The 148-room resort operates five restaurants, several snack bars, and a lounge dedicated to tequila, just to keep foodies coming back.

Gone, too, is the desperately perky social director organizing a poolside conga line. Resorts are one-upping each other with an ever-expanding roster of diversions: golf, tennis, ziplines, kids' clubs, snorkeling trips, Spanish lessons, beachfront climbing walls, kayaking, and trapeze instruction. Even lazing on the beach has received an upgrade: you'll find hand-carved Balinese beach beds under palapas at Meliá Caribe Tropical.

Lolling on the sand used to be enough; exploring outside a resort's gates was discouraged. But some all-inclusives now embrace local pride. CocoBay urges guests to check out the nearby national park and local museums to get a taste of Antigua that can't be experienced from a hammock. In Barbados, Mango Bay invites local bands to play and runs casually guided excursions to area shops.

Sure, you may be able to find great food, thoughtful service, and a wealth of activities elsewhere on the beach, but at what cost and after how much research?

These all-inclusive resorts guarantee vacations where, for a few nights, you can count on economic stability and ease of planning. Treat yourself to one of these trips as a kind of stimulus package for your budget—and your peace of mind.

• Club Med Ixtapa Pacific, Mexico
• Azul Beach Hotel, by Karisma Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya
• Casa Velas Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• Barceló Langosta Beach Tamarindo, Costa Rica
• Mango Bay Holetown, Barbados
• CocoBay Resort, Antigua
• Dreams Los Cabos Los Cabos, Mexico
• Divi Aruba and Tamarijn Aruba Oranjestad, Aruba
• Meliá Caribe Tropical Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
• Ocean Coral & Turquesa Puerto Morelos, Mexico