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10 All-Inclusive Resorts Debuting in Mexico and the Caribbean in 2016 and 2017

By U.S. News & World Report

Discover top all-inclusive retreats opening across Mexico and the Caribbean.

While the all-inclusive vacation concept is nothing novel, each property offers its own benefits, pricing plans and version of paradise. Some all-inclusives are known for their striking beachfront scenery or family-friendly atmosphere, while others are celebrated for their superior dining, vibrant nightlife and outstanding amenities. If you’re looking to try a new resort and enjoy a hassle-free holiday that’s kind to your wallet, fortunately, there are plenty of spots to try that cater to a variety of traveler types, needs and budgets. Here are 10 all-inclusive properties that recently opened or are scheduled to debut next year to keep on your radar.

Waves Hotel & Spa, Barbados

Barbados

Opened in August 2016, Waves Hotel & Spa by Elegant Hotels offers a high-end all-inclusive experience. With an adult-themed wing, an on-site spa and top-notch dining options, Waves is the perfect destination for a romantic or fun-filled family getaway. You and the kids can take advantage of the pool and idyllic beachfront and enjoy water sports, which are included in the nightly room rate, starting at $300.

Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa

Cancun, Mexico

Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa became the area’s premier adults-only retreat in May 2016. This property boasts 526 suites, all of which have terraces and Jacuzzis, 24-hour dining, 20 restaurants and bars and three themed pools. Here, you can enjoy a tranquil oceanfront, get pampered with an on-site massage or facial or simply relax. Nightly room rates start at $400.

Hyatt Ziva Cancun

Cancun, Mexico

This all-ages resort opened in January 2016 with 547 rooms, 17 on-site eateries and a 270-degree view of the Cancun surf. Surrounded by ocean on three sides, the Hyatt Ziva Cancun was built to satisfy all ages and family sizes with amenities catering to a variety of travel preferences and tastes. Take a dip in the Caribbean Sea, enjoy a handcrafted beer brewed on-site or relax in your personal pool as you gaze at the stars. Nightly rates start at around $500.

Royalton Blue Waters

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Opening in October 2016, the Royalton Blue Waters sits on prime beachfront real estate in Montego Bay. With a location next door to its sister resort, the Royalton White Sands, guests can enjoy fun for all ages at both properties. Relax in a lazy river, splash around with the kids at an on-site splash park and enjoy the 11 upscale restaurants and bars. And when you’re ready for a break, drop the kids off for supervised fun at the shared Kids Adventure Program. Nightly all-inclusive rates start at around $400.

Royalton Negril and Hideaway at Royalton Negril

Negril, Jamaica

Royalton Negril and Hideaway at Royalton Negril offer postcard-worthy views along one of Jamaica’s most picturesque beachfront settings. Scheduled to open in January 2017, these all-inclusive resorts complement one another in more way than one. While Royalton Negril offers a family-friendly atmosphere and amenities, the Hideaway at Royalton Negril is an adults-only outpost; guests can take advantage of amenities and dining venues at both retreats. Whichever property you choose, you’ll have access to Negril’s Seven Mile Beach. Nightly rates start at $392 per night.

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Kids who love Nickelodeon will squeal with delight upon landing at the new Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts all-inclusive outpost in Punta Cana. This family-friendly retreat opened in June 2016 and offers character-themed activities, fun for the kids and daily supervised activities. Its modern design and gourmet dining options make it a splurge for adults, too. All-inclusive nightly rates start at around $350, and select promotions allow kids to stay free.

Grand Velas Los Cabos

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Set on Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, the Grand Velas Los Cabos offers 306 ocean-facing suites, plunge pools, five gourmet restaurants and a wealth of relaxation-inducing amenities. Enjoy on-site spa treatments, beach concierge services, exercise programs and leisurely afternoons at one of four of the resort’s pools while you soak up the area’s picturesque and tranquil surroundings. This property is slated in open in late 2016, with nightly rates starting at around $400.

Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas

The Bahamas

Opening in September 2016, Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas is a new four-star, adults-only property with 250 guest rooms, all-inclusive pricing and a wealth of restaurants, bars and amusements to keep you entertained. Adjacent to the sprawling Atlantis Resort complex, Warwick will offer plenty of fun without an enormous price tag. Nightly rates start at $371 for reservations booked by Nov. 15, 2016.

Royalton St. Lucia and Hideaway at the Royalton St. Lucia

St. Lucia

Slated to open in January of 2017, the Royalton St. Lucia and its adults-only wing — Hideaway Royalton at the St. Lucia — sit among lush landscapes in the lovely Cap Estate. In addition to taking in St. Lucia‘s breathtaking views, guests can dine at nine restaurants, check out numerous bars and soak up the sun along the pristine, white-sand beach. Best of all, rooms are appointed with complimentary Wi-Fi access, rain showers and a terrace or balcony. Nightly rates start at around $390.

UNICO Hotel Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya, Mexico

This adults-only, all-inclusive resort will offer a premier location between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, a breathtaking beachfront and gourmet dining options, including a rotating chef restaurant concept, once it opens its doors in the first quarter of 2017. Book a treatment at the state-of-the-art wellness center, enjoy handcrafted cocktails or partake in immersive excursions to explore lesser-visited parts of the region. Average nightly rates will start at $630 per room (based on double occupancy).

More from U.S. News

The 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean

The 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico

Why Travelers Should be All About the All-inclusive Vacation

10 All-Inclusive Resorts Debuting in Mexico and the Caribbean in 2016 and 2017 originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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