Travel Regulations: What You Need to Know Before You Go

When you book a trip, travel regulations, the unwritten and written rules that govern how you interact with hotels, resorts, and local services. Also known as travel policies, they shape everything from how much you tip to whether your kid gets free breakfast. These aren’t just fine print—they’re the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one.

Most people don’t realize how much hotel child policy, the age cutoffs and rules for kids staying free or getting extra beds. Also known as family accommodation rules, it varies wildly between resorts and even between properties in the same chain. One hotel lets your 12-year-old stay free; another charges for anyone over 5. Then there’s tipping etiquette, who expects a tip, how much, and whether it’s even allowed. Also known as service gratuity norms, it’s not optional at many all-inclusive resorts—it’s how staff survive. And don’t get started on all-inclusive resorts, places that promise unlimited food, drinks, and activities—but often hide limits on alcohol, service quality, and access. Also known as package vacations, they’re a gamble if you don’t know the rules.

Travel regulations aren’t about control—they’re about clarity. If you don’t know whether six drinks a day is the real limit, or if your teen counts as a child for room rates, you’re flying blind. These rules affect your budget, your comfort, and even your peace of mind. A resort might call itself "all-inclusive," but if housekeeping never gets tipped, service slows down. A cabin might be cheaper than a hotel, but if the child policy forces you into a bigger room, you’re paying more than you thought. And if you’re planning to live at a resort long-term, you need to know the legal limits—because most places don’t want you to stay forever.

What you’ll find below isn’t a list of laws. It’s a collection of real experiences from people who’ve been burned by unclear rules, confused by hidden fees, or surprised by what’s not included. From the truth about unlimited drinks to why some hotels charge for kids at 10 but not at 9, these posts cut through the noise. You’ll learn what actually matters, what’s a myth, and how to walk into any booking with confidence—not guesswork.