The phrase all inclusive can mean many different things depending on where you book and how much you pay. For some travellers, it means a stress-free holiday where every meal, drink, and activity is taken care of before you even leave home. For others, it suggests a loss of authenticity, a bubble of packaged entertainment that keeps you safely within the resort walls. The truth lies somewhere in between, and understanding what different all inclusive packages offer is the key to choosing the right one for your travel style.
In This Article
What All Inclusive Really Means
An all inclusive holiday typically includes accommodation, all meals and snacks, and a selection of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, within the resort. Many packages also include access to sports facilities, children’s clubs, and evening entertainment. The quality and range of what is included varies enormously between resorts. A five-star all inclusive in the Maldives will offer a very different experience from a three-star package in the Canary Islands. The premium all inclusive packages, such as those offered by the Club Med and Sandals brands, include premium branded drinks, à la carte dining, and a wider range of activities, including watersports and excursions. Budget all inclusive options tend to focus on the basics: buffet meals, local drinks, and poolside entertainment.
The Advantages and Disadvantages
The main advantage of an all inclusive holiday is predictability. You know the total cost before you travel, which makes budgeting straightforward and removes the worry of unexpected expenses. This is particularly appealing for families with children, who can eat and drink without worrying about the bill. The disadvantage is that all inclusive resorts can discourage exploration of the local area, with guests often staying within the resort for the duration of their holiday. This can result in a sanitised, package-tour experience that bears little resemblance to the real culture of the destination. The quality of food and drink in all inclusive resorts can also be variable, with buffet meals that can become repetitive over a week-long stay.
Choosing the Right Package
The key to a successful all inclusive holiday is choosing the right resort and the right destination. Consider what matters most to you: is it the quality of the food, the range of activities, or the location? Look for resorts that offer a mix of dining options, including à la carte restaurants alongside the main buffet. Check the reviews carefully, particularly comments about the drinks policy, as some resorts limit premium drinks or only serve house wine and beer. The best all inclusive destinations for families include the Canary Islands, mainland Spain, Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus, all of which have a well-developed all inclusive infrastructure. For couples, the Caribbean, the Maldives, and the Indian Ocean islands offer more luxurious options. Booking through a specialist tour operator, such as TUI or Jet2Holidays, can provide additional protection and value.
Have you taken an all inclusive holiday and found the experience worth the investment? What would you recommend to someone considering their first all inclusive trip?
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What Does All Inclusive Really Include?
An all inclusive holiday typically covers accommodation, all meals and snacks, drinks (including alcoholic beverages in most resorts), and a range of activities and entertainment. The exact inclusions vary by resort and operator, so it is important to read the small print before booking. Higher-end resorts may include premium branded drinks, a la carte dining in speciality restaurants, water sports equipment, spa access, and guided excursions. Budget all inclusive packages usually cover buffet meals, locally produced drinks, and basic activities like pool games and evening entertainment shows.
The key advantage is predictability. You know the total cost before you travel, eliminating the stress of unexpected expenses and allowing you to relax fully. This makes all inclusive holidays particularly appealing for families, large groups, and anyone who prefers to unwind without constant financial decisions or worrying about the bill at the end of the meal.
Versatility for All Types of Travellers
Contrary to the stereotype that all inclusive resorts are all identical and soulless, many offer genuine variety and choice. Higher-end properties feature a range of restaurants serving different cuisines, from local specialities to international dishes prepared by skilled chefs. Buffet dining suits families with picky eaters who can choose what they like, while a la carte options provide a more sophisticated, romantic experience for couples celebrating special occasions.
Activities cater to different ages and interests. Kids clubs and teen zones keep younger travellers entertained with supervised activities, while adults can enjoy fitness classes, yoga on the beach, water sports, cookery demonstrations, and evening entertainment from live music to theatre shows. Some resorts are adults-only for a peaceful retreat, others focus on families with extensive children facilities, and some specialise in wellness and holistic relaxation.
Safety and Security
One of the underrated benefits of all inclusive holidays is the sense of security they provide, especially for nervous travellers or those new to international travel. Staying within a resort means you are in a controlled environment with on-site security staff, medical facilities with trained personnel, and usually a 24-hour reception that can handle any issue that arises. This is especially valuable for solo travellers, families with young children, or those visiting destinations where they are unfamiliar with the local language and cultural norms.
Many resorts also offer supervised kids clubs with trained childcare professionals, allowing parents to enjoy some well-deserved adult time knowing their children are safe, entertained, and well cared for in a secure environment.
Affordability and Value
At first glance, all inclusive holidays can seem expensive compared to booking a flight and self-catering accommodation separately. However, when you factor in the cost of meals, drinks, and activities, the all inclusive option often works out more economical for many travellers. A cocktail at a resort bar might cost 10 euros, and a family of four could easily spend 100 euros per day on meals and soft drinks alone. All inclusive packages eliminate these add-on costs, making budgeting simple and preventing the dreaded post-holiday credit card bill shock.
The best value can often be found by booking early for early bird discounts, watching for promotional sales during January and September, or travelling during shoulder seasons like May, June, or September when prices are lower but the weather is still excellent.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
All inclusive holidays are not for everyone, and it is worth considering the potential downsides before booking. Some travellers find resort life too insular and sanitised, missing the adventure and authenticity of eating in local restaurants, exploring independently, and immersing themselves in the destination culture and daily life. The quality of food and drink can vary significantly between resorts, and some budget all inclusive packages restrict premium options behind an extra charge, which can feel frustrating.
If you prefer spontaneous exploration, local interaction, and the freedom to eat where and when you choose without advance booking, a self-catering apartment or bed-and-breakfast arrangement with half-board might suit your travel style better than a fully inclusive package.
Would an all inclusive holiday give you the total relaxation you need, or do you prefer the freedom of independent travel?
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