Are All-Inclusive holidays worth it?

We are currently looking for our summer holiday - we weren't really considering an all-inclusive resort as we like to get out and visit different places and try the local cuisine, however many of the resorts we have been looking at offer all-inclusive and it made me wonder if all-inclusive holidays are really worth the money?

I guess the answer is that it depends - you need to do some research and find out what things cost in order to make your decision as to whether you are better off with all-inclusive or a la carte. You want to make sure you’re getting what you paid for – especially given the steep price for all-inclusive breaks compared to self-catering.

For example, if you plan to have alcoholic drinks, how much is a beer, a glass of wine, a bottle of wine, average cost of a meal, ice creams and juices for kids, it all adds up..

You will also need to watch out for any hidden fees, some all inclusive packages have a basic package where certain things aren't included or are only offered in certain outlets or at certain times.

Holiday Resorts

Resort holidays became popular with the advent of Club Med, but these days, all-inclusive does not mean what it once did. For example, the drinks might only be local rather than international brands and sometimes you have to pay a surcharge.

British holidaymakers were dismayed recently to find that new laws in the Balearics to control public drunkenness meant their alcohol intake may be limited. 

Those who try to book an all-inclusive trip with EasyJet to Arenal and Magaluf in Mallorca and the West End of San Antonio in Ibiza are now being shown an alert reading - ‘Alcoholic drinks are now limited to three per person at lunch and dinner as part of the all-inclusive basis.’

These rules are due to changes within the country of travel, but they show why doing your homework and reading the small print, regardless of board basis, is so important!

If the resort is really isolated check whether they offer transport from the airport to the hotel and what excursions are available and included in the price? If they are not included, are the prices reasonable or are there other options?

Check out the food - the buffet may sound great for the first day or two but if you are going to be there for a week or more it might start to get a bit dull. There might be other restaurants at the property but you may have to pay a surcharge to use them.

Watch out for extras - Check out the equipment for hire, activities and facilities for children, make sure there is lots to do and watch out for any hidden fees for kids' clubs, babysitting services, sports lessons or equipment hire. Also, spa treatments can come with a hefty price tag. 

Cruises

Cruises should be all inclusive but watch out for port fees and taxes, service fees at bars and restaurant, excursions & equipment hire fees. 

If you need any help booking your next holiday, send me a message