Cheapest Places for All-Inclusive Holidays Abroad: Where to Book Now

Scrolling through holiday deals but feeling a bit lost? You’re not alone. The words “all-inclusive” look tempting, but prices are all over the place—and honestly, some trips labeled cheap end up full of surprise costs. So, where can you actually go abroad, eat, drink, and relax without your wallet screaming for mercy?

The straight answer: some spots pull ahead every year. Why? The local prices are low, flights are regular and competitive, and the resorts know how to charm guests without nickel-and-diming them. Add a little flexibility (can you travel mid-week or outside school holidays?), and you’ve got a recipe for serious savings. Ready to see which places tick all the boxes? You’ll want to look not just at the price tag but also what you really get—nobody wants watered-down cocktails or a buffet with mystery meat.

• What Makes a Holiday Truly All-Inclusive?
• Europe’s Best Value All-Inclusive Hotspots
• Outside Europe: Cheapest Long-Haul Destinations
• Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
• How to Snag the Best Deals (Even Last-Minute)
• Family-Friendly Picks That Won’t Break the Bank

What Makes a Holiday Truly All-Inclusive?

So, you spot a deal labeled “all-inclusive” and start dreaming about not opening your wallet for days. But the reality? Not every “all-inclusive” actually covers what you care about. The best deals make sure your basics are sorted—plus a few perks that most people want. It’s easy to get caught out by a hotel that skips the good stuff or adds charges for everything fun. Here’s what separates the real deals from the fakes:

• Unlimited food and drinks: This should include three meals a day, snacks, and a range of drinks (not just sodas, but alcohol too).
• No extra charge for basics: Sunbeds by the pool, Wi-Fi, and basic sports or activities should be included.
• Kids’ stuff covered: Think mini clubs, pools, and even included ice cream here and there (if it’s family-friendly).
• Entertainment: Evening shows, live music, and activities without sneaky fees.
• Airport transfers: Some real all-inclusive packages will throw this in, but not all—so check the details.

Watch out, though: Some "budget" resorts sell super-low prices but then charge extra for certain cocktails, branded drinks, Italian coffee, even using the safe in your room! Always check reviews, and ask what’s actually included. No one wants a “midnight fridge raid” fee.

Want a snapshot? Here’s a look at what’s typically included (and not) in all-inclusive deals for popular budget destinations:

The golden rule for all inclusive trips? If you can leave your purse in the room all day and not miss a thing, you’ve picked a winner. If you need to carry your card for every little thing, the deal probably isn't as good as it looks.

Europe’s Best Value All-Inclusive Hotspots

Picking the right spot in Europe can mean the difference between a wallet-friendly escape and a trip where every extra soda feels expensive. So, where does your money actually go furthest? Let’s break it down with facts, real numbers, and a few firsthand tips.

The all inclusive scene really shines in southern Europe. Turkey’s Antalya coast has been making headlines for having the lowest average price for weeklong all-inclusive packages—even for families—and the value is legit. A seven-night stay in a four-star Turkish resort including all meals, drinks, kids’ clubs, and activities has dipped under £400 per person as of 2025, especially if you can fly midweek. They throw in big pool complexes, slides, and a la carte restaurant access, which is honestly better than some pricier Spanish options.

Bulgaria is another budget favorite. Sunny Beach, while not the most glamorous, packs a punch on price. A pint of local beer can run less than £1 in resort bars, and you’ll find seven-night all-inclusive stays for under £350, including flights from most UK cities if you book before summer peak. The Black Sea is warm, the beaches are sandy, and even picky eaters find something decent on the buffet.

The Canary Islands, especially Tenerife and Gran Canaria, remain go-to picks for year-round sun without sticker shock. Sure, summer school breaks mean higher rates, but during spring or autumn, you’ll find all-inclusive deals around £500–£600 per person—with tons of resorts designed for families.

Check out this quick data snapshot (prices per person, based on a week, May–June 2025):

Some tips that actually help:

• If you’re not tied to British school holidays, go in late May or mid-September—the savings are real, and it’s still beach weather.
• Pick resorts just outside main hubs—they’re often cheaper but with easy shuttle access to the action.
• Watch for early booking deals that lock in kids-go-free offers before everyone else finds them.

Honestly, choosing one of these spots can mean the difference between sitting at home or relaxing poolside—cocktail in hand—without any budget surprises.

Outside Europe: Cheapest Long-Haul Destinations

Not everyone wants to stick to Europe for an all inclusive trip. Sometimes you just want something different—maybe a beach with palm trees you only see on Instagram, or food that isn’t just pizza and pasta. Here’s the good news: going long-haul doesn’t always mean you’ll spend a fortune. Some countries offer crazy good value for money, especially if you keep an eye on deals.

Let’s talk about a few places people keep raving about when it comes to all-inclusive value:

• Mexico’s Riviera Maya: Cancun isn’t just for spring breakers. The region has loads of big, family-friendly all-inclusive resorts. Direct flights from Europe to Cancun often have competitive prices, and the peso’s exchange rate makes nearly everything cheaper once you’re there. Tacos and bottomless margaritas? Don’t mind if I do.
• Dominican Republic: Punta Cana has earned a rep as the Caribbean’s best value. You’ll find huge resorts where everything from a la carte dining to beach yoga is included. Some even have water parks. The best deals usually pop up during May and June, right before the summer crowds.
• Turkey (Turkish Riviera): Technically, Turkey straddles Europe and Asia, and Antalya is a seriously affordable long-haul pick—especially if you’re coming from the UK. Huge buffets, kids’ clubs, and massive pools are the norm, and with the lira down, your money goes further than ever.
• Egypt’s Red Sea Coast: Think Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada. Resorts often include snorkel trips, daily activities, and local drinks. Sunny weather is almost a guarantee, plus flight-and-hotel packages from Europe bring the price way down compared to Maldives or Seychelles.

It’s not just a feeling—these places consistently show up on ranking lists for value. Check out this quick comparison of average 7-night all-inclusive package prices for summer 2025 (per person, economy flights from Europe included):

These prices can dip even lower with early-bird specials or late deals. Watch package sites that offer reviews and show real total prices up front. Some airlines and travel agents sneak in ‘resort fees’ or costs for airport shuttles, so double-check what’s really included before you book. Remember, while travel times can be long, the vibe and value often make that extra flight worth it.

One last thing: always look for kids-stay-free deals if you’re traveling as a family. They’re more common outside Europe than you’d think.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

All-inclusive sounds like you’ll never need your wallet, but don’t get tricked. Loads of resorts have little fees hiding in the fine print, and they add up fast. Did you know that most all-inclusives charge extra for things like à la carte restaurants? Even worse, some top-shelf drinks, room service, or fun activities (think banana boats or spa treatments) aren’t covered.

Check out these common unexpected charges that can catch you off guard:

• Airport transfers: These aren’t always included, especially with the cheapest holiday packages. Arrange your own ride and you might pay triple local rates.
• Local taxes and resort fees: For example, in Turkey and Spain, you’ll often pay a small per-person, per-night tax at check-in. It’s minor, but for a family over a week it adds up.
• Premium drinks and meals: Some deals only offer house brands. That mojito upgrade? It’s suddenly £5–£10 extra per glass. Want a real steak instead of buffet chicken? Expect a bill.
• Kids’ clubs and babysitting: These can be limited or cost extra, especially outside peak season or in budget resorts.
• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is not a given. Fast internet, especially in your room, might be pay-per-day.
• Excursions and water sports: Snorkeling lessons, jet skis, or local tours always come with a separate price tag.

Here’s a quick table so you can spot which countries or resorts are the biggest culprits for surprise charges:

Tip: Always ask the hotel for a full list of what’s included before you book. Some booking sites let you filter for packages that include transfers or premium choices. Reading recent reviews helps too—parents in travel Facebook groups are super honest about what their final bill was like. Planning for these adds might not sound exciting, but it keeps your all inclusive holiday from turning into a budget flop.

How to Snag the Best Deals (Even Last-Minute)

Chasing a holiday deal at the last minute feels like a game of chicken with airline prices. Sometimes you score a bargain, sometimes it’s a disaster. But with all-inclusive holidays, there are certain tricks that actually work—especially if you keep your eyes open and don’t cling to one destination or specific dates. Here’s how real people save big (I’ve done it too, because sometimes nothing gets planned until Ainsley’s school schedule comes out!).

• All inclusive sites like TUI, Jet2holidays, and Loveholidays drop prices 2-3 weeks before departure to fill empty rooms. If you can travel Monday-Wednesday, prices drop even lower—midweek flights are less popular.
• Use aggregation sites like Skyscanner and TravelSupermarket to compare huge lists of last-minute deals. Always check the reviews, especially recent ones. A super cheap deal isn’t fun if the pool is closed or food is grim.
• Put location flexibility in your back pocket. Spain and Turkey see the best drops for UK travellers, but sometimes Bulgaria and Morocco randomly dip if there’s a lull in bookings. Sign up for deal alerts so you don't miss these flash drops.
• Go direct to hotel websites for last-minute promos. Some brands, like Iberostar, throw in nights free or add perks (think kids eat for free) to fill rooms—stuff you won’t see on booking portals.
• Check social media. If you’re really brave, there are package holiday ‘glitch fare’ groups on Facebook with deals posted in real time. They disappear fast, but the savings can be massive if you don’t mind some chaos.

Here’s a quick look at average last-minute price drops for all-inclusive resorts, based on 2024 data:

Here’s a tip: check what’s included, especially with "ultra all-inclusive" deals. Sometimes “ultra” just means you get branded sodas and slightly better desserts. Don’t pay extra if you don’t care about these. Always factor in the real costs—if airport transfers and proper meals aren’t included, it’s usually not as cheap as it looks.

No amount of deal hunting helps if you leave your passport in a drawer—always double check it’s valid for at least six months beyond your return travel, or you could miss your bargain trip while stuck at home.

Family-Friendly Picks That Won’t Break the Bank

Traveling with kids always ramps up the cost, but you don’t have to pay top dollar for a fun, no-stress getaway. Some places really nail the all-inclusive thing for families—keeping everyone fed, entertained, and happy without forcing you to break open the piggy bank. One place that keeps popping up on budget lists? Turkey’s Antalya coast. Here, huge beachfront resorts run kids’ clubs, slides, non-stop snacks, and loads of shaded pool space. You’ll often see family suites (with two rooms) included in the base price. It’s honestly wild how much you get for the money.

Bulgaria’s Sunny Beach is another target for families watching their spending. Buffet meals come with kid-friendly picks, and the kids’ club staff often speak several languages. Plus, many deals include airport transfers, so you’re not dealing with a taxi rip-off right after flying in late with exhausted kids.

Spain’s Costa del Sol (especially Torremolinos and Benalmádena) is famous for low-cost, family-focused resorts. They pile on perks like water parks, free ice cream afternoons, and flexible mealtimes so nobody ends up grumpy and hungry at weird hours.

• Looking for shorter flights? Portugal’s Algarve, especially around Albufeira, is full of bargain all-inclusive deals. Bonus: the region is stroller-friendly and beaches are safe for little ones to splash.
• If it’s all about value per euro, keep an eye on Greece’s islands like Rhodes and Crete. Loads of hotels run holiday kids’ programs. June and early September are particularly cheap times (and not too sweltering for little kids).

Here’s a quick snapshot of rough weekly costs for well-rated, kid-friendly all inclusive packages based on two adults and two kids in 2025:

If you want even more value, book outside the school holidays or consider sharing a big apartment with another family and splitting the bill. And always check what’s included—good resorts toss in free airport transfers, beach towels, and even packed lunches for days out, so you’re not pulled into paying extra for every little thing.