What Are All-Inclusive Package Holidays? Everything You Need to Know Before You Book

Ever wonder how some people go on vacation and never worry about how much their drinks, meals, or even tips cost? That’s the magic of an all inclusive package holiday. It’s not just a trip-it’s a prepaid escape where everything from breakfast to bedtime snacks is covered. No surprise bills. No counting coins at the bar. Just walk in, relax, and enjoy.

What Exactly Is an All-Inclusive Package Holiday?

An all-inclusive package holiday means you pay one upfront price that covers your flight, accommodation, meals, drinks, activities, and sometimes even tips and gratuities. You show up at a resort-usually in the Caribbean, Mexico, the Canary Islands, or Southeast Asia-and everything you need is right there. No need to leave the property unless you want to.

These packages are sold by travel companies like TUI, Jet2holidays, or Thomas Cook, and you book them as a bundle. The resort handles everything: food, drinks, entertainment, sports, even kids’ clubs. You’re not just getting a room-you’re buying a complete experience.

What’s Usually Included?

Not all all-inclusive deals are the same, but most include these basics:

• Accommodation in a standard room or suite
• Three meals a day, often with buffet and à la carte options
• Unlimited soft drinks, house wine, beer, and basic spirits
• Snacks between meals, like ice cream or pizza at the poolside bar
• Non-motorized water sports-kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling
• Daytime activities-pool games, yoga, dance classes, trivia nights
• Evening entertainment-live music, themed dinners, cabaret shows
• Gratuities for staff (no need to tip unless you want to)
• Access to kids’ clubs and teen lounges

Some resorts go further. Premium all-inclusive resorts might include top-shelf liquor, private beach areas, 24-hour room service, or even excursions to local attractions. Always check what’s listed-some places advertise "all-inclusive" but charge extra for lobster dinners or scuba diving.

Who Are All-Inclusive Holidays Best For?

These trips aren’t for everyone, but they’re perfect for certain types of travelers.

• Families: Kids’ clubs keep children busy while parents relax. No need to hunt for kid-friendly restaurants or worry about picky eaters.
• Couples: Romantic dinners, sunset cocktails, and spa access make these ideal for anniversaries or honeymoons.
• First-time international travelers: No language barriers at the bar. No confusion over local prices. Everything’s predictable.
• People who hate budgeting on vacation: You know exactly how much you’ll spend before you leave. No last-minute credit card shock.
• Groups of friends: Easy to plan, easy to split costs. Everyone’s on the same page.

If you’re the type who loves exploring local markets, eating street food, or hopping between small towns, an all-inclusive resort might feel too controlled. But if you want to unwind without planning every meal, it’s a game-changer.

How Much Do They Cost?

Prices vary wildly based on location, time of year, and resort quality. In 2025, here’s what you can expect:

• Basic package (Mexico, Dominican Republic): $800-$1,200 per person for a week
• Mid-range resort (Jamaica, Canary Islands): $1,300-$1,800 per person
• Premium resort (Cancún, Maldives, Thailand): $2,000-$3,500 per person

Flights are usually included, but some deals list them separately. Always check if taxes and airport transfers are covered. You’ll often save 30-50% compared to booking flights and hotel separately.

Winter and school holidays are the most expensive. Travel in May, September, or early November for the best deals. Resorts fill up fast during Christmas and spring break-book six months ahead if you can.

What’s Not Included?

It’s easy to assume "all-inclusive" means everything. It doesn’t. Here’s what usually costs extra:

• Specialty restaurants (e.g., steakhouse, sushi bar)
• Top-shelf alcohol (Belvedere, Macallan, premium tequila)
• Spa treatments and salon services
• Motorized water sports (jet skis, parasailing)
• Off-site excursions (snorkeling trips, zip-lining, city tours)
• Wi-Fi (some resorts charge for fast internet)
• Gratuities (even if included, some guests tip extra for exceptional service)

Always read the fine print. Resorts will try to upsell you-sometimes it’s worth it, sometimes it’s not. If you’re planning to do a snorkeling trip or visit a nearby town, factor in those costs before you book.

Top All-Inclusive Destinations in 2025

Not all resorts are created equal. Here are the most popular spots right now:

• Playa del Carmen, Mexico: Lively, walkable, with easy access to Tulum ruins. Great for couples and groups.
• Montego Bay, Jamaica: Rich culture, reggae vibes, and lush gardens. Known for friendly staff and lively nightlife.
• Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt: Crystal-clear Red Sea waters. Ideal for divers and families looking for value.
• Canary Islands, Spain: Year-round warmth, European food options, and no need for a visa if you’re from the UK or EU.
• Phuket, Thailand: Stunning beaches, Thai cuisine, and low prices. Perfect for travelers who want luxury without the sticker shock.

Each destination has its own vibe. Mexico is party-heavy. Jamaica is more relaxed. The Canaries are great for older travelers or those avoiding long flights.

How to Pick the Right Resort

Don’t just go with the cheapest price. Here’s what to look for:

• Food quality: Read recent reviews. Are people complaining about cold food or limited options? Look for resorts with multiple restaurants.
• Room location: Ocean view? Pool view? Far from the main areas? You’ll walk a lot-choose wisely.
• Family-friendly features: If you’re traveling with kids, check if the kids’ club is supervised, has age groups, and offers daily activities.
• Beach access: Is the beach clean? Private? Rocky? Some resorts have man-made beaches or poor sand quality.
• Drink quality: "House wine" can mean anything. If you drink wine or cocktails, ask what brands are included.
• Wi-Fi reliability: If you need to work or stay connected, find out if it’s free and fast.

Resorts like Hyatt Ziva, Beaches, and Secrets are known for consistent quality. Smaller chains might be cheaper but come with more risk.

Pros and Cons of All-Inclusive Holidays

Comparison: All-Inclusive vs. Traditional Vacation

Feature	All-Inclusive	Traditional Vacation
Cost predictability	High-you know the total upfront	Low-meals, drinks, and activities add up fast
Convenience	Very high-everything on-site	Low-you plan every meal and activity
Local experience	Limited-unless you leave the resort	High-you explore towns, markets, street food
Food variety	Good to excellent at top resorts	Unlimited-you choose every restaurant
Best for	Families, couples, first-timers	Adventurers, foodies, solo travelers

Common Mistakes to Avoid

People book all-inclusive trips and end up disappointed. Here’s how to avoid that:

• Assuming "all-inclusive" means unlimited premium drinks: Most include basic brands. If you’re a wine snob or cocktail lover, check the bar menu before you go.
• Not booking early: Top resorts sell out. Don’t wait until the last minute unless you’re flexible.
• Ignoring the resort’s location: A resort might be beautiful, but if it’s miles from the nearest town, you’re stuck on-site.
• Overpacking for the beach: You won’t need fancy clothes. Pack swimsuits, sunscreen, a hat, and one nice outfit for dinner.
• Not checking reviews from the last 3 months: Resorts change managers, staff, and menus. Old reviews might not reflect today’s experience.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

All-inclusive package holidays aren’t for everyone. But if you want a stress-free vacation with no budget surprises, they’re one of the smartest ways to travel. You get more value for your money than you think-especially when you factor in what you’d spend on meals, drinks, and activities separately.

Think of it like a vacation subscription. You pay once. You get everything. You relax. And when you come home, you don’t have to explain why your credit card bill is $1,200 higher than expected.

It’s not about missing out on the local culture. It’s about choosing what kind of vacation you want. Sometimes, the best way to unwind is to let someone else handle the details.