Planning a package holiday? Sometimes choices can seem overwhelming. After selecting your destination and travel dates, there is still the matter of deciding on the board basis – do you opt for Room Only, Bed and Breakfast (B&B), or Half Board? Or do you go for Full Board or for an All Inclusive holiday? Each offers a different experience, with the greatest contrast being between All Inclusive and the rest. Your choice can alter the style of your holiday, so understanding the relative benefits of each can help you make an informed decision.
All Inclusive holidays have become well-established in the UK holiday market. The idea is simple: pay one upfront price that covers flights, accommodation, food, drinks, and often a range of activities. For many, this removes the stress of budgeting while on holiday. Simply pay in advance and when you arrive, you can simply relax.
The primary advantage of an All Inclusive package holiday is that most or all of your expenses are taken care of before you even board the plane. It’s especially appealing for families or groups who want to avoid unexpected costs. With everything from meals to drinks included, it becomes easier to stick to a budget. Additionally, the convenience of having meals and activities on-site means you can spend more time enjoying your holiday and less time planning it.
Many All Inclusive hotels and resorts offer excellent value for money. Lots of people return to the same hotels year after year, or try out different All Inclusive holidays with the same tour operator. However, to get the deal that suits you best, it pays to fully understand what you get for your money.
While the All Inclusive concept is easy to grasp, the offering can vary depending on context. The range and quality of what’s included can differ significantly depending on the price point and hotel rating. At the budget end, such as some hotels in Spain and the Canary Islands, you might be limited to buffet-style meals, with beverages restricted to local brands.
In contrast, premium All Inclusive resorts, such as the Sandals resorts in Jamaica and the Caribbean, offer a much more luxurious experience. There will be a wider selection of dining options, top-shelf drinks, plus the majority of resort activities will be included in the price.
This variation means that the term “All Inclusive” can be misleading. It’s essential to check the small print to understand exactly what’s included. For example, water sports, excursions, or access to specialty restaurants may incur additional charges, even in an All Inclusive package. Generally, the more you pay, the more you get.
When considering an All Inclusive holiday, ask yourself the as simple question: does it fit with your travel style? Or, at least, does it match what you want from this particular holiday? If your idea of a perfect holiday is lounging by the pool and enjoying the facilities of your resort, then All Inclusive could be ideal. This is true even if you are usually a curious traveller but just want time and space to decompress after a long winter working hard.
However, if you prefer to explore local cultures and discover the destination beyond your hotel, especially having a choice as to where you eat and when, then an All Inclusive holiday might feel restrictive. And of course, not all destinations are suited to the All Inclusive model. For example, island hopping in Greece or traveling through rural Italy will be better served by more flexible arrangements.
Opting for Bed and Breakfast or Half Board could be a better choice if you want the flexibility to dine out and explore. You’ll have a base at the hotel and greater flexibility. Paying for meals outside your hotel may seem like an additional expense, but it does mean you won’t be paying twice for food and activities you don’t use at an All Inclusive resort.
The success of the All Inclusive model is rooted in economies of scale and the minimisation of waste through strategic decisions about carefully managed options. Larger resorts can offer competitive prices by catering to a high volume of guests, which drives down the cost per head.
Not every All Inclusive hotel is enormous, but the same principal of cost management is consistent in all. This is beneficial for tour operators and consumers alike, with companies like First Choice (part of the European giant TUI) leading the market in the UK. On the flip side, the scale and style of these operations carries the risk of standardised offerings that appeal to the maximum number of tourists’ principal needs, rather than providing a more varied or richer experience.
Understanding this economic model can help manage expectations. A premium brand All Inclusive holiday is likely to be expensive by most measures. However, it will deliver in terms of quality and the range of what’s included in the package. A low-cost All Inclusive holiday is likely to reflect its price in waht you get. Overall, the offering will be simpler, with more “extras” to pay for above the basic package. This doesn’t mean those holidays don’t represent good value – they often do and they are popular as a result. But it’s important to be aware of what you’re getting for your money.
Regardless of the type of holiday you choose, it’s always worth carrying some foreign currency. While All Inclusive packages cover most expenses, there are often small extras. These will be things like tips, souvenirs, or off-site activities that require cash.
The decision whether to go All Inclusive is ultimately a personal one. For those seeking convenience and predictability, especially in a family setting, All Inclusive holidays can offer excellent value. At the luxury end, they provide a high-end, hassle-free experience where you can indulge without worrying about the bill. However, for those who prefer a more independent travel experience, Bed and Breakfast or Half Board options may be better. They offer more flexibility and the potential for a richer cultural experience.
Understanding the nuances of what is included in your holiday package is important. It can help you get the best value for your money. Equally, it will mean you have a holiday that suits your expectations. Whatever your preference and choice, the key is to be informed before you book. There’s nothing worse than discovering what you’ve paid for is the opposite of what you want!
By Declan Morton, writer and editor at Essiell Ltd and Money4Travel.
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