Do All-Inclusive Holidays Really Save You Money?

How can you give your family a wonderful holiday and save money while you do it? Over recent years, all-inclusive package holidays have become increasingly popular. The attraction has been in the potential savings that can be made from not having to spend additional money on food, drinks and entertainment. The question is; do all-inclusive holidays really save you money?
Initially, all-inclusive holidays were part of the thrill of a long-haul package holiday to places like the Caribbean, Mexico, or the islands of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Now they are a standard offering from even the most budget holiday destinations. Holidays to Turkey, Spain and Greece are increasingly being offered with all-inclusive options. They are being marketed as the best ways to save money on a family holiday. So, is it a marketing ploy or are there real savings to be made?
An all-inclusive holiday means the inclusion of all food, drinks, entertainment and accommodation. So what you are getting is everything. For a family of four, paying additional costs for several meals a day, drinks, and additional activities can take its toll and add approximately £200 per day to a credit card bill! So an all-inclusive package does appear to be a much cheaper, money saving option. But always read the small print.
All-inclusive very rarely means all you can eat whenever you want to eat it. These package deals usually involve breakfast, some form of lunch and an evening meal at set times during the day. They are usually buffet style meals from set menus of local produce. Eating from an a la carte menu will most likely involve an additional cost. Likewise, free drinks will usually mean a selection of locally sourced drinks, and it will not always include the standard choices of alcoholic and soft drinks you and your family may normally choose like spirits.
Before you book, check the information and feedback about the standard of local cuisine that is provided as part of the package. And remember that it is usually local cuisine so if you and your family have particular tastes or dietary needs they may not be catered for. Also find out what drinks actually are included. Remember, going all-inclusive will only be a saving if you actually don't need to pay for anything else.
This is also true for the free entertainment that is offered. Check what this is. There may be additional charges for kids' clubs, water sports and organised tours. The included entertainment tends to be what is made available within the complex like evening dances or discos, games, cinema rooms and so on.
Many families want to explore and experience their holiday destination. One complaint of all-inclusive holidays is the feeling of being stuck to the same routine every day for two weeks. People like to explore, and visit different restaurants, bars and attractions. If this sounds like your family, maybe buying an all-inclusive holiday may not prove to be as much of a saving as you had hoped.
If however, all you want to do is spend time on the beach and relax within the complex as the kids play in the pool, it may be the perfect way to enjoy the luxury of a two week holiday for a reduced amount of money.
The best advice is to read the terms and conditions of the all-inclusive package carefully. Calculate approximately how much your food, drinks, and entertainment will cost you, and compare the prices with a non-inclusive holiday. You may find that there are many family package holidays at half board that will save you just as much money while giving you and your family the flexibility to enjoy, explore, and fully experience your holiday resort outside of the hotel complex.
Source