All inclusive holidays

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All inclusive holidays are one of the most searched types of trip from the UK, and it is easy to see why. You pay one price that covers your room, meals, snacks and many of your drinks, so there are fewer surprises once you arrive. For families in particular, that predictability can make a holiday much easier to budget.

But all inclusive is not the same everywhere, and it is not automatically the best value. This guide, written by a Sussex-based travel specialist, explains what all inclusive really means, who it suits, where to find the best options from UK airports including Gatwick, and what to check before you book.

What does all inclusive mean?

All inclusive is a board basis, which describes which meals and drinks are covered in the price of your stay. Terms vary between hotels and countries, so the exact meaning depends on the property. In general, an all inclusive package includes:

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner, usually as buffets or in a choice of restaurants
• Snacks during the day
• Soft drinks, water, tea and coffee
• Local alcoholic drinks, often served at the bar or with meals
• Some resort activities and entertainment

What is often not included can matter just as much:

• Premium or imported spirits and branded drinks
• A la carte restaurants, which may need booking or carry a supplement
• Room service and minibar
• Spa treatments, watersports and motorised activities
• Excursions, transfers and airport extras
• Resort or tourist taxes, where they apply

Always read the hotel description and the detailed board information. If something matters to you, such as certain restaurants or late night drinks, check that it is included.

All inclusive compared with other board types

• Room only. Accommodation with no meals included.
• Self catering. You have a kitchen and buy your own food.
• Bed and breakfast. Breakfast is included, other meals are not.
• Half board. Breakfast and dinner included. Drinks may or may not be.
• Full board. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included, usually without drinks.
• All inclusive. Meals, snacks and many drinks included.

Is an all inclusive holiday worth it?

It depends on how you like to holiday. All inclusive tends to be good value for people who plan to spend most of their time at the hotel, eat three meals there each day and enjoy a few drinks. It is less good value if you plan to explore, eat out in local restaurants or rarely drink.

A simple way to judge it is to estimate what you would spend on food and drink if you booked bed and breakfast or half board. Compare that with the extra cost of upgrading to all inclusive. If the upgrade costs less than you would expect to spend, it is likely worth it. If you would rarely use what is included, you might be better off with a cheaper board basis. Treat this as a rough check rather than an exact calculation, since prices vary.

Who all inclusive suits

• Families, who benefit from known costs and easy meals for fussy eaters.
• Groups of friends who want a relaxed holiday with drinks and entertainment on site.
• Anyone who dislikes budgeting on holiday or splitting bills.
• Travellers to destinations with higher eating out costs, where paying one price up front can feel simpler.

Who might prefer a different board type

• Food lovers who want to try local restaurants
• People who like day trips and exploring away from the hotel
• Light eaters and light drinkers
• Anyone staying in a city, where there is a huge choice of places to eat

Best destinations for all inclusive holidays from the UK

All inclusive resorts are found in many places. These are the destinations UK holidaymakers search for most, and the type of holiday each tends to suit.

Spain, including the Canary Islands and Balearics

Spain has a very wide choice, from large family resorts to quieter adult hotels. Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria offer all inclusive hotels and are popular in the cooler months, while Majorca and Ibiza are popular in summer. The Spanish mainland coasts, such as the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca, also have all inclusive options.

Greece and the Greek islands

Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Corfu and Zante all have all inclusive hotels, many of them family friendly with kids clubs and pools. Peak summer is busy and prices reflect that, so shoulder season can offer better value.

Turkey

Turkey is known for large resorts with a lot included, particularly around Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman and Marmaris. Many resorts are designed around all inclusive stays with several restaurants and extensive facilities.

Cyprus and Malta

Both have long seasons and a range of hotels. Cyprus has a lot of all inclusive resorts, and Malta is good for combining relaxation with history.

Portugal

The Algarve has all inclusive resorts and many apartment complexes. Madeira and the Azores are different in character and less focused on the all inclusive model.

Cape Verde, Egypt and the Gambia

These suit travellers looking for sun in the cooler months. Check flight times and entry requirements.

Mexico, the Caribbean and the Maldives

Long haul all inclusive is popular for special occasions. Flights are longer and costs are generally higher, so compare the total price carefully.

Dubai and the Middle East

Some hotels offer all inclusive packages, though local rules on alcohol vary, so check what is included.

All inclusive holidays from Gatwick and the South East

Living in Sussex, Surrey or Kent means you have good access to a large range of flights. Gatwick serves many of the destinations above, and Brighton has a direct train link to the airport. When you search, compare Gatwick with other airports, and always add the cost of getting there and parking. For last minute options, see our last minute holidays guide, and for flight ideas see holidays from Gatwick.

All inclusive family holidays

Families are among the biggest users of all inclusive, and the right resort can make a family trip far easier. When comparing family resorts, look for:

• Room layout. Check that the room sleeps your whole group, or whether you need a family room or connecting rooms.
• Kids facilities. Kids clubs, shallow pools, splash areas and children’s menus.
• Age policies. Some resorts have minimum ages for certain areas or activities.
• Food choice. Buffets can suit fussy eaters, while themed restaurants add variety.
• Beach or pool access. Short walks matter with small children.
• Transfer time. A long journey from the airport is hard on tired children.
• Evening entertainment. Shows and mini discos keep children happy while parents relax.

If you are travelling in school holidays, book as early as you reasonably can for the best choice, or stay flexible if searching late. Our last minute holidays page explains how flexibility changes what you can find.

Adults only all inclusive holidays

Adults only hotels are popular with couples, honeymooners and groups of friends. They tend to be quieter, with a focus on relaxation, good food, spas and evening entertainment. Ages allowed vary by hotel, with many setting a minimum age of 16 or 18, so check the rules.

Things to look at when choosing an adults only property:

• Whether the hotel is truly adults only, or has adults only areas within a larger resort
• The style of the property, from lively party hotels to peaceful retreats
• Restaurant choice and whether specialist restaurants need a reservation
• Spa facilities and whether treatments are included or charged
• Location, since remote properties can be difficult to leave without paying for transport

How to choose an all inclusive hotel

Read what is included

This is the single most important step. Look for a list of included restaurants, drinks and activities, and anything charged extra. Brand names and spirits are the most common extras.

Check recent reviews

Reviews from recent guests are more helpful than old ones. Read a range of ratings rather than just the best and the worst, and look for patterns on food quality, queues, cleanliness and service.

Look at the location

A hotel next to the beach is very different from one on a hill above a town. Check the distance to the beach, shops and restaurants, and consider whether you will want to explore.

Think about the season

Weather, crowd levels and pricing all change through the year. Shoulder months such as May, June, September and October can offer good value in many Mediterranean destinations, though facilities may be reduced at the edges of the season.

Check the board basis carefully

Some hotels advertise all inclusive but offer limited or restricted versions, such as drinks only at certain hours. Read the details.

How to find cheaper all inclusive holidays

• Be flexible on dates. Midweek departures and shoulder seasons are often cheaper than school holidays.
• Compare airports. Gatwick is convenient for Sussex residents, but compare other airports and include travel costs.
• Look at less famous resorts. Resorts near the main hubs can be priced lower.
• Check for early booking and last minute deals. Both can offer value at different times.
• Compare the full price. Add baggage, transfers and any resort charges.
• Consider three or four star hotels. A well reviewed mid range property can be better value than a top end one.

For more ways to cut costs, see our guide to cheap holidays.

All inclusive tips once you arrive

• Ask at reception which restaurants need reservations, and book early in your stay.
• Check whether there are wristbands or cards you need to wear for drinks.
• Look at opening times for snacks and bars.
• Keep some money for excursions, taxis and anything not included.
• Drink plenty of water, particularly in hot climates, and take care in the sun.
• Be sensible with alcohol, especially around pools and beaches.

Protecting your all inclusive booking

Check what protection applies to your booking, and make sure you have travel insurance in place from the moment you book. Insurance can cover medical costs abroad, cancellation and other problems, and you should read the policy carefully to see what is excluded. Our travel insurance guide has more on what to look for. If you plan to hire a car for excursions from your resort, see our car hire guide.

All inclusive checklist

• Board basis details read and understood
• Included drinks and restaurants checked
• Recent reviews read
• Total price compared, including baggage and transfers
• Room suitable for everyone travelling
• Passports and entry requirements checked
• Insurance arranged
• Booking confirmation saved

Frequently asked questions

What does all inclusive include?

Usually meals, snacks and many drinks at the hotel, plus some activities. Exact inclusions vary, so read the hotel’s details.

Are all inclusive holidays worth it?

They suit people who spend most of their time at the hotel and enjoy meals and drinks there. If you prefer to eat out and explore, another board basis may be better value.

Are drinks included on all inclusive?

Usually soft drinks and many alcoholic drinks are included, often local brands. Premium brands may cost extra.

Can I find all inclusive holidays for families?

Yes. Many resorts focus on families, with kids clubs, pools and varied menus. Check age policies and room sizes.

What are adults only all inclusive holidays?

These are hotels that only accept guests over a certain age, often 16 or 18. They tend to be quieter and aimed at couples and groups of friends.

When is the best time to book an all inclusive holiday?

It depends. Booking early gives more choice, while last minute deals can offer value if you are flexible. Compare options across several weeks.

Can I get all inclusive holidays from Gatwick?

Gatwick serves many destinations where all inclusive hotels are common, including Spain, Greece, Turkey and Cyprus. Check availability for your dates.

Do I need travel insurance for an all inclusive holiday?

It is strongly advisable. Hotel inclusions do not cover medical costs, cancellation or lost belongings.

Next steps

If you are comparing options, browse our guides to last minute holidays, cheap holidays and city breaks. If you prefer to stay closer to home, explore UK holidays or our Brighton and Sussex breaks. You can learn more about us or get in touch.