The Sundeals value test – Is All Inclusive worth it?

Short answer: yes, often. But not for everyone…  

If you like knowing what your holiday will cost before you go, All Inclusive can offer excellent value. But only if it suits the way you holiday. If you're planning pool days and making the most of the food, drinks and snacks at the hotel, it could save you money overall. If you'd rather spend your days exploring and eating out, you may be paying for extras you just won't use.  

So, how do you know if it's worth it? The Sundeals value test comes down to one simple question – will you get enough value from what's included to justify the extra cost?  

Let’s find out…  

Every hotel is different, but a typical All Inclusive package includes:  

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner  

• Snacks between meals  

• Soft drinks and selected alcoholic drinks  

Before booking, it's always worth checking exactly what your package includes. For example, some hotels include premium drinks, branded spirits or speciality restaurants, while others charge extra for these.  

Going All Inclusive tends to work best when you want a holiday that keeps spending simple. With your meals, drinks and snacks taken care of, there’s less of a need to keep track of what you’re spending once you're away.  

It's particularly popular with families, where having food, drinks and snacks on hand throughout the day can make life a lot easier, especially when the ‘I'm hungry’ requests start mid-afternoon. It's also a good option if you plan to spend most of your time at the hotel, making full use of the restaurants, bars and facilities you've already paid for.  

For many travellers, the biggest benefit isn't the unlimited cocktails or that second trip to the dessert station. It's knowing that a lot of your day-to-day costs are already covered before you even arrive.  

Even a great-value package won't feel like a good deal if you don't use what's included. If you plan to spend most days exploring the destination, taking excursions or eating out at local restaurants, you may find yourself paying for extra meals and drinks that you’ve already paid for as part of your package. The same applies if you're booking a city break, where you'll naturally spend more time sightseeing and trying different places to eat.  

While an All Inclusive package can still be worth considering in these situations, the less time you spend at the hotel, the harder it can be to get full value. That's why the Sundeals value test isn't about what's included on paper. It's about how much of it you'll realistically use once you're there.  

If you're torn between All Inclusive and Half Board, ask yourself this – how much freedom do you want during the day?  

For some travellers, Half Board is the sweet spot – you get your breakfast and evening meal included, but you’ve still got the flexibility to eat out and explore during the day. All Inclusive, on the other hand, often works best when the hotel is a big part of the holiday experience. If you'll regularly use the bars, restaurants and snack stations, the additional cost can quickly become worth it.  

That’s where the Sundeals value test comes in. Make the most of the extras and All Inclusive could be better value. Spend most of your time exploring, and Half Board may be the smarter choice.  

When comparing holidays, it's easy to focus on the booking price alone. But the true cost of a holiday includes what you spend once you're there.  

An All Inclusive holiday that costs more upfront could work out similarly priced to a Self Catering or Half Board holiday once you've factored in the extra meals, drinks, snacks, ice-creams and all those ‘go on then, one more’ holiday purchases that have a habit of adding up throughout the trip. The maths will be different for everyone, but it's the total holiday cost that matters, not just the price you see at checkout.

Still not sure? Let's put it through the Sundeals value test:  

Worth it if...  

• You'll make full use of the restaurants, bars and snack stations  

• You want predictable holiday spending  

• You're travelling with children  

• Convenience matters more than flexibility  

Probably skip it if...  

• You'll spend most of your time away from the hotel  

• Food is a big part of your destination experience  

• You're booking a city break  

• You'd rather spend your budget on activities and excursions  

All Inclusive holidays can offer brilliant value, but only when they match the way you plan to spend your holiday. If you're planning pool days, family time and plenty of meals at the hotel, paying more upfront could save you money overall. But if your holiday is more about local restaurants, sightseeing and spending time out and about, another board basis may be a better fit.  

The smartest choice isn't always the cheapest one. It's the one that gives you the most holiday for your money.

Think All Inclusive is the right fit for your next trip? Explore our All Inclusive holidays or return to the Sundeals blog for more holiday value tips and inspiration. 

Author: Rachel Coppenhall