Are All-Inclusive Holidays Worth It?

If I’m being completely honest, for a long time, all-inclusive holidays didn’t appeal to me.

I’d first started doing all-inclusive holidays in my teens, going on girl’s trips with my friends and family, but after a while I felt a little bit like I was trapped in a bubble.

As a travel content creator who specialises in culture, food, and authentic experiences, the idea of an all-inclusive resort felt a bit… off-brand.

I should say upfront: I don’t have children, and usually travel solo, with my partner, with a friend, or in a small group.

If you have kids, all-inclusives are brilliant for completely different reasons – having everything sorted whilst your children splash around in the pool and play games led by a holiday rep sounds genuinely wonderful. But that’s not my experience, so I’m focusing on the childfree perspective here.

Travelling is such a huge part of my work. I’m an advocate for slow and immersive travel, and naturally, I want to find hidden restaurants, get lost in the local markets, and eat where the locals eat. The thought of staying in one place where everything is prepared and handed to me is at odds with the exploratory, adventurous style of travel I usually like to do.

But interestingly, in recent years, I’ve completely changed my mind.

All-inclusive holidays have become one of my favourite travel hacks – and not just for me.

My friends and I genuinely think they’re one of the best ways to have a truly relaxing holiday on your own terms. Because adventure travel can be exhausting!

I’m someone who usually packs in 40,000 things to do from sunrise to sunset when travelling, and actually learning to kick back has been a revelation.

So in this guide, I’m sharing my honest take on whether all-inclusive holidays are worth it – the pros, the cons, and how to make the most of an all-inclusive hotel. Whether you’re a ‘seasoned traveller‘ who looks down at all-inclusives, or someone who’s always been curious but never quite taken the plunge, this one’s for you.

Why I Used to Think All-Inclusive Holidays Were a Bad Idea

Growing up in London, my parents occasionally took me on all-inclusive holidays – usually to Greece, which remains one of my favourite places on earth.

As a teenager, I did all-inclusive holidays with my friends, though we’d sneak out in the evenings to explore the local nightlife and restaurants. Back then, the all-inclusive was more of a convenient base than the point of the trip.

But as I got older and started travelling more seriously, I probably developed what I can only describe as all-inclusive snobbery.

I wanted the “authentic” experience. I wanted to find the hole-in-the-wall restaurants, to struggle to order in whatever language is being spoken around me, and feel like a traveller, not a tourist. The idea of paying a lump sum to stay in a resort and have everything done for me felt like the opposite of everything I stood for.

For a long time, this kind of pampered vacation didn’t hold much appeal for me, and perhaps it still doesn’t for many travellers who see themselves as adventurers rather than tourists – the idea simply didn’t fit their vision of themselves when travelling.

So What Actually Changed My Mind About All-Inclusive Holidays?

Last year, a friend and I decided we needed a proper break.

She’d just been promoted to a high-level communications and PR job where she was ‘always on’, and I’d just been working on-and-off between countries for over a year. The burnout was real on both ends.

When we travel together, we usually have an ambitious itinerary to get through.

This time, though, we didn’t want a trip where we’d wear ourselves out googling the best restaurants, spending hours researching top-rated spots, or draining our bank accounts travelling around to find the perfect meal. We wanted to actually relax.

After much deliberation, we booked an all-inclusive on a beautiful beach island near Athens, Greece.

And it was amazing.

The food was genuinely good. The staff were lovely – we got to know them over the week and they made us feel so welcome. We played tennis for free (no need to rent rackets or book courts separately). We used the spa facilities, the swimming pool, the sauna, the gym – all included. We didn’t have to think about a single thing.

My friend, who is vegan, had so many options to choose from at the all-inclusive buffet every breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This was also an exciting new experience for her, since most of the time, we have to research vegan-friendly food options at restaurants, or, in some cases, she’d get stuck eating a salad and fries while I tucked into a meal myself.

For two people who spend most of their working lives making decisions – where to go next, what to eat, which story to pitch – the relief of just… not having to… was one of the most relaxing feelings I’ve experienced on holiday to date.

The Pros of All-Inclusive Holidays

Here’s what actually makes all-inclusive holidays worth it, based on my own experience and what fellow travellers have shared:

1. You Actually Relax (Properly)

This is the big one. Travelling is not the same as having a holiday. I say this as someone who has spent years confusing the two. When you’re constantly on the move – researching restaurants, navigating public transport, planning your next move – your brain never fully switches off.

Also, when you reach a certain age, stacking the dishwasher and doing the laundry becomes the routine. You don’t want to be stacking the dishwasher on holiday!

When travelling, it’s constantly one decision after another. From where to eat, which way to go, where to stay, what to do – even little things add up that wouldn’t normally stress you out. An all-inclusive removes almost all of that mental load. You wake up, eat breakfast, and decide whether you fancy the pool or the beach. That’s it.

2. It’s More Affordable Than You Think

One of the biggest misconceptions about all-inclusive holidays is that they’re expensive. But when you actually break down the costs, they can be surprisingly good value – especially compared to self-catered or pay-as-you-go trips.

Think about it: at a regular hotel, you’re paying separately for meals, drinks, activities, and amenities. If you like to enjoy an alcoholic beverage or two on your vacation, you know that this can get pricey. At all-inclusive resorts, beverages are included – always a good bonus when you’re trying to stay on budget.

On our Greece trip, we saved a fortune by not having to eat out every single meal. No taxi fares to find restaurants. No spontaneous purchases of sports equipment. Everything was right there, included in the price we’d already paid. For budget-conscious travellers looking for cheap holidays that don’t compromise on comfort, all-inclusives deserve serious consideration.

3. The Food Options Are Comforting (In a Good Way)

Yes, I know – as a foodie, this might sound controversial. But there’s actually something really comforting about knowing you can eat regularly, have fresh food available throughout the day, and not have to stress about washing up or summoning the energy to cook after a long day in the sun.

The food at our Greek all-inclusive was good – not Michelin-star, but genuinely enjoyable and varied. The salads and fruit were fresh, and they had oat milk. Happy days for me. When you’re on holiday and just want nourishment without the faff, that’s more than enough. The key is choosing a resort where the food options are plentiful. Since there’s no payment per meal, there isn’t always a huge incentive to offer a lot of options or exquisite meals – so do your research before booking and look for resorts with multiple dining venues.

4. You Feel Safe and Looked After

There’s something genuinely comforting about being in a place where the staff know your name, where you feel safe, and where everything runs smoothly. Safety plays a huge factor in opening people’s eyes to the benefits of an all-inclusive. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with friends, knowing that someone is looking after you – even in small ways – takes a weight off your shoulders.

On our trip, the staff were incredibly warm and attentive. We got to know them over the week, and by the end it genuinely felt like being looked after by friends. That sense of community and care is something you don’t always get at a standard hotel.

5. The Activities and Amenities Are Already There

Tennis courts, swimming pools, gyms, saunas, beach facilities – at an all-inclusive, you don’t have to hunt for any of it or pay extra. Lounge chairs, umbrellas, and towels are provided and you don’t even have to get up to get your own drinks. For someone like me who’s usually running around from dawn to dusk, having all of this just… available… without any effort… was genuinely blissful.

6. It’s Great for Socialising

By spending time in close proximity to others for an extended amount of time, you’re more likely to bump into different people who click with you than you would by yourself in a foreign city. Whether you’re travelling solo or in a group, all-inclusives create a surprisingly social environment. The shared spaces, the communal dining, the poolside atmosphere – it all encourages connection in a way that a standard hotel simply doesn’t.

The Cons of All-Inclusive Holidays

I’m not going to pretend all-inclusive holidays are perfect. There are genuine downsides, and it’s worth knowing them before you book.

1. The “Brits Abroad” Reputation

One of the biggest ‘icks’ I had about all-inclusive holidays was the fear of being surrounded by rowdy tourists – particularly, as someone from the UK, the notorious “Brits abroad” stereotype.

It’s something a lot of people are keen to avoid, since at an all-inclusive resort, you’ll likely be around the same people from day to night for however long you’re staying there.

My biggest tip for avoiding rowdy summer crowds is to go in shoulder season.

We went after the UK summer holidays ended, and the resort was full of French holidaymakers, local Greek guests, and quite a few Germans. It was nicely international and had a completely different vibe to what you might expect. Choosing a resort that’s slightly more tucked away from the main tourist strips also makes a huge difference.

2. You Might Miss Out on Local Culture

This is the con that used to bother me most. Many all-inclusive resorts can feel like bubbles – nice ones, yes, but bubbles all the same. You go through your days surrounded by the same food, faces, and decor, while the local culture just outside the gate might as well be on another planet. The only glimpse of local culture you get is either from the buffet, or from some of the staff you chat to.

The solution is: don’t let the resort be your entire holiday. Use it as a base. Book a day trip into the local town. Hire a scooter and explore. Spend one evening eating at a local taverna. An all-inclusive works brilliantly as a relaxing home base from which you can dip in and out of local experiences on your own terms – without the pressure of doing it every single day.

3. The Food Can Feel Repetitive and Not as Quality

If you stay for a full week or longer, the buffet can start to feel a bit samey. The quality of the food was one of the few disappointments – it wasn’t bad, but it didn’t really wow or have much flavour. It was simply fine. This is where choosing a higher-end all-inclusive pays off. Resorts with multiple restaurant options and rotating menus make a massive difference.

4. Hidden Costs Can Catch You Out

Not everything is always included. Your resort may have specialty restaurants that require separate payment. The same goes for alcohol – if you like top-shelf liquor, you might have to pay extra. Spa treatments, premium excursions, and high-speed WiFi can also come at additional cost. Always read the fine print before you book.

5. They Can Feel a Bit Isolated

In order to have a sprawling beachfront location, all-inclusive resorts often have to be located far from the centre of the town or city. This means that getting out and exploring can require extra effort – taxis, buses, or resort shuttles. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth factoring into your planning.

How to Make the Most of an All-Inclusive Holiday

If you’ve decided to give all inclusive holidays a go – or you’re already a fan looking to get more out of your next stay – here are my top tips:

• Choose shoulder season. Avoid peak summer if you want a quieter, more international crowd. Late August, September, or early October can be magical – still warm, fewer tourists, better prices.
• Pick a resort with variety. Look for multiple restaurants, a decent spa, and a range of activities. The more options, the less likely you are to get bored or feel like the food is repetitive.
• Use it as a base, not a bubble. Plan one or two day trips or evenings out into the local area. This way you get the best of both worlds – relaxation at the resort and a taste of local culture.
• Don’t feel guilty about doing nothing. Seriously. The whole point is to recharge. If you spend the week lounging by the pool reading a book, that’s a perfectly valid holiday. Not every trip needs to be an adventure.
• Get to know the staff. They can be a brilliant source of local recommendations – the best nearby restaurants, hidden beaches, local markets. They often know the area better than any guidebook.
• Read reviews carefully before booking. Not all all-inclusives are equal. Some are genuinely stunning with excellent food and facilities. Others are dated and disappointing. Do your homework.

Where to Go for an All-Inclusive Holiday

Looking for inspiration on best holiday destinations for an all-inclusive? Here are some of my favourites and top recommendations:

• Greece – My personal favourite. The islands near Athens offer beautiful, relaxed all-inclusives with incredible settings. The shoulder season is particularly magical – warm, quieter, and gorgeously golden.
• Spain – It’s hard to beat Spain for hotel options, beautiful beaches, and reliable food. From Majorca to Ibiza to Alicante, there are some amazing Spanish all-inclusive holiday package options for every budget.
• Turkey – Incredible value for money. The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have stunning resorts with excellent food and facilities. A brilliant option for budget-conscious travellers.
• The Canary Islands – A classic for good reason. Year-round sunshine, easy to get to from the UK, and a huge range of all-inclusive options at every price point.
• The Algarve, Portugal – If you want something closer to home with gorgeous scenery and excellent food, the Algarve has some fantastic all-inclusive options that feel a world away from the typical “package holiday” resort.
• Tunisia – Slightly off the radar but genuinely lovely, with beautiful beaches and a fascinating local culture to explore on day trips.

Is an All-Inclusive Holiday Right for You?

Here’s a quick way to work out if an all-inclusive holiday suits your travel style:

All-inclusive is probably for you if:

• You want to genuinely switch off and relax
• You’re travelling with friends or a partner and want a stress-free trip
• You’re on a budget and want to know exactly what you’re spending
• You enjoy having activities and amenities on your doorstep
• You find decision fatigue a real thing (it is, trust me).

You might prefer a different style if:

• Experiencing local culture and cuisine is your main travel motivation
• You get restless easily and need constant stimulation
• You’re a serious foodie who wants restaurant-quality meals every night
• You prefer to be in the heart of a city or town rather than a resort setting.

The truth is, there’s no single “right” way to travel. They’re ideal for travelers who want to relax, eat, and drink without considering budgets and enjoy built-in activities. But if you prefer boutique experiences, exploring local culture, or don’t drink alcohol, you might be better off with a pay-as-you-go trip. Both styles have their place, and honestly? The best travellers mix them up.

I still do my adventurous, culture-heavy trips. I still seek out hidden restaurants and local experiences. But I’ve learned that sometimes the most enriching thing you can do is simply stop, breathe, and let someone else handle the details for a while. And all-inclusive holidays are brilliant at exactly that.

All-Inclusive Holidays: Frequently Asked Questions

• Are all-inclusive holidays worth the money? Yes, genuinely – but it depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to relax, have food and activities on your doorstep, and not think about budgeting whilst you’re away, all-inclusive holidays are fantastic value. You’re paying for convenience, comfort, and peace of mind. Where they feel less worth it is if you end up barely using the facilities or if the resort doesn’t match what was promised in the brochure. Do your research, choose wisely, and they’re absolutely worth it.
• Are all-inclusive resorts boring? They can be, if you let them. But they don’t have to be. The trick is treating your all-inclusive as a base rather than your entire world. Use it to recharge, then venture out for a day trip or an evening meal in a local restaurant. The resort itself usually has enough going on – pools, sports, entertainment – to keep you entertained. And if you’re someone who finds doing nothing genuinely restorative (like me), you won’t find it boring at all.
• Can you actually relax at an all-inclusive? Absolutely. This is honestly the number one reason I’ve come around to all-inclusive holidays. When someone else handles the food, the logistics, and the amenities, your brain finally gets to switch off. No decision fatigue, no googling restaurants at 6pm, no stress about where you’re eating tonight. Just… rest. For someone like me who usually runs around from sunrise to sunset when travelling, the ability to genuinely do nothing was a revelation.
• Are all-inclusive resorts too touristy? Some are, some aren’t. The big resorts in peak season can feel like tourist conveyor belts – but this is easily avoided. Go in shoulder season (late August, September, or October for Mediterranean destinations), and choose a resort that’s a bit more tucked away from the main strips. When we went to Greece after the UK summer holidays ended, the crowd was mostly French, German, and local Greek holidaymakers. It felt wonderfully relaxed and international, not touristy at all.
• What’s the best destination for an all-inclusive holiday? It really depends on your budget and priorities. Greece is my personal favourite – stunning scenery, gorgeous islands near Athens, and a relaxed vibe that’s hard to beat. Turkey offers incredible value for money with beautiful coastlines. The Canary Islands are a classic for good reason – year-round sun and easy to get to from the UK. If you’re after something a bit different, Tunisia is underrated and very affordable. For something closer to home, the Algarve in Portugal has some brilliant options that feel miles away from a typical package holiday resort.

So, Are All-Inclusive Holidays Worth It?

All-inclusive holidays used to feel like the antithesis of everything I believed about travel.

But after experiencing them properly – not as a teenager sneaking out to clubs, but as an adult who genuinely needed to recharge – I’ve come to see them for what they really are: a smart, affordable, and genuinely restorative way to holiday.

The key is choosing wisely. Pick the right destination, the right season, and the right resort. Use it as a relaxing base rather than your entire world. And give yourself permission to actually enjoy doing nothing for a few days.

Because at the end of the day, a holiday should feel like a holiday.

And sometimes, that means letting yourself relax.

Safe travels – and enjoy that free cocktail by the pool.

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