by All-Inclusive Resorts: Is The Package Worth It?
16 Jul, 2025Picture this: you’re lounging on a pool chair, someone brings another mango daiquiri with a smile, and the kids are off hunting for treasure with a resort activity host. It feels almost too easy. That’s the allure of the all-inclusive—a vacation style that promises everything covered in one upfront price. But, does it really live up to the hype, or is it a clever marketing trick? There’s more to this decision than just the sticker price, so let’s dig into what’s really waiting behind the glossy brochure photos.
What Does 'All-Inclusive' Actually Cover?
“All-inclusive” sounds simple, but every resort defines it their own way. Some places will bill themselves as all-in, toss in not much more than buffet food and watery beer, and then upsell you on everything else. Others go all out: fine dining, full bars, water activities, entertainment, even your airport shuttle. One 2023 survey from a travel analytics site found that 37% of travelers were surprised by unexpected charges at a so-called all-inclusive resort—so paying attention to the fine print really matters.
If you’ve never stayed at one, think of all-inclusives as the ultimate ‘set it and forget it’ for travelers. Meals, drinks (sometimes alcohol), snacks at any hour, activities from yoga to snorkeling, daily programs for the kids—some resorts even include spa credits or golf time. But not all all-inclusives are built the same. Those kid-friendly family resorts? Their inclusions will differ wildly from the couples-only spots that might spoil you with sushi nights and champagne brunches.
The best way to know what you’re really getting for your money is to read the breakdown before you book. Some resorts give you everything except premium liquors, certain restaurants, and motorized water sports. Others only cover meal buffets and soft drinks, with fancier dining or cocktails coming at an extra cost. Watch out for those dreaded ‘resort fees’ or ‘activity charges’ buried in the fine print. When I booked a resort in Jamaica last winter with Clara, we almost missed the line about airport transfers not being included—a sneaky $90 each way.
So what’s typically included? Here’s a quick rundown, but remember to check each property:
- Standard meals: usually buffet and a selection of à la carte spots
- Coffee, tea, most soft drinks, house wine, and local beer
- Poolside snacks or room service at set times
- Non-motorized water sports (think paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling gear)
- Resort activities and nightly entertainment
- Kids’ clubs and family play programs (at family-oriented properties)
- Fitness centers, yoga classes, and group games
Doing the Math: When Does All-Inclusive Save You Money?
Here’s where it gets tricky: sometimes all-inclusive is a ripoff for budget travelers, and other times it’s an absolute steal. The secret? It all comes down to your travel style and who you’re traveling with.
For parents, the numbers can favor all-inclusives fast. Once, while traveling with my two nieces, we realized all our poolside snack orders, fancy non-alcoholic drinks, and endless pizza lunches would’ve set us back an easy $100 per day—no joke. Checking receipts at dine-out resorts, I could see why families love having those costs bundled in. If you’ve got a pack of hungry teenagers, an all-inclusive often pays for itself in three days.
Bargain hunters and couples can also win big if you go for the right properties. Italy or Paris all-inclusives almost never make sense (the food out in town just can’t be beat). But in spots like Mexico, the Caribbean, or Thailand, resorts buy food and drink at scale, so the buffet and unlimited bar tab adds up. Statistics from 2024 showed that visitors who stuck to the resort for meals and drinks saved up to 38% over booking à la carte.
Of course, there are times all-inclusive makes zero sense. Foodies who crave local restaurants or travelers who plan on sightseeing away from the resort will pay double. Spending all day exploring ruins in Tulum or hiking in Costa Rica? You’ll get more value and flavor by booking a nice guesthouse and eating wherever the locals do. But if you love the idea of a week parked under an umbrella with a cold drink and not much else, it’s hard to beat the ease.
Another factor is the time of year. Some all-inclusives throw in bonus credits or free upgrades during low seasons—September through mid-December, for example. Price trackers noticed that the average nightly rate for a four-star all-inclusive in Mexico dropped by nearly $97 in October, compared to peak winter dates. That’s real savings if you’re flexible with your travel dates.
The Real Pros and Cons of All-Inclusive Holidays
All-inclusives have their passionate fans and their harshest critics. I’ve met travelers who swear they’ll never do anything else, and some who say they’d rather self-cater in a mountain hut. Here’s the naked truth, straight from my own experiences and what I’ve gathered from other globe-trotters.
On the plus side, all-inclusive means zero bill shock. It’s liberating not to stress about the tab every time you want a second cocktail or an ice cream. Families and groups can split costs up-front and know nobody is getting stuck with the expensive dinner bill. Resorts these days put real effort into making food more interesting: theme nights, pop-up food trucks, local wine tastings. You can just let the schedule go and relax.
Convenience is the main draw for most travelers. Parents love the free kids’ clubs (with everything from scavenger hunts to cooking lessons), and introverts appreciate the low-key activity options: kayak in the morning, boogie to salsa at night, play bingo somewhere in between. Safety is another plus, especially for solo or female travelers. Big resort complexes have 24/7 security, private beaches, and sealed perimeters. You never have to worry about negotiating with local taxi drivers or wandering into an iffy neighborhood with your phone in your hand.
But you do pay for that bubble. Some say you never really saw the country—you just saw the inside of a resort. There can be a ‘samey’ feel to all-inclusives, especially the big-chain ones. Walk from pool to bar to beach, and you could be in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, or the Canary Islands; it all blends. The environmental impact can nag at travelers too: mega resorts use tons of resources. To counter this, some brands now offer eco-programs, cut back on single-use plastics, source food from local farms, or run water conservation projects—it’s good to support those who try.
One little-known downside? You might end up paying for what you never use. Some guests avoid all alcohol, or hate spa days, or skip nightly entertainment. If you’re not using all the perks, you’re subsidizing the guests who are out to make the most of every piña colada. And if you tire of buffet food fast, you’ll either pay for a la carte upgrades or end up eating recycled hotel chicken every night.
All-inclusives are also less flexible for spontaneous plans. Meet someone cool at the swim-up bar who wants to explore the neighboring town? Unless you want to burn money you’ve already paid, leaving the resort feels wasteful. Travel purists sometimes say all-inclusive guests “miss the local flavor.” There’s some truth. I’ve enjoyed trips more where we left the resort bubble—even snagging spicy tacos from a shack on the side of a Tulum highway was a highlight Clara still talks about.
Pro tip: If you go this route, check if the resort offers more than just the basic buffet. Properties with a handful of specialty restaurants (even small chains like Hyatt Zilara or Club Med) make a real difference. Also, peek at the daily activities schedule before you book—a week of aqua aerobics and trivia gets old unless there are richer options.
Tips for Getting the Most Value from All-Inclusive Resorts
If you decide that all-inclusive is up your alley, there are a few ways to avoid the rookie mistakes I’ve made (and seen others make) along the way.
First, timing is everything. Watch for shoulder seasons—those wonky weeks just after school holidays or before major local festivals. Prices dip, pools open up, and resort staff often go the extra mile. If you don’t have to travel at Christmas or spring break, you’ll save hundreds. Check travel deal sites, loyalty programs, or flash sales. Some all-inclusives throw in resort credits, massage vouchers, or even free nights for booking direct, so compare before you book.
Second, double-check exactly what is included. Can you upgrade drinks? Are snorkeling lessons or paddleboards free, or only at certain hours? What’s the real fine print with the so-called “premium” restaurants? It’s amazing how often guests assume everything’s free, only to find a surprise $30 charge on check-out for the steakhouse night. Always email or call the hotel with a list of must-haves, and get answers in writing.
Don’t forget about off-resort excursions. Some of the best travel stories come from exploring away from your pool chair. It’s totally fine to mix it up: spend four days at the resort, then take a day trip to see the local village or go hiking. Local tour operators (not always the resort desk) can offer much better rates and more authentic experiences. But make safety a priority—always verify reputable transportation or guides, especially in unfamiliar countries.
Bring a small amount of local currency for tips and off-resort snacks. Contrary to what some assume, tipping is still a thing at all-inclusives—even if it’s not required, it’s deeply appreciated, especially by cleaning staff or bartenders. In Mexico last winter, a few dollars with breakfast got us extra hot sauce and morning coffee on our balcony every day.
Room selection can make or break your stay. Booking a base-level room and then angling for an upgrade at check-in is a classic move, but don’t count on miracles if it’s high season. If being near the beach, away from kid noise, or close to the main pool matters, call ahead and note your requests. I’ve seen people walk away with the best oceanfront view just by asking for a corner room politely—or by mentioning a special occasion like a birthday or honeymoon.
If you have special dietary needs, notify the resort well in advance. All-inclusives are getting better about vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly menus, but the better heads-up they have, the less stressful your meals will be.
Keep an open mind and set reasonable expectations. That buffet station will never rival a Michelin experience, but it beats airplane food. Get to know the staff—bartenders usually remember a friendly face or a good joke and might let you sample something off-menu. Dive into the resort activities even if you wouldn’t at home—who knows, you might end up winning trivia night or catching a killer sunset yoga class on the sand.
The reality with most all-inclusives? You get what you pay for, but with a little prep and the right mindset, you really can leave your wallet in the safe—and just focus on soaking up the sun and making memories. For many, that’s worth every cent.