All Inclusive Holidays
The all inclusive market is an increasingly important part of the holiday market. What started in the Caribbean a couple of decades ago has now spread across most of the resorts in Europe, including the Mediterranean Islands such as the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands and holidays in Cyprus, cheap holidays in Turkey, holidays in the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Kenya and of course the Caribbean holidays to name just a few of the many destinations that embrace the all Inclusive holiday market.
This concept exists all year round and is based in hotels of a variety of standards. The concept is generally in three star hotels and above. The idea of all inclusive is good for the single traveller, couples and families alike. The all inclusive concept gives you piece of mind that the price you pay for your holiday includes everything and you do not need to worry about how much you need to spend on your holiday while you are there. This is particularly important with the way the rate of exchange is going against the pound at the moment. Some hotels offer a choice of board basis. If this is the case, it is always worth checking how much more the all inclusive option would be. You may be pleasantly surprised that usually it is not much more than the half board option.
All Inclusive Holiday Resorts
All inclusive resorts in most cases are purpose built and the only board basis option is the all inclusive programme. Most of these resorts tend to be in tropical locations, although now in the Mediterranean there are is a good selection of all inclusive properties. The resorts have been built in ‘everything included’ in mind, which means you do not have to stray from the resort, everything you want to do, eat or drink is there in the resort and often with a good choice of the activities and restaurants and bars to enjoy. Some resorts are exclusive to adults and others good for all the family. Apart from the Mediterranean resorts, all inclusive holidays are also common on many long-haul destinations like the Caribbean, the Maldives, Goa and other islands in the Indian Ocean.
What's included in your all-inclusive holiday or resort?
All hotels and resorts will differ slightly but in general terms you will get included
• Your drinks, soft and alcoholic drinks all day and at meal times. Generally, these will be locally branded drinks and some international brands but generally not premium brands, some resorts will allow you to pay supplements for premium brands.
• Food - during the day you will be able to pretty much eat what you want and in a choice of restaurants in your hotel or resort. In the evening, most hotels and resorts will have a choice of dining places, in particular the larger resorts. In most cases what you eat and drink will be included in the price you pay at the beginning and you are not limited to the amount of food you eat or when you choose to eat it. Some all inclusive hotels and resorts may have a "fine dining" restaurant. Some will include this in your cost but you might be perhaps limited not to eat there more than once and others may charge a supplement.
• All inclusive hotels and resorts generally have a good range of activities. For example, a good range of water sports such as windsurfing, canoeing, water rides and sailing. These are most likely to be free of charge, some resorts may also offer diving and jet skis, although extended use of these two may involve a payment locally. All inclusive destinations will also offer land based sports like beach volley ball, tennis and perhaps golf. Most resorts have a gym and often offer aerobics and fitness classes.
• Children's clubs can be a big part of an all inclusive trip if you are a family. Most resorts will have a properly organised club where you can leave your children to join in the fun with other children in a properly organised way and under professional supervision. This way you can relax and enjoy your holidays knowing your kids are in good hands.
• Excursions - some destinations organise excursions to the local sights. In general, these will be included in the price but the number of trips you go on may be restricted.
• Your all inclusive deal will include all the things you would normally expect on a holiday such as your flights, transfers airport taxes and accommodation.
Why should I book an all-inclusive holiday ?
If you want to know how much your holiday is going to cost you in total at the time of booking, including your spending money, then this style of holiday is for you. You will be able to budget right from the beginning what you need to save for your holiday.
If you are looking not to move too far from the sun lounger but still have lots of facilities at your resort or hotel, then this type of holiday is for you.
If you enjoy indulging on your holiday but don't want to have to worry about the cost all the time then an all inclusive holiday or resort is for you.
All Inclusive holidays are not necessarily that much more expensive for what you get included. Some destinations offer a range of all inclusive deals to fit different budgets.
