For this week’s Reality Cheque, we’re wondering if all-inclusives really are the best value for a getaway vacation.
By Vanessa Chiasson
When Lara Wellman’s children were young, all-inclusive vacations seemed like a good choice.“The idea of managing three kids on a trip and figuring out food and daily activities was way too much,” she remembers. Opting for an all-inclusive “meant things were more controlled.” It also meant she could worry less about money. “I also fret about what I’m spending on a trip,” she says, adding, “Having pre-spent the money takes that out of the equation.”
Wellman isn’t alone when it comes to appreciating the low-stress, low-cost model of the all-inclusive vacation package. A 2022 Sunwing survey found that just over half of Canadians planning to travel internationally were likely to book an all-inclusive trip. It’s easy to see why. All-inclusive vacations don’t require much planning or worry. And they’re also often budget-friendly, thanks to their attractive price point and the fact that the bulk of costs are paid upfront. However, as Wellman found out, cost and value aren’t always the same thing.
When all-inclusive can become expensive for Canadian travellers
As Wellman’s family grew, so did the cost of that once-affordable all-inclusive. With three children and two adults, the young Canadian family exceeded the four-person-per-room limit most resorts enforce. A child-size cot wasn’t an option, and Wellman had to book a second room. That meant her vacation costs nearly doubled, and the financial frustrations weren’t finished there. She had to pay even more to book connecting rooms.
Allie George is another Canadian traveller who feels that the cost of an all-inclusive vacation doesn’t always line up with its value proposition. In her case, food is the frustration. “My point of view is that you pay for convenience.”
All-inclusive resorts are certainly better known for culinary convenience (lots of on-site restaurants and generous buffets) than for their exceptional cuisine. As such, George is happy to cook her own tasty yet frugal meals with local ingredients. “Why would I pay more not to enjoy my meal?”
A 2017 Intrepid Travel-commissioned survey revealed 62% of travellers felt tasting local food was a top benefit of leaving the resort life. George is clearly not the only one craving better bites.
So, are all-inclusives really that great a deal?
Getting an all-inclusive deal
There’s no denying that there are some stellar vacation deals out there for patient bargain hunters. If you’re flexible about where you go and when, you might just find yourself in a sweet spot of nabbing a sale. Sometimes it’s even cheaper to book an all-inclusive package than stand-alone airline tickets. You can’t argue with that.
What’s not included in an all-inclusive vacation package
The all-inclusive model isn’t automatically the cheapest way to travel, though. Resorts are subject to the same supply-and-demand forces as any other business, and you can expect to pay plenty during peak periods (like March break).
Spa treatments and golf almost always incur extra charges (though some pricier packages include credits which can be used for these services). You may also encounter added costs for premium beverages, upgraded meals at signature restaurants, and even internet access.
Who is still charging for Wi-Fi? Many an all-inclusive resort, that’s who!
Budget yourself for tips, travel expenses and any souvenirs. Otherwise you may have a trip that costs much more than you expect and well above the advertised price.
When to book an all-in vacay
Instead of automatically assuming that all-inclusive vacations are always cheap, think of them as a strong starting point in your search for an affordable and low-stress trip. The big question is whether or not all-inclusives represent good value to you. Fans of sun, surf, and sand appreciate all-inclusive resort packages, as do travellers who are eager to rest, relax, and reconnect with family and friends.
Paying in advance and not facing a big bill once your tan has faded also appeals to people who want to minimize financial stress. However, if you don’t love everything that’s included or you’re affected by what’s excluded, an all-inclusive trip might not be your best deal, regardless of the price point.
DIY trip planning versus all-inclusive
Presently, George is planning a trip to a popular resort destination with her family, but they’re doing it their own way. “We are currently planning a trip to Cancun and we specifically opted not to take the all-inclusive option, so we can get a suite with a kitchen and cook for ourselves.”
Wellman’s family has enjoyed many trip styles over the years as her children have grown up, and she takes a philosophical approach to the cost-versus-value proposition of the all-inclusive model, reflecting: “I think all-inclusive was a better deal in decades past. It was cheaper than a lot of other vacation options for a family of five, but still not as cheap as I remember people spending on all-inclusives ten years before that.”
All in all, she says, “I knew it wasn’t the cheapest option, but it felt like good value for what we were getting.”
Vanessa Chiasson is a freelance writer focusing on human interest narratives, often covering sustainable travel and the intersection of food, culture, and community. In the industry since 2012, Vanessa helps other writers develop cozy business strategies that support their artistic endeavours.
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