If you’re planning a beach holiday, I know that many people’s default choice is to stay on All Inclusive – and there are a number of benefits to deciding on this option. To all intents and purposes, you’ll know that all expenses for your trip are covered before you travel – with no unpleasant surprises in terms of bar bills or incidentals. It certainly makes sense if you’re travelling to somewhere like the Maldives where the only dining and drinking options are in the resort and drinks can be very expensive. Similarly, if you’re planning on staying at a hotel that’s quite isolated and some distance from the nearest town or village, and you don’t intend to do much exploring, All Inclusive can be the best choice for you. It’s also a good option for family holidays because soft drinks for the kids can certainly mount up over the course of a fortnight.
I do think it’s definitely worth considering staying on Bed & Breakfast in certain Asian destinations like Thailand, Sri Lanka and Bali. Firstly, finding hotels that offer All Inclusive in these destinations is more challenging – so you’ll be limiting your choice of resort. Secondly, in all these countries it’s quite cheap to eat locally and to eat fabulous food at a different restaurant each night. I like to work with my clients to find hotels that are perfectly located by a beach, but just a stroll away from local eateries. The average price of a 3 course meal in a mid-range restaurant in Bali, Sri Lanka and somewhere like Koh Samui in Thailand is under £18 for 2 people – excellent value in comparison to the price you’ll be paying for dinner in a hotel. Another thing to consider is that All Inclusive packages are calculated on the basis that you’re going to drink your own body weight in alcohol – so if you’re not a big drinker you’re going to be paying well over the odds for whatever drinks you do consume.
So, I think it’s horses for courses really. And I’d urge you to think outside the All Inclusive box before you book your holiday. Get in touch and let's discuss which option is right for your next trip.
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