Is it cheaper to get all-inclusive? Here’s what you really pay for

When you see the price tag on an all-inclusive resort-$300 a night, meals, drinks, activities included-it’s easy to think you’re getting a steal. But is it really cheaper than booking a regular hotel, paying for meals separately, and buying drinks on-site? The answer isn’t simple. It depends on where you go, how you eat, what you drink, and how much you actually use.

What’s really included in an all-inclusive package?

All-inclusive sounds like magic: food, drinks, snacks, activities, even tips. But not all packages are created equal. Some resorts include premium liquor, lobster dinners, and snorkeling gear. Others give you bottled water, basic soda, and a buffet with lukewarm pasta. The difference can be hundreds of dollars.

Here’s what you typically get:

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner-usually buffet style with limited à la carte options.
• Drinks: Local beer, house wine, soft drinks, and sometimes basic cocktails. Premium brands like Jack Daniel’s or imported wine? Often extra.
• Activities: Non-motorized water sports, yoga, fitness classes, nightly shows. Scuba diving? Jet skiing? Usually not included.
• Tips and taxes: Often bundled, so no surprise charges at checkout.
• Snacks: Poolside bites, ice cream, afternoon tea-usually available all day.

Resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean tend to have broader inclusions. In Europe or Southeast Asia, you might get more basic offerings. Always check the fine print before booking.

How much do you really spend outside an all-inclusive?

Let’s say you’re planning a 7-night trip to Cancún. You book a standard 4-star hotel for $120 a night. That’s $840. Now, add in meals and drinks:

• Breakfast: $15 per person = $210 for two
• Lunch: $20 per person = $280
• Dinner: $35 per person = $490
• Drinks: 2 cocktails/day + 2 beers/day = $100 per person = $1,400 for the week
• Tips and taxes: $100

Total? $3,320. That’s nearly four times the price of a mid-tier all-inclusive at the same resort.

But wait-you didn’t factor in the fact that most people don’t eat out for every meal. If you skip lunch, eat one breakfast, and only have two drinks a day? Your cost drops to $1,600. Still more than the all-inclusive’s $1,800 package.

Here’s the real math: if you’re the type who eats three meals a day, drinks regularly, and wants to try a few activities, the all-inclusive almost always wins. If you’re a light eater, prefer local street food, or drink mostly water? You might save money going à la carte.

Where all-inclusive trips go wrong

The biggest mistake? Assuming you’ll use everything. Most travelers don’t. A 2023 survey by Travel + Leisure found that 68% of all-inclusive guests skipped at least one included activity. Half didn’t order premium drinks even when available.

Here’s what most people waste money on:

• Premium alcohol: You pay for access, but rarely order it. A $12 cocktail you never drink is still part of your cost.
• Overpriced snacks: Ice cream at 3 p.m. isn’t worth $5 if you could’ve bought a popsicle at the corner store.
• Activities you don’t care about: Zumba class? Sunset yoga? If you’re not interested, you’re paying for nothing.

And don’t forget the hidden trade-off: you’re locked in. If you want to explore a local market, eat at a family-run restaurant, or take a day trip to a nearby ruin, you’re paying for a package that doesn’t let you leave.

When all-inclusive is a scam

Not all resorts deliver what they promise. Some places inflate the base price, then offer a "discounted" all-inclusive deal that’s barely better than paying separately.

Watch out for:

• Restricted dining: Only one restaurant open for dinner, with long waits and limited choices.
• Time-limited drink service: Bars close at 10 p.m., or premium drinks are only available at certain hours.
• Hidden fees: Resort fees, mandatory gratuities, or charges for towel service.
• Low-quality food: Reheated pizza, soggy fries, and plastic fruit platters.

Read recent reviews-especially from travelers who stayed 5+ nights. Look for phrases like "never left the resort," "food was terrible," or "drinks were watered down." Those are red flags.

When all-inclusive saves you money

It’s not magic. It’s math. All-inclusive makes sense when:

• You’re traveling with kids. Kids eat. A lot. And they’re picky. All-inclusive means no arguments over $18 kids’ meals.
• You drink alcohol regularly. A bottle of rum at a resort bar can cost $15. At a local liquor store? $20 for a whole bottle.
• You’re in a place where food and drinks are expensive. Think Bali, the Maldives, or the French Riviera.
• You want zero budget stress. No checking receipts, no debating who pays for what.
• You’re staying 5+ nights. The more days you stay, the more you use the package-and the more you save.

One traveler in Jamaica stayed 10 nights at an all-inclusive. She drank 3 cocktails a day, ate every meal, and took snorkeling twice. Her total spend? $2,100. If she’d stayed at a regular hotel? $4,800. That’s a $2,700 difference.

Smart tips to make all-inclusive work for you

If you’re considering an all-inclusive, here’s how to get the most value:

1. Book early, but not the cheapest. The lowest-priced all-inclusive often means the worst food or the furthest location from the beach.
2. Check the drink list. Does "unlimited drinks" mean local beer only? Or does it include Crown Royal? If you like whiskey, skip the basic package.
3. Look for family or adult-only options. Family resorts have kids’ clubs and pizza nights. Adult-only resorts often have better bars and quieter pools.
4. Compare the price per night with non-inclusive options. Use Google Hotels. Filter for "all-inclusive" and see how it stacks up against similar hotels without meals.
5. Ask about upgrades. Sometimes paying $50 more gets you access to a premium restaurant or better room. If you’ll use it, it’s worth it.

Final verdict: Is it cheaper?

Yes-if you’re the average traveler who eats, drinks, and relaxes at the resort. For most people, all-inclusive is cheaper. Not because it’s a bargain, but because you’re paying upfront for what you’d spend anyway. It’s like buying a monthly pass to the gym-you pay more upfront, but you use it enough to justify it.

No-if you’re a minimalist traveler who prefers local food, walks into town for coffee, and rarely drinks alcohol. In that case, a regular hotel with a kitchenette and a local market might save you 40%.

The key isn’t the label. It’s your habits. Ask yourself: "Do I actually use what’s included?" If the answer is yes, go all-inclusive. If it’s no, book separately and explore.

Callum Hawkes

I am an expert in the tourism industry with a particular passion for writing about charming cottages and luxurious hotels. My work frequently takes me to fascinating destinations where I delve into the unique stories behind the accommodations. I am always eager to explore new places and share my insights with fellow travelers. My pursuit of cozy, memorable experiences shapes everything I write.