NIGEL THOMPSON MARJORIE YUE Does it pay to go all out for all-in?
All-inclusive family holidays abroad are all the rage, with 30 per cent of Brits set to take that option this year. Reasons range from “it cuts the cost of kids’ meals and drinks” to “it’s good value as everything is included and I don’t need to take spending money”.
But are they all they’re cracked up to be? A study released yesterday by Post Office Travel Money Extra shows a whopping 82 per cent of those on all-inclusive packages ended up forking out hundreds of pounds extra.
Eight in 10 families coughed up an average of £139 for in-hotel extras.
And 90 per cent headed out to local shops and restaurants for food and drinks, adding another £292.
The Post Office says that makes all-inclusive holidays actually more expensive in nine out of 10 popular European hotspots, compared with going B&B and eating out in resort restaurants. Majorca was the only place where all-inclusive proved cheaper – with B&B a much better deal on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, Italy’s Neapolitan Riviera, Spain’s Costa del Sol and Portugal’s Algarve.
Families also griped about buffet boredom in all-inclusives, with lack of food choice. More than a third forked out an average of £67 at their hotel on a la carte meals. A Post Office spokesman said: “Do your homework and find out exactly what is and what isn’t included as soon as you arrive in your resort.
“Avoid falling into financial pitfalls like charges made for drinks late at night, and limited periods when ice creams are free.
“Learn the rules of your resort and save yourself cash.” postoffice.co.uk/travel rome2rio.com portaventuraworld.com Britannia Luggage Tag, £30, davidhampton.com
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