Common questions
Is all-inclusive always cheaper than self-catering?
Not always, and it depends heavily on how much you would genuinely cook and drink if self-catering. For families or groups who eat and drink a lot, all-inclusive often works out better value since every meal and drink is already covered. For couples or smaller groups planning to cook most meals, self-catering can be considerably cheaper.
What extra costs do all-inclusive packages sometimes still charge?
Premium or branded drinks above the standard house selection, speciality restaurants beyond the main buffet, spa treatments, excursions and some water sports are commonly charged as extras even at resorts marketed as all-inclusive. Always check exactly what is included before comparing the headline price.
Does self-catering only make sense if you actually cook?
Largely, yes. The potential savings from self-catering come almost entirely from cooking rather than eating out. If you know realistically you will eat out most nights on holiday, the accommodation savings alone are usually not enough to beat a well-priced all-inclusive package.
Which option is better for large families?
All-inclusive often has an edge for larger families since food and drink costs are fixed and predictable per person, which matters when feeding several children. Self-catering can still work well if the property has enough space and a proper kitchen, since the accommodation cost is shared across more people rather than paid per person.