All-inclusive holidays promise vacations free from the stress of watching your pennies, and, crucially, a free bar! They can be fantastic, indulgent, relaxing, holidays, but they aren’t equally good value for everyone. Answer these five key questions to determine if an all-inclusive package will save you money – or leave you subsidising other guests’ champagne breakfasts.

Firstly, a quick note about our methodology. After analysing over 250 all-inclusive packages from different operators across Ireland, we found that On the Beach all-inclusive holidays offered the most transparent pricing and genuine value, so the rest of the article will use their package prices as benchmarks.

But before you book anything, take this honest assessment. Answer each question based on your real travel habits, not your fantasy vacation self.

Question 1: How many days will you actually stay at the resort?

1-2 days out of 7: All-inclusive is not good value for you.

You’re paying for meals and drinks you won’t consume. Half-board or room-only packages give you the flexibility to explore local restaurants and attractions. Invest the money you save into experiences and local dining instead.

3-4 days: All-inclusive provides moderate value.

You’ll get decent use from the package, especially for breakfast and dinner on resort days. Look for properties near attractions you want to visit, so you’re not wasting money on lunch and drinks when you’re exploring. Potential savings: €150-250

5-7 days: All-inclusive could save you around €400-600.

You’ll maximise every aspect of the package. Resort activities, entertainment, and dining become excellent value when you’re there to enjoy them. No need to research restaurants or worry about daily budgets.

Question 2: How many alcoholic drinks do you realistically consume daily?

0-1 drinks: All-inclusive might not be good value for you

You’re essentially subsidising other guests’ alcohol consumption. Look for packages that emphasise premium non-alcoholic options, spa credits, or extensive activity programs instead of unlimited drinks.

2-4 drinks: All-inclusive provides moderate value.

At €5-8 per drink in resort destinations, you’ll break even with moderate consumption. Wine with meals and occasional cocktails add up quickly. This level provides value without needing to be excessive if you don’t want to. Potential savings: €200-350

5+ drinks: All-inclusive could save you around €300-500.

Premium resort cocktails cost €10-15 each when bought separately. You’ll have access to top-shelf spirits, quality wines, and no guilt about ordering drinks throughout the day.

Question 3: What’s your relationship with buffets and resort dining?

“Buffets are about making careful, healthy choices” All-inclusive is not ideal for you.

You may not maximise the food value on offer. You’d be better suited to resorts with excellent à la carte options or packages that emphasise fitness facilities and spa services.

“I prefer small portions of high-quality food” All-inclusive provides moderate value.

Look for adult-only properties or upscale resorts with fine dining restaurants. Many all-inclusive packages now offer a la carte dining credits that suit this approach better than buffet-heavy options. Potential savings: €180-280

“Buffets are an opportunity to try everything” All-inclusive could save you €350-500.

Multiple restaurants, cuisines, and no restrictions on portion sizes make these packages ideal. Perfect for families with varying preferences or adventurous eaters who want to sample everything available.

Question 4: Do you have dietary restrictions?

Gluten-free, vegan, or specific allergies: All-inclusive may be challenging for you.

Limited local restaurant exploration may restrict your dining options. You’ll need to carefully research resort menus and food preparation protocols. Independent booking often gives better dietary control.

Vegetarian or Pescatarian: All-inclusive provides moderate value.

Mediterranean destinations excel at pescetarian cuisine, and Greek resorts offer abundant vegetarian options. Potential savings: €200-400

No dietary restrictions: All-inclusive could save you around €400-600

Full access to all menu items gives you the greatest flexibility and value potential. You can sample local seafood, premium meats, and regional specialities without worrying about costs adding up.

Question 5: What’s your ideal holiday pace?

Active exploration and cultural immersion: All-inclusive is less suitable for you.

These packages may actually limit local experiences. Half-board offers more flexibility for local dining, and the money saved can be used to fund cultural activities and eating at local restaurants.

Mixed approach – some resort time, some exploration: All-inclusive provides moderate value

Choose resorts near cultural attractions so you can use the package for relaxation days and venture out for exploration. Many resorts offer excursion booking services for convenience. Potential savings: €250-400

Relaxed pool and beach focus: All-inclusive could save you around €450-650

Maximum time to enjoy resort facilities means you’ll get full value from leisure amenities, entertainment, and dining options. No daily restaurant decisions or budget calculations required.

Calculating Your All-Inclusive Score

Add up your answers to see where you fall:

Mostly “not good value” answers: Skip all-inclusive

Mix of answers with some moderate value: Consider all-inclusive carefully

Mostly “could save you €X” answers: All-inclusive offers excellent value
You’re the ideal candidate for these packages. Focus on resorts with multiple restaurants, comprehensive activities, and strong entertainment programs.

Why We Recommend On The Beach

After comparing operators, On The Beach consistently delivers the best all-inclusive value for Irish travellers:

Transparent pricing: No hidden resort fees or surprise charges at checkout
Low deposits: Just €10 per person makes booking accessible
Comprehensive packages: Genuine all-inclusive with fewer exclusions than competitors
Quality selection: Vetted resorts with verified guest reviews
Customer protection: Full IPP financial security

Their packages to Rhodes (from €520), Lanzarote (from €460), and Crete (from €440) represent the best value in popular Mediterranean destinations.

Making Your Final Decision

The key to all-inclusive success is honest self-assessment. If you scored highly across multiple questions, these packages offer genuine savings and stress-free holidays. If your answers suggested limited value, you’ll likely have a better experience and save money with more flexible booking options.

Remember: the best holiday package is one that matches your actual travel style, not your aspirational vacation dreams. Choose based on reality, and you’ll get the value and experience you’re looking for.