First-time at an all-inclusive? Here’s exactly what to expect

If you’re looking to reduce the stress and hassle that comes with going on holiday, then looking for an all-inclusive resort might be a sensible way forward. For example, if you want to see Gran Canaria, you might stop at the Servatur Waikiki.

But if you’ve never taken this route before, you might not be entirely sure what to expect. Let’s see if we can shed some light on the concept.

What “All-Inclusive” Actually Means Now

What qualifies as ‘all-inclusive’ might vary from one provider to the next. In one instance, you might get your flights, drinks, food, transfers and accommodation paid for. In another, you might have to pay for your own drinks. It’s worth checking what’s included, as this will help you to determine whether the deal is as good as it might first appear to be.

In 2025, the popularity of the all-inclusive break has surged to an all-time high. Travellers are looking to cut down on the work that goes into booking many different activities, hotels, and restaurants. They’re also keen to reduce the uncertainty that comes when costs aren’t fixed.

How Trends And New Rules Affect Your Holiday

Driving this new wave of all-inclusive bookings, predominantly, are younger travellers looking for a way to relax, and escape from day-to-day budgeting concerns.

In 2024, the UK government sought to make digital markets fairer, with the help of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act. This had a major impact on the package holiday market, and the way that they are sold. This means that companies are now largely forbidden from hiding the true cost of your trip in the small print, and that the average tourist is less likely to be stung by ‘drip pricing’ – which occurs when your final bill is gradually increased by a steady stream of smaller charges.

What To Watch Out For Inclusions And Extras

There are a number of particular conditions worth looking out for when you book your trip. Even if your drinks are paid for, you might arrive to find that there’s a limit on how much you can order at one time, and that the bar is so busy that you physically can’t get to the drinks you’re owed. There might be additional charges for certain branded products, or for the use of spa facilities and other extras.

The use of the term ‘all inclusive plus’ is now a fairly commonplace way of indicating that a package really does include all that you might expect it to. Again, you’ll need to compare different providers, and study the small print carefully, if you want to avoid being disappointed when you arrive.

Making The Most Of Your First All-Inclusive

There are a number of tricks that experienced package-holiday travellers tend to employ. For example, you might check activity schedules early, and book anything that looks tempting. Eating at off-peak times can help you to avoid congestion, and investigating local activities can help you to avoid the feeling that you’re stuck in the hotel. Younger travellers might simply keep their trips short, so that they can get an idea of whether this form of holiday really is right for their needs.