Why all-inclusive holidays are great for families

All-inclusive family holidays can help you save money, especially in the Eurozone and particularly if you're paying in sterling - and if you have teenagers who seem to never stop eating! They can also spare you hours of research and planning as virtually every detail of your holiday is organised for you as part of the holiday package.

If you're new to travelling with children, an all-inclusive holiday can be reassuring, with all meals, drinks and snacks included, and a wide variety of food that caters to all tastes and diets - some even offer baby/toddler equipment so that you don't have to pack so much.

If you're unfamiliar with the destination, a lot of our tour operators will also have a representative who visits your all-inclusive hotel and can offer ideas on things to see and do and answer any queries. 

Have a look at our all-inclusive holidays in the UK, Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East, the Indian Ocean and Asia.

Particularly popular destinations for all-inclusive family holidays are Tenerife, Menorca, Greece and its islands, and Turkey. Take a look at our special deals and latest offers with all-inclusive holiday providers:  
• Ikos Resorts: Luxurious ultra-all-inclusive options in Greece and Spain.
• Beaches Resorts: Super-family-friendly Caribbean properties.
• Club Med: French-founded firm with a global spread of activity-focused beachclubs, plus ski properties.
• Beachcomber Resorts: 4* and 5* family-friendly hotels in Mauritius.

Bear in mind that some family activity holidays are all-inclusive, as are many family ski holidays (minus extras such as ski lessons and gear hire).

Tips

• Note that the definition of 'all-inclusive' varies, so check what you actually get – for instance, some activities and services (such as scuba-diving and childcare) may be extra, and the unlimited free soft drinks and sometimes alcohol may extend to local offerings but not your favourite brands. 
 
• Check if a resort’s non-buffet restaurants cost extra, and if you plan to use them, find out if you need to book in advance. (If you don’t use them, you may start to find the buffets very repetitive.)
 
• Find a place offering lots of activities, preferably included in the price. If you’re going to be mainly in one place, you want to have plenty to do. 
 
• On the other hand, unless you don’t mind risking cabin fever, find a hotel or resort with at least a few sites of interest nearby. It’s a shame to go abroad and not see something beyond where you’re staying – or to contribute to the local economy. Bear in mind that many all-inclusive hotels and resorts are in quite isolated spots and don’t give much of a flavour of local life.
 
• Doublecheck whether childcare (included in the price or extra) needs to be booked in advance (perhaps at the time of your overall reservation). Make sure timings and age limits make it suited to your needs, and check for official accreditation and that the staff speak good English (other parents’ feedback is always useful, as are review sites).