Did you ever book an all-inclusive holiday and think you’d found the world’s best travel hack, only to be let down by the experience? You’re not alone. All-inclusive packages have exploded in popularity—over 40% of resort stays globally were all-inclusive by 2024, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. But with that convenience comes a stack of disadvantages most ads don’t mention. If you’ve ever wondered what pitfalls are hiding behind those picture-perfect brochures, get ready for a dose of reality.
The Illusion of True Value: What’s Really Included?
On the surface, all-inclusive deals can look unbeatable. For one upfront price, you get unlimited food, drinks, entertainment, and some activities. But here’s the thing—what you see is rarely what you get. Look closer at the fine print and you’ll see what’s actually included can be extremely limited. Premium alcohol? Often extra. Excursions beyond the pool? Prepare your wallet. Even Wi-Fi can come with a fee, which feels ridiculous in 2025 when free Wi-Fi is a basic expectation almost everywhere—from airports to fast-food joints.
According to a 2023 survey by TripAdvisor, 41% of all-inclusive guests paid unexpected extras that bumped up their holiday costs. That surprise bill from a beachfront dinner or a branded cocktail isn’t a rare event. Many resorts have a "standard" menu for all-inclusives and a more tempting menu with a price tag. Then there are the activities: jet skis, scuba diving, snorkeling trips, and spa treatments are big draws in brochures but typically cost extra, sometimes more than booking them independently. The free inclusions can leave you locked into the resort’s pre-set schedule, with popular times and activities often fully booked in advance, while specialty restaurants routinely require reservations days ahead—so much for spontaneity.
Even when it comes to tipping, the waters are murky. All-inclusive doesn’t always mean “no tipping needed.” In many countries, staff rely on tips to supplement wages, so guests often find themselves paying out extra cash for good service, adding to those sneaky costs that keep creeping in.
The Crowds and Cookie-Cutter Experience
Ever heard someone say, "It felt like being on a holiday factory belt?" That’s a common gripe with these packages. Resorts pack in as many guests as possible, especially during peak season. You might imagine lazy mornings by a quiet pool, but reality often looks more like a sea of plastic sunbeds reserved at dawn, crowded buffets, and long lines for that one decent coffee machine. In a World Hotels Group study last year, guest satisfaction in high-season all-inclusive resorts was 23% lower than at boutique or self-catered stays.
The cookie-cutter approach strips out the quirks that make each destination unique. You end up eating the same international buffet food as everyone else—rarely a good cure for wanderlust. At big-brand resorts, the food might not even be particularly local. Ever had an all-inclusive Italian night in Greece? Or endless burgers in Mexico? Local specialties and fresh options struggle in settings geared for mass catering, and that means you’re rarely getting an authentic taste of the place.
Then there’s the entertainment. It’s often designed for the broadest possible crowd, so you’ll see the same aqua aerobics, trivia games, basic live bands, and karaoke everywhere. The result? Everyone’s having the same "unique" experience...sort of like a cruise ship, but without the novelty of the open sea.
Isolation From Local Culture
The biggest letdown for many? Feeling like you never really left home. Step off the plane, shuttle to a private compound, never leave its walls, and then fly home again. You could swap out Mexico for Turkey or Spain and not notice much difference once you’re inside an all-inclusive resort. Back in 2024, a Skyscanner poll found that more than half of travelers at all-inclusive resorts could not recall the name of the nearest town, and over 70% hadn’t tried a single restaurant outside their resort.
Missing out on local customs isn’t just about food—it’s about atmosphere. The charm of a winding village street, the small shops, the surprise of stumbling onto a local market or festival—these moments don’t fit inside the schedule of pre-organized activities and buffets. While safety and convenience drive many travelers behind all-inclusive gates, you’re trading authentic discovery for a tightly managed and—frankly—bland version of travel.
If you do want to get out, you’ll often pay top dollar for tours offered by the resort, which are marked up compared to booking directly with local guides. There’s something a little backwards about flying to a beautiful destination and never really experiencing it.
Environmental and Ethical Concerns
All-inclusive holidays can take a heavy toll on local environments and economies. Mass tourism puts huge pressure on limited resources—think about the water, energy, and food needed to keep thousands of guests happy in a single resort, especially in places where locals already deal with shortages. In dry countries like Egypt or the Canary Islands, water consumption at major resorts is several times higher per person compared to outside the tourist bubble, according to an EU sustainability report from late 2023.
Then there’s the issue of food waste. Buffets are notorious for encouraging overproduction. Every day, tons of food get dumped, while local farms sometimes have trouble competing with cheap imports brought in for hotel kitchens. The sheer size of some resorts—even more so when they’re ringed by fences and guarded gates—means money that could trickle into local guesthouses, restaurants, or markets is funneled almost entirely to a corporate chain. The local workforce is often paid minimum legal wages with little job security.
Some all-inclusive brands are getting better about sustainability—they might have programs to reduce plastic, hire more locals, or support conservation efforts. But these efforts are patchy and far from standard. When you pick the path of least effort as a vacationer, you’re often ignoring the ripple effect your trip can have on the place you’ve come to enjoy.
Tips for Getting the Most from Your Holiday—With or Without All-Inclusive
Thinking of booking an all-inclusive trip anyway? You can still make smarter choices. First, always compare the inclusions and exclusions from different resorts. Don’t trust the headline price—ask for details: which meals, which drinks, what activities, and exactly how many nights those special perks cover. If you spot a dreamy lobster dinner on the promo photos, double check if it’s in the basic package or a pricey add-on.
If you travel in the off-season, you might get better value—and smaller crowds. Check reviews from real travelers focused on what was surprisingly not included or what they ended up paying extra for.
Don’t be afraid to skip a few lunches or dinners at your resort and venture into surrounding villages or towns. You’ll find tastier food, probably for less money, and you’ll support real local businesses. Even half a day outside the resort can break up the routine and give you richer stories to bring home.
Eco-conscious? Look for resorts certified by respected programs, like Green Globe or Travelife, with transparent sustainability practices. Ask about staff wages and community partnerships to see if your money is staying local.
Finally, if you really care about *all-inclusive packages* but want that off-the-beaten-path vibe, consider splitting your trip. Spend a few days at a resort to unwind, then book a couple nights at a guesthouse or traditional inn. This “split stay” trend has grown by 26% year-on-year, as more travelers try to balance relaxation with a taste of real adventure.
Remember, no package is perfect. The best trips always come from a bit of research and a willingness to get curious beyond the buffet.