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All-inclusive: value, variety and peace of mind
If the present economic climate has got you shopping around for ways to save money on your next holiday, we have a great idea for you: all-inclusive. Nicola Iseard has the lowdown on how an all-inclusive holiday can save you time and money and, most importantly, give you peace of mind throughout your trip:
Save time...
Why spend hours trawling the internet for the best deal on flights, hotels and activities when a travel agent can book all your travel needs in one phone call for a better price? An agent can organise your airline ticket, hotel, car rental and even tours and activities in one package. Many airlines and hotel companies have joined hands to offer these packages to customers at reduced prices, too.
Budget effectively and save your money...
The beauty of an all-inclusive trip is the security of knowing that one price covers everything, with none of those nasty surprises that can blast a hole in your travel budget, such as food, drinks and entertainment. Research by ABTA has shown that people tend to spend the same amount of money on holiday as they do on the initial cost of accommodation and flights. This is not the case with all-inclusive, where all you need to factor in is spending money for additional trips, souvenirs and an odd meal away from the hotel for a change.
Security...
The one big advantage of package holidays is that the whole holiday will be covered by ABTA if you are buying through an ABTA member, such as Saga Holidays. What this means is that should, say, the airline you travelled with suffer financial failure, your money is fully protected and you won't be left stranded abroad. This might not be the case if you were to book your flights independently.
No hidden extras...
Often travel companies, like Saga Holidays, include all gratuities and travel insurance in their all-inclusive packages, so you can rest assured that there will be no hidden extras during your trip.
Relaxation...
If you are the type of traveller who likes to go somewhere to relax and not worry about taking out your wallet every couple of hours to pay for food, drinks or activities, then an all-inclusive break is just for you. Order that mojito without getting up from your sun lounger, and just sit back and enjoy your holiday.
Great value...
All-inclusive resorts can provide excellent value. If you're going to a destination where the cost of meals, snacks, drinks and activities are expensive, and your hotel or resort is high-quality with an expensive nightly rate, an all-inclusive will probably end up saving you money.
Variety on your doorstep...
Another major benefit to an all-inclusive hotel or resort is the amount of activities that are available right on your doorstep. And, because many of them will be included in your package, you might find you end up trying an activity you wouldn't normally have tried, such as golf putting or learning to salsa.
Tours galore...
Tours are often one of the costliest parts of a trip, and, while may travellers intend on going on an excursion or two during their trip, when they get there, and start racking up a huge food bill, they often decide to sacrifice this 'luxury' as a way to save money. With a packaged holiday, tours are already paid for; so you can go on that catamaran cruise to the Pitons in St Lucia or visit Cape Town's winelands without feeling guilty.
Meeting like-minded people...
All-inclusive resorts are great for sociable types. As well as meeting fellow guests on excursions, because meals are taken in the hotel or resort, people often find themselves be-friending other guests, who they see every morning for breakfast and at supper time.
Great for single travellers...
Going all-inclusive means there's no need to think about eating in a restaurant on your own, as there are many other single travellers. And by booking with a specialist company which understands your needs and requirements, you will be able to mix and develop a rapport with people of a similar age and interests during your holiday.
Peace of mind...
One of the best things about a package holiday is that you get the services of a representative - this can offer invaluable peace of mind. If you room isn't right, you're taken ill or have any problems while you're away, your rep is on hand to help you. Booking different elements of a holiday from different companies doesn't give you the same protection if things don't go right. So make sure your travel company is ABTA and ATOL bonded, which gives you complete peace of mind.
Nicola Iseard is a travel writer for The Observer.
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Reader comments
I completely agree with Beth, travel for a single female can be thwart with many obstacles that couples take for granted. Single , all inclusive holidays mean that you can budget before your holiday, knowing there are no nasty surprises leaving room for lots of excursions. Then when on holiday you can join in the fun and socialise with everyone, without the single female syndrome of having drinks bought or offered you. Saga are great for singles, the all inclusive Saga is fantastic.
Posted by: Suzanna Walker | 14/10/2009 17:01:47
When I became a single traveller I found that going all inclusive was an advantage. One could meet up with kindred spirits in the bar/lounge and it was not necessary to say whose round it was. Everyone had their own preference, no-one was out of pocket and as a single lady I was independent but still able to enjoy the company of both sexes without any obligation.
Posted by: Beth Skepper | 03/03/2009 00:42:30
