What you get in an all inclusive holiday

All inclusive holidays are increasing in popularity and more and more resorts are offering this facility.

All inclusive holidays are increasing in popularity as holiday makers recognize the benefits of all you can eat and drink at a resort. All inclusive generally encompasses breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and all you can drink at all times. However, check the small print carefully when you are booking. Some hotels have a time limit on snacks throughout the day and others may limit the drink to local produce only. Also, the standard of mass produced food often comes under question. Check out comments made online by others who have experience of the hotel you are thinking of booking.

Some hotels also offer all inclusive water sports and hotel facilities but again, beware of the small print. These can be limited to one event per person - and some facilities, such as gyms and saunas you may have to pay for. If in any doubt, clarify it with your tour operator before you book to save any disappointment later.

However, you can save a lot of money by going all inclusive, particularly if you have a family. There is nothing worse than paying for a meal and then one of the little ones deciding that Spanish chicken nuggets aren't the same as English ones and refusing to eat them! The savings can also be made on drink. If you are travelling with a large group, then the savings can be significant and you don't have to worry about finding cash all the time.

All inclusives are based around the hotel and its facilities so if you wanted to use the hotel as a base and travel around on your own, then it probably isn't the best deal for you. Choose a hotel with plenty of things to do - water sports, facilities, shops and spas. And find one that isn't too far from the beach so that you don't have to keep popping back for food and drink.