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  • Dinner outside of the resort is the most common expense that Brits spend on outside their all-inclusive (27%)

  • Almost a quarter of young people (23%) are booking their all-inclusive based on TikTok recommendations

  • Despite evidence to the contrary, more than half of Brits (67%) agree that all-inclusive is the most cost-effective way to travel

In a recent survey by CouponBirds, it has been revealed that all-inclusive holidays aren't really all inclusive after all, as more than nine in ten Brits are guilty of spending outside what is covered in the resort. The research dives into the spending habits of Brits at their all-inclusive, what is typically being spent on and how much money people are parting with.

What are we spending on?

Brits are spending extra whilst staying at an all-inclusive resort. Dinners out (27%), city tours (26%) and excursions (25%) are the top three 'additional expenses' outside of what is included in the package. In addition, nearly half of Brits (49%) spend additional money on food and drink alone outside of their resort, whether this be on dinner or food and drink from the local shops.

Who will spend additional money on activities

Activity % of people
Dinner 27%
City tour 26%
Excursion 25%
Drinks in a bar 23%
Souvenirs 23%
Food and drink from shops 22%
Lunch 20%
Alcohol 19%
Clothes 18%
Gifts for friends and family 18%

How much are we parting with?

Brits are spending a lot of money on these items as well, with the average total amount spent outside of their hotel clocking in at £336. This means that over the years Brits could have overspent a huge £8.7 billion on extras not included in the all-inclusive.

Around nine million (20%) also claim that they spend between £500 - £1000 extra outside of their all-inclusive resort every time they travel, dispelling this type of trip as being cost effective.

Where are Brits going?

Even if all-inclusives seem less cost effective, many Brits still flock towards them. Just over 26 million (58%) Brits have been on an all-inclusive trip at least once in the past, with the most popular resorts being beaches (44%), adults-only (32%) and luxury (25%).

Brits are also opting for more specific types of all-inclusive too, as over six million have opted for a health boost at a wellness, detox or mental health retreat (15%), and at least 15 million (35%) are hitting the waves as they travel on all-inclusive cruises instead.

Where to find your perfect trip

Nearly half of Brits (39%) have taken to booking.com to read reviews to find their perfect destination, whilst 18% have based their choice on social media or an influencer that they follow.

1.9 million (37%) 18-24-year-olds have landed a particular all-inclusive based on TikTok or an influencer's recommendation.

Commenting on the findings of the research, Andy Cooper, Financial Analyst at CouponBirds said: "Turns out all-inclusives might not be all that inclusive, with nine million Brits are spending so much extra money outside of what is included, even though everything that you would need should be included in the package already. It's great to see that people are enjoying themselves on these trips, but for those looking to watch budgets it might actually be more cost efficient to book everything separately rather than through an all-inclusive.

"One of the best ways to avoid overspending is to shop around and make sure that the package that you select is perfect for you and your budget. The CouponBirds website would be a great place to start."

In conclusion, as many start booking their summer trips in the month of February, it becomes clear that many people don't know the added expenses they may be in for during their stays, therefore you should consider your options first but watch your budgets closely.

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