All-inclusive holidays may cost more than expected, Post Office warns

Families booking all-inclusive holidays could be facing larger bills than anticipated, new research from the Post Office has revealed.

In their Post Office Travel Money All Inclusive Holiday Report it was found that a startling two thirds of parents planning trips to all-inclusive resorts this summer will spend more cash than expected while at their destination.

This extra expenditure totals £233 on average and includes payments for meals eaten outside the resort, snacks including ice-cream, and alcoholic drinks.

Travellers caught out by resort costs

It’s not just holidaymakers that leave the comfort of their resorts that are stung with added charges though. Even those who remain within their resort can find themselves paying for extras.

Almost two in five travellers would pay out an extra £43 for international brand alcohol at their resort while around one third paid extra for bottles of wine – £44 on average.

Bottled water added £27 onto all-inclusive bills for 37% of tourists while around 30% of people would pay an extra £41 for holiday cocktails.

Holidaymakers must budget carefully

On the back of their findings, the Post Office has issued clear advice to travellers considering an all-inclusive break this year.

Andrew Brown, Head of Post Office Travel Money, explained that the trends noted in their most recent All Inclusive Holiday Report reflect patterns of previous years.

He said that for the past four years the firm’s annual report has “consistently shown that European all-inclusive resorts offer less than holidaymakers expect” and urged families to check what is included in any holiday package they book.

For those who have already booked an all-inclusive break, Mr Brown said it was important to “budget carefully and allow for the extra costs you are likely to incur”.

He was keen to point out that it isn’t all bad news though; highlighting the strong pound as a way for all-inclusive holidaymakers to get better value.

According to his statements, the favourable currency rates currently available mean those on an all-inclusive holiday can “eat and drink in local restaurants and bars more cheaply” and get a “real flavour” for their chosen destination.

If you’re planning an all-inclusive holiday with the kids this year then it is important to arrange family travel insurance in advance of your trip.

Date Created: 07/07/2015