All-Inclusive vs. Separate Bookings: Which Actually Saves You Money?
Escaping for a week or two in a beautiful tropical location is the perfect way to relax and recharge. The all-inclusive resort is the easiest way to book this type of vacation but are all inclusive resorts worth it? Do you save money and does an all-inclusive provide the most value?
Have you ever planned an amazing vacation, just to spend most of it worrying about your budget because you’re shocked by the cost of food and drinks at your hotel? If you’re like me, you spend way too much time and energy going back over the hotel choices and the decisions you made. This can ruin a holiday.
For peace of mind and to help you plan your next getaway, let’s compare real all-inclusive packages to separate bookings and see how much money do you save with all inclusive?
Understanding All-Inclusive Resorts
What do you get when you stay at an all-inclusive resort? They typically include:
– Accommodation
– Meals and drinks
– Activities and entertainment
– Resort amenities
What’s usually not included:
– Premium drinks
– Specialty restaurants
– Spa services
– Off-site excursions
– Airport transfers
– Resort fees
When looking at all-inclusive resorts, it’s important to read the details to understand what is and isn’t included. I booked a package to Huatulco, Mexico and made sure I selected one that included transfers because I have learned the hard way that having to figure out how to get to the hotel after we land is stressful.
We came through customs and found our shuttle service right away. While we were waiting, numerous people staying at other resorts were surprised to find out they did not have pre-booked transfers, and they were scrambling. This often leads to spending extra money because you’re tired, do not have the time or the information to weigh your options, and taxis take full advantage of this.
Read this article to learn more about finding and booking accommodations.
The Real Cost Analysis
Methodology
To provide a fair comparison between all-inclusive resorts and separate bookings, I’ve analyzed real prices for three popular destinations during both peak and shoulder seasons. My analysis includes:
- 7-day vacations for 2 adults
- Mid-range accommodations (4-star equivalent)
- Travel dates: Peak (February 2025) and Shoulder (November 2024)
- All prices in Canadian dollars
- Average daily consumption for food and drinks
- Gratuities are not included because you will be tipping either way
Price Comparison Case Studies
Cancun, Mexico (7 Days) November 2024
All-inclusive package breakdown
Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula: $2712
Taxes: $38
Transfers: $80
Total: $2,830
Separate booking breakdown
Be Playa Hotel Boutique: $630
Meals: $80/day per person: $1120
Drinks: $10/drink, 4 drinks/day per person: $560
Transfers: $80
Total: $2390
Value Analysis
Based on these numbers, if you do not eat at higher end restaurants and stick to around 4 drinks a day, you can save $440 by booking it yourself. The all-inclusive does include some activities and entertainment, so if you want to do those things and drink more than 4 drinks a day, the all-inclusive could work out a little less.
Cancun, Mexico (7 Days) February 2025
All-inclusive package breakdown
Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula: $4,455
Taxes: $38
Transfers: $80
Total: $4573
Separate booking breakdown
Be Playa Hotel Boutique: $642
Meals: $80/day per person: $1120
Drinks: $10/drink, 4 drinks/day per person: $560
Transfers: $80
Total: $2402
Value Analysis
The all-inclusive hotel is substantially higher in February, whereas the hotel is almost the same. The difference in the peak season is the all-inclusive costs $2,171 more than the separate booking. This is a substantial savings.
Punta Cana (7 Days) November 2024
All-inclusive package breakdown
Bahia Principe Luxury Bouganville: $2224
Transfers: $190
Total: $2414
Separate booking breakdown
Playa Palmera Beach Resort: $831
Meals: $60/day per person: $840
Drinks: $10/drink, 4 drinks/day per person: $560
Transfers: $130
Total: $2361
Value Analysis
There is only a difference of $53. In Punta Cana, you’re probably better off with the all-inclusive unless you don’t drink much and would save a few hundred dollars there.
Punta Cana (7 Days) February 2025
All-inclusive package breakdown
Bahia Principe Luxury Bouganville: $2879
Transfers: $190
Total: $3069
Separate booking breakdown
Playa Palmera Beach Resort: $1505
Meals: $60/day per person: $840
Drinks: $10/drink, 4 drinks/day per person: $560
Transfers: $130
Total: $3035
Value Analysis
The same as the shoulder season difference, it is only $34 less when booked separately.
Costa Rica (7 Days) November 2024
All-inclusive package breakdown
Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica: $3121
Transfers: $110
Total: $3231
Separate booking breakdown
Casa Nahua Hotel, Tamarindo: $1119
Meals: $60/day per person: $840
Drinks: $10/drink, 4 drinks/day per person: $560
Transfers: $110
Total: $2629
Value Analysis
The separate booking is $602 less than the all-inclusive. Unlike Cancun and the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica is not a big all-inclusive destination, but the concept does seem to be growing there. It’s one of my favourite places because of all the amazing activities which means less time at the resort. It may be worth saving the money by self booking and spending it on adventures.
Costa Rica (7 Days) February 2025
All-inclusive package breakdown
Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica: $4773
Transfers: $110
Total: $4883
Separate booking breakdown
Casa Nahua Hotel, Tamarindo: $1203
Meals: $60/day per person: $840
Drinks: $10/drink, 4 drinks/day per person: $560
Transfers: $110
Total: $2713
Value Analysis
Similar to Cancun, the all-inclusive price increased substantially in the peak season. The separate booking is now $2170 less than the all-inclusive.
Pro Tips for Price Comparison
1. Use the cost comparison tool below. You can even print or save your results!
2. Always include resort fees in both scenarios
3. Factor in airport transfers (sometimes included in all-inclusive)
4. Consider the ‘convenience premium’ – time saved not researching restaurants
5. Check if tips are truly included in all-inclusive rates
6. Compare similar quality resorts for accurate pricing
Factors Affecting Value
When All-Inclusive is Usually Better
– Family vacations
– Heavy drinkers
– Resort-focused travelers
– Shoulder or off-season travel
– Specific destinations
When Separate Booking is Usually Better
– Light drinkers
– Foodie travelers
– Adventure seekers
– Peak season travel
– Specific destinations
Scenarios Where All-Inclusive Typically Wins
1. Family Vacations
– Built-in entertainment for all ages
– No surprise costs from hungry teenagers
– Easier to manage group meals
– Kids’ club activities included
2. Pure Relaxation Trips
– Minimal planning required
– Everything at your fingertips
– No decision fatigue
– Predictable experience
3. First Time International Travelers
– Reduced culture shock
– Easy navigation of services
– Built-in support system
– Controlled environment
Scenarios Where Separate Booking Typically Wins
1. Food-Focused Travelers
– Freedom to explore local cuisine
– Ability to follow food recommendations
– Better quality restaurants
– Authentic cultural experiences
2. Adventure Seekers
– Flexibility for spontaneous plans
– Better access to local experiences
– More authentic interactions
– Customizable activities
3. Budget-Conscious Light Drinkers
– Better control over food/drink spend
– Option to mix expensive and budget meals
– No payment for unused amenities
– Ability to self-cater some meals
Remember: There’s no universally “better” choice – it’s about matching the experience to your personal travel style, preferences, and priorities.
If you’re also looking at activities in a major tourist destination, this article can help you decide whether or not to purchase a city or go city pass.
Cost Comparison Calculator
Vacation Cost Comparison
All-Inclusive Package
Total: $0
Separate Bookings
Total: $0
Comparison Results
The difference between options is: $0
Frequently Asked Questions
Does all-inclusive provide value for families?
Yes, all-inclusive resorts typically offer better value for families. Based on our analysis, families benefit from:
- No unexpected costs from hungry teenagers
- Included entertainment and activities for all ages
- Kids’ club activities at no extra charge
- Easier budget management with prepaid meals and drinks
- No need to coordinate multiple restaurant reservations
Do you save money with all-inclusive resorts?
It depends on your travel style and timing. Our analysis shows:
- In shoulder season (like November), the difference is minimal ($53 in Punta Cana)
- In peak season (February), separate bookings can save significantly ($2,171 in Cancun)
- Heavy drinkers and resort-focused travelers typically save with all-inclusive
- Light drinkers and adventure seekers usually save with separate bookings
- The break-even point is around 4 drinks per person per day with moderate dining habits
What’s not included in all-inclusive resorts?
While packages vary, typically these items are NOT included:
- Premium or top-shelf drinks
- Specialty restaurants
- Spa services
- Off-site excursions
- Airport transfers (though some packages include this)
- Resort fees
- Gratuities Always read the package details carefully to understand exactly what’s included.
How much should I budget for non-all-inclusive resorts?
Based on our case studies, here’s a general daily budget per person:
- Meals: $60-80 per day
- Drinks: $40 per day (based on 4 drinks at $10 each)
- Hotel: Varies significantly by destination and season ($90-215 per night)
- Transfers: $80-190 per trip
- Extra activities: Budget separately based on your interests
Comments
Post a Comment