With summer heading right at us, it's time to start thinking about a holiday. Everyone wants to escape the UK for a week or two for blissful relaxation, but with kids, it is never that simple. Not everyone can afford a summer holiday. It would help to find a fun and family-friendly getaway without bankrupting yourself.
All-inclusive is a fantastic option for staying within the resort and not venturing out too much. This option is perfect for those with children, and you know exactly how much you spend before you go. The advantages to all-inclusive are endless.
Now that you're looking for an all-inclusive holiday, knowing which holiday deals to pick and where to go can be challenging. Luckily, we've compiled this year's top 7 all-inclusive family holiday destinations full of gorgeous all-inclusive resorts. Plus, you've got a list of must-know things before you book an all-inclusive holiday, giving you everything you need to get this summer's holiday sorted.
Whether you're looking for a solo holiday, an adults-only getaway, or an all-inclusive package for the whole family, our selection of holiday providers has you covered. Click below to start your holiday search!
What is an all-inclusive holiday?
All-inclusive means that everything is included in the cost of your holiday. In most cases, it means you're covering the cost of your food and drink at your hotel upfront without having to pay every time you eat or go to the bar.
These days, nearly every destination has all-inclusive options. Many hotels even offer all-inclusive stays alongside those on a self-catering, half-board or full-board basis. But there are full-on all-inclusive hotels, too. In addition, travel websites will let you look just for all-inclusive deals, making your search easy.
Now, not every all-inclusive hotel will be the same. Each all-inclusive package will include different things. Some may offer everything at a slightly higher overall price. In contrast, others may have added expenses for specific restaurants, drinks and activities. You can select your all-inclusive package based on your wants and needs.
What should you look for in an all-inclusive package?
Knowing what to look for can be tricky if you haven't gone all-inclusive before. You don't want to pick a package that doesn't include everything you want, leaving you spending more money on the holiday than you intended. Some things may not matter to you as much, such as spa treatments, but good food options might, so it's better to decide your priorities. Look out for the following when searching for your ideal all-inclusive deal:
- Good Reviews - Always look at the most recent reviews of any package before you book. You don't want to end up at a poor-quality hotel where everyone gave a negative review. Look at the most recent reviews for as accurate an idea as possible of what each potential hotel is like.
- Amenities - Each package will offer different amenities. Some hotels might only offer certain alcoholic beverages or have cut-off times for ordering food and drinks. Other hotels may have everything from sports facilities to beach clubs. It depends on the hotel. You should check what each hotel does and doesn't have when comparing.
- Food - Different hotels will offer a different variety of food options. One hotel may provide a buffet option for each meal, while another could have several restaurants and cafes for you to pick from. If you don't want to do the same thing every night, look for a hotel with at least a couple of dining choices so you can switch it up.
- Quality - The quality of your holiday will depend on your budget. If you can afford to shoot for a four-star or better, do so, as it will improve your holiday overall. A better quality hotel will have better food options and nicer accommodation. They will even sometimes offer more amenities overall, so you get more for your money.
- Entertainment - Since this is a family holiday, hotel entertainment can be invaluable when the kids need something to occupy them and you want to relax. Some hotels will offer daytime activities, pool games and kids' clubs in the day, with performances and discos in the evening. If these are essential to you, check what each hotel offers. Many hotels will offer some form of entertainment, but it's up to you to decide what you need.
Why choose an all-inclusive holiday?
Sometimes it's hard to know whether to go for an all-inclusive deal, especially if you're used to self-catering and eating out in various locations when you go on holiday. However, all-inclusive holidays have many advantages that might help you make your mind up.
Exciting dining options
Many all-inclusive hotels have several dining options included in the package or are available for a small cost. From cafes with ice cream to luxurious a la carte restaurants, there are plenty of choices, so you can try as many new things as you wish.
All these dining options allow you to try different menus without the added cost of visiting a new place each day outside of the hotel.
Easier to book
All-inclusive packages are a lot less hassle than booking everything separately yourself. You don't have to spend hours looking at different hotels and flight times and seeing how they all work together.
With a package, a travel agent does it all for you and can offer excellent travel advice based on your wishes. As a result, you'll get a more tailored service to your needs for this holiday, leading to a better holiday overall.
Great hotel entertainment
Many all-inclusive resorts include activities ranging from water sports and day trips to kids' discos and bingo. This means you don't have to spend all day entertaining your kids or grandchildren yourself and can enjoy the holiday with them.
Plus, some hotels will have more adult options if you're interested. You can find spa facilities, late-night parties, and romantic activities to get some couples' time in. Ensure there is some form of kids club or babysitting service if you want to take advantage of such facilities.
TBetter holiday protection
When you book your holiday individually, you may use multiple services and websites. This means that if one thing goes wrong you face hassle trying to reorganise everything else around it.
When you book an all-inclusive holiday, you can choose a package and provider that gives you ATOL and ABTA protection.
What are the top 7 all-inclusive family holidays destinations?
With so many desirable resorts worldwide, narrowing down the list of where to take your family on a memorable holiday can be tricky. However, with our top seven all-inclusive destinations, you should easily find an ideal location for your summer holiday.
1. Mexico
Many people think of Mexico as mainly for honeymooners or young travellers, but there's something for everyone here. Cancun is a fantastic choice if you're looking for something more unique and out there. It is full of memorable experiences you'd find on a luxury honeymoon with a family twist.
Cancun has so much sea life and is bursting with aquariums, boat-watching experiences and snorkelling opportunities so you can meet fish you never knew existed. See a whale shark, swim with the turtles and explore the reefs. You and your kids or grandkids will see new parts of nature you'll never forget.
If you are looking for more adventure out of the water, there's still plenty of opportunity. You and the family can visit the Mexican jungle, zipline across open spaces, and ride ATVs, exploring the diverse terrain around Cancun.
2. The Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are beautiful destination islands just a jump away from mainland Spain. Full of adventure, year-round sunshine and exotic wildlife, they are a great place to take the whole family if you want a taste of the tropics without venturing out of Europe or trying something new.
This destination is a great budget-friendly option if you want all-inclusive luxury without splashing out too much cash on the trip. You can choose islands, including Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, or Tenerife, with plenty to keep you occupied on each.
Another great perk of visiting one of the Canary Islands is that it's easy to jump over to another island for a day trip if you fancy a change of scenery. Some all-inclusive hotels include day trips worth taking advantage of in the Canaries. No matter which island you pick, you will have a lovely time.
3. Turkey
Turkey is brimming with all-inclusive family resorts & spas. The country offers excellent weather and even better beaches, making it a fantastic destination for your summer family holiday. You can find some incredible five-star all-inclusive deals in Turkey, including those featuring activities for the whole family.
Many all-inclusive hotels offer daytime classes, play by the pool, and evening entertainment, ensuring the fun lasts until bedtime. So you and the family won't have a chance to be bored on an all-inclusive holiday in Turkey.
If you pick well, you might land in a hotel with a kids club, giving you and your partner a chance to head off for some couples' activities. You might find yourself in a spa, kayak or back in the classroom, but no matter what, you and your family will have some fun whilst all-inclusive in Turkey.
4. Greece
For those looking for a beach holiday, Greece is a top competitor. They have some fantastic all-inclusive family packages available. You won't want to leave after seeing the white sand and the clear Mediterranean Sea. Greece is full of beach resorts and hotels just minutes away from the ocean, making every day a beach day.
Many all-inclusive hotels offer amenities at the beach; some even have private beach areas and beach clubs. This takes your average beach experience from a 4 to a solid 10. So lay yourself out on some loungers, send the grandkids off to the water (maybe even get them an inflatable), and you might not even notice that they're there.
If you're wondering where to pick in Greece, worry not; you are truly spoilt for choice. From Zante and Corfu to Crete and Rhodes, you will always be able to find a fantastic all-inclusive beach hotel.
5. Spain
Many of the best all-inclusive resorts in Spain are on or close to the beachfront, with plenty more playas nearby. On the country's south and east coasts, you'll be treated to the beautiful beaches of the Balearic and Alboran Seas.
Plus, you'd be hard-pressed to find a hotel in Spain that doesn't boast several different pools and splash parks. Most resorts will have kiddie pools, adult-only pools, and even jacuzzis, catering to the whole family's needs.
If that is not enough for you, plenty of standalone waterparks are dotted around popular destinations like Majorca, the Costa Del Sol and Ibiza. Waterparks are a great option if you want to leave the resort for a day. You can still relax and get your tan while the kids play in wave pools and fly-down slides.
6. The Caribbean
Many people wouldn't think about going to the Caribbean for a family holiday as it has a reputation for luxury holidays, plus it is a longer flight time to get there.
But the Caribbean has tremendous all-inclusive packages for the whole family, allowing you to see another part of the world without worrying about having to budget for food and drink. Many Caribbean all-inclusive packages include activities so you can head on day trips and try out water sports without worrying about money. You and your family will enjoy experiences that you couldn't imagine before.
While it takes longer to get there than to holiday locations in Europe, it makes a fantastic option for a two- to three-week holiday. If you're considering heading for new territory, check out the Caribbean. Barbados, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are all all-inclusive family favourites!
7. Cyprus
While there are so many amazing places in Cyprus, Paphos is particularly outstanding due to its beautiful beaches and history. Paphos has some great opportunities to learn about the past whilst having a great time with your family.
You will find plenty of museums, castles and archaeological sites that will teach you so much. So you can dip in the pool in the morning and then head out into the city to explore before returning.
Honourable mentions
So there you have it; those are our top seven destinations for all-inclusive holidays in 2023. But if none of those destinations took your fancy, here are a few other ideas.
Portugal and Morocco are just a short distance from the UK (around a 3-hour flight) and have some of the most beautiful views and scenery you can immerse yourself in. The weather and landscape variety ensure an all-inclusive holiday to Portugal is warm and exciting, and Marrakech has the most beautiful sunshine you can soak up with a cool drink while the kids splash in the pool.
Or, if the summer passed you by and you are looking for some winter sun to escape the cold months of the UK, Dubai has what you need. Dubai is a top-rated all-inclusive destination for all age groups, including families. It brings together luxury, entertainment and modern architecture all in one place. You can relax knowing that an all-inclusive holiday here encompasses amazing beaches, luxury pools and waterparks, and fantastic food and drink.
Must know things before selecting an all-inclusive holiday
If you're new to all-inclusive holidays abroad, there are a few things that you should know before you book. You want to ensure you can go and have the best time without getting stuck in a tricky situation.
- Check your departure airport before you book, as you want to ensure it's not too far from where you live. For example, if you live up north, you don't want to fly from London with three kids at 6 am. Or if you do, you'll at least need to plan travel to and from London and probably a couple of overnight stays, too.
- Make sure everything you want is included in your all-inclusive deal.
- Research to see if your chosen country is safe for travel and if you need vaccinations beforehand. Much is different post-Covid, so check travelhealthpro.org.uk or gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice before you book a holiday to avoid losing out.
- Look at the local laws for your chosen holiday destination before booking anything to avoid any unexpected trouble.
What are the best all-inclusive holiday destinations?
Choosing a holiday can be tricky. There are so many options that it can be hard to know which to pick. An all-inclusive holiday makes everything more manageable as you decide the cost of the holiday and the amenities included. You arrive on holiday knowing what to expect and with an idea of what you'll be doing while you're away, guaranteeing a good time.
There are a lot of benefits to going all-inclusive. It is easier, safer, and offers you more for your money. Whether you want a four-star hotel, different food options, or extra activities included, there will be an option ideal for you and your family.
With our top seven destinations, you have some great choices for an all-inclusive family holiday in Europe or a little further afield. Plus, if you follow our must-knows, you will have a safe and enjoyable time away this summer.
