All-inclusive vs self-catering: which actually saves you more?

It's the question every family asks before booking: do I save by going all-inclusive, or am I just paying upfront for things I won't use?

The short answer All-inclusive wins when (a) you have kids, (b) your destination has a weak pound exchange, or (c) you intend to stay on-resort. Self-catering wins for couples in walkable destinations who want to actually eat the local food.

The numbers We sampled identical 7-night July package quotes for two adults + two children across Costa del Sol, Crete, and Bodrum. On average:

• All-inclusive came in £180 cheaper *total* than self-catering once you added a realistic £55/day food spend.
• In Bodrum specifically, all-inclusive was £340 cheaper — the lira swing makes off-resort dining less of a bargain than people assume.
• In Crete, self-catering won by £90 because the village tavernas are still genuinely cheap and the supermarket basket is reasonable.

Hidden costs to factor in - Resort drinks markups (often 4–5× supermarket prices) - Taxi fares to get off-resort for dinner - Kids' menus — often pricier per head than adult set menus

Our take For a family of four staying 7+ nights, all-inclusive almost always wins on cash terms — and it definitely wins on mental load. For couples, build a package with bed-and-breakfast plus a couple of pre-booked dinner reservations.