To find a cheap all-inclusive vacation, travel outside school holidays, compare the total price (flight, transfers, meal plan, taxes) and choose the destination by season: the Mediterranean (Spain, Greece, Turkey, Tunisia) from late spring to fall, Morocco and Egypt in spring, fall and winter, the Caribbean from December to April. These are destinations with a wide « all inclusive » offer, so a more competitive one.
All-inclusive lets you know most of your budget before you leave, but the « all inclusive » label covers very different realities. For each country, here is the best period according to our « when to go » guides, what is often excluded and the points to watch. For the general method, see our guide to cheap travel.
Cheap all-inclusive: key points
- Outside school holidays, the price of the same stay often drops markedly.
- Choose the destination by month: the Mediterranean in spring and September, Egypt and the Caribbean in winter.
- Read the plan: « all inclusive » does not mean that drinks, activities, transfers and taxes are all included.
- Compare like for like: flight, baggage, transfers, tourist tax.
- Check entry requirements and safety advice before booking (travel.state.gov for US citizens, GOV.UK for UK citizens). For Cuba, the UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the whole country, and US regulations prohibit tourist travel there.
What « all-inclusive » really includes
Terms vary from one tour operator and hotel to another. You will find « full board », « all inclusive », « premium all inclusive » or « ultra all inclusive », with no common definition. Before comparing two offers, check point by point:
| Item | Generally included | Often excluded or limited |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip flight | In packages sold as a bundle | Checked bag, seat choice, flight times |
| Airport-hotel transfers | Common in an organized package | Optional, or absent if you book the hotel alone |
| Meals | Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner | A la carte restaurants (limited number or paid), room service |
| Drinks | Local drinks, often at certain hours | Imported drinks, specialty coffees, minibar |
| Activities | Pools, entertainment, non-motorized sports | Motorized sports, diving, spa, private lessons |
| Day trips | Rarely | Almost always extra |
| Taxes | Airport taxes | Tourist tax (sometimes payable on site), any visa fees |
| Tips | Rarely | Depending on local custom |
Package, resort club or flight + hotel?
A package holiday (flight and accommodation sold together) can come with legal protections for travelers, which vary from one country to another: pre-contract information, the seller’s liability for the proper performance of the trip, help if something goes wrong. Check what the seller’s terms and your local law provide. A holiday club generally adds supervised activities and entertainment, often a kids’ club. A flight + hotel booked separately can be cheaper, but you handle transfers, delays and cancellations alone. Compare the total price of the three options on your dates.
When to go to pay less
The first factor in price is the school calendar. For the same destination, a week outside the holidays often costs much less, and hotels are less full. The second is the climate season: each destination has its ideal months, its acceptable months and its months to avoid. The monthly guides in our where to go section help you cross the two, for example where to go in May, in September or in February.
| Destination | Best period (our guides) | Months to avoid according to our guides | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | April to June, September-October | July-August (heat inland) | When to go to Spain |
| Canary Islands | All year; April-June and September-November for the best weather/price balance | — | When to go to the Canary Islands |
| Greece | Mid-April to June, September to mid-October | Winter for swimming | When to go to Greece |
| Morocco | March to May, late September to November | July-August (intense heat) | When to go to Morocco |
| Tunisia | June and September for swimming | Winter for swimming | — |
| Turkey | April to June, September-October | December | When to go to Turkey |
| Egypt | October to April | June to August (very intense heat) | When to go to Egypt |
| Dominican Republic | December to April | September-October (peak of the hurricane season) | When to go to the Dominican Republic |
| Cuba | December to April (dry season) | September-October; the UK FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel | When to go to Cuba |
| Portugal | May-June, September to mid-October | — | When to go to Portugal |
| Albania | Mid-May to late June, September | — | When to go to Albania |
| Cape Verde | November to June | — | When to go to Cape Verde |
What budget should you plan for a cheap all-inclusive?
Prices shown as « from… » generally correspond to a specific date, a specific departure airport and the cheapest room. To compare, bring each offer down to the total price per person for the same length of stay (often 8 days / 7 nights), checked bag, transfers and taxes included.
Bargain offers exist mostly on short- and medium-haul destinations, outside school holidays and in last-minute sales. Then check what the price really includes: flight included or not, number of nights, meal plan, departure from your city.
- What lowers the price: dates outside school holidays, a midweek departure, a regional airport depending on the offer, a hotel a little away from the beach, a flexible length of stay.
- What raises the price: July-August and school holidays, long-haul (Caribbean), sea view room, « premium » plan, single supplement.
- Flash sales and last minute: worthwhile if your dates are flexible; see our guide to cheap last-minute travel.
- Flight + hotel separately: compare with a flight booked alone, see cheap flights.
All-inclusive in Spain: where to go
Spain combines a very large hotel offer with many flight connections. According to our guide when to go to Spain, the best period runs from April to June and from September to October. The Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza) and the Mediterranean coasts (Costa Brava, Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol) concentrate the « all inclusive » hotels; they are at their most expensive in July-August. For winter, the Canary Islands are mild all year and become the nearest all-inclusive destination for winter sun.
What is often excluded: in Spain, many hotels also sell « half board » plans alongside all-inclusive; check which one you are booking. Some regions charge a tourist tax, often payable at the hotel. Watch out: in high season, the best-known resorts are very busy; a well-rated hotel a little off to the side often offers better value.
All-inclusive in Greece: which islands to choose
In Greece, the best period runs from mid-April to June and from September to mid-October according to our guide when to go to Greece. Crete, Rhodes, Kos and Corfu concentrate a large share of the « all inclusive » hotels. The best-publicized islands (Santorini, Mykonos) offer fewer all-inclusive options and are generally pricier.
What is often excluded: imported drinks, themed restaurants, tourist tax (payable at the hotel). Watch out: many seasonal hotels close in winter; outside the season, the offer shrinks sharply. Outside high season, check that the restaurants and activities advertised are open on your dates.
All-inclusive in Morocco: where to go
In Morocco, the best period runs from March to May and from late September to November according to our guide when to go to Morocco. Agadir is the beach resort most geared to all-inclusive, and its climate stays mild in winter. Marrakech also offers hotel-club plans, more for spring and fall, as summer there is very hot. Saïdia, on the Mediterranean, is a summer option.
What is often excluded: alcohol in some establishments, excursions (desert, Atlas, souks), hammam and spa. Watch out: check the entry requirements for your nationality (travel.state.gov for US citizens, GOV.UK for UK citizens). According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 19 August 2026), the Moroccan dirham is a closed, non-convertible currency that cannot easily be exchanged outside Morocco: plan to use your bank card and check its foreign fees.
All-inclusive in Tunisia: the most popular areas
Tunisia is one of the long-standing all-inclusive destinations. The offer is concentrated in a few beach areas: Djerba, Hammamet, Sousse, Monastir and Mahdia. The swimming season runs roughly from late spring to early fall; June and September are often the best compromises between heat, sea temperature and price. Winter suits thalassotherapy and tours better than the beach.
Entry requirements: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 24 July 2026), UK citizens can visit Tunisia without a visa for up to 90 days and the passport should be valid for the duration of the stay. According to the U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov, last updated June 4, 2026), a valid passport is required and U.S. passport holders do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Also check the safety section of the country pages before you go: the FCDO advises against travel to some areas (for example western Tunisia and the Algerian border), and the State Department rates Tunisia Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (updated May 20, 2026).
What is often excluded: imported alcoholic drinks, excursions (Sahara, Carthage, El Jem), thalassotherapy. Watch out: the condition and upkeep of hotels vary a lot within the same category. Read recent, detailed reviews rather than relying on the number of stars.
All-inclusive in Turkey: tips and good deals
In Turkey, the best period runs from April to June and from September to October according to our guide when to go to Turkey: you avoid the intense heat of July-August while enjoying swimmable sea on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. The Turkish riviera around Antalya (Belek, Side, Alanya, Kemer) and the Aegean coast (Bodrum, Kusadasi, Marmaris) concentrate all-inclusive resorts, often very large ones.
What is often excluded: a la carte restaurants beyond a certain number, spa and hammam, excursions (Pamukkale, Cappadocia, boat trips). Watch out: Turkey is outside the euro area; for spending outside the plan, pay in Turkish lira and check your card’s fees. The largest resorts can be very far from any town: comfortable if you stay on site, less practical for getting out.
All-inclusive in Egypt: the Red Sea
In Egypt, the best period runs from October to April according to our guide when to go to Egypt; from June to August, the heat is very intense. All-inclusive is concentrated on the Red Sea, notably Hurghada, El Gouna and Marsa Alam, popular for snorkeling and diving. Many stays combine a few beach days with a Nile cruise or an excursion to Luxor.
What is often excluded: visa, diving and boat trips, excursions to Luxor or Cairo, imported drinks. Entry requirements: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, entry requirements, updated 27 October 2026), British passport holders normally need a visa and a passport valid at least 6 months with a blank page; an e-visa can be obtained in advance, and a visa on arrival is 30 US dollars (cash only) at approved airports. The U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov, read 12 November 2026) says U.S. citizens must have a visa and quotes $36 by card at Cairo International Airport or $30 in cash at other points of entry for the 30-day visa on arrival; fees can change, so check before you travel. Watch out: the FCDO advises against all travel to the North Sinai Governorate and to within 20 km of the Egypt-Libya border, and against all but essential travel to several other areas; the State Department rates Egypt Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (updated July 14, 2025). Check the full lists of areas for your resort and your excursions.
All-inclusive in the Dominican Republic: Punta Cana and beyond
In the Dominican Republic, the best period runs from December to April according to our guide when to go to the Dominican Republic. Punta Cana and Bávaro, in the east, concentrate most of the large all-inclusive hotels; the Samaná peninsula and the north coast are alternatives. It is a long-haul destination: the flight weighs heavily on the budget, hence the value of a stay of at least a week.
What is often excluded: specialty restaurants, excursions (Saona Island, Samaná), motorized water sports, tips. Watch out: September and October are the peak of the hurricane season (the UK FCDO says it normally runs from June to November); if you travel then, check the cancellation conditions and your insurance. According to the FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 7 August 2026), UK citizens can visit for tourism without a visa for 30 days, with a passport valid for the duration of the visit until 31 December 2026; rules may change after that date.
All-inclusive in Cuba: government travel warnings
Warning: as of 12 November 2026, the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 25 September 2026) advises against all but essential travel to the whole of Cuba, citing shortages of fuel, electricity and water that affect tourism services and travel within the country, protests, and an increase in opportunistic crime. It also reports that the Cuban authorities have announced that all international airports are without aviation fuel, and that some airlines have suspended flights. The U.S. State Department rates Cuba Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (travel.state.gov, updated May 6, 2025) because of crime and unreliable electrical power, and states that U.S. law and regulation prohibit travel to, from or within Cuba for tourist activities; travel without an OFAC license is illegal. The two governments’ advice differs, but both point to serious problems. We recommend not booking an all-inclusive stay in Cuba while these warnings are in force, and consulting the up-to-date country pages.
For information, the dry season, from December to April, is the best period according to our guide when to go to Cuba. The all-inclusive resorts are notably in Varadero and on the cays (Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa María).
Portugal, Albania, Cape Verde: other all-inclusive options
In Portugal, the all-inclusive offer is concentrated mainly in the Algarve; the best period runs from May to June and from September to mid-October according to our guide when to go to Portugal. Albania is developing beach stays on its coast, with a best period from mid-May to late June and in September (when to go to Albania). Cape Verde, especially the islands of Sal and Boa Vista, can be visited from November to June according to our guide when to go to Cape Verde.
Watch out: for these three countries, check the entry requirements for your nationality on travel.state.gov (US citizens) or GOV.UK (UK citizens) before booking, and compare the number of restaurants and the opening hours of the included bar, which vary widely from one hotel to another.
How to choose your all-inclusive hotel
- Read the description of the plan (meals, drinks, hours, a la carte restaurants) rather than the « all inclusive » label.
- Look at the location: real distance to the beach, a road to cross, private or public beach.
- Read recent, numerous reviews, favoring those that detail the food, upkeep and noise.
- With a family, check the kids’ club (ages, hours, opening periods), family rooms and child rate conditions.
- Compare the price per person per night, like for like, and not only the total price displayed.
- Check the cancellation conditions and what your insurance covers (cancellation, repatriation).
Frequently asked questions
Which is the cheapest all-inclusive destination?
It depends on the dates. Tunisia, Turkey, Egypt and Morocco are often among the more affordable options, especially outside school holidays. Always compare several destinations on your exact dates.
Where can I go all-inclusive in winter?
The Canary Islands, Agadir in Morocco and the Red Sea in Egypt are the nearest options; farther away, the Dominican Republic, whose best period runs from December to April.
Do I need a passport for Tunisia?
Yes. According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 24 July 2026), the passport should be valid for the duration of the stay, and UK citizens can visit without a visa for up to 90 days. According to the U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov, last updated June 4, 2026), a valid passport is required and no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days.
Can you go all-inclusive to Cuba?
As of 12 November 2026, the UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the whole of Cuba, and U.S. law and regulation prohibit travel to Cuba for tourist activities (U.S. State Department). Check the country pages before any booking.
Package holiday or flight + hotel separately?
A package can bring legal protections, which vary by country, and often includes transfers. A separate flight + hotel can be cheaper, but you handle the unexpected alone.
Where can I go all-inclusive for the least money?
Tunisia, Turkey, Egypt and Morocco are often among the cheaper options, especially outside school holidays. The price depends above all on your dates: compare several destinations on the same week.
Can you go all-inclusive on a very small budget?
Occasionally, in a flash sale or at the last minute, on a nearby destination and outside school holidays. Check that the flight, transfers, taxes and baggage are included in the advertised price.
Our sources
- UK FCDO (GOV.UK), foreign travel advice for Cuba, updated 25 September 2026, read on 12 November 2026; foreign travel advice for Tunisia (updated 24 July 2026), Egypt (4 August 2026), the Dominican Republic (7 August 2026) and Morocco (19 August 2026), read on 26 October 2026; U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov): travel advisories for Cuba, Egypt and Tunisia (read on 12 November 2026) and country information for Tunisia (last updated June 4, 2026) and Egypt (last updated August 11, 2025), read on 26 October 2026
- Analysis of Google results pages (October 2026) and public offers from tour operators (TUI, Fram), without reproducing prices
- Our « when to go » guides, based on official normals (see our methodology)
Updated November 2026.