All Inclusive Winter Sun Holidays: What Does the Price Really Include?
An all inclusive winter sun holiday can look like a simple package: one price for your flight, hotel, food and drinks. But different holiday packages can include very different things, even when the headline prices look similar. From Canary Islands breaks to winter holidays in Turkey and Egypt, it is worth checking exactly what is included, which UK airport you would fly from and what other holiday companies are offering before booking. This guide explains what to look for when comparing all inclusive winter sun holidays, so you can tell whether a package represents good value rather than simply choosing the lowest advertised price.
What Is Usually Included in an All Inclusive Winter Sun Holiday?
When you see an advertised price for an all inclusive holiday, the package will usually combine accommodation with meals and drinks, while flights may also be included when it is sold as a package holiday.
However, the exact inclusions vary between hotels and holiday companies.
Before comparing prices, check whether the package includes:
- Return flights from the UK
- Hotel accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Drinks
- Airport transfers
- Checked baggage
- Resort facilities
- Entertainment
- Access to restaurants or other hotel services
Two packages with similar headline prices can therefore offer quite different value.
Why Can All Inclusive Holiday Prices Be So Different?
The advertised price is only one part of the comparison.
Prices can change depending on:
- Destination
- Travel dates
- Departure airport
- Hotel rating
- Number of nights
- Room type
- Flight availability
- What's included in the package
For example, an all inclusive holiday departing from London may have a different price from a similar package departing from Manchester or Birmingham.
A hotel with a higher rating may also cost considerably more even when it is in the same resort.
This is why comparing the complete package can be more useful than simply looking for the lowest price.
Which Winter Sun Destinations Are Worth Comparing?
Tenerife and the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are among the most familiar winter sun choices for UK travellers.
Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura all have large selections of hotels and package holidays.
When comparing Canary Islands holidays, look at the resort, hotel reviews, flight times and total package price rather than comparing the island name alone.
Turkey
Turkey can offer a wide range of all inclusive resort packages, particularly around popular coastal destinations.
Some resorts include extensive hotel facilities, restaurants, pools and entertainment, which can make the package price look attractive when compared with paying for meals and activities separately.
Egypt
Egypt is another option for travellers looking for warmer winter weather and resort-based holidays.
When comparing Egypt all inclusive packages, check the hotel location, reviews, transfers and exactly which food and drink options are included.
Is the Cheapest All Inclusive Holiday Always the Best Deal?
Not necessarily.
A lower advertised price can sometimes come with differences in:
- Departure airport
- Flight times
- Baggage allowance
- Hotel location
- Room type
- Transfer arrangements
- Food and drink options
For this reason, it is useful to compare packages on a like-for-like basis.
A slightly more expensive package may offer better overall value if it includes more of the things you would otherwise have to pay for separately.
How to Compare All Inclusive Holiday Companies
Different holiday companies can offer packages to the same destination, sometimes using the same or similar hotels.
When comparing holiday companies, check:
Package Prices
Look at the total price rather than just the advertised starting price.
Hotel Choice
Compare the hotel rating, facilities and recent customer reviews.
Departure Airports
Check whether the package is available from an airport that is convenient for you.
What's Included
Check flights, baggage, transfers, meals, drinks and any additional charges.
Customer Reviews
Recent reviews can help you understand whether the hotel and package experience matches the description.
What Should You Check Before Booking?
Before choosing an all inclusive winter sun holiday, compare these points:
This makes it easier to compare different holiday deals without relying on the headline price alone.
Are Package Holidays Better Value?
Package holidays can make comparing the total cost easier because flights and accommodation are combined.
They can also make the booking process simpler, particularly when transfers or other services are included.
However, different packages can have different inclusions, so it is still worth comparing the complete package rather than assuming that every all inclusive holiday offers the same level of service.
How to Find Better Winter Sun Holiday Deals
If you are comparing winter sun holidays, look at several destinations and holiday companies rather than checking only one offer.
Useful things to compare include:
- All inclusive package prices
- Hotel reviews
- Departure airports
- Number of nights
- What's included
- Destination
- Travel dates
This can help you identify whether an advertised holiday price is genuinely competitive.
What Does a Good All Inclusive Package Look Like?
There is no single price that makes an all inclusive holiday good value.
A useful package should have a combination of:
A reasonable total price + a suitable hotel + convenient flights + useful inclusions + good recent reviews.
For one traveller, a lower-cost package may be the priority.
For another, paying more for a better-rated hotel, better flight times or additional services may be worthwhile.
The important thing is to compare packages based on what you actually receive.
Quick Comparison Checklist
Before choosing an all inclusive winter sun holiday, ask:
- What is the total price?
- Which UK airport does the flight leave from?
- How many nights are included?
- What meals and drinks are included?
- Is baggage included?
- Are transfers included?
- What do recent hotel reviews say?
- Which other holiday companies offer similar packages?
- Is there a better-value option at another destination?
Checking these details can reveal differences that are not obvious from the headline price.
Final Thoughts
An advertised all inclusive winter sun holiday price is a useful starting point, but it should not be the only thing you compare.
The best way to judge a package is to look at the complete price, what's included, the hotel, flights, departure airport and recent reviews.
Comparing several destinations and holiday companies can help you find a package that offers the right balance between price and what you actually receive.