For many families in Europe, July and August are the months in which their main holiday is taken. A long-awaited break when children are off school, for most this is a big treat, something that has been saved for over the course of the year and booked well in advance

But what is the real cost of an all-inclusive holiday, compared to other hotel options?

During the height of the season, a major cost factor is the flight and for a family of four, for example, this can run into four figures.

A.J. Griffiths-Jones

In this respect, a package deal, where flights, transfers, rooms, food and drink are all included is a very attractive and cost-effective option, especially with early bird deals. It also means that you are met off the plane by a holiday representative, whisked away to your hotel of choice in a comfortable coach and catered for from day one. Sounds ideal, especially with inflation rising both within Turkiye and at other major holiday hotspots.

However, factor in the extra temptations and you could be well out of pocket, the budget blown, and credit card limit reached.

Take for example water sports and spa facilities, both of which are not usually included in an all-inclusive hotel package but very tempting to try, and fairly expensive. Day trips will be an added extra too, which keep the family occupied but add more strain on the budget.

Food is provided, as much as you want, whenever you want it, which is great as long as there are different styles of on-site restaurants with varied cuisine, but sometimes you might find that meals are not up to expectation.

Only a couple of weeks ago, my husband was approached in the street by a young English family desperately looking for a recommendation on where to eat as they were so unimpressed by the meals on offer at their all-inclusive resort.

We saw the same family a few nights later, who said they had eaten out three nights in a row as the food was far better than in their resort. We couldn’t help thinking that it was a pity they had needed to spend so much extra money to get a good meal.

The same can be said of drinks. Don’t expect to receive internationally branded alcohol in cocktails, as locally produced drinks are far cheaper and it’s important to bear in mind that while premium brands might be available, you’ll be charged extra for them.

One bonus of an all-inclusive holiday is the range of activities on offer, from kids’ clubs to aqua aerobics, yoga, disco nights and other entertainment. If it’s a fun-filled beach holiday you’re after, then this could be the best option for you.

However, don’t expect to see much of your chosen destination’s culture as, more often than not, an excursion will need to be booked to see the real sights, sounds and tastes away from your resort.

Also bear in mind that many all-inclusive hotels are located on the outskirts of town, so you’ll either need to check whether a shuttle service is available or prepare to walk, order a taxi or find a local bus timetable.

My advice to anyone considering an all-inclusive holiday would be to think about your expectations. Location is key, so look what else is in the area and if transport is available. Think about the dining options, will there be food to suit all the family and is there more than one on-site restaurant? Look at the small print very closely, is there a limit on your drinks package? Which activities are included, and which might require an additional charge?

Look at online reviews too, as people tend to be very honest when they return home and might mention problems that you hadn’t taken into consideration, such as ongoing building work, water shortages or cleanliness issues.

It’s also worth remembering that, apart from boosting employment during the summer months, all-inclusive hotels do little to support the local economy.