© seemallorca.com
All inclusive holiday deals to Mallorca may cost you more
All inclusive may not in include all you want for your Majorca summer holiday
All inclusive holidays are becoming a popular choice for Brits trying to stretch the holiday budget. In the last four years the demand for all inclusive deals has risen by 50%. Here in Mallorca holidays in resorts like Magaluf and Alcudia are catered for by tour operators offering all inclusive package deals that cover flights, hotels, food and drink. But a recent article by the Royal Mail Group claimed that in some cases the popular all inclusive holiday deal worked out as more expensive than it's half-board equivalent because the "all-inclusive" package did not include everything holiday makers wanted.
The post Office's findings were that one in five holiday makers paid extra for a la carte meals during their stay and that branded drinks often had to be paid for as an additional extra too. Sarah Munro, Post Office Head of Travel Money, said: “Although it is perfectly possible to stick to all inclusive deals, our research found that in practice only one in five holidaymakers actually spent nothing extra on their trip."
According to the Co-operative Travel a third of package holidays are now all-inclusive and according to Trevor Davis, Co-operative director of retail distributions 'By next summer, just under half of all package holidays are likely to be all-inclusive if the current trend continues." Where once this was the luxury end of the holiday market now an all-inclusive break in Mallorca can cost as little as £372 per person.
However it seems that as the prices for all inclusive holidays changed so did the definition of all inclusive itself. In Mallorca an all inclusive holiday in Magaluf does include meals and drinks but highlights some of the things mentioned by the Post Office to look out for in an all inclusive package.
- The meals available are only from the buffet and not a la carte menu.
- Snacks are available at specific times.
- Alcoholic and soft drinks are available but are "local" i.e they may not be recognised brands
- Only house wine is included with meals.
Although this is a specific example the rules are similar elsewhere. We found deals in Alcudia and Porto Cristo with large tour operators and hotel chains had similar caveats. However a more upmarket hotel in Cala d'Or offered an all inclusive deal that included a la carte meals and unlimited "national and international alcoholic drinks". As with most things you get what you pay for and more is included in more expensive all inclusive's.
The all inclusive package does offer exactly what is advertised but it is worth checking exactly what that is before departing on holiday. With Mallorca having so many great local bars and restaurants you might be able to have a cheaper holiday with more varied food and drink options by opting for Bed and Breakfast in your hotel and eating out. As with so many deals and offers it's important to check the small print before you sign and understand exactly what you are paying for before you hand over your money.
Find out about our favourite bars and restaurants in our Food and Drink Guide and check for the best hotel and apartment offers in our Holiday Hotel and Rental pages.
