Where is the cheapest place for an all-inclusive holiday?
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Let’s cut to the chase: if you want an all-inclusive holiday without breaking the bank, the cheapest places right now aren’t in the Caribbean or the Mediterranean-they’re in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Egypt. And no, you don’t need to sacrifice comfort or safety to get there. In fact, some of the most popular all-inclusive resorts in these countries are offering rates under $100 a night for two people in early 2026, including flights from North America and Europe.
Why Mexico is Still the Budget King
Mexico isn’t just popular-it’s consistently the most affordable all-inclusive destination in the world. The peso has stayed weak against the US dollar and Canadian dollar, which means your money goes further. Resorts along the Pacific coast in Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit are running promotions like ‘stay 5 nights, pay for 3’ with meals, drinks, and activities included. Even in Cancún and Tulum, you can find all-inclusive resorts with private beaches, nightly entertainment, and unlimited premium liquor for as low as $85 per person per night if you book during the shoulder season-late February to mid-April.
One standout is the Now Larimar Resort in Puerto Vallarta. It’s a 4-star property with a swim-up bar, 24-hour room service, and a kids’ club. But here’s the kicker: it’s also adults-only on certain floors. You get spa access, unlimited à la carte dining, and even a daily wine pairing dinner-all for $92 a night. Compare that to a similar resort in Jamaica or the Bahamas, and you’re looking at $180+.
The Dominican Republic’s Hidden Bargains
The Dominican Republic is often overshadowed by its neighbor Haiti, but its all-inclusive resorts are some of the best value in the Caribbean. The northern coast, especially around Puerto Plata and Sosúa, has dozens of resorts built for budget travelers and families. You’ll find places like Be Live Collection Punta Cana offering all-inclusive packages that include scuba diving lessons, snorkeling gear, and even a private beach cabana for $78 a night.
What makes the Dominican Republic special is how many resorts are owned by the same parent company-Be Live, Iberostar, and Dreams. They rotate promotions weekly, so if you’re flexible with dates, you can snag a last-minute deal that drops the price by 40%. In January 2026, a group of travelers from Toronto booked a 7-night stay at the Grand Bahia Principe Punta Cana for $510 total per person, including round-trip flights from Toronto. That’s less than $73 per night.
Egypt: The Unexpected Budget Gem
If you’re open to traveling farther and don’t mind a cultural shift, Egypt is the dark horse of all-inclusive deals. Resorts along the Red Sea coast in Hurghada and Marsa Alam are offering packages that include flights from London, Frankfurt, and even Toronto for under $600 total for a week. The resorts here are built for European travelers, so the food, service, and layout feel familiar, but the prices are a fraction of what you’d pay in Greece or Turkey.
Steigenberger Alcazar Resort in Hurghada is a 5-star property with a private coral reef, three swimming pools, and a spa. All meals, soft drinks, beer, and wine are included. Daily excursions to Luxor or the Nile are optional, but even if you skip them, you’re still getting more than $200 worth of value per day. The catch? You need to fly into Hurghada International Airport, which has direct flights from major European hubs and a few seasonal flights from Canada. But if you’re willing to fly out of Toronto or Montreal, you can find round-trip deals under $700 in February 2026.
What’s Not Included (And What You Should Watch For)
"All-inclusive" doesn’t mean everything. Most resorts still charge extra for premium alcohol (like top-shelf whiskey or imported champagne), spa treatments, scuba diving beyond beginner level, and off-site excursions. Some also charge for Wi-Fi, even though most now include basic access.
Here’s what to check before booking:
- Is the resort truly all-inclusive, or just "all-inclusive lite"? Look for "unlimited premium drinks" in the description.
- Are meals served at multiple restaurants, or just one buffet? Resorts with 3+ dining options usually offer better food quality.
- Is there a resort fee? Some places tack on $15-$25 per night for "facility maintenance." Avoid those.
- Do they offer a free airport transfer? If not, budget $20-$40 for a taxi.
One traveler from Vancouver booked a resort in Mexico that advertised "all-inclusive" but charged $12 per person for coffee in the morning. That added up to $84 over a week. Always read the fine print.
When to Book for the Lowest Prices
Timing matters more than location. The cheapest all-inclusive deals happen in three windows:
- Late January to mid-February-right after New Year’s, when demand drops and resorts scramble to fill rooms.
- Early September to mid-October-after summer vacation, before hurricane season peaks. Many resorts offer "safety discounts" to fill rooms.
- Mid-November to early December-right before the holiday rush. Deals pop up when resorts realize they’re behind on bookings.
Use tools like Google Flights’ price calendar or Hopper’s alerts to track flight + resort bundles. In January 2026, a package from Chicago to Cancún with flights and a 7-night stay at Hyatt Ziva Cancún dropped to $899 total-$128 per night-after a last-minute price cut. That’s 35% off the regular rate.
Who Should Avoid These Deals?
Not every all-inclusive is right for everyone. If you:
- Need gourmet dining or Michelin-level chefs, skip the budget resorts. You’ll miss the variety.
- Want quiet, romantic nights without kids screaming in the pool, avoid family-focused resorts. Look for "adults-only" tags.
- Expect luxury spas with hot tubs and saunas, check the amenities list. Many budget resorts have basic pools and no spa.
- Need reliable Wi-Fi for remote work, verify internet speed. Some resorts in the Dominican Republic still have spotty connections.
For example, the Secrets Maroma Beach in Mexico is a luxury all-inclusive with butler service and fine dining. It’s stunning-but it costs $500+ a night. If you’re looking to save, it’s not the right fit.
Final Tip: Book Direct, Not Through Third Parties
Booking through Expedia or Booking.com might seem easier, but resorts often give better deals directly on their websites. Why? They keep the full commission. You’ll find exclusive perks like free room upgrades, late checkout, or a free cocktail dinner just by booking through the resort’s own site.
Try this: search for the resort name + "official website" in Google. Then call the front desk and ask, "Do you have any unadvertised promotions for February?" Many times, they’ll give you a code or discount just to close the deal.
Are all-inclusive resorts safe?
Yes, most all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Egypt are located in secure, gated compounds with 24/7 security. Crime rates inside these resorts are extremely low. The real risk comes from venturing off-property alone, especially at night. Stick to resort activities, use resort-organized excursions, and avoid walking to nearby towns. Most travelers report feeling safer inside the resort than in their own neighborhoods back home.
Can I bring my own alcohol to an all-inclusive resort?
No. Almost all resorts have strict policies against bringing outside alcohol. They’ll confiscate it at check-in. But you don’t need to-most include unlimited beer, wine, and house spirits. Premium brands cost extra, but even those are often cheaper than buying them at a local bar.
Do all-inclusive resorts have good food?
It depends on the resort. Budget resorts serve decent, filling meals-think grilled chicken, pasta, rice, and local seafood. Higher-end ones offer international buffets and à la carte dining. The key is to check reviews for food quality. Look for mentions of "fresh ingredients," "variety," and "no soggy pizza." Avoid resorts where guests complain about "the same menu every night."
Is it worth paying extra for an adults-only resort?
If you’re traveling as a couple or with friends and want peace, yes. Adults-only resorts typically have quieter pools, later bar hours, and no kids’ clubs. You’ll pay $15-$30 more per night, but you’ll also get better service and more romantic ambiance. For a honeymoon or solo getaway, it’s a smart upgrade.
What’s the best way to save on flights to all-inclusive resorts?
Book flights and the resort together as a package. Airlines like Air Canada, WestJet, and American Airlines partner with resorts to offer bundled deals. Use Google Flights’ "Explore" feature to find the cheapest departure cities. Sometimes flying from Toronto to Cancún is $200 cheaper than from Vancouver. Also, consider flying midweek-Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have the lowest fares.
Next Steps: How to Book Your Cheap All-Inclusive
Here’s what to do right now:
- Decide on your destination: Mexico for beach and convenience, Dominican Republic for value, Egypt for culture and low cost.
- Set a budget: Aim for under $100 per person per night including flights.
- Check the resort’s official website for February 2026 deals.
- Call the resort and ask for unadvertised discounts.
- Book a refundable rate so you can change if prices drop.
By the end of this week, you could lock in a 7-night all-inclusive for less than $700 total. That’s less than what you’d spend on a weekend getaway at home.