More than half of all-inclusive holidays will leave you out of pocket

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A new survey conducted by the Post Office has found that more than 50 per cent of 'all-inclusive' holidays work out costing more than paying for accommodation and food and drink separately.

The Sunday Times reports that around one in three British holidaymakers now go all-inclusive, even though it's now possible to get a better deal by eating a local bars and restaurants.

Post Office researchers interviewed 798 holidaymakers who had been on an all-inclusive holiday, and found that a whopping 88 per cent felt misled by claims that all meals were included. One in six ended up paying extra for á la carte dining, while others were charged for mineral water or surprised to find few recognisable drinks included in the deal.

Given that recognisable brands of beer and premium spirits cost, on average, more than £4, and wine costs around £13 a bottle, it's easy to spend more than £200 on extras during the course of a holiday.

First Choice, which now only sells all-inclusive holidays, told The Sunday Times: "All-inclusive holidays do offer great value for money. Case-study research we conducted last year showed that a family of four could actually save about £500 on a holiday by booking all-inclusive rather than a B&B option."

Click on the image below for some good value late-summer escapes...

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